Pompey vs Lesta
Injuries:
Donny Van De Beek
Harvey Barnes
Raul Jiminez
Igor Akinfeev
Slight switch up of formation today, continuing with the lack of fullbacks, it’s pretty much a back five and a front five, gives us a lot of defensive strength through the middle, and a lot of fire-power against Rof’s Leicester, yes we’ll get hurt on the counter and we’ll get hurt out-wide. But with effectively 5 up-top his defence and holding midfield will have to stay back, man for man he has the best side in the league, so no point going for the individual 1 v 1’s this is about getting his face and getting at his defence.
……………………………………….Ederson……………………………………..
…………………Ramos…………..Gomez………Torres…………………
…………………………….Barella…………Verratti………………….
Orsolini…………………………Grealish…………………….Doku
…………………………Ronaldo………………..Abraham………………..
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Coady, Pellegrini, Zielinski, Barnes, Lozano
Designated Youth – Doku
U23’s – Gomez, Torres, Barella, Orsolini, Abraham (All Start)
U23’s subs – Maximiano, Aarons, Barnes
None of this possession based slow-arse nonsense from us today…this is about soaking up the pressure from Leicester’s attack, turning them and hitting them hard and fast on the counter. The back three are solid and with the midfield screen, we won’t be over-run as the bodies are there allowing Ramos and Torres to drift wide as and when required.
Ramos club captain a born leader of men, marshalls his defence, we hold the 18yd line, yes it’s kinda deep but it leaves no real gap for the ball over the top or the run in behind, Ederson is quick off his line so if the balls does squeeze through he’s there, in possession Ramos is comfy on the ball, whilst we’re not all about the long ball he can hit those diagonals, Gomez is the sweeper in this system, mopping up any loose balls and fighting fires, Torres on the other side mirrors ramos, wide when needed, play it simple, just knock it down the line if needed.
Verratti and Barella – the double defensive screen, primary job is to cover the defence, be in the “hole” and stop Leicester’s intricate passing between our lines, in possession one goes up one stays back, they’ll alternate it, both are great on the ball and we want those long arching passes out to the wide-men, but to stop us being so predictable Grealish is always a willing receiver of the ball so will come and drop deep, get his head up drive forward, attracting Leicester players to him before offloading.
Orsolini has been one of those players that’s been potential for a long time, he’s starting to show it now so comes in on the RW, one of these modern wingers that spends a lot of time drifting into the box but today he’s staying out-wide and looking to stretch lesta’s defence nice and wide, 2 big targets to aim at in the box so we want him whipping balls in, when the balls on the other flank I want him drifting in at the back stick. Doku on the other side, whilst I know he’s a right pegger his role is slighty different in possession he can come inside and run at the defence, we want the over-loads and over-laps causing havoc in this Leicester defence, as Doke cuts inside, Grealish moves out wide ready to recycle possession or bang a cross in, we really are looking at getting 5 bodies in the third as well as one of Barella or Verratti on the edge of the D ready to pick up the clearance.
Ronaldo, the man the myth the legend, averaging a goal every 43 minutes since his performance enhancing Rona, big strong and athletic, more than a handful for the best of defences so Leicester should be worried. He’ll play off the shoulder of the last man, I know this is a waste of his talents but I want him as high up the pitch as possible to keep the Leicester defence deep and isolating their midfield and front line, the same applies to our wingers, stay as far forward as is possible (keeping onside obvs) and peg their full-backs back. Tammy has quick feet for a big man so makes the ideal target man, he’ll position himself smack bang central between Rof’s CB’s and give them a choice to make watch Tammy and risk losing Ronnie, double or quits I guess.
Subs 65 mins regardless of score -
Lozano > Orsolini, like for like
Barnes > Grealish, again like for like
Pellegrini > Verratti, more of a physical presence in the engine
Deadline passed now lose slots
U19s – Aaron Hickey & Yunus Musah (Filip Krastev on the bench)
U23s - Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Phil Foden, and Justin Kluivert (Donyell Malen on the bench)
---------------------Neuer
Mukiele----Akanji---Hernandez---Hickey
--------------------White
--------------Milinkovic-Savic
---Musah--------Foden-------Kluivert
---------------------Kane
Dunk
Castagne
Partey
Brozovic
Krastev
Depay
Malen
A bit of a swap around for this week, but keeping the formation the same. I think the 4-1-4-1 offers us good balance across the team. I have moved Ben White into the CDM role, but he has some experience here, and is more than adept enough to justify this decision, whilst Yunus Musah comes into start on the wing. His inexperience belies the talent and ability that he brings to the team. We want to see the following game plan today. High intensity pressing when off the ball, trying to win the ball back high up the pitch, with quick two-touch possession when on the ball in the middle, and plenty of pace and running on the flanks in an attempt to stretch the pitch and create space across it.
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 White 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. White can push out wide, to help provide options to our FBs, meaning they don’t get left isolated. When White 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. Musah and Kluivert 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 they are most dangerous. In Kane we have a genuine bagsman up front, a player capable of scoring all kind of goals, which allows us to show genuine variety in the types of approach play we employ. Kane should stick between the goalposts, making himself available for all types of assists, whether that be balls in behind, or crosses to his head or feet. He is potent in these areas, so we have to use him. I also want to see Foden pushing up and supporting inside the penalty area, as he is capable of scoring plenty himself, especially when pouncing on scraps and finding pockets of space as the opposition focus on keeping Kane quiet.
