Under 23 - Leao, Hudson-Odoi, Garcia, Jota, Gakpo, Kilman, Bennacer, Tchouaméni
Youth - Baptiste
——————————— De Gea
———— E.Garcia — Baptiste — M.Kilman
Odriozola —- Torreira — Bennacer — Guerreiro
——— Hudson-Odoi ————— Diogo Jota
——————————- Rafa Leao
Subs:
Patricio, Pavard, Hummels, Tchouaméni, Gakpo, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 3-4-3 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 5-4-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
Garcia is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, all centre backs will stay back with the full backs or always prepared to make it a back 5 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, the 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 wing backs today the objective is to get forward and whip balls in for our attackers to finish, defensively we look 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 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 Hudson-Odoi or Jota to break at speed as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Leao will look to play on the the last man, look to use his pace to get in behind 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: CHO off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Odriozola off, Pavard on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit.
If drawing or losing:
70 mins: Torreira & Kilman off, Pjanic & Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Leao up top as we go for the winner.
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - Heitor. U23 - Souza, Godfrey, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Dembele, Diaby. + Ndombele as sub.
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 Guendouzi 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, Guendouzi 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.
—————————— H.Souza
Heitor —— Koulibaly — Godfrey — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Dembele —————————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Witsel, Ndombele, Nkunku, Son, J.Pedro, 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 Guendouzi 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 Godfrey inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 70 mins bring on Son for Diaby fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Ndombele for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Son for Guendouzi and Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Heitor. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Jiminez for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
Under 23 - McKennie, Barella, Sancho, De Ligt
Youth - Xavi Simons
—————————— A.Lopes ————————
McKennie — De Ligt — N.Ake — Marcelo
————— X.Simons ——— Barella ————
—————————— Eriksen ————————
—— Lozano —————————— Asensio —
——————————Lacazette ———————
Subs;
Courtois, Bonucci, Verratti, Sancho, Hazard, Griezmann, Icardi
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today as we aim for the win. We mix things up and give the fringe players a chance in this one. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Ake 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 stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Barella will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental Eriksen. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Lozano and Asensio flanking the Lacazette in the middle. In one on one situations Lozano and Asensio can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lacazette plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lacazette could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Eriksen and Marcelo off, Verratti and Bonucci on. 4-5-1 shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Asensio & Lacazette off, Hazard & Griezmann on. Big guns come on to get the job done.
SOTON VS Chelsea
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Szoboszlai, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Szoboszlai------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, I Sarr, Wirtz, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - SZOBOSZLAI
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 Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana 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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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 + Szoboszlai
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.
Szoboszlai 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 Camavinga 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
Kubo + 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 Kubo 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. Dest 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/Szoboszlai 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 Wirtz for Camavinga and Richarlison for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Szoboszlai 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. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Nouri
--------------------------Valverde--------------Camavinga-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo------------------------------Rashford--------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Wirtz on for Kubo
Reinier on for Szoboszlai
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2 Cup
U19:
Rhys Williams
U23:
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Curtis Jones
Sandro Tonali
Martin Odegaard
Duje Caleta-Car
———————-— Alisson
————— Rhys W - Carlos - Car
Trent - Curtis - Tonali - Odegaard - Robbo
————————— Ings - Benzema
Subs: Kroos, Goretzka, Henderson, Modric, Podence, Salah, Kulu
Captain: Trent
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Benzema
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 Curtis off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Kulu on Tonali off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 Benzema left Kulu right Ings central
75 mins losing - Podence on Benzema off. More creative option.
75 mins winning - Henderson for Tonali. Calm things a bit.
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U19 – Aaron Hickey
U23 – Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Alexis Saelaemakers, Phil Foden, Donyell Malen
-------------------Pope
Mukiele---White—Akanji—Hickey
------------------Phillips
-------------Milinkovic-Savic
Saelam.--------Foden-------Depay
------------------Malen
Neuer
Struijk
Gosens
Shackleton
Brozovic
Bergwijn
Immobile
A youthful look to the side today, as in line with the league cup regulations. Despite that, I think all the players picked are ready to step up and have a go to prove that they should be given a spot in the team. We come up against a strong Leicester side today, and now that they will want to have a go at us, so we need to play to the strengths of the side picked today, and show pace in the advanced areas, transitioning the defence to the attack quickly. The FBs selected will give us less attacking strength, so will operate a flatter back four. We want to stretch the pitch in the high areas, so will try and get the ball into the wide areas, whilst Foden offers us a creative outlet in the middle of the pitch. The pace at the top end of the team should see us looking to get in behind, and exploiting space in behind today.
The players selected defensively should all be comfortable enough to move the ball around themselves, drawing the opposition on if they try to drop deep, whilst finding the out ball forward when put under pressure. This could be the ball into the wide players, who will look to drop deep, or into SMS or Foden, who should also both drop off to look for space. I include Phillips in this area, as I want to see him patrolling the area in front of the defence, providing a further short option for these players. The important thing is that options are always present, so that a player is never left vulnerable and exposed. Phillips can push out wide, to help provide options to our FBs, meaning they don’t get left isolated. When Phillips picks up the ball, I want him to look for the other CMs, helping to transition quicker. I don’t mind us holding the ball in these areas, but we need to be quick to transition whenever that decision is made.
As said before, players have the license to drop off from their positions and make themselves available for the pass. In the attacking areas, I want to see SMS push up and support Foden, coming out to provide short options for our wide players, and trying to work the ball in tight areas to create space. In Foden, I believe we have a player that can operate in these spaces, and break the lines of the opposition. Saelamakers and Depay need to stretch the play, and create space in the middle, whilst also being allowed to come inside and attack in these areas. This is certainly where Depay is most dangerous. Malen is less a traditional striker, so keeping the ball on the deck will be important when creating chances. We will be looking to work the ball in behind for him (mostly through Foden). When crosses are played they should be low, aimed across the six yard box, or towards the penalty spot. In these instances, Foden will press up and into the penalty area, looking to pick up on any loose balls.
We need to press high up the pitch when we lose possesion, and I think we have the ideal attacking players for that game. Saelamakers and Depay will press the wide areas, whilst Malen and Foden will use their energy to press centrally, forcing errors, or long balls forwards. This will also buy time for SMS to drop off, and for the defence to take their position against the Leicester attackers. SMS will do most of the pressing in the middle of the pitch and the transitional areas, whilst the wide players are also entitled to drop deeper and help out defensively. If we can retain the ball high up the pitch, then we have the players to cause damage to the opposition with our pace in behind.
Defensively our structure is important. Saelamakers and Depay should drop off and support Hickey and Mukiele in the wide areas, whilst Phillips will sit in front of the defence, following the Leicester 10 into the dangerous areas, not allowing them the space to operate in the tight areas. White and Akanji both have good pace to cover balls in behind, so space should be at a premium, with the opposition attackers crowded off the ball in these key areas. SMS will help cover central areas whenever Phillips is dragged away from these areas.
Substitutions
If winning
Brozovic on for Foden 70 mins
Brozovic will play slightly deeper, in a more conventional 4-3-3 with SMS and Brozovic both operating as 8s.
Struijk on for Phillips 80 mins
Fresh legs in front of the defence
Shackleton on for SMS 85 mins
Fresh legs again.
If losing/drawing
Foden off for Immobile 70 mins
Immobile operating as a more conventional number 9, with Malen playing off him.
