NEWCASTLE 3-5-2

———————-— Alisson
————— Fabinho - Chiellini - Carlos
Trent - Modric - Verratti - Kroos - Robbo
————————— Salah - Ings

Subs: Reus, Goretzka, Henderson, Adams, Kulusevski, Brandt, Can

Captain: Chiellini
Set piece: Trent/Dybala
Penalties: Salah

Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play in and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by making a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.

In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.

We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.

Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.

When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.

Attacking play style

We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.

Defensive play style

Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.

We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.

Defensive transitions

First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.

Offensive transitions

We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.

Subs.

65 mins - Goretzka on Modrić off. Fresh legs.

70 mins losing - Reus on Verratti off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 reus left salah right Ings central

75 mins losing - Kulu on Ings off. More direct option.

75 mins winning - Henderson for Verratti. Calm things a bit.

------------------Neuer

-----Akanji------Tah----Hernandez

Castagne-----Phillips----------Gosens

-----------Milinkovic-Savic

---Chiesa------Depay-----Ocampos

Pope
Maitland-Niles
Dunk
Brozovic
Foden
Bergwijn
Malen


A difficult test against Southampton today, and again I have opted for the 3-3-1-3 formation. I feel this gives us more strength at the back, providing a base for not just starting attacks, but also strong defensive foundations against the opposition’s fearsome attack. Phillips returns to his spiritual home for the first time today, as well, so it is a big occasion. I would like to see us move the ball quickly and crisply, but against a team like Southampton we have to accept that playing a possesion centric game may not always be possible. Instead, I want us to hit them quickly on the counter, requiring high levels of ball retention across the pitch, and intelligent players that can convert defence into attack quickly. I think we have the players to do such a thing.

Defensively, Akanji and Hernandez will have to push out wide and help to cover wider areas, due to the more advanced natures of the FBs. Should this happen, and we are outmanned at the back, Phillips is capable of slotting back alongside Tah, creating a makeshift backline that shouldn’t be pulled apart. Due to this nature, I trust Tah to use his aerial presence to specifically target the opposition nine, not necessarily touch marking him, but following him, and frustrating attempts to give him service. Phillips should help with this, harrying any opposition players that look to drop into pockets in front of our backline. When back, Gosens and Castagne will cover the wide areas, allowing for Akanji and Hernandez to return to a more central position, and operating with a back five, with SMS pushing out wide, should the ball be there, to support whichever full back is being targetted. This should nullify the threat of balls into the box, as we should be crowding out around the penalty spot, with a covering midfielder sat in front, to mop up any loose clearances. We anticipate having to adopt this formation a lot, as we will come under pressure.

When the ball is picked up defensively. The key Is to break quickly. Gosens and Castagne must push up to the WB roles, with the ball spread to them fast. Our defensive players are all comfortable on the ball, so expecting this should not be too much of them. If the two wide options are unavailable, then Phillips and SMS should be looked to as the more central options that can bring around a break. Phillips has the passing ability to look for those wide, cross-field balls to put us on the front foot. If such a pass is not on, then he will just look for SMS, who can help us break at pace.

Playing with Depay as the nine, we perhaps lack a conventional striker today, but I think we make up for this in the sheer capacity for movement across the front three. All are capable of swapping with each other, and I want to see this done, so the opposition defence can never settle, and will have to adapt throughout the game to different playstyles and dynamics. When the transition happens, the two wide attackers will instantly look to get in behind the opposition, whilst the central player will look to pick the ball up with his back to goal, dropping slightly deeper to do so. The WBs will look to stick wide, stretching the field, and creating spaces in the centre of the pitch, whilst SMS will look to push up and support the attack also. After the initial phase, I want to see the central attacker turning, with the ball or without it, and driving towards goal. We need to flood the box with bodies. To make up for our lack of height, crosses will be aimed low, fizzed across the box, to the feet of our attacking players. Otherwise, I want to see one/two touch football in operation when the ball is outside the penalty area, looking to move it around quickly, so as to not let the defence settle and create goalscoring opportunities.

Should we lose the ball in these high pitch areas, an instant reaction is needed, with quick ball retention being something necessary to the game plan. The front three will harry the opposition defence, joined by SMS if an extra man is needed to cover the space and territory, buying Gosens and Castagne time to get back and take up their defensive positions. Should the ball be won back high, we should have the numbers up the pitch to try and break through with direct runs and pace to create the chances. If this plan fails, then SMS will drop back to his own defensive duties alongside Phillips, whilst the three atackers will sit forward, waiting for the break, and looking to exploit however high a line the opposition choose to play during the game.