We need to press high up the pitch when we lose possesion, and I think we have the ideal attacking players for that game. Musah and Kluivert will press the wide areas, whilst Kane 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. When we have the ball in attack, Hickey and Mukiele may press up and support, providing options for the wideplay. White will then drop back, so that on the ball we play more of a 3-3-1-3. As White is naturally a CB he should be used to this rolel. Musah and Kluivert should drop off and support Hickey and Mukiele in the wide areas, whilst White 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. Hernandez 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 White is dragged away from these areas.
Substitutions
If winning
Akanji off for Partey 70 mins
White drops back into CB, with Partey adopting the CDM role in front of the CBs, offering us fresh legs in this area.
SMS off for Brozovic 75 mins
Fresh legs in the B2B role.
Foden off for Krastev 89 mins
Further fresh legs here, and Krastev will operate more as a second 8 alongside Brozovic.
If losing/drawing
Kluivert and Foden off for Depay and Malen 70 mins
More direct options for us in advanced areas. Depay offers us fresh legs and dramatic improvement, whilst Malen plays off Kane as a further option, providing more pace and running to the central areas.
Akanji off for Brozovic
Brozovic pushes up the pitch, allowing us to flood the middle of the park, with White slotting into the back four.
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
____________Kroos
________Alberto___Curtis
Salah______Ings________Podence
SUBS: Bamford, Kulusevski, Goretzka, Modric, Roca, Tonali, 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 Alberto, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Modric will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Kulusevski comes on for Podence, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about at RW. Salah goes LW.
If winning 80 mins: Tonali comes on for Curtis to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Gomez comes on for Curtis and play 2 up front.
U23: Tiramisu, Godfrey, Tielemans, Dembele, Guendouzi
U19: Williams
Counter 4-4-1-1
We have a team full of power, athleticism and pace. We defend deep in a strong narrow defensive unit. We look to overpower the opposition midfield, they lack the pace and power we have in midfield so we hit them hard and attack with pace. We let the opposition have possession and we then press hard when they enter our third. A pressing game that will save our energy, invite the opposition forward, and allow us to keep our energy for hitting them hard and with pace on the counter.
Defensively we steal a page from the Simeone book. The formation though defensive gives freedom to Pogba to be find space central or wide when we break in attack when he does get forward and gets the most out of Dembele’s electrifying pace breaking from deep to expose the space left behind their lb. Son plays as a second striker not an AM. Son targets their fbs, or the space left behind them. And so the central position allows him to target whichever he wants, and switch from side to side to expose space.
Their front three are their main threat and they will struggle up against our defensive side, with no pace in behind. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball, Son sits on their dm and when they do get to the final third we’ll be all over them and not allow them to breathe.
We look to attack down the wings targeting their fbs who are poor defensively and attacking they at pace. Son in unbelievable form we look to use his pace on the break to target the defence, if the space is on the right or left he targets that area.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to overpower them when they do get into our third. Force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Guendouzi is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Dembele and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, 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.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder opposite play 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 on the break. We look to find Son on the break, stretch them. One fb supports at a time, but does not get to advanced. If the counter doesn’t work, the fb should not be too far ahead of the other 3 defenders. In a deeper wide position where they can seek to cross in behind for Lukaku and Son to get on to.
———————————- Lloris
Tomiyasu — Koulibaly — Godfrey — B.Williams
Dembele — Tielemans — Guendouzi — Pogba
——————————— Son.H-M
————————————Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Lenglet, Ndombele, Nkunku, Carrasco, Benzema, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Guendouzi defends in front cbs so ally while the other 3 cms marrow to the side of play and Son sits on their dm, take him out the game. 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 then great they can’t hurt us. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line. When we win the ball, we break fast.
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 intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Nkunku for Dembele fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Moise Kean for Lukaku. Pace against tired cbs. Show who the real PSG superstar is.
If drawing after 68 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi. 4-4-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Pogba. More attacking and fresh energy.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Benzema for Lukaku.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. 4231.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for Dembele. 4-2-2-2. Carrasco and Son wide. Direct to the two big men.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi.
U23 - all bar Laporte and Rodri. U19 - Eduardo Quaresma andBilly Gilmour
High tempo 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.
In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Gilmour next to Rodri, and Mount offering exuberance in front. Gilmour our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Billy boy who press the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Cunha, Osimhen and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt the opposition.