Saelamakers off for Bergwijn 75 mins
Fresh legs in dangerous areas
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 2 (vs Leicester)
Captain – Guimarães
Vice Captain – Felipe
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles (Marcelo & Kaique)
-------------------Simón
Khellven---Felipe---Botman--- Lodi
------------Guimarães--Azate
Antony--------Rodríguez------Talles
-------------------Pedro
SUBS – Marcelo, Kaique, Fuchs, Henrique, Palacios, Zaracho, Evanilson
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 Guimarães 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 Pedro 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, Antony 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 Guimarães 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 Antony with Botman, Felipe and Guimarães expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Pedro or Talles
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Fuchs for Botman and Zaracho for Antony – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Evanilson for Guimarães, and Zaracho for Antony (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
----------------Azate
Zaracho----Rodríguez------Talles
-----------Pedro --Evanilson
Pompey vs Spurs (Cup game)
Injuries:
Donny Van De Beek
Angeliño
Tammy Abraham
Alvaro Morata
Under 19 Youth player – Doku (1)
Under 23’s – Maximiano, Hakimi, Pau Torres, Joe Gomez, Reguilon, Marc Roca, Harvey Barnes, Dani Olmo, Koita, Jonathan David (11)
Before you see the line-up and judge it as having no defensive width and looking a little odd, you need to accept this is the future, 3 centre-backs is widely used once again as it gives defensive stability through the middle and the LCB and RCB can shuffle wider to deal with wingers, the midfield diamond is lifted from the peak don Carlito Milan era, giving us core strength and the ability to dominate possession and control the game, the wider trident up-front pegs back the defensive full-backs stopping the over-laps meaning our wider tips of the diamond can help cover the opposition wingers.
…………………………………………………Ederson……………………………….
…………………………….Ramos…………..Coady…………Torres………….
……………………………………………………Verratti…………………………..
………………………………. Roca …………………………………Barnes
………………………………………………………..Grealish…………………..
Doku……………………………………………..Koita…………………………..Ronaldo
Subs: Maximiano, Hakimi, Gomez, Reguilon, Olmo, Gagliardini J.David
tough game against Spurs, TAB has done a wonderful job, and yes they have pace and trickery in the wider positions, and yes this formation looks like a suicide mission, But for them to be able to hurt us they need the ball, we will hold onto it and move them about using quick neat passing triangles to open up some space before going through the gears.
Ederson – comfortable on the ball and an excellent shot-stopper he’s perfect for this system, quick off his line and an intelligent player, we’ve a side that’s comfy on the ball from 1-11 so anyone of them can be his out-ball, keep it mixed up long and short.
The back three
Ramos started his career as a RB and now plays CB so RCB is realistically his natural home, a born leader he’s won everything going in the game apart from the Copa America, I won’t bore you with what he can do you already know, Coady will as with wolves, be the sweeper he martials the defence so well, a big physical presence but it’s the calm vocal leadership that’s vital, when on the ball nice and simple, keep it moving, if it goes sidewards then so be it, it’s all about not giving it away cheaply, Torres 6ft2 left footed centre-half no wonder you fecks we’re trying to bend me over for him will mirror Ramos on the right, hold the line and shuffle when needs be, show his man the line and don’t dive in, if you dive in play man if you miss the ball.
The Diamond
This is where it gets interesting, Verratti is the base, he can put his foot in but his primary role is to dictate play, he’s my Pirlo in the milan diamond, everything goes through him, but you already know this, Roca is the Gattuso, yes he has a great range of passing but he’s in here for that little bit tenacity and guile, rather than box-to-box he’s in here to track their creative out-put from CM (KDB or Eriksen) Barnes is the Seedorf, box-to-box good on the ball but we want him driving forwards and supporting the front four, when he pushes on, Roca drops off and Verratti advances if the ball has to come back Verratti can then recycle possession into the next phase. At the tip of the diamond is Grealish, He’s the Kaka of the side, given free licence to drift wide or drop off and collect ball, The Verratti,Barnes,Grealish inter-play and one touch pass and move will drag the Spurs defence and midfield out of position creating spaces for the quick through ball for our trident to exploit.
The Trident
Ronaldo does what Ronaldo does, he’ll stay up top, peg his full-back, back in the spurs half, and look to make his runs into the Spurs box, the fact Jack is given licence to drift wide into spaces allows this to happen without compromising our shape too much,
Koita 6 in 6 in the Bundesliga this season, he may be diminutive at 5ft6 but he clearly knows how to finish, we’ll get him playing off the shoulder of the last man, which is a tactic most sides can’t use anymore cus of this VAR nonsense but as he only has size 6 boots I’m not expecting the piggy that went to market to be flagged offside.
Doku Undoubtedly the best 18 year old in my squad, will stay wide right, hug the touchline and stretch that Spurs defence out, making space for our CM’s to run into and create the over loads that are the strength of our system, by all accounts he’s an old school winger that isn’t a cut inside player but uses his pace to run the line and bang those crosses in. god dammit he’s even shorter than Koita.
Subs – 65 mins regardless
Gagliardini > Roca, no system change just like for like and fresh legs
David > Koita Canada’s greatest ever export comes on, gives us a bit more physicality up top, using his frame on tiring legs as we continue to pump balls into the box
League Cup, Group A
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Arsenal
--------------------------
Injuries: Kelleher, Lamptey, Justin, Verschaeren
--------------------------
u23 in squad: Nübel, Williams, Rodon, Cucurella, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Brooks, Gallagher
NB. Williams, Cucurella, Ampadu are all playing the full 90 mins so u23 commitments are more than met.
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
Dubravka
Williams, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Reus
Suárez
Subs: Nübel, Rodon, Koopmeiners, Allan, Brooks, Gallagher, Mertens
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Reus (Bale/Reus after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens after 75 mins)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Nathan Wood paired up at centre-back, Neco Williams at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Marco Reus 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Williams and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg 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. 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, Reus & 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 & Reus 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
Rodon on for Wood, Brooks on for James, 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
U23: Everyone bar Laporte. U19: Gilmour
Attacking high press 3-5-2
A home to Bournemouth we go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back but more importantly gives us a team to dominate possession. We go with a side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.
Our formation allows us to dominate possession but also go with two up top. The front two set the tempo for the game with their all action styles. Both have the ability to drop deep and join in the attacks. Felix the AM, similarly plays with high intensity. We have three cms able to pick a pass, and with the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control possession. Gilmour plays as the deepest cm, Mount with a high work rate to fill in when needed. With 3 cbs and wbs means we can go without a true dm.
The width is provided by the wing backs, and by an over lapping cb. Stealing a Sheffield United tactic, we allow one cb to get forward at a time. Militao/Bastoni seeking to overlap the attacking wbs. This will see us always have two cbs and a deep midfielder in front when we attack offering cover.
We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wing backs will have freedom to attack, bombing down the wings and crossing for the front two. The overlapping cbs, wbs and with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations. .
We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Bournemouth to play in. The wingback on the opposite side of play will drop back into defence forming a back four. The wb on the side of play helps the cb on the side of play defend against the attacking winger and fb.
The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Bournemouth attacking mids. When defending, Gilmour plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area. Mount will play ball side of Gilmour and always press the passing lanes. Mount will pick up the 2nd most attacking cm if they break forward. Jesus looks to exploit the space out wide by their attacking fb and Lauitaro splits the space between their cbs.
When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the wing backs bombing forward linking with the wide forwards to create.
—————————— Henderson ———————————
————————————————————————————
————— Militao — Laporte — Bastoni ——————
————————————————————————————
R.James —— M.Mount — Gilmour — T.Hernandez
——————————— J.Felix ————————————
————————————————————————————
———————— Jesus —— Lautaro.M ———————
Subs. Ter Stegen, Laimer, Thiago, Mahrez, Fernandes, Sterling, Osimhen
Defence
When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Bournemouth a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball. Henderson also guards against hopeful long balls over the top looking to be on edge of his box when we are in possession in opposition half.