Substitutions

If winning

AMN on for SMS 75 minutes

Bergwijn on for Chiesa 80 minutes

Foden on for Ocampos 83 minutes

Same system as before, but with less rotation across the front three positions. Fresh legs in the midfield and attacking areas, as we look to kill the game off.

If losing/drawing

Malen on for Gosens 70 minutes

Change to a flat back four, with Hernandez pushing out to LB. Malen plays more advanced than three attackers, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which will hopefully give us extra numbers and pace going forward.

Foden on for Chiesa 75 minutes

Foden slots into the 10 role behind Malen, with Depay pushing out to LW where he can play as an inside forward.

AMN on for SMS 80 minutes

Just want some fresh legs in the B2B role for the dying embers of the game

SOTON VS Leeds

-------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Doherty-------Upamecano-----------Dias--------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------
---------------------Valverde-----------------Lo Celso------------------------
I Sarr-------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------

Subs - Ramsdale, Dest, Demiral, Danilo Pereira, Reinier, Richarlison, Jovic

CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Sarr and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Ndidi and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.

Wingers
Sarr + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Sarr will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Doherty and Ait-Nouri are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.

Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Richarlison for Lo Celso and Jovic for Pulisic to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Bring on Reinier for Valverde at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Doherty-------Upamecano---------Dias---------Ait Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr---------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
---------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
----------------------Rashford---------------Jovic-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Pereira on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield.

-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Doherty-------Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Nouri
------------------------------Ndidi--------------Danilo-----------------------
----------------------------------------Valverde-----------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------Richarlison--------------Rashford--------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Richarlison on for Sarr
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Jovic on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Week 11

CHELSEA v spurs

-------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- S.deVrij ---- van Dijk ---- B.Chilwell
------ Bentancur ---- Locatelli ---- F. de Jong ------
Mbappe -------------- Haaland --------------- Neymar

Remiro, Konsa, Semedo, Tolisso, Havertz, Greenwood, Dembele

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

de Vrij picks up the CF not much gets passed him, van Dijk spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Benancur OR de Jong to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and de Vrij to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and de Jong sitting back.

Locatelli is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's at times, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we can allow them to dictate play, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Bentancur as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Bentancur is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass he can make up the extra man further forward as de Jong and Locatelli stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz for Bentancur, he goes to No.10, supporting Haaland and at times playing right alongside him, 4231/442
75 Mins - Greenwood for Haaland, an injection of pace up top as we go full out 4-4-2, Havertz move to the right and Mbappe up top alongside Greenwood 442/424

Winning -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Bentancur, some extra aggression and fresh legs in the middle
82 Mins - Havertz for Neymar, Havertz to the right, Mbappe to the left
87 Mins - Dembele for Haaland

Red Card
always 441 and subs to work round it
Oblak - Remiro for Bentancur
FB - Semedo for Bentancur
CB - Konsa for Bentancur
CM - Nothing (if Locatelli, both CMs just sit and man mark when needed, de Jong the AM marker)
Mbappe - Havertz for Bentancur
Neymar - Havertz for Bentancur, switch with Mbappe
Haaland - Havertz for Bentancur, Havertz as a False9

Bournemouth (4-3-3) Week 11 Bournemouth v Newcastle
Captain: Gabriel
Vice-Captain: Simón

----------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe--Gabriel----Lodi
------Assunção----Guimarães
----------------Zaracho
Antony-----------------------Everton
---------------Evanilson

SUBS: Blanco, Viña, Ferro, Palacios, Henrique, Rodríguez, Paulo


SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Zaracho and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Everton will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Zaracho, Guimarães and Evanilson in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Zaracho to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Evanilson starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Zaracho, Everton or Antony with Felipe, Gabriel, Assunção and Evanilson to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Everton (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Ferro for Felipe, Palacios for Assunção and Paulo for Evanilson.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Paulo and Antony with Rodríguez. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
---------------Assunção
Rodríguez---Zaracho---Everton
-----------Paulo -----Evanilson

Balanced 4-3-3

We look to attack down the wings attacking with pace, using the pace of our fbs and wingers to create space for the Cm trio in the middle to pull the strings.

The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to hit them with pace. Putting them under pressure in uncomfortable positions, rush them and force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Witsel is the dm allowing Tielemans and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio will be key.

When we defend in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back. We press in this unit as soo. As the opposition enter our half, let them have the ball in their own half.

With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.

As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.

Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for him in the middle. He’s not a target man, but he’s great in the air in the box. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Lukaku.

——————————— Lloris
K.Walker — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Witsel
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son.H-M
——————————— Lukaku

Subs. Gulacsi, Gaya, Ndombele, Nkunku, Carrasco, Isco, Jiminez

Defence

We press as soon as they enter our half and seek to contain the opposition in their own half. Defending our half.