Laporte the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Mount supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
————————— Henderson
Quaresma — Militao —Laporte — Theo.H
———————- Rodri — B.Gilmour
M.Cunha ———— M.Mount ———— Jesus
——————————Osimhen
Subs. Schmeichel, Marquinhos, Neves, M, Fernandes, Mane, Sterling, Kudus
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As they advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Mount drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Gilmour pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Gilmour behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Gilmour effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When the Pompous get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha and Mane for Jesus. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
Best defence is attack, put pressure on their defence taking it off ours.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount and Sterling for Cunha.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mane for Gilmour. 4-2-2-2. Gung ho.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Fernandes for Theo and Mane for Mount. 3-5-2. Mane up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 4 (vs Leeds)
Captain – Assunção
Vice Captain – Gabriel
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles (Marcelo & Kaique)
-------------------Simón
Emerson---Gabriel---Botman--- Lodi
----------Assunção--Guimarães
Antony--------Rodríguez--------Talles
-------------------Núñez
SUBS – Marcelo, Kaique, Fuchs, Henrique, Palacios, Zaracho, Kaio
Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Guimarães and Assunção holding in the middle with Rodríguez just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Núñez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Rodríguez, 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 Assunção and Guimarães 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 Guimarães) 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, Gabriel and Assunção expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Núñez or Talles
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Fuchs for Botman and Zaracho for Antony – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Kaio for Assunção, and Zaracho for Antony (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
----------------Guimarães
Zaracho----Rodríguez------Talles
-----------Núñez --Kaio
CHELSEA v arsenal
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, J.Alba, Pellegrini, Neymar
U23 - Bissaka, Locatelli, de Jong, Havertz, Greenwood
U19 - Badiashile
-------------------------- Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka --- V.van Dijk --- Badiashile --- Jordi Alba
--------- Pellegrini --- Locatelli --- F. de Jong ---------
- Havertz ----------- Greenwood ------------- Neymar -
Meslier, Kamara, Bentancur, Zaniolo, Haaland, A.Gouiri,(All U23) Samardzic (U19)
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 Locatelli ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, 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, Badiashile spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so 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 Pellegrini 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 Badiashile to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Locatelli is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, 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, having a player like Locatelli aloows more time forde Jong and Pellegrini, hemust 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 Pellegrini 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. Pellegrini 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 to receive a pass and drive on. 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 & Locatelli stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Havertz and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Pellegrini 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 & Pellegrini so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Greenwood is well supported, especially Neymar/Havertz/Pellegrini 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/drawing -
65 Mins - Haaland for Pellegrini 4-4-2
Losing
75 Mins - Jordi Alba to LM, Bissaka to RCB, Neymar and Greenwood either side of Haaland
82 Mins - Gouiri for Alba - very attacking 3-4-3
Drawing -
75 Mins - Gouiri for Greenwood, Zaniolo for Havertz, fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Pellegrini, Haaland for Greenwood, fresh legs on
83 Mins - Zaniolo for Havertz
Comment deleted by Article Creator
Sorry made a mistake! Could you delete the above fan?
League Cup, Group A
Southampton v SHEFFIELD UNITED
--------------------------
9 x u23 players in squad
Inc. Cucurella, Gallagher and Verschaeren playing the full 90 mins
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Gallagher, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Verschaeren
Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Neco Williams, Justin, Rodon, Koopmeiners, Allan, Brooks
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Gallagher (Bale/Gallagher after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez
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 Conor Gallagher and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Gallagher 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 Gallagher 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, Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher 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 Gallagher such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Yari Verschaeren 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 Gallagher or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Gallagher and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Yari Verschaeren, 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, Verschaeren & 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 & Verschaeren 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, Neco Williams on for Lamptey, Brooks on for James
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 - all bar Laporte, Rodri and Sterling. U19 - Quaresma
High tempo 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.
In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Neves next to Rodri, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Neves our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Neves who presses the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Spurs, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Cunha the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Spurs.
Laporte the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Felix supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
—————————— Henderson
Quaresma — Militao —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————Rodri —— Neves
——————————— J.Felix
—- Sterling ————————————- M.Cunha -—
——————————— Lautaro
Subs. Schmeichel, Marquinhos, Thiago, M.Mount, S.Mane, Mahrez, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As they advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Neves pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Neves behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Neves effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When the Spurs get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Mane for Cunha. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Felix. More energy.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Laimer for Neves. Pace and energy in Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mane and Mount for Neves and Cunha. More attacking energy in Cm and Mane to add the quality
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. Gung ho. Lautaro playing just off Osimhen in front two.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Mane for Theo. 3–5-2. Mane up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Rodri. More energy in Cm with the 3 at the back. Neves plays dm role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Cunha. Mane to lw.
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - J.Pedro. U23 - Hakimi, Tapsoba, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Diaby. + Nkunku coming on 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 — Tapsoba — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Joao Pedro ———————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, B.Williams, Witsel, Rabiot, Nkunku, Carrasco, 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 Carrasco for Pedro fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Nkunku for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Carrasco for Guendouzi and J.Pedro. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Hakimi. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Benzema for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
U23: Calabria Tonali Kulu Curtis Jota Gomez
U19: Rhys
____________Chesney
Calabria____Rhys___Carlos___Besenbaini
___________Tonali
Kulu___Silva___Curtis___Jota
____________Gomez
SUBS: Henderson, Kroos, Modric, Goretzka, Bamford, Ings, Alberto
Captain: Silva
Penalties: Jota
Set Piece: Silva
The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. 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 and 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. 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.
The right centre mid will drop in so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The defensive mid will press the space at the back of our midfield.
By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.
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, wherever they are on the pitch. 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 back to the defensive mid to keep possession and to keep the ball moving.
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 defensive midfielder. 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 defensive mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
65 mins: Alberto comes on for Curtis, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Alberto will add creative ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Bamford comes on for Gomez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Henderson comes on for Tonali to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Ings comes on for Silva and play 2 up front.