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.
When the opposition 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 set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack
We counter quickly when we win the ball aiming our attacks down the wings. If the counter is not on we look to get the wing backs and wide forwards doubling up on their fbs.
The back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and look to play out, helping us move the ball quickly having a strong base.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Laimer for Gilmour. Fresh legs and strength in Cm.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Felix.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Sterling for Jesus.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Bastoni. Wbs to fb, 4-3-3. Jesus lw, Sterling rw.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Thiago and Fernandes for Gilmour and Felix.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Bastoni and Thiago for Gilmour. 4-3-3.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
CHELSEA v Newcastle
Foreign - Oblak, Semedo, van Dijk
U23 - Zagadou, de Jong, Kamara, Bellingham, Mbappe, Greenwood, Ferran
U19 - Mendes
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
N.Semedo ----- van Dijk ---- Zagadou ----- N.Mendes
-------- F. de Jong ---- Kamara ---- Bellingham -------
Mbappe -------------- Greenwood ------------- F.Torres
Meslier(U23), Jordi Alba, Nianzou(U19), Tolisso, Havertz(U23), 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 B.Kamara 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, Greenwood 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.
van Dijk picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Zagadou 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 Bellingham 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 Zagadou 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. 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 Bellingham 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. Bellingham 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 de Jong/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 de Jong & 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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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 - Bellingham/Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz for Semedo, Neymar for Mendes, 343, Neymar and Mbappe either side of Greenwood, Ferran and Havertz wide and Kamara drop to CB, very attacking
70 Mins - Haaland for Greenwood
Winning -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Bellingham, more aggression in the centre, Haaland for Greenwood
80 Mins - Jordi Alba for Mendes, experience at the back to close it out
u23
Trent
Car
Odegaard
Jota
U19
Rhys Williams
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
____________Kroos
________Alberto___Odegaard
Jota______Ings________Podence
SUBS: Bamford, Tonali, Goretzka, Modric, Curtis, Salah, Gomez
Captain: Trent
Penalties: Ings
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Modric comes on for Goretzka, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Hendo will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Salah comes on for Podence, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about at RW. Jota goes LW.
If winning 80 mins: Tonali comes on for Odegaard to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Gomez comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - J.Pedro. U23 - Hakimi, Godfrey, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Diaby. + Ndombele as sub.
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 Guendouzi 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, Guendouzi 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.
—————————— H.Lloris
Hakimi —— Koulibaly — Godfrey — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Joao Pedro ———————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Witsel, Ndombele, Isco, Son, Benzema
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 Guendouzi 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 Godfrey inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 70 mins bring on Son for Diaby fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Ndombele for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Son for Guendouzi and Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Hakimi. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Benzema for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
Under 23 - Hudson-Odoi, Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
------------------- R.Patricio
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar - A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer
Hudson-Odoi ---- Maddison ----- A.Martial
------------------ Timo Werner
Subs:
De Gea, Kilman, Torreira, Ziyech, Coman, Leao, Ibrahimovic
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 Hudson-Odoi or Martial to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind 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 Werner 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: Maddison off, Torreira on.
80 mins: CHO off, Kilman 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:
70 mins: Maddison & CHO off, Ibrahimovic & Ziyech on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Bennacer off, Ibrahimovic on.
75 mins: Garcia off, Ziyech on. 3-4-3 all out attack
Under 23 - De Ligt, Kumbulla, Sancho, Sane, Aouar, McKennie
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
-------------------- Lopes --------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Kumbulla -- Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Butland, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Geubbels, Asensio, Icardi
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Kumbulla will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The youngster sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental De Bruyne. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Sane and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sane and Sancho can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Griezmann plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Griezmann could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Simons & Sancho off, McKennie & Geubbels on. Extra defensive covers as we revert to 4-5-1, shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Kumbulla & Casemiro off, Icardi & Asensio on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
SOTON vs Man City
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Ramsdale, Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------R Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------------Lo Celso--------------------
Wirtz---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Szoboszlai, Ndidi, I Sarr, Kubo, Richarlison, Isak
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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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/Wirtz 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 Camavinga 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
Wirtz + 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 Wirtz 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. Couto 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 Isak for Camavinga and Richarlison for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wirtz--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
--------------------------------Richarlison-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Ndidi in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield. Sarr for Wirtz aswell to add more pace on the counter.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Couto-------------Upamecano-------------Dias--------------Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------
-----------------Valverde---------------------Camavinga------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr------------------------------Rashford--------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Wirtz
Szoboszlai on for Lo Celso
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
U19s – Aaron Hickey, Simon Sohm, and Yunus Musah (bench)
U23s – Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Alexis Saelamakers, Phil Foden, and Justin Kluivert (Pascal Struijk and Donyell Malen bench)
-----------------Neuer
Mukiele---White---Hernandez---Hickey
-------------------Sohm
------------Milinkovic-Savic
----Saelam.----Foden------Kluivert
-------------------Kane
Pope
Castagne
Struijk
Partey
Musah
Depay
Malen
Continuing with the 4-1-4-1 for this week, with a few players thrown in for debuts. Justin Kluivert comes in on the left hand side, and will give us pace and attacking flair, hoping to refind some form for us, whilst Simon Sohm starts at CDM, having forced himself into contention with strong performances at a young age. We feel the squad is packed with ball-playing options, condusisive to us controlling possession, and being able to build attacks against the opposition from anywhere on the pitch. We have the ability to spread the play wide, whilst also controlling the centre of the park with our energy. This is replicated across the attack, with players capable of participating in our high press, with the intention of winning the ball back in advanced positions, and attempting to force errors from the opposition. In short, we are happy to control possession of the ball when we have it, shifting it across the pitch to create space and opportunity, but wish to press quickly and aggressively whenever possession has been lost.
In the defensive third, I have chosen a youthful back four, each of whom I believe has the capability to play in our defensive system. Each player is comfortable to operate with the ball on the ground, and will have plenty of options provided to them. They will be benefited here from having a sweeper keeper of Neuer’s quality to receive the ball as a further option. Sohm will also drop in as a different option, meaning our players should be pretty comfortable for short options. The question is then transitioning from the defensive third to the attacking third. Whenever Sohm collects possesion, I want him to look for the ball into Foden, who possesses the magic touch to make things happen. If Foden is unavailable, then he can either look for balls out wide to the two wingers, or SMS, a slightly more reserved option. Of course, he may also look to hold possession in our third, and wait for the opportunity to break forward. When we have the ball in wide positions, the wingers can drop slightly deeper to collect, and then look for overlapping or underlapping runs to help the transition. In these situations, SMS will also make himself an option, so we can triple up on the flanks.
When we get the ball into the attacking areas, we know that quick movement, both of player and ball, is key to breaking down the opposition lines. I have already descibed the plan to overload the flanks, and we will use this as one opportunity to create chances, looking to get Hickey or Mukiele to the by-line to get balls in. With an instinctive finisher like Kane up front, we can aim for both head or feet to give him a good chance to score. If more intricate play is required, then Foden and SMS will push up and make themselves options constantly. In both we have players that are goal and assist threats, capable of picking the right pass to open a defence. I want to see Kluivert operate as an inside forward, driving inside to support Kane in attacking the CBs, and creating another possibility for these players to worry about, meaning they can’t double up in attack. Hickey will sit wide here, with the intention of stretching the play, meaning the opposition FB can’t track Kluivert without leaving space for us to exploit in behind here. Kane should look to stick between the posts, where he has the potential to be at his most potent.