When this press fails and the opposition push forward we retreat as a unit in the 4141 formation continuing to press in the same formation with two players pressing the ball. When the opposition beat the initial press and get into the final third, we continue to retreat as a unit getting numbers back and the defensive line finally drops to a deep line. We then allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us, waiting for the chance to press again and push them back. If they seek to recycle the ball and go back to defence we push out as a unit quickly. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line.

The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. The wide midfielders get back, either helping the defending fb or going inside to the Cm allowing cm to press the play, leaving Witsel in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.

Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Lenglet intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Nkunku for Dembele fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Tielemans.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Jiminez for Lukaku

If drawing/losing after 68 mins bring on Jimenez for Tielemans 4-4-2, big man big man combo. Go long, and continue to attack down the wings, getting crosses in for strikers.
If drawing/losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Witsel. More attacking and fresh energy.
If drawing/losing after 80 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele. Fresh pace to stretch tired legs.

------------------------- Ederson --------------------------
M.Aarons ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
-------------------------- Merino --------------------------
----------------- H.Aouar ------ Grealish ----------------
Sabitzer ----------------------------------------- Ronaldo
------------------------- A.Morata -------------------------

Maximiliano, Mings, de beek, Kudus, Olmo, Cavani, Sane

Look to try and control possession high up the field, push them back by playing a high line(the front three)pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Mikel Merino in between the two lines, our midfield & Morata harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Grealish and Aouar as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Max Aarons and Reguilon have freedom to attack, but only ONE AT A TIME< THE OTHER ONE STAYS BACK, creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Morata. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Mikel Merino's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. If he has to drop between the Centre backs then he will do. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Aouar is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. Grealish I want to push further up the pitch today as his main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. Pushing forward as a AM he will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The advantage having Grealish there is he has pace & tenacity to get right un amongst them, he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack On top of jios passing capabilities, His ball carrying is superb and he is difficult to knock off the ball so will roam into very dangerous positions These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs, they must however defend as a 3 and stay tight. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Morata and look for any scraps coming his way.

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, Sabitzer I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Hakimi, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Ronaldo more freedom, which allows him to take on men with power and skill, also using Grealish as a one-two support to move inside beside Morata, quick and skilful,, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Their FBs are very attacking so we will look to get the ball in behind them as they are forward by using Grealish/Aouar to get Ronaldo and Sabitzer in space, we feel this is where they are weakest defensively, so look to expose them time after time with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on and we get in behind them. Fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Morata so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Morata will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to target the slower CB with the aid of Grealish and the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He is getting his confidence back and will stick it in the back of the net when he has a sniff of goal, he can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Sabitzer and Ronaldo will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for the midfielders centrally driving forward as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks,I want the midfield to be compact to allow very little space, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo
Free Kicks - Ronaldo
Corners - Wingers

Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Cavani for Morata, Grealish go wide left, Ronaldo up top 4-4-2 and we go more direct
70 Mins - Sane for Sabitzer
80 Mins - last throw, Kudus for Aouar, pace and power to try and hurt their tiring players

Winning -
75 Mins - de beek for Morata, he drops in beside Aouar, Grealish LM, Ronaldo up top
83 Mins - Sane for Sabitzer

sorry that's Portsmouth v arsenal

High tempo 4-2-3-1

We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.

In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Thiago next to Rodri, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Thiago who press the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press Pompey in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.

We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Pompey.

Militao the man marker next to Laporte who is free to use his intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.

Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.

We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Felix supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.

————————— Ter Stegen
Carvajal — Militao — Laporte — D.Alaba
———————- Rodri — Thiago
Sterling ————— J.Felix ———— S.Mane
————————— L.Martinez

Subs. Henderson, R.James, Neves, Laimer, Mahrez, Jesus, Osimhen

Defending high

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.

As Pompey advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Thiago pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Thiago behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Thiago effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.

When Pompey get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Fresh pace and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Neves for Thiago and Mahrez for Sterling.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. 4-2-2-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Mahrez for Lautaro. Mane up top with Osimhen. Sterling left, Mahrez right.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Osimhen for Carvajal. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mahrez for Felix.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Jesus for Lautaro.

Leeds United v SHEFFIELD UNITED
---------------------
Injured: Justin, Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg, Suárez
Suspended: James
---------------------

Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Cucurella
Adams, Gueye
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Mertens

Subs: Nübel, Williams, Vanheusden, Ampadu, Gallagher, Matondo, Idah

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/Reus
Penalties: Mertens

Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Tyler Adams and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Adams and Gueye we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Adams can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Gueye's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Tyler Adams.