Under 23 - De Ligt, Sancho, Konate, Kumbulla, Aouar, McKennie
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
------------------ Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Konate -- Marcelo
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Subs: Butland, Kumbulla, McKennie, Aouar, Geubbels, Hazard, 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. Konate 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: Marcelo & Casemiro off, Hazard & Icardi on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
Under 23 - Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Brahim, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- R.Patricio -------------------
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar -- A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer -----------
---- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- K.Coman ---
--------------------- P.Dybala --------------------
Subs:
De Gea, Hummels, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Pjanic, Brahim, Leao
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.β¨β¨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 Coman to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Dybala 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 Dybala 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, Pjanic 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 & Coman off, Leao & Brahim. 4-2-2-2 with Dybala & Leao up top as we go for the winner.
SOTON VS Sheffield United
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Reinier, Wirtz, Pulisic, Rashford
--------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------Lo Celso--------Camavinga-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wirtz--------------------------Reinier-----------------------Pulisic
----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Ramsdale, Dest, Ndidi, McTominay, I Sarr, Bergwijn, 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 Mids
Camavinga + Lo Celso
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 Lo Celso. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Wirtz and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Lo Celso 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.
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 Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in..
Attack Mid
Reinier Jesus
Reinier will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
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 Lo Celso and Sarr for Wirtz to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
-------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford-----------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Reinier and put on Ndidi in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Lo Celso to add more energy in the centre of midfield. .
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano------Dias------Ndidi--------Nouri
----------------------McTom--------------Camavinga-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------Wirtz----------------------Rashford--------------------Pulisic--
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Wirtz
McTominay on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
U19s – Aaron Hickey (with Yunus Musah and Simon Sohm on the bench)
U23s – Phil Foden, Federico Chiesa, and Justin Kluivert (with Nordi Mukiele, Alexis Saelamakers and Donyell Malen on the bench)
--------------------Neuer
-------Akanji-----Tah----Hernandez
Castagne-------SMS--------------Hickey
------------------Foden
----Chiesa------Kane-----Kluivert
Pope
Mee
Mukiele
Sohm
Musah
Saelamakers
Malen
Going back to the 3-3-1-3 for this week, as I like the defensive base that the three at the back gives us, whilst allowing us extra men to contribute to the attack. This allows for us to put more pace on the pitch, with Castagne and Hickey offering us attacking options as wing backs. SMS gets his first game as a deep lying player, but we know that he is more than capable of operating in this system. We also have plenty of pace in the attacking two, meaning that we should really be able to dominate in these wide areas. We have players that are very capable of keeping the ball, so we should avoid rshing the play unless we need to, instead allowing for quick movement of the ball with a two touch system, building our attacks quickly from deep. In short, we are hoping to emulate Bielsaball, moving the ball quickly, but not rushing with long balls forward.
The defensive base is made of four players who are all very comfortable on the ball, meaning that we can move it around quite quickly. When on the ball, Akanji and Hernandez can push out further wide, near to the conventional FB roles, making it harder for the opposition to press these areas. Neuer is one of the best sweeper keepers in the world, and give us an extra option for moving the ball. SMS is also an option here, dropping deep to provide another out ball for the defensive players. Castagne and Hickey will sit on the touchline, slightly more advanced, providing another out ball, and continuing to stretch the pitch, making it both difficult to press, and also creating space across the pitch. Foden and the other attacking players will remain advanced. When our advanced defensive players, like Hickey, SMS, and Castagne, will look for these players when the time is right to transition from defence to attack.
When we get the ball into the attacking half of the pitch, we need to first look for the pace and movement in behind, with Chiesa and Kluivert looking to contribute in this area. If this doesn’t work, then we need to show more patience. Hickey and Castagne will push up to overlap the wide players, whilst SMS will get up and provide another option. Kane should stick between the goalposts, where he is most potent, contributing both in and out of the penalty area. When he has his back to goal, he will look to utilise the quick players playing off him. As seen in my teamsheet, Chiesa and Kluivert play as inside forwards, sitting further in from the touchline, meaning they can alternate between targetting the FBs or the CBs, and should drag the opposition FBs into a more central position, creating space for the overlapping players. Foden will push in and support Kane, but will also obviously contribute to the quick movement of the play around the edge of the penalty area. I think we have the options here to be consistently incisive.
Should we lose possession in these areas, a high press should be instantly engaged. Our attacking three will target the opposition defence and goalkeepers, with Foden pushing up to support them should we need an extra man. Otherwise, he will sit on the opposition’s deepest midfielder, making it difficult for them to play the ball out from the back. This system should make it so that the opposition struggles to hold the ball in their third, either being forced into long balls forward, or being pressed into mistakes that we can pounce upon and transition back into the attacking style. This should also buy time for Hickey, Castagne and SMS to get back into their defensive positions, meaning we are ready for if they manage to break past our press.
The back seven will take up the space I set in the tactics. Akanji and Hernandez can push slightly wider, to cover the wide areas. Hickey and Castagne will step up and press the wide players of the opposition before they get into dangerous areas. SMS will press the midfielders in front of the defence. We also have pace in our defence, capable of covering deep spaces in behind, so we shouldn’t get too exposed in this area.