With the way we want to attack, a loss of possesion high up the pitch may seem likely. The important thing to see to this is a quick reaction, with our attacking players pressing high, not allowing the opposition time to think after they have recovered the play. The three attackers will work as a pincer, with Kane pressing the middle of the third, and the two wide players pressing outside, although they can also press the CBs if the option to play the ball out wide is limited. This response will do two things. Firstly, we give ourselves the chance to win possession in a dangerous position. Secondly, we buy time for the FBs and SMS to get back and take up their defensive positions. During all of this, Foden will sit on the opposition’s deepest midfielder, preventing this as a simple out ball, and maintaining the press into the middle third, where he will be joined by SMS.
When we advance on the ball, Sohm will stay defensive, slotting between Hernandez and White, meaning we have men back to react to a quick counter attack. This will mean we are covered, should the FBs be caught out of position, as the respective CB can push out wide, and not leave their position vacant in the centre. Should Hickey and Mukiele get back, then we will operate a back four, with Sohm sitting just in front, controlling the centre of the pitch, and SMS supporting wherever the extra man is needed. Foden willl also maintain his press whenever the ball enters the middle third of the pitch.
Substitutions
If winning
Thomas Partey on for Simon Sohm 70 minutes
Some more experience and fresh legs in this area to help shore up our lead
Yunus Musah and Pascal Struijk on for Alexis Saelamakers and Phil Foden 75 minutes
Switch to a 3-3-1-3 formation, with Struijk joining the game in the back 3, and Musah providing us fresh legs in the attacking areas.
If losing/drawing
Memphis Depay and Yunus Musah on for Alexis Saelamakers and Justin Kluivert 65 mins
Malen on for Foden 70 mins
Malen operates as a second striker, playing off Kane.
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Carabao Cup Week 3 away to Wolves
Captain: Gabriel
Vice-Captain: Simón
Under 23: everyone
Youth: Talles
----------------Simón
Emerson--Fuchs--Gabriel----Lodi
------Assunção----Guimarães
----------------Zaracho
Antony-------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Marcelo, Viña, Botman, Palacios, Henrique, Rodríguez, Pedro
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 Talles 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 Núñez 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.
Núñez 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, Talles or Antony with Fuchs, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Talles (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 – Botman for Fuchs, Palacios for Assunção and Pedro for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Pedro 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---Talles
-----------Pedro -----Núñez
CHELSEA v city
Over 23 - Remiro, Manolas, van Dijk, Neymar, Tolisso
Under 23 - Bissaka, Kamara, de Jong, Greenwood, Havertz
Under 19 - Mendes
, -------------------------- Remiro ---------------------------
Bissaka ------- Manolas ------- van Dijk ------- Mendes
-------- C.Tolisso ---- B.Kamara ---- F.de Jong --------
- Havertz ----------- Greenwood ------------- Neymar -
Meslier(U23), J.Alba(O23), Locatelli(U23), Zaniolo(U23), Calvert-Lewin(U23), Dembele(O23), A.Gouiri(U23)
Our game is based solely on possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, 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 B.Kamara 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, Greenwood 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.
van Dijk picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Manolas 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 Tolisso 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 Manolas 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. 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 Tolisso 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. Tolisso 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 push on, look for the de de Jong/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 de Jong & 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 Havertz and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing de Jong 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 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 Neymar/Havertz 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 - Greenwood/Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Tolisso 4-4-2 with more long/high balls into the box for DCL to win, fantastic in the air wether going for goal or laying back
75 Mins - Locatelli for Bissaka, Kamara to LCB, Locatelli to CM 3-4-3, with Mendes to LM, Neymar to LCF, Amine Gouiri for Greenwood
Manolas van Dijk Kamara
Havertz Locatelli F.de Jong Mendes
Gouiri DCL Neymar
Drawing -
65 Mins - Zaniolo for Tolisso, Havertz to No.10, Zaniolo to RW
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Havertz go 4-4-2
Winning -
75 Mins - J.Alba for Mendes, experience to see it out
83 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Greenwood, Locatelli for Tolisso
League Cup, Group A
Newcastle United v SHEFFIELD UNITED
--------------------------
Injuries: Rodon, Kelleher, Vanheusden, Vertonghen
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u23 in squad: Lamptey, Justin, Cucurella, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Brooks, Verschaeren
NB. Lamptey, Cucurella, Koopmeiners are all playing the full 90 mins so u23 commitments are more than met.
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
A further Academy player (u19) - Mikki van Sas is an unused Goalkeeper on the bench
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Bale, James, Reus
Suárez
Subs: van Sas, Justin, Ampadu, Allan, Brooks, Verschaeren, Mertens
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Reus (Bale/Reus after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens after 75 mins)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Nathan Wood paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey 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 Marco Reus 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.
Lamptey 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 Marco Reus, 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, Reus & 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 & Reus 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
Ampadu on for Wood, Brooks on for James, 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
Under 23 - De Ligt, Kumbulla, Sancho, Aouar, McKennie, Chukwueze
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
-------------------- Lopes --------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Kumbulla -- Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Butland, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Eriksen, Geubbels, Chukwueze
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Kumbulla will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The youngster sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental De Bruyne. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Sane and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sane and Sancho can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Griezmann plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Griezmann could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Simons & Sancho off, McKennie & Geubbels on. Extra defensive covers as we revert to 4-5-1, shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Kumbulla & Casemiro off, Aouar & Eriksen on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
Under 23 - Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Brahim, Hudson-Odoi
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- R.Patricio -------------------
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar -- A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer ------------
---- H.Ziyech ---- P.Dybala ---- A.Martial ----
------------------ Timo Werner ------------------
Subs:
De Gea, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Maddison, Brahim, Hudson-Odoi, Ibrahimovic
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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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 four 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 Ziyech or Martial to break at speed or Dybala to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the the last man, look to use his pace to get in behind 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 Werner 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: Dybala off, Tchouaméni on.
80 mins: Bennacer off, Kilman 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:
75 mins: Bennacer & Ziyech off, Maddison & Ibrahimovic. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
SOTON VS Arsenal
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Ramsdale, Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Isak
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------R Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------------Lo Celso--------------------
Wirtz---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
---------------------------------------Isak--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Szoboszlai, Ndidi, Bergwijn, Kubo, Adama Traore, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
PENALTIES - ISAK
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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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/Wirtz 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 Camavinga 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
Wirtz + 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 Wirtz 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. Couto 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
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 Jovic for Camavinga and Bergwijn for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bergwijn--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------------Jovic---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Ndidi in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Adama for Wirtz aswell to add more pace on the counter.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Couto-------------Upamecano-------------Dias--------------Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------
-----------------Valverde---------------------Camavinga------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama----------------------------Isak------------------------------Pulisic
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Wirtz
Szoboszlai on for Lo Celso
Bergwijn on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
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Tactics
Page 24 of 70
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29
posted on 31/10/20
Under 23 - Leao, Hudson-Odoi, Garcia, Jota, Gakpo, Kilman, Bennacer, Tchouaméni
Youth - Baptiste
——————————— De Gea
———— E.Garcia — Baptiste — M.Kilman
Odriozola —- Torreira — Bennacer — Guerreiro
——— Hudson-Odoi ————— Diogo Jota
——————————- Rafa Leao
Subs:
Patricio, Pavard, Hummels, Tchouaméni, Gakpo, Coman, Ibrahimovic
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 3-4-3 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 5-4-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.
Garcia is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, all centre backs will stay back with the full backs or always prepared to make it a back 5 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, the 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 wing backs today the objective is to get forward and whip balls in for our attackers to finish, defensively we look 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 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 Hudson-Odoi or Jota to break at speed as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Leao will look to play on the the last man, look to use his pace to get in behind 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: CHO off, Pjanic on.
80 mins: Odriozola off, Pavard on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit.