Adams is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Adams such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Dries Mertens as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Adams or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Lamptey and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Adams and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Marco Reus, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.

David Brooks, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Mertens to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.

Upfront, Mertens clinical finishing means that he is always a danger in the opponent's box. He has the ability to find space for himself or his teammates even when he is tightly marked by defenders. He'll drop deep at times, but will also spend much of his time playing on the shoulder of the opponents’ deepest defender, stretching play and threatening to break in behind with his electric pace.

Subs on 75 mins
Neco Williams on for Tariq Lamptey, Ethan Ampadu on for Tyler Adams, and Conor Gallagher on for David Brooks

Triple substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line

------------------- R.Patricio --------------------
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
------------ M.Pjanic --- Ceballos -------------
--- T.Werner ---- Maddison ---- A.Martial ---
------------------ Ibrahimovic ------------------

Subs:
De Gea, Garcia, Bennacer, Brahim, Coman, Hudson-Odoi, Leao

We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.

Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.

The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 3 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 3 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 3 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back.

Our front three are blessed with pace and goals. Our team will sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Werner or Martial to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Ibrahimovic will look to play on the the last man, look to use his strength to hold the ball up and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Ibra giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.

Subs;

If winning:
70 mins: Pjanic off, Bennacer on.
80 mins: Maddison off, Garcia on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see out the win.

If drawing or losing:
70 mins: Pjanic & Martial off, Hudson-Odoi & Coman on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.

Chelsea v Tottenham

-------------------- Courtois -------------------
Cancelo -- M.De Ligt -- Bonucci -- F.Mendy
---- De Bruyne -- Casemiro -- Verratti -----
----- Griezmann --- Icardi --- Asensio ------

Subs:
Lopes, Marcelo, Tuanzebe, McKennie, Barella, Eriksen, Lacazatte

Captain: Bonucci
Free Kicks: KDB
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: KDB

Tactics:

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go for the win. We go with an attacking 4-3-3 as look to dominate the midfield battle which will be key to victory. We defend in numbers and look to hit them with fast direct attacking football. Our playmakers ready to pounce and feed our exciting front three as the opposition leave themselves exposed when pushing men football as we look punish them on the break.

Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and limit any space for them to play in the final third, severely hampering their normal style of football. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.

We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep, limiting the space in behind us and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Bonucci will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.

Our fullbacks will stay back, the opposition have some very dangerous wingers and therefore we want to keep a back 4 at all times, giving them no space to hit on us the counter. Cancelo and Ferland Mendy both have pace to burn and key to our defensive set up will be keeping their wide players quiet.

We do not let their wingers come infield, make them play down the line and cross with their weaker foot, serverly limiting their impact. In addition to our FB’s sitting in we will also look to double up on their wingers with Casemiro drifting over to offer support to our RB and Verratti to our LB. We box them in, creating 2 on 1 situations against their wide men and giving them zero room to operate. If they beat one man we want another quickly in their face, shut them down and we feel the game can be won with the quality we possess in midfield.

Midfield:

We go with a three man midfield, packed with quality and experience we look to dominate and take the game to our opponents. Casemiro and Verratti will be our enforcers, snapping at the heels of the opposition we look to win the ball back as quickly as possible.

Casemiro will operate as our primary DM in the middle of the field. A tenacious player he will look to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. Verratti alongside him will perform a similar role however his key task will be ball retention, an excellent passer we aim to keep the ball, make the opposition chase shadows by pulling them out of position and opening holes for our attacking players to exploit.

With Casemiro and Verratti offering great defensive protection this frees up De Bruyne, whilst lined up on the right side of a midfield three the Belgian essentially has a free role to run the game. Casemiro will drift across to support our RB allowing KDB to get forward and tear apart the opposition. Operating as our creators in chief we look to get him on the ball as much as possible. Drive forward with the ball and slip in one of our front three and with fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Forwards:

Up top we go with three heavy hitters which is enough to give any defence nightmares, dangermen Griezmann and Asensio flanking the hitman Icardi in the middle. We want our wide players to mix up their runs, dropping between the lines one minute before driving in behind the next. This creates a tactical nightmare for the opposition as their constantly being pulled from pillar to post. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.

Icardi plays through the middle and will have a dream supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and do what you do best. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Icardi could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
75 mins: Asensio off, Barella on. 4-4-1-1 with two banks of four, sitting in making it impossible for the opposition to play through us. Griezmann plays off Icardi as we pick them off on the break.
85 mins: Griezmann off, Tuanzebe on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we see out the win.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Verratti off, Eriksen on. Extra creativity.
80 mins: Asensio off, Lacazette on. An extra goal threat as we go for the win.

Red card scenario:

In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Verratti will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.