Substitutions
If winning
Phil Foden off for Yunus Musah 70 mins
A deeper option in the centre of midfield, operating as more of a box to box midfielder than a conventional number 10
Justin Kluivert and Timothy Castagne off for Alexis Saelamakers and Nordi Mukiele 75 mins
Saelamakers on the right and Chiesa swaps over to the left. Mukiele is a more comfortable defensive option at RB than Castagne
If losing/drawing
Jonathan Tah off for Donyell Malen 65 mins
Switch to a back four, with Malen going up top to support Kane with a bit more pace.
Justin Kluivert off for Yunus Musah 70 mins
Fresh legs on the right, with Chiesa on the left.
Wolves vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries: Gagliardini, Lozano, Coady, Ibanez
………………………Ederson…………………………
Walker………Ramos……..Torres………..Reguilon
……………………………Barella……………………………
Doku…………………Grealish……………..Barnes
………………Jiminez……………Ronaldo………………….
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Mings, Verratti, Jorginho, Orsolini, Abraham
U19 – Doku
U23 – Torres, Reguilon, Barella, Barnes (all start) Maximiano, Aarons, Orsolini, Abraham (bench)
2 tough games on my return and the 3rd one isn’t much easier, we’ve gone a slightly more conventional formation this week, only slight, keeps my principle of a 5-5 but with a flat back four giving us more defensive width.
Walker and Reguilon are both given freedom to attack at will over-lap their winger so our wide-men can cut inside and cause the numbers advantages in the final third, lets be fair Walker can’t defend for sh!t so the further from my goal he is the better.
Ramos is perhaps the greatest ever Spanish defender and full time dirty bassa, he could teach an Italian a dark art or two, club captain marshalls the defence and quietly goes about his business, keep it simple keep it moving. Torres alongside is officially the greatest ever left footed centre-half he’ll play as the spare span (no welshy not a sweeper, put ya lube away)
No value in playing 2 holding midfielders they stifle the play and take each others space, so Barella Inter milan legend plays infront of the back 4, but he’s more box-to-box gets the ball drives it forward, rinse and repeat.
Barnes and Doku, inside forwards attack the spaces between CB and FB, in the knowledge our own FB’s are running the line lets get those over-loads working.
Grealish traditional #10, drifts wide or deep to collect the ball, intelligent player (by Villa standards atleast) will draw players to him before offloading.
Raul and Ronaldo have a bit of everything, pace power, dashing good looks and goal threat, that’s just Raul, Ronaldo is half decent too….
im gonna stop now cus its hometime
CHELSEA v s.utd
Remiro, Manolas O23
Samardzic U23
Rest U23
------------------------- Remiro --------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- Manolas ---- Zagadou ---- B.Chilwell
------------------------- Kamara --------------------------
-------------- Bentancur ----- Samardzic --------------
F.Torres ---------------------------------------- A.Gouiri
------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Meslier, Nianzou, Locatelli, Havertz, Mbappe, Neymar, N.Mendes
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 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, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Zagadou picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Manolas spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so 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 PBentnacur OR Samardzic to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Manolas and Zagadou to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Kamara sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Kamara is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, 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, having a player like Kamara allows more time for Bentancur and Samardzi,c he 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. Bentancur 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 Samardzic 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. Samardzic 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 to receive a pass and drive on. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass he can make up the extra man further forward as Bentancur/Samardzic 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 Gouiri anmd Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Samardzic to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Samardzic and Haaland so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and Samardzic 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 - Manolas
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Samardzic/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Mbappe for Samardzic, go up front 442/424, Neymar for Gouiri
75 Mins - Havertz for Ferran
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Samardzic, Mendes for Gouiri 4141
80 Mins - Mbappe for Haaland
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 5 (away to Spurs)
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles & Kaique
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-----------------Simón
Kaique--Felipe—Botman----Lodi
---------------Assunção
-----Guimarães---Rodríguez
Veron--------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Ivan, Viña, Gabriel, Henrique, Azate, Zaracho, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very aZarachoe. 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: Assunção 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. Guimarães and Rodríguez will play just in front of Assunção. Guimarães will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Rodríguez will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. 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.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron 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 Rodríguez, Guimarães and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside 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 Rodríguez 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 big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. 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 power 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: Rodríguez, Talles or Veron with Felipe, Botman, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Talles (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Henrique for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Zaracho for Guimarães and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Zaracho offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Assunção
Zaracho-----Rodríguez----Talles
---------Núñez---Evanilson
4-3-1-2 High tempo
U19: Gilmour
U23: All bar Schmeichel and Alaba
At home we go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with an incredibly high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch.
Wolves have great quality in attack, but we feel our pace and trickery in attack can cause them problems to get the win, we look to exploit this.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Gilmour plays in a disciplined deep role, Laimer the white Kante is a pressing machine and will bring huge energy to midfield while Mount’s high work rate in front of defence offers a very strong defensive midfield trio despite not having a natural dm.
The front three have freedom to play central or wide giving fluency to the play. We have fantastic pace in the front two, width is created from the drifting of the forwards, the movement of attacking mids and the marauding fbs. Target the opposition cbs with pace, and get at them down the outside of cbs and inside of fbs where the fbs aren’t the strongest defensively.