If drawing or losing:
70 mins: Torreira & Kilman off, Pjanic & Ibrahimovic on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Leao up top as we go for the winner.
posted on 1/11/20
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - Heitor. U23 - Souza, Godfrey, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Dembele, Diaby. + Ndombele as sub.
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 Guendouzi 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, Guendouzi 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.
—————————— H.Souza
Heitor —— Koulibaly — Godfrey — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Dembele —————————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Witsel, Ndombele, Nkunku, Son, J.Pedro, 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 Guendouzi 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 Godfrey inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 70 mins bring on Son for Diaby fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Ndombele for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Son for Guendouzi and Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Heitor. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Jiminez for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
posted on 1/11/20
Under 23 - McKennie, Barella, Sancho, De Ligt
Youth - Xavi Simons
—————————— A.Lopes ————————
McKennie — De Ligt — N.Ake — Marcelo
————— X.Simons ——— Barella ————
—————————— Eriksen ————————
—— Lozano —————————— Asensio —
——————————Lacazette ———————
Subs;
Courtois, Bonucci, Verratti, Sancho, Hazard, Griezmann, Icardi
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-3-3 formation today as we aim for the win. We mix things up and give the fringe players a chance in this one. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Ake 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 stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Barella will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental Eriksen. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Lozano and Asensio flanking the Lacazette in the middle. In one on one situations Lozano and Asensio can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Lacazette plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Lacazette could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Eriksen and Marcelo off, Verratti and Bonucci on. 4-5-1 shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Asensio & Lacazette off, Hazard & Griezmann on. Big guns come on to get the job done.
posted on 2/11/20
SOTON VS Chelsea
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Szoboszlai, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Szoboszlai------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, I Sarr, Wirtz, Richarlison
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - SZOBOSZLAI
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 Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana 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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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 + Szoboszlai
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.
Szoboszlai 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 Camavinga 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
Kubo + 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 Kubo 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. Dest 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/Szoboszlai 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 Wirtz for Camavinga and Richarlison for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Szoboszlai 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. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Nouri
--------------------------Valverde--------------Camavinga-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo------------------------------Rashford--------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Wirtz on for Kubo
Reinier on for Szoboszlai
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 2/11/20
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2 Cup
U19:
Rhys Williams
U23:
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Curtis Jones
Sandro Tonali
Martin Odegaard
Duje Caleta-Car
———————-— Alisson
————— Rhys W - Carlos - Car
Trent - Curtis - Tonali - Odegaard - Robbo
————————— Ings - Benzema
Subs: Kroos, Goretzka, Henderson, Modric, Podence, Salah, Kulu
Captain: Trent
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Benzema
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 Curtis off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Kulu on Tonali off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 Benzema left Kulu right Ings central
75 mins losing - Podence on Benzema off. More creative option.
75 mins winning - Henderson for Tonali. Calm things a bit.
posted on 2/11/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 2/11/20
U19 – Aaron Hickey
U23 – Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Alexis Saelaemakers, Phil Foden, Donyell Malen
-------------------Pope
Mukiele---White—Akanji—Hickey
------------------Phillips
-------------Milinkovic-Savic
Saelam.--------Foden-------Depay
------------------Malen
Neuer
Struijk
Gosens
Shackleton
Brozovic
Bergwijn
Immobile
A youthful look to the side today, as in line with the league cup regulations. Despite that, I think all the players picked are ready to step up and have a go to prove that they should be given a spot in the team. We come up against a strong Leicester side today, and now that they will want to have a go at us, so we need to play to the strengths of the side picked today, and show pace in the advanced areas, transitioning the defence to the attack quickly. The FBs selected will give us less attacking strength, so will operate a flatter back four. We want to stretch the pitch in the high areas, so will try and get the ball into the wide areas, whilst Foden offers us a creative outlet in the middle of the pitch. The pace at the top end of the team should see us looking to get in behind, and exploiting space in behind today.
The players selected defensively should all be comfortable enough to move the ball around themselves, drawing the opposition on if they try to drop deep, whilst finding the out ball forward when put under pressure. This could be the ball into the wide players, who will look to drop deep, or into SMS or Foden, who should also both drop off to look for space. I include Phillips in this area, as I want to see him patrolling the area in front of the defence, providing a further short option for these players. The important thing is that options are always present, so that a player is never left vulnerable and exposed. Phillips can push out wide, to help provide options to our FBs, meaning they don’t get left isolated. When Phillips picks up the ball, I want him to look for the other CMs, helping to transition quicker. I don’t mind us holding the ball in these areas, but we need to be quick to transition whenever that decision is made.
As said before, players have the license to drop off from their positions and make themselves available for the pass. In the attacking areas, I want to see SMS push up and support Foden, coming out to provide short options for our wide players, and trying to work the ball in tight areas to create space. In Foden, I believe we have a player that can operate in these spaces, and break the lines of the opposition. Saelamakers and Depay need to stretch the play, and create space in the middle, whilst also being allowed to come inside and attack in these areas. This is certainly where Depay is most dangerous. Malen is less a traditional striker, so keeping the ball on the deck will be important when creating chances. We will be looking to work the ball in behind for him (mostly through Foden). When crosses are played they should be low, aimed across the six yard box, or towards the penalty spot. In these instances, Foden will press up and into the penalty area, looking to pick up on any loose balls.
We need to press high up the pitch when we lose possesion, and I think we have the ideal attacking players for that game. Saelamakers and Depay will press the wide areas, whilst Malen and Foden will use their energy to press centrally, forcing errors, or long balls forwards. This will also buy time for SMS to drop off, and for the defence to take their position against the Leicester attackers. SMS will do most of the pressing in the middle of the pitch and the transitional areas, whilst the wide players are also entitled to drop deeper and help out defensively. If we can retain the ball high up the pitch, then we have the players to cause damage to the opposition with our pace in behind.
Defensively our structure is important. Saelamakers and Depay should drop off and support Hickey and Mukiele in the wide areas, whilst Phillips will sit in front of the defence, following the Leicester 10 into the dangerous areas, not allowing them the space to operate in the tight areas. White and Akanji both have good pace to cover balls in behind, so space should be at a premium, with the opposition attackers crowded off the ball in these key areas. SMS will help cover central areas whenever Phillips is dragged away from these areas.
Substitutions
If winning
Brozovic on for Foden 70 mins
Brozovic will play slightly deeper, in a more conventional 4-3-3 with SMS and Brozovic both operating as 8s.
Struijk on for Phillips 80 mins
Fresh legs in front of the defence
Shackleton on for SMS 85 mins
Fresh legs again.
If losing/drawing
Foden off for Immobile 70 mins
Immobile operating as a more conventional number 9, with Malen playing off him.
Saelamakers off for Bergwijn 75 mins
Fresh legs in dangerous areas
posted on 3/11/20
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 2 (vs Leicester)
Captain – Guimarães
Vice Captain – Felipe
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles (Marcelo & Kaique)
-------------------Simón
Khellven---Felipe---Botman--- Lodi
------------Guimarães--Azate
Antony--------Rodríguez------Talles
-------------------Pedro
SUBS – Marcelo, Kaique, Fuchs, Henrique, Palacios, Zaracho, Evanilson
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 Guimarães 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 Pedro 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, Antony 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 Guimarães 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 Antony with Botman, Felipe and Guimarães expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Pedro or Talles
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Fuchs for Botman and Zaracho for Antony – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Evanilson for Guimarães, and Zaracho for Antony (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
----------------Azate
Zaracho----Rodríguez------Talles
-----------Pedro --Evanilson
posted on 5/11/20
Pompey vs Spurs (Cup game)
Injuries:
Donny Van De Beek
Angeliño
Tammy Abraham
Alvaro Morata
Under 19 Youth player – Doku (1)
Under 23’s – Maximiano, Hakimi, Pau Torres, Joe Gomez, Reguilon, Marc Roca, Harvey Barnes, Dani Olmo, Koita, Jonathan David (11)
Before you see the line-up and judge it as having no defensive width and looking a little odd, you need to accept this is the future, 3 centre-backs is widely used once again as it gives defensive stability through the middle and the LCB and RCB can shuffle wider to deal with wingers, the midfield diamond is lifted from the peak don Carlito Milan era, giving us core strength and the ability to dominate possession and control the game, the wider trident up-front pegs back the defensive full-backs stopping the over-laps meaning our wider tips of the diamond can help cover the opposition wingers.