------------------- Courtois -------------------
Cancelo --- De Ligt -- Bonucci --- F.Mendy
Griezzy - Casemiro -- De Bruyne - Asensio
------------------- M.Icardi -------------------

GK – Lopes
FB – Marcelo
CB - Tuanzebe
CM - Barella
WG – Eriksen
CF - Lacazette

Newcastle 4-3-2-1 Christmas

——————— Alisson
Trent — Romag — Kjaer — Robbo
—— Hendo — Kroos — Goretzka
———— Dybala — Modric
——————— Salah

Subs. Tonali, Ings, Odegaard, Diego Carlos, Parejo, Benzema, Allan

Captain: Kroos
Set pieces: Kroos
Penalty: Salah

Today we line up with a set up that allows central combination play. A regista, flanked by two combative all-action midfielders with two creative souls ahead of them. This way we maintain balance but get the best quality out of Kroos, Dybala and Modric.

Defensively

The obvious defensive advantage our set-up is that it’s very strong centrally with three central midfielders in front of the defence as well as two centrally positioned attacking midfielders in front of the other three. It automatically forces opponents wide and they will struggle to build any kind of possession play centrally. Therefore, the defending team can force their opponents to play in the spaces least desirable – the wing spaces. We have energetic full-backs who like to quickly sprint out to press and slow down opponents and that they’ll be covered by the ball-near central midfielder. If the full-back can’t press in the wide area, the ball-near central midfielder as well as the ball-near attacking midfielder have access to provide pressure on the ball-carrier.

If we are forced deeper, the two attacking midfielders can quickly slot in with the central midfielders, most often in a wide role, to create a midfield five and thus a 4-5-1 when defending deeper.

Upon loss of possession, we are also perfectly set up against teams who like to counter-press given the close proximity between the players in the attacking structure. Especially if the ball is lost in central areas, we would have at least five players who should be close enough to press intensively or at least delay any forward pass from the opponent’s ball-carrier.

Attacking

Going forward, we will position five players in central areas where we will create a numerical advantage against the opponent. Given the three central midfielders and the two attacking midfielders, the opponent would have to focus on denying space for the two attacking midfielders but that would in turn leave the central midfielders with too much time. If they go to press the central midfielders it will be easy to set the attacking midfielders up in threatening positions between the lines of the opposition. The central positioning of the midfielders and attackers will also lead to teams becoming very narrow to negate the central threat. This will then open up huge spaces down either wing for attacking full-backs to exploit, especially with the passing range of the regista.

Overload the opposition centrally to force them inside and then go and exploit the free wide spaces. Given the full-backs arrive from deeper positions they will be harder to defend as they will be running into space rather than standing in space.

The close proximity between the players will also means it’s easier to change positions which will allow fluid movement between the players both in midfield and in attack. The striker can drop deep only for a midfielder or attacking midfielder to attack the space just vacated behind the striker for example. If both full-backs bomb on the formation will no longer be exactly 4-3-2-1 but rather 2-3-4-1 at that particular moment but the team still plays out of the 4-3-2-1 formation. If the full-backs stand in high wide spaces they will be easier to defend, so the key will be to develop patterns of rotations centrally to unleash full-backs who can come with speed and attack the opponent.

There will be moments during the game where the opponent will go up a gear or two, when that happens the midfielders are not to venture too far ahead of the ball while we focus on the ball-near full-back to join the attack while the ball-far full-back stays in defence with his centre-backs. When the ball is then worked over the two full-backs switch responsibilities.

Subs.

65 mins - Odegaard for Modric. Tired legs but play the same role.

75 mins - Parejo for Kroos. Tired legs but play the same role.

70 mins losing - Benzema for Hendo. Becomes 4-3-1-2 with odegaard dropping into the midfield 3

80 mins winning - Diego Carlos for Dybala. Shore up the defensive side and go 3-5-1-1, manage the game to its end.

Alisson
Romag Kjaer Carlos
Trent Hendo Parejo Goretzka Robbo
Odegaard
Salah

70min losing should be drawing and losing

SOTON VS Wolves

-------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Doherty-------Upamecano-----------Dias----------Ait-Nouri
---------------------------------------Pereira---------------------------
-----------------------Valverde-------------Lo Celso------------------------
Adama---------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------Isak--------------------------------

Subs - Ramsdale, Demiral, Camavinga, Reinier, I Sarr, Richarlison, Jovic

CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
PENALTIES - ISAK

I want us to start with a high line and pressure the oppo early on and try and get an early goal. We know the oppo have fast pacy players but our defence is also filled with a load of pace in it so there wont be any trouble in them getting back into defensive positions. I don't want the team to stick with the high line all game so after a bit I want the team to settle into a balanced defensive block with them being vary of any of the oppo players trying to make runs behind them and initiating the offside trap. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Pereira will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mid
Danilo Pereira
Pereira will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Pereira and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.