The organisation of a team's play and the inter-linking between the individual blocks is simpler using 4-3-1-2 more refined and more objective. The distances players have to cover is less, and things happen faster. With a single pass from midfield there can be somebody near the ball close to the opponent's goal. We have less natural width when defending but Laimer and Mount have the energy to get across and help the fbs defensively.
Formation also offers flexibility as the midfield trio narrow to the side we are defending. Felix then drops in to the midfield four on the opposite side of play. We will drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a compact unit. Defence starts with the all action front two, we will defend all over the pitch.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace and look to play direct and get the ball to Felix and the front two quickly. The three front players have freedom to play wide or central, find space behind their midfield. We seek to play direct and to hit the opposition on the counter.
One full back will have freedom to attack at a time, one bombing down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly.
Though we look to play direct, only long balls are to feet or into space for players to run on to. The front two offer high work rate, pace and great ability on the ball.
—————————— Schmeichel
R.James —— Militao —— Alaba —— Theo
———— Laimer — B.Gilmour — Mount
——————————— J.Felix
———————— Jesus —— M.Cunha
Subs. Carvajal, Rodri, Thiago, B.Fernandes, Mane, Sterling, Lautaro
High press defence
The front two have fantastic work rates and will work together as the first block. The attacking mid will defend behind making a defensive box.
Once the opposition get past this box press, the team drop to take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Felix on the opposite side of play. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter our half we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Cunha then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us. Jesus always up on the last man looking to split two of the opposition defence.
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 Laimer and Mount to press the pay, leaving Gilmour goal side zonal guarding cbs. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
Alaba the defensive leader at the back, Militao man marks, Alaba with the intelligence and pace to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. The full backs always seek to push their wide players out wide.
When we attack we push forward as a team as the defence push up. We have pace at the back to guard against counter attacks.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Rodri and Mane for Gilmour and Felix. Mane left, Cunha right in 4-3-3.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Bruno Fernandes and Mane for Felix and Mount. 433. Mane left, Cunha right.
If drawing or losing after 72 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha..
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Chelsea
Academy player = Ian Maatsen (subbed off on 75)
U23 - 10 in squad of which 3 (Lamptey, Rodon & Koopmeiners are playing the entire 90)
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Maatsen
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Mertens
Subs: Kelleher, Justin, Vanheusden, Cucurella, Allan, Gallagher, Verschaeren
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/Reus
Penalties: Mertens
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Ian Maatsen 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, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Dries Mertens as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Maatsen 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.
David Brooks, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Mertens to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Mertens clinical finishing means that he is always a danger in the opponent's box. He has the ability to find space for himself or his teammates even when he is tightly marked by defenders. He'll drop deep at times, but will also spend much of his time playing on the shoulder of the opponents’ deepest defender, stretching play and threatening to break in behind with his electric pace.
Subs on 75 mins
Cucurella on for Maatsen and Verschaeren on for Brooks
Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
Under 23 - De Ligt, Sancho, Konate, Aouar, Chukwueze
Youth - X.Simons
-------------------- Lopes -----------------
Cancelo -- Konate --- N.Ake -- Marcelo
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ----------
Chukwueze ----- Fabian ------- Hazard
-------------------- Icardi -----------------
Subs:
Courtois, De Ligt, Aouar, De Bruyne, Sancho, Sane, Griezmann
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 Konate 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 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 Fabian. 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 Chukwueze and Hazard flanking the Icardi in the middle. In one on one situations our wide players 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
Icardi 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 Icardi 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: Chukwueze & Fabian off, Sancho & Aouar on. Fresh legs as we look to keep our energy levels high and hit them on the break as they inevitably push men forward.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Fabian, Chukwueze &Casemiro off, De Bruyne, Sancho & Griezmann on. We bring on the heavy artillery with Sancho & Hazard on the flanks with Icardi & Griezmann up top. Goals.
Under 23 - Hudson-Odoi, Bennacer, Kilman, Gakpo, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- De Gea
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
----------- S.Roberto --- Bennacer
Hudson-Odoi ---- Dybala ----- Werner
------------------ Ibrahimovic
Subs:
Patricio, Kilman, Torreira, Ziyech, Gakpo, Leao, Martial
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.β¨β¨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 2 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 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 Werner to break at speed or Dybala to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Ibrahimovic will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his fantastic movement 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:
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/losing:
70 mins: Hummels & Ibra off, Martial & Ziyech on. 3-4-3 with Werner, Dybala & Martial up top as we go for goals.
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Tactics
Page 25 of 69
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posted on 16/11/20
Pompey vs Lesta
Injuries:
Donny Van De Beek
Harvey Barnes
Raul Jiminez
Igor Akinfeev
Slight switch up of formation today, continuing with the lack of fullbacks, it’s pretty much a back five and a front five, gives us a lot of defensive strength through the middle, and a lot of fire-power against Rof’s Leicester, yes we’ll get hurt on the counter and we’ll get hurt out-wide. But with effectively 5 up-top his defence and holding midfield will have to stay back, man for man he has the best side in the league, so no point going for the individual 1 v 1’s this is about getting his face and getting at his defence.
……………………………………….Ederson……………………………………..
…………………Ramos…………..Gomez………Torres…………………
…………………………….Barella…………Verratti………………….
Orsolini…………………………Grealish…………………….Doku
…………………………Ronaldo………………..Abraham………………..