…………………………………………………Ederson……………………………….
…………………………….Ramos…………..Coady…………Torres………….
……………………………………………………Verratti…………………………..
………………………………. Roca …………………………………Barnes
………………………………………………………..Grealish…………………..
Doku……………………………………………..Koita…………………………..Ronaldo
Subs: Maximiano, Hakimi, Gomez, Reguilon, Olmo, Gagliardini J.David
tough game against Spurs, TAB has done a wonderful job, and yes they have pace and trickery in the wider positions, and yes this formation looks like a suicide mission, But for them to be able to hurt us they need the ball, we will hold onto it and move them about using quick neat passing triangles to open up some space before going through the gears.
Ederson – comfortable on the ball and an excellent shot-stopper he’s perfect for this system, quick off his line and an intelligent player, we’ve a side that’s comfy on the ball from 1-11 so anyone of them can be his out-ball, keep it mixed up long and short.
The back three
Ramos started his career as a RB and now plays CB so RCB is realistically his natural home, a born leader he’s won everything going in the game apart from the Copa America, I won’t bore you with what he can do you already know, Coady will as with wolves, be the sweeper he martials the defence so well, a big physical presence but it’s the calm vocal leadership that’s vital, when on the ball nice and simple, keep it moving, if it goes sidewards then so be it, it’s all about not giving it away cheaply, Torres 6ft2 left footed centre-half no wonder you fecks we’re trying to bend me over for him will mirror Ramos on the right, hold the line and shuffle when needs be, show his man the line and don’t dive in, if you dive in play man if you miss the ball.
The Diamond
This is where it gets interesting, Verratti is the base, he can put his foot in but his primary role is to dictate play, he’s my Pirlo in the milan diamond, everything goes through him, but you already know this, Roca is the Gattuso, yes he has a great range of passing but he’s in here for that little bit tenacity and guile, rather than box-to-box he’s in here to track their creative out-put from CM (KDB or Eriksen) Barnes is the Seedorf, box-to-box good on the ball but we want him driving forwards and supporting the front four, when he pushes on, Roca drops off and Verratti advances if the ball has to come back Verratti can then recycle possession into the next phase. At the tip of the diamond is Grealish, He’s the Kaka of the side, given free licence to drift wide or drop off and collect ball, The Verratti,Barnes,Grealish inter-play and one touch pass and move will drag the Spurs defence and midfield out of position creating spaces for the quick through ball for our trident to exploit.
The Trident
Ronaldo does what Ronaldo does, he’ll stay up top, peg his full-back, back in the spurs half, and look to make his runs into the Spurs box, the fact Jack is given licence to drift wide into spaces allows this to happen without compromising our shape too much,
Koita 6 in 6 in the Bundesliga this season, he may be diminutive at 5ft6 but he clearly knows how to finish, we’ll get him playing off the shoulder of the last man, which is a tactic most sides can’t use anymore cus of this VAR nonsense but as he only has size 6 boots I’m not expecting the piggy that went to market to be flagged offside.
Doku Undoubtedly the best 18 year old in my squad, will stay wide right, hug the touchline and stretch that Spurs defence out, making space for our CM’s to run into and create the over loads that are the strength of our system, by all accounts he’s an old school winger that isn’t a cut inside player but uses his pace to run the line and bang those crosses in. god dammit he’s even shorter than Koita.
Subs – 65 mins regardless
Gagliardini > Roca, no system change just like for like and fresh legs
David > Koita Canada’s greatest ever export comes on, gives us a bit more physicality up top, using his frame on tiring legs as we continue to pump balls into the box
posted on 6/11/20
League Cup, Group A
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Arsenal
--------------------------
Injuries: Kelleher, Lamptey, Justin, Verschaeren
--------------------------
u23 in squad: Nübel, Williams, Rodon, Cucurella, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Brooks, Gallagher
NB. Williams, Cucurella, Ampadu are all playing the full 90 mins so u23 commitments are more than met.
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
Dubravka
Williams, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Reus
Suárez
Subs: Nübel, Rodon, Koopmeiners, Allan, Brooks, Gallagher, Mertens
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Reus (Bale/Reus after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens after 75 mins)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Nathan Wood paired up at centre-back, Neco Williams at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Marco Reus 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Williams and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg 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. 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, Reus & 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 & Reus 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
Rodon on for Wood, Brooks on for James, 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
posted on 7/11/20
U23: Everyone bar Laporte. U19: Gilmour
Attacking high press 3-5-2
A home to Bournemouth we go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back but more importantly gives us a team to dominate possession. We go with a side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.
Our formation allows us to dominate possession but also go with two up top. The front two set the tempo for the game with their all action styles. Both have the ability to drop deep and join in the attacks. Felix the AM, similarly plays with high intensity. We have three cms able to pick a pass, and with the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control possession. Gilmour plays as the deepest cm, Mount with a high work rate to fill in when needed. With 3 cbs and wbs means we can go without a true dm.
The width is provided by the wing backs, and by an over lapping cb. Stealing a Sheffield United tactic, we allow one cb to get forward at a time. Militao/Bastoni seeking to overlap the attacking wbs. This will see us always have two cbs and a deep midfielder in front when we attack offering cover.
We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wing backs will have freedom to attack, bombing down the wings and crossing for the front two. The overlapping cbs, wbs and with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations. .
We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Bournemouth to play in. The wingback on the opposite side of play will drop back into defence forming a back four. The wb on the side of play helps the cb on the side of play defend against the attacking winger and fb.
The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Bournemouth attacking mids. When defending, Gilmour plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area. Mount will play ball side of Gilmour and always press the passing lanes. Mount will pick up the 2nd most attacking cm if they break forward. Jesus looks to exploit the space out wide by their attacking fb and Lauitaro splits the space between their cbs.
When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the wing backs bombing forward linking with the wide forwards to create.
—————————— Henderson ———————————
————————————————————————————
————— Militao — Laporte — Bastoni ——————
————————————————————————————
R.James —— M.Mount — Gilmour — T.Hernandez
——————————— J.Felix ————————————
————————————————————————————
———————— Jesus —— Lautaro.M ———————
Subs. Ter Stegen, Laimer, Thiago, Mahrez, Fernandes, Sterling, Osimhen
Defence
When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Bournemouth a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball. Henderson also guards against hopeful long balls over the top looking to be on edge of his box when we are in possession in opposition half.
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.
When the opposition 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 set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Attack
We counter quickly when we win the ball aiming our attacks down the wings. If the counter is not on we look to get the wing backs and wide forwards doubling up on their fbs.