Wingers
Adama + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Doherty and Ait-Nouri are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Isak to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Isak to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.

Striker
Alexander Isak
Isak is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Richarlison for Lo Celso and Jovic for Pulisic to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Bring on Reinier for Valverde at AM aswell to add some Brazilian flair. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Doherty-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------------Pereira---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama--------------------------------------------------------Richarlison
----------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-----------------------------Isak---------------Jovic-------------------

Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Camavinga on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield. Adama will move into strike and to use his terrifying pace on the counter.

-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Doherty-----Upamecano------Dias------Demiral--------Nouri
--------------------------Pereira----------Camavinga-----------------------
----------------------------------Valverde-----------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Adama-------------------Isak--------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Jovic on for Isak
Fresh legs to bring on.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

--------------------Neuer

Castagne---Dunk---Akanji---Telles

-----------------Partey

-----------Milinkovic-Savic

Ocampos-----Foden------Depay

---------------Immobile

Pope
White
Mukiele
Brozovic
Phillips
Chiesa
Malen

A bit of a change to the system for today’s game, as I want to add an extra man to our attacking line-up (with that man being Foden in the 10 role), to try and go more on the offensive, and play the game on the front foot. We still want to see a high energy pressing system, and believe we have the players for that, but pushing to play most of the game in the opposition third. Partey and SMS both have the engines and passing range to see us control the midfield, whilst we have packed the wide areas with plenty of pace and direct runners, to hopefully get the best out of Immobile in the attacking area. We want to see plenty of the ball, moving it quickly from player to player, and have therefore picked a team of players very comfortably on the ball.

Defensively we have opted for a more conventional four at the back. Dunk and Akanji are both physical presences, and are unlikely to be bullied too much. Dunk will step up against any aerial balls, whilst Akanji will use his more athletic game to cover the spaces in behind, almost operating as a sweeper between the two. We know that Castagne and Telles are both attacking players, but for the purpose of this defence we need to see a bit more discipline at knowing when to make the attacking runs. Partey sitting in front of the defense is a busy player, and I want to see him pressing intensely in the area just in front of the defense, making it harder for the opposition to play the ball comfortably in these areas. Should it look like we are being outnumbered in these areas then SMS will drop back further, and help Partey press these areas too.

The transition from defence to attack is important. Castagne and Telles will be given license to push forward, with Partey slotting slightly further back, and Dunk and Akanji playing slightly wider. It will look something like:

-------Dunk-----Partey----Akanji

Castagne-------SMS-----------Telles

So almost serving as a fluid back four turning into a back three. Castagne and Telles will help us to stretch the pitch, creating plenty of space in the middle for SMS and Foden to operate. The extra man defensively will help cover the spaces left behind by these attacking runs. When any of the defenders pick up the ball, I want to see it spread to the wide players, or simple balls played into the path of SMS. Transforming defense into attack quickly is important, as we look to maintain pressure upon the opposition back line.

Quick movement is just as important in the final third. Foden will look to drop into the spaces in between the defence and the midfielder, working the space to drag players around. SMS will provide him options with an energetic display in behind. They will still have the options to stretch the play by sending it to the FBs. Ocampos and Depay will sit slightly inside of the wide positions, pulling their opposition FB with them, and allowing for extra space on the overlapping runs from out wide. In total we should be looking at roughly seven players pressing into the attacking third, helping us outnumber and overpower the opposition defence. Depay and Ocampos will look to get in behind the defensive line, pulling and probing the defence. Immobile will stay between the posts, as this is where he is most potent. Having a figurehead to the system is important, and I think we have that in him.

When the ball is lost in this third, quick retention is important. I want to see a high press engaged instantly. We have players with strength and pace in these areas, meaning that playing it out from the back will be hard for the opposition. Foden will immeadiately take up a role sitting on the opposition CDM, nullifying him as a potential out option, whilst Immobile will sit central, targeting the opposition CBs. The wide players will set on the Fbs, buying time for Castagne and Telles to get back and take up their position defensively.

Substitutions

If winning

White on for Foden 75 mins

Switch to a 3-3-1-3 formation that we have employed in recent weeks. Gives us an extra body at the back, whilst still allowing us to attack with our wide FBs.

Brozovic on for Milinkovic-Savic 80 mins

Fresh legs in a key position.

Phillips on for Partey 85 mins

Same as before, fresh legs

If losing/drawing

Malen on for Milinkovic-Savic 70 mins

This means Partey will have more work to do, and Foden may have to drop slightly deeper, but the extra man up front will give the opposition new questions to answer.