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Coady, Pellegrini, Zielinski, Barnes, Lozano
Designated Youth – Doku
U23’s – Gomez, Torres, Barella, Orsolini, Abraham (All Start)
U23’s subs – Maximiano, Aarons, Barnes
None of this possession based slow-arse nonsense from us today…this is about soaking up the pressure from Leicester’s attack, turning them and hitting them hard and fast on the counter. The back three are solid and with the midfield screen, we won’t be over-run as the bodies are there allowing Ramos and Torres to drift wide as and when required.
Ramos club captain a born leader of men, marshalls his defence, we hold the 18yd line, yes it’s kinda deep but it leaves no real gap for the ball over the top or the run in behind, Ederson is quick off his line so if the balls does squeeze through he’s there, in possession Ramos is comfy on the ball, whilst we’re not all about the long ball he can hit those diagonals, Gomez is the sweeper in this system, mopping up any loose balls and fighting fires, Torres on the other side mirrors ramos, wide when needed, play it simple, just knock it down the line if needed.
Verratti and Barella – the double defensive screen, primary job is to cover the defence, be in the “hole” and stop Leicester’s intricate passing between our lines, in possession one goes up one stays back, they’ll alternate it, both are great on the ball and we want those long arching passes out to the wide-men, but to stop us being so predictable Grealish is always a willing receiver of the ball so will come and drop deep, get his head up drive forward, attracting Leicester players to him before offloading.
Orsolini has been one of those players that’s been potential for a long time, he’s starting to show it now so comes in on the RW, one of these modern wingers that spends a lot of time drifting into the box but today he’s staying out-wide and looking to stretch lesta’s defence nice and wide, 2 big targets to aim at in the box so we want him whipping balls in, when the balls on the other flank I want him drifting in at the back stick. Doku on the other side, whilst I know he’s a right pegger his role is slighty different in possession he can come inside and run at the defence, we want the over-loads and over-laps causing havoc in this Leicester defence, as Doke cuts inside, Grealish moves out wide ready to recycle possession or bang a cross in, we really are looking at getting 5 bodies in the third as well as one of Barella or Verratti on the edge of the D ready to pick up the clearance.
Ronaldo, the man the myth the legend, averaging a goal every 43 minutes since his performance enhancing Rona, big strong and athletic, more than a handful for the best of defences so Leicester should be worried. He’ll play off the shoulder of the last man, I know this is a waste of his talents but I want him as high up the pitch as possible to keep the Leicester defence deep and isolating their midfield and front line, the same applies to our wingers, stay as far forward as is possible (keeping onside obvs) and peg their full-backs back. Tammy has quick feet for a big man so makes the ideal target man, he’ll position himself smack bang central between Rof’s CB’s and give them a choice to make watch Tammy and risk losing Ronnie, double or quits I guess.
Subs 65 mins regardless of score -
Lozano > Orsolini, like for like
Barnes > Grealish, again like for like
Pellegrini > Verratti, more of a physical presence in the engine
posted on 16/11/20
Deadline passed now lose slots
posted on 16/11/20
U19s – Aaron Hickey & Yunus Musah (Filip Krastev on the bench)
U23s - Nordi Mukiele, Ben White, Phil Foden, and Justin Kluivert (Donyell Malen on the bench)
---------------------Neuer
Mukiele----Akanji---Hernandez---Hickey
--------------------White
--------------Milinkovic-Savic
---Musah--------Foden-------Kluivert
---------------------Kane
Dunk
Castagne
Partey
Brozovic
Krastev
Depay
Malen
A bit of a swap around for this week, but keeping the formation the same. I think the 4-1-4-1 offers us good balance across the team. I have moved Ben White into the CDM role, but he has some experience here, and is more than adept enough to justify this decision, whilst Yunus Musah comes into start on the wing. His inexperience belies the talent and ability that he brings to the team. We want to see the following game plan today. High intensity pressing when off the ball, trying to win the ball back high up the pitch, with quick two-touch possession when on the ball in the middle, and plenty of pace and running on the flanks in an attempt to stretch the pitch and create space across it.
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 White 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. White can push out wide, to help provide options to our FBs, meaning they don’t get left isolated. When White 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. Musah and Kluivert 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 they are most dangerous. In Kane we have a genuine bagsman up front, a player capable of scoring all kind of goals, which allows us to show genuine variety in the types of approach play we employ. Kane should stick between the goalposts, making himself available for all types of assists, whether that be balls in behind, or crosses to his head or feet. He is potent in these areas, so we have to use him. I also want to see Foden pushing up and supporting inside the penalty area, as he is capable of scoring plenty himself, especially when pouncing on scraps and finding pockets of space as the opposition focus on keeping Kane quiet.
We need to press high up the pitch when we lose possesion, and I think we have the ideal attacking players for that game. Musah and Kluivert will press the wide areas, whilst Kane 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. When we have the ball in attack, Hickey and Mukiele may press up and support, providing options for the wideplay. White will then drop back, so that on the ball we play more of a 3-3-1-3. As White is naturally a CB he should be used to this rolel. Musah and Kluivert should drop off and support Hickey and Mukiele in the wide areas, whilst White 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. Hernandez 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 White is dragged away from these areas.
Substitutions
If winning
Akanji off for Partey 70 mins
White drops back into CB, with Partey adopting the CDM role in front of the CBs, offering us fresh legs in this area.