The back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and look to play out, helping us move the ball quickly having a strong base.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Laimer for Gilmour. Fresh legs and strength in Cm.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Felix.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Sterling for Jesus.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Bastoni. Wbs to fb, 4-3-3. Jesus lw, Sterling rw.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Thiago and Fernandes for Gilmour and Felix.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Bastoni and Thiago for Gilmour. 4-3-3.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
posted on 7/11/20
CHELSEA v Newcastle
Foreign - Oblak, Semedo, van Dijk
U23 - Zagadou, de Jong, Kamara, Bellingham, Mbappe, Greenwood, Ferran
U19 - Mendes
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
N.Semedo ----- van Dijk ---- Zagadou ----- N.Mendes
-------- F. de Jong ---- Kamara ---- Bellingham -------
Mbappe -------------- Greenwood ------------- F.Torres
Meslier(U23), Jordi Alba, Nianzou(U19), Tolisso, Havertz(U23), 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 B.Kamara 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, Greenwood 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.
van Dijk picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Zagadou 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 Bellingham 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 Zagadou 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. 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 Bellingham 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. Bellingham 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 de Jong/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 de Jong & 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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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 - Bellingham/Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz for Semedo, Neymar for Mendes, 343, Neymar and Mbappe either side of Greenwood, Ferran and Havertz wide and Kamara drop to CB, very attacking
70 Mins - Haaland for Greenwood
Winning -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Bellingham, more aggression in the centre, Haaland for Greenwood
80 Mins - Jordi Alba for Mendes, experience at the back to close it out
posted on 8/11/20
u23
Trent
Car
Odegaard
Jota
U19
Rhys Williams
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
____________Kroos
________Alberto___Odegaard
Jota______Ings________Podence
SUBS: Bamford, Tonali, Goretzka, Modric, Curtis, Salah, Gomez
Captain: Trent
Penalties: Ings
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent
The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.
Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.
The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.
Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.
If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.
The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.
When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
70 mins: Modric comes on for Goretzka, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Hendo will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Salah comes on for Podence, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about at RW. Jota goes LW.
If winning 80 mins: Tonali comes on for Odegaard to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Gomez comes on for Fabinho and play 2 up front.
posted on 8/11/20
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - J.Pedro. U23 - Hakimi, Godfrey, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Diaby. + Ndombele as sub.
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 Guendouzi 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, Guendouzi 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.
—————————— H.Lloris
Hakimi —— Koulibaly — Godfrey — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Joao Pedro ———————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Witsel, Ndombele, Isco, Son, Benzema
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 Guendouzi 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 Godfrey inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning or drawing after 70 mins bring on Son for Diaby fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Ndombele for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Son for Guendouzi and Tielemans. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for Hakimi. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Benzema for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
posted on 8/11/20
Under 23 - Hudson-Odoi, Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
------------------- R.Patricio
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar - A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer
Hudson-Odoi ---- Maddison ----- A.Martial
------------------ Timo Werner
Subs:
De Gea, Kilman, Torreira, Ziyech, Coman, Leao, Ibrahimovic
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 Hudson-Odoi or Martial to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his lightening pace to get in behind 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 Werner 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: Maddison off, Torreira on.
80 mins: CHO off, Kilman 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:
70 mins: Maddison & CHO off, Ibrahimovic & Ziyech on. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
If losing:
65 mins: Bennacer off, Ibrahimovic on.
75 mins: Garcia off, Ziyech on. 3-4-3 all out attack
posted on 8/11/20
Under 23 - De Ligt, Kumbulla, Sancho, Sane, Aouar, McKennie
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
-------------------- Lopes --------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Kumbulla -- Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Butland, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Geubbels, Asensio, Icardi
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Kumbulla will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The youngster sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental De Bruyne. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Sane and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sane and Sancho can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Griezmann plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Griezmann could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Simons & Sancho off, McKennie & Geubbels on. Extra defensive covers as we revert to 4-5-1, shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Kumbulla & Casemiro off, Icardi & Asensio on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
posted on 9/11/20
SOTON vs Man City
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Ramsdale, Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------R Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------------Lo Celso--------------------
Wirtz---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Szoboszlai, Ndidi, I Sarr, Kubo, Richarlison, Isak
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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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/Wirtz 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 Camavinga 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
Wirtz + 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 Wirtz 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. Couto 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 Isak for Camavinga and Richarlison for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wirtz--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
--------------------------------Richarlison-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Ndidi in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield. Sarr for Wirtz aswell to add more pace on the counter.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Couto-------------Upamecano-------------Dias--------------Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------
-----------------Valverde---------------------Camavinga------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr------------------------------Rashford--------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Wirtz
Szoboszlai on for Lo Celso
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 9/11/20
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 9/11/20
U19s – Aaron Hickey, Simon Sohm, and Yunus Musah (bench)
U23s – Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Alexis Saelamakers, Phil Foden, and Justin Kluivert (Pascal Struijk and Donyell Malen bench)
-----------------Neuer
Mukiele---White---Hernandez---Hickey
-------------------Sohm
------------Milinkovic-Savic
----Saelam.----Foden------Kluivert
-------------------Kane
Pope
Castagne
Struijk
Partey
Musah
Depay
Malen
Continuing with the 4-1-4-1 for this week, with a few players thrown in for debuts. Justin Kluivert comes in on the left hand side, and will give us pace and attacking flair, hoping to refind some form for us, whilst Simon Sohm starts at CDM, having forced himself into contention with strong performances at a young age. We feel the squad is packed with ball-playing options, condusisive to us controlling possession, and being able to build attacks against the opposition from anywhere on the pitch. We have the ability to spread the play wide, whilst also controlling the centre of the park with our energy. This is replicated across the attack, with players capable of participating in our high press, with the intention of winning the ball back in advanced positions, and attempting to force errors from the opposition. In short, we are happy to control possession of the ball when we have it, shifting it across the pitch to create space and opportunity, but wish to press quickly and aggressively whenever possession has been lost.
In the defensive third, I have chosen a youthful back four, each of whom I believe has the capability to play in our defensive system. Each player is comfortable to operate with the ball on the ground, and will have plenty of options provided to them. They will be benefited here from having a sweeper keeper of Neuer’s quality to receive the ball as a further option. Sohm will also drop in as a different option, meaning our players should be pretty comfortable for short options. The question is then transitioning from the defensive third to the attacking third. Whenever Sohm collects possesion, I want him to look for the ball into Foden, who possesses the magic touch to make things happen. If Foden is unavailable, then he can either look for balls out wide to the two wingers, or SMS, a slightly more reserved option. Of course, he may also look to hold possession in our third, and wait for the opportunity to break forward. When we have the ball in wide positions, the wingers can drop slightly deeper to collect, and then look for overlapping or underlapping runs to help the transition. In these situations, SMS will also make himself an option, so we can triple up on the flanks.
When we get the ball into the attacking areas, we know that quick movement, both of player and ball, is key to breaking down the opposition lines. I have already descibed the plan to overload the flanks, and we will use this as one opportunity to create chances, looking to get Hickey or Mukiele to the by-line to get balls in. With an instinctive finisher like Kane up front, we can aim for both head or feet to give him a good chance to score. If more intricate play is required, then Foden and SMS will push up and make themselves options constantly. In both we have players that are goal and assist threats, capable of picking the right pass to open a defence. I want to see Kluivert operate as an inside forward, driving inside to support Kane in attacking the CBs, and creating another possibility for these players to worry about, meaning they can’t double up in attack. Hickey will sit wide here, with the intention of stretching the play, meaning the opposition FB can’t track Kluivert without leaving space for us to exploit in behind here. Kane should look to stick between the posts, where he has the potential to be at his most potent.
With the way we want to attack, a loss of possesion high up the pitch may seem likely. The important thing to see to this is a quick reaction, with our attacking players pressing high, not allowing the opposition time to think after they have recovered the play. The three attackers will work as a pincer, with Kane pressing the middle of the third, and the two wide players pressing outside, although they can also press the CBs if the option to play the ball out wide is limited. This response will do two things. Firstly, we give ourselves the chance to win possession in a dangerous position. Secondly, we buy time for the FBs and SMS to get back and take up their defensive positions. During all of this, Foden will sit on the opposition’s deepest midfielder, preventing this as a simple out ball, and maintaining the press into the middle third, where he will be joined by SMS.