Chiesa on for Ocampos 75 mins

Pace out wide. A different sort of threat.

Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B (vs Portsmouth)
Captain – Henrique
Vice Captain – Felipe

U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles (Marcelo & Kaique)

-------------------Simón
Emerson---Felipe---Ferro--- Lodi
------------Henrique--Azate
Veron--------Rodríguez------Talles
-------------------Núñez


SUBS – Marcelo, Kaique, Fuchs, Assunção, Guimarães, Zaracho, Kaio


Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Azate and Henrique holding in the middle with Rodríguez just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Núñez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Rodríguez, Veron and Talles, the opposition can always expect the unexpected when we are on the attack. We will not be afraid to hit them on the counter as with our full backs and wingers we have enough speed and skill to beat most teams. We will also be very respectful of what the opposition can do and will look to press them with urgency when we are looking the ball. We will take the risks we need to open them up ONLY when the correct chance arises. In saying that we will have a measured approach and if they try to play with a high tempo we will match that. We are not here to let them dictate the game. We will play it how we want to play and we will have a right go at them.
We will use Henrique and Azate to dictate the tempo of the play to suit our moment. I think with our mobility and physicality we can really stamp our authority on this area right from the off. The wingers will be asked to vary the attack between taking the full backs on the outside, or cutting inside. Whatever seems right at the moment – in order to carve up their defence. The pace of the wingers will cause a lot of headaches and the ability of both wingers and the AM to interchange positions will be something we will use to add to the confusion in the opposition ranks. We will look for our midfield to make it very difficult for them to link up play between their midfield and the front men – hopefully meaning their attack will not see a whole lot of the ball.
Without the ball we will look to Rodríguez and the wingers/CF to press and give the opposition no space at all to work in. When in possession we will take our time and keep our passing neat and simple. We will be looking for Rodríguez (supported by Azate) to orchestrate our attacks. He will be the main man in creating the openings. We will look to our speed outside and on the overlap as well as the cleverness of Rodríguez in playing the ball through and behind the defenders giving our attacking widemen and CF plenty of ammunition to get on the end of.
Free Kicks/Corners - Rodríguez, Talles and Veron with Ferro, Felipe and Henrique expected to go up for attacking set plays.

Penalties - Núñez or Talles

SUBS

If Winning (on 75 mins) – Fuchs for Ferro and Zaracho for Veron – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Kaio for Henrique, and Zaracho for Veron (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
----------------Azate
Zaracho----Rodríguez------Talles
-----------Núñez --Kaio

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Sorry fan can you delete the above I made typos ^^

League Cup, Group A

Manchester City v SHEFFIELD UNITED
--------------------------
Injuries: Kelleher, Lamptey, Ampadu, Verschaeren
--------------------------
u23: Nübel, Justin, Williams, Rodon, Cucurella, Koopmeiners, Brooks, Gallagher
NB. Williams, Rodon, Cucurella, Koopmeiners are all playing the full 90 mins so u23 commitments are more than met.

In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Anthony Gordon (Everton) starts and is subbed off on 75 mins

Dubravka
Williams, T. Silva, Rodon, Cucurella
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Bale, James, Gordon
Suárez

Subs: Nübel, Justin, Gueye, Brooks, Gallagher, Reus, Mertens

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Koopmeiners (James/Reus/Koopmeiners after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens after 75 mins)

Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Neco Williams at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Koopmeiners can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.

Koopmeiners is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Koopmeiners such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Anthony Gordon as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.

Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.

In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.

Once we have won the ball back, often by Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Williams and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Anthony Gordon, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. James Rodríguez our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Gordon & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.

Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Bale, James & Gordon to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.

Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.

All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.

Sub on 75 mins
Brooks on for Bale, Reus on for Gordon, Mertens on for Suárez

Triple substitution - Lots of energy and pace in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line

Bournemouth v PORTSMOUTH

Over 23 - Akinfeev, Ramos, Merino, Grealish, Ronaldo
Under 23 - Aarons, Torres, Reguilon, Sane
Under 19 - Jeremy Doku, Adrian Bernabe

------------------------- Akinfeev -------------------------
M.Aarons ----- S.Ramos ----- P.Torres ----- Reguilon
-------------------------- Merino --------------------------
---------------- Bernabe ------- Grealish ----------------
J.Doku -------------------------------------------- L.Sane
-------------------------- Ronaldo -------------------------

Subs:- Maximiano(u23), J.Gomez(u23), H.Aouar(u23), M.Kudus(u23), Samardzic(u19), de Beek(u23), Morata,

Look to try and control possession high up the field, push them back by playing a high line(the front three)pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Mikel Merino in between the two lines, our midfield & Morata harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Grealish and Bernabe as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Max Aarons and Reguilon have freedom to attack, but only ONE AT A TIME! THE OTHER ONE STAYS BACK, creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Ronaldo. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Torres will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Ramos alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Mikel Merino's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. If he has to drop between the Centre backs then he will do. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Bernabe is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. Grealish I want to push further up the pitch today as his main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. Pushing forward as a AM he will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 10 role if the correct situation arises. The advantage having Grealish there is he has pace & tenacity to get right un amongst them, he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack On top of jios passing capabilities, His ball carrying is superb and he is difficult to knock off the ball so will roam into very dangerous positions These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs, they must however defend as a 3 and stay tight. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Bernabe and look for any scraps coming his way.

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, Doku want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Aarons, Reguilon I want driving down the outside allowing Sane more freedom, which allows him to take on men with power and skill, also using Grealish as a one-two support to move inside beside Ronaldo, quick and skilful,, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Their FBs are very attacking so we will look to get the ball in behind them as they are forward by using Grealish/Bernabe to get the wingers in space, we feel this is where they are weakest defensively, so look to expose them time after time with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on and we get in behind them. Fulbacks drive passed wingers so they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Ronaldo so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.He will leap like a salmon to get above everyone else, he will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to target the slower CB with the aid of Grealish, the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He is getting his confidence back and will stick it in the back of the net when he has a sniff of goal, he can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for the midfielders centrally driving forward as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

We must defend as a team tho, strict 4-1-4-1, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks,I want the midfield to be compact to allow very little space, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Ramos
Pens - Ronaldo/replacement
Free Kicks - Ronaldo, Grealish
Corners - Wingers

Losing/Drawing -
65 Mins - Aouar and Morata for Grealish and Bernabe, Aouar in beside Merino, Morata up top 442/424
75 Mins - Kudus for Ronaldo, inject some pace into the forward line near the end

Winning -
75 Mins - Aouar for Bernabe
83 Mins - de Beek for Grealish 4-1-4-1
86 Mins - Kudus for Ronaldo run at the midfield and efence for the final few

Over 23 - Semedo, van Dijk, Zielinski, Neymar
Under 23 - Meslier, Konsa, Bentancur, Kamara, Mbappe, Greenwood
Under 19 - Nuno Mendes

Southampton v CHELSEA

------------------------ I.Meslier ------------------------
N.Semedo ---- E.Konsa ---- van Dijk ---- N.Mendes
------- Bentancur -- B.Kamara -- P.Zielinski -------
Mbappe ------------ Greenwood ----------- F.Torres

Remiro, Tolisso, Bellingham(u23), Havertz(u23), A.Traore(u19), Neymar, Haaland(U23)

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

Konsa picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, van Dijk spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Benancur OR de Jong to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. van Dijk and Konsa to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Kamara sitting back.

Kamara is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's at times, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we can allow them to dictate play, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Bentnacur will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Zielinski as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Zielisnki is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Bentancur/Kamara/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass he can make up the extra man further forward as Bentancur & Kamara stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Ferran Torres will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Zielinski to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Greenwood who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Greenwood who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Zielinski who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Zielinski/Neymar
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Neymar and Havertz for Ferran and Zielinski, Neymar LW, Havertz RW, Mbappe up top with Greenwood 442/424
75 Mins - Haaland for Greenwood

Winning -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Ferran, a flat midfield 3, with Zielinski moving to the left and Tolisso central, Zielinski helps defensively 4141, Kamara dropping between the lines, Haaland for Greenwood

U23 - all bar Laporte and Rodri U19 - Gilmour

High tempo 4-2-3-1

We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.

In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Gilmour next to Rodri, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Gilmour our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Billy boy who press the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.

We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Sheffield.

Laporte the man marker next to Bastoni who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.

Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.

We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Felix supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.

————————— Henderson
R.James — Laporte —Bastoni — Estupinan
———————- Rodri — B.Gilmour
M.Cunha ———— J.Felix ———— Jesus
——————————Osimhen

Subs. Schmeichel, Quaresma, Neves, M, Fernandes, Mane, Sterling, Lautaro

Defending high

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.

As they advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Gilmour pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Gilmour behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Gilmour effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.

When the blades get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha and Mane for Jesus. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Felix.
Best defence is attack, put pressure on their defence taking it off ours.


If drawing after 70 mins bring on Fernandes for Felix and Sterling for Cunha.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Lautaro for Gilmour. 4-2-2-2. Gung ho.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Fernandes for Estupinan. 3-5-2. Felix up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mane and Sterling for Jesus and Cunha.