SMS off for Brozovic 75 mins
Fresh legs in the B2B role.
Foden off for Krastev 89 mins
Further fresh legs here, and Krastev will operate more as a second 8 alongside Brozovic.
If losing/drawing
Kluivert and Foden off for Depay and Malen 70 mins
More direct options for us in advanced areas. Depay offers us fresh legs and dramatic improvement, whilst Malen plays off Kane as a further option, providing more pace and running to the central areas.
Akanji off for Brozovic
Brozovic pushes up the pitch, allowing us to flood the middle of the park, with White slotting into the back four.
posted on 16/11/20
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
___________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
____________Kroos
________Alberto___Curtis
Salah______Ings________Podence
SUBS: Bamford, Kulusevski, Goretzka, Modric, Roca, Tonali, 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 Alberto, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Modric will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Kulusevski comes on for Podence, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about at RW. Salah goes LW.
If winning 80 mins: Tonali comes on for Curtis to close out the game.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Gomez comes on for Curtis and play 2 up front.
posted on 17/11/20
U23: Tiramisu, Godfrey, Tielemans, Dembele, Guendouzi
U19: Williams
Counter 4-4-1-1
We have a team full of power, athleticism and pace. We defend deep in a strong narrow defensive unit. We look to overpower the opposition midfield, they lack the pace and power we have in midfield so we hit them hard and attack with pace. We let the opposition have possession and we then press hard when they enter our third. A pressing game that will save our energy, invite the opposition forward, and allow us to keep our energy for hitting them hard and with pace on the counter.
Defensively we steal a page from the Simeone book. The formation though defensive gives freedom to Pogba to be find space central or wide when we break in attack when he does get forward and gets the most out of Dembele’s electrifying pace breaking from deep to expose the space left behind their lb. Son plays as a second striker not an AM. Son targets their fbs, or the space left behind them. And so the central position allows him to target whichever he wants, and switch from side to side to expose space.
Their front three are their main threat and they will struggle up against our defensive side, with no pace in behind. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball, Son sits on their dm and when they do get to the final third we’ll be all over them and not allow them to breathe.
We look to attack down the wings targeting their fbs who are poor defensively and attacking they at pace. Son in unbelievable form we look to use his pace on the break to target the defence, if the space is on the right or left he targets that area.
The opposition have real quality in midfield, and so we look to overpower them when they do get into our third. Force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Guendouzi is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Dembele and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, 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.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder opposite play 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 on the break. We look to find Son on the break, stretch them. One fb supports at a time, but does not get to advanced. If the counter doesn’t work, the fb should not be too far ahead of the other 3 defenders. In a deeper wide position where they can seek to cross in behind for Lukaku and Son to get on to.
———————————- Lloris
Tomiyasu — Koulibaly — Godfrey — B.Williams
Dembele — Tielemans — Guendouzi — Pogba
——————————— Son.H-M
————————————Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Lenglet, Ndombele, Nkunku, Carrasco, Benzema, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Guendouzi defends in front cbs so ally while the other 3 cms marrow to the side of play and Son sits on their dm, take him out the game. 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 then great they can’t hurt us. Two experienced cbs are key for this ensuring we keep a strong line. When we win the ball, we break fast.
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 intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Nkunku for Dembele fresh pace and energy in midfield.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi.
If winning after 82 mins bring on Moise Kean for Lukaku. Pace against tired cbs. Show who the real PSG superstar is.
If drawing after 68 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi. 4-4-2.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Pogba. More attacking and fresh energy.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Benzema for Lukaku.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Carrasco for Pogba. 4231.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for Dembele. 4-2-2-2. Carrasco and Son wide. Direct to the two big men.
If losing after 78 mins bring on Ndombele for Guendouzi.
posted on 17/11/20
U23 - all bar Laporte and Rodri. U19 - Eduardo Quaresma andBilly Gilmour
High tempo 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.
In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Gilmour next to Rodri, and Mount offering exuberance in front. Gilmour our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Billy boy who press the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Pompey, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Cunha, Osimhen and Jesus the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt the opposition.
Laporte the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Mount supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
————————— Henderson
Quaresma — Militao —Laporte — Theo.H
———————- Rodri — B.Gilmour
M.Cunha ———— M.Mount ———— Jesus
——————————Osimhen
Subs. Schmeichel, Marquinhos, Neves, M, Fernandes, Mane, Sterling, Kudus
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As they advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Mount drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Gilmour pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Gilmour behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Gilmour effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When the Pompous get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha and Mane for Jesus. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
Best defence is attack, put pressure on their defence taking it off ours.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount and Sterling for Cunha.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mane for Gilmour. 4-2-2-2. Gung ho.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Fernandes for Theo and Mane for Mount. 3-5-2. Mane up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha
posted on 19/11/20
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 4 (vs Leeds)
Captain – Assunção
Vice Captain – Gabriel
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles (Marcelo & Kaique)
-------------------Simón
Emerson---Gabriel---Botman--- Lodi
----------Assunção--Guimarães
Antony--------Rodríguez--------Talles
-------------------Núñez
SUBS – Marcelo, Kaique, Fuchs, Henrique, Palacios, Zaracho, Kaio