When we advance on the ball, Sohm will stay defensive, slotting between Hernandez and White, meaning we have men back to react to a quick counter attack. This will mean we are covered, should the FBs be caught out of position, as the respective CB can push out wide, and not leave their position vacant in the centre. Should Hickey and Mukiele get back, then we will operate a back four, with Sohm sitting just in front, controlling the centre of the pitch, and SMS supporting wherever the extra man is needed. Foden willl also maintain his press whenever the ball enters the middle third of the pitch.
Substitutions
If winning
Thomas Partey on for Simon Sohm 70 minutes
Some more experience and fresh legs in this area to help shore up our lead
Yunus Musah and Pascal Struijk on for Alexis Saelamakers and Phil Foden 75 minutes
Switch to a 3-3-1-3 formation, with Struijk joining the game in the back 3, and Musah providing us fresh legs in the attacking areas.
If losing/drawing
Memphis Depay and Yunus Musah on for Alexis Saelamakers and Justin Kluivert 65 mins
Malen on for Foden 70 mins
Malen operates as a second striker, playing off Kane.
posted on 13/11/20
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Carabao Cup Week 3 away to Wolves
Captain: Gabriel
Vice-Captain: Simón
Under 23: everyone
Youth: Talles
----------------Simón
Emerson--Fuchs--Gabriel----Lodi
------Assunção----Guimarães
----------------Zaracho
Antony-------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Marcelo, Viña, Botman, Palacios, Henrique, Rodríguez, Pedro
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 Talles 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 Núñez 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.
Núñez 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, Talles or Antony with Fuchs, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Talles (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 – Botman for Fuchs, Palacios for Assunção and Pedro for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Pedro 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---Talles
-----------Pedro -----Núñez
posted on 14/11/20
CHELSEA v city
Over 23 - Remiro, Manolas, van Dijk, Neymar, Tolisso
Under 23 - Bissaka, Kamara, de Jong, Greenwood, Havertz
Under 19 - Mendes
, -------------------------- Remiro ---------------------------
Bissaka ------- Manolas ------- van Dijk ------- Mendes
-------- C.Tolisso ---- B.Kamara ---- F.de Jong --------
- Havertz ----------- Greenwood ------------- Neymar -
Meslier(U23), J.Alba(O23), Locatelli(U23), Zaniolo(U23), Calvert-Lewin(U23), Dembele(O23), A.Gouiri(U23)
Our game is based solely on possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, 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 B.Kamara 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, Greenwood 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.
van Dijk picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Manolas 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 Tolisso 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 Manolas 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. 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 Tolisso 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. Tolisso 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 push on, look for the de de Jong/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 de Jong & 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 Havertz and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing de Jong 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 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 Neymar/Havertz 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 - Greenwood/Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Tolisso 4-4-2 with more long/high balls into the box for DCL to win, fantastic in the air wether going for goal or laying back
75 Mins - Locatelli for Bissaka, Kamara to LCB, Locatelli to CM 3-4-3, with Mendes to LM, Neymar to LCF, Amine Gouiri for Greenwood
Manolas van Dijk Kamara
Havertz Locatelli F.de Jong Mendes
Gouiri DCL Neymar
Drawing -
65 Mins - Zaniolo for Tolisso, Havertz to No.10, Zaniolo to RW
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Havertz go 4-4-2
Winning -
75 Mins - J.Alba for Mendes, experience to see it out
83 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Greenwood, Locatelli for Tolisso
posted on 15/11/20
League Cup, Group A
Newcastle United v SHEFFIELD UNITED
--------------------------
Injuries: Rodon, Kelleher, Vanheusden, Vertonghen
--------------------------
u23 in squad: Lamptey, Justin, Cucurella, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Brooks, Verschaeren
NB. Lamptey, Cucurella, Koopmeiners are all playing the full 90 mins so u23 commitments are more than met.
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
A further Academy player (u19) - Mikki van Sas is an unused Goalkeeper on the bench
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Bale, James, Reus
Suárez
Subs: van Sas, Justin, Ampadu, Allan, Brooks, Verschaeren, Mertens
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Reus (Bale/Reus after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens after 75 mins)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Nathan Wood paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey 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 Marco Reus 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.
Lamptey 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 Marco Reus, 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, Reus & 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 & Reus 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
Ampadu on for Wood, Brooks on for James, 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
posted on 15/11/20
Under 23 - De Ligt, Kumbulla, Sancho, Aouar, McKennie, Chukwueze
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
-------------------- Lopes --------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Kumbulla -- Mendy
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Butland, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Eriksen, Geubbels, Chukwueze
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.
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 feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.
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 De Ligt will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Kumbulla will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The youngster sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind. If they play two up top our FB's will narrow, offering additional cover in behind the CB's. When in possession both having license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our dominant player in the middle. A top class CM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game 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. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention. Alongside him we have the young gun Xavi Simons. A talented youngster he forms the perfect double pivot in the middle of the park. He and Barella will control that area of the field and look to physically impose themselves on the opposition, winning back possession and getting the ball into our attacking players as quickly as possible.
Completing our midfield we have the instrumental De Bruyne. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward when in possession. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive ball. We look for him to play between the lines, dropping into pockets of space and supplying our forwards with Icardi ready to pounce at any moment.
He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish or striking a thunderbolt from distance. If the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any opportunity.
Forward:
Up top we go for goals with pacy Sane and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Sane and Sancho can be devastating and both have license to go at the opposition. With an attacking 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. We look to draw in opposition players, freeing up our other forward to pounce with quick incisive passing in the final third
Griezmann plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Griezmann could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Simons & Sancho off, McKennie & Geubbels on. Extra defensive covers as we revert to 4-5-1, shut up shop time as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Kumbulla & Casemiro off, Aouar & Eriksen on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
posted on 15/11/20
Under 23 - Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Brahim, Hudson-Odoi
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- R.Patricio -------------------
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar -- A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer ------------
---- H.Ziyech ---- P.Dybala ---- A.Martial ----
------------------ Timo Werner ------------------
Subs:
De Gea, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Maddison, Brahim, Hudson-Odoi, Ibrahimovic
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 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 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 4 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 4 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 four 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 Ziyech or Martial to break at speed or Dybala to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Werner will look to play on the the last man, look to use his pace to get in behind 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 Werner 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: Dybala off, Tchouaméni on.
80 mins: Bennacer off, Kilman 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:
75 mins: Bennacer & Ziyech off, Maddison & Ibrahimovic. 4-2-2-2 with Ibra and Werner up top as we go for the winner.
posted on 16/11/20
SOTON VS Arsenal
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Ramsdale, Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Isak
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------R Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------------Lo Celso--------------------
Wirtz---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
---------------------------------------Isak--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Szoboszlai, Ndidi, Bergwijn, Kubo, Adama Traore, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
PENALTIES - ISAK
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. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga 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/Wirtz 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 Camavinga 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
Wirtz + 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 Wirtz 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. Couto 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
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 Jovic for Camavinga and Bergwijn for Szoboszlai to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bergwijn--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------------Jovic---------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Ndidi in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Adama for Wirtz aswell to add more pace on the counter.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Couto-------------Upamecano-------------Dias--------------Nouri
----------------------------------------Ndidi----------------------------------
-----------------Valverde---------------------Camavinga------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama----------------------------Isak------------------------------Pulisic
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Wirtz
Szoboszlai on for Lo Celso
Bergwijn on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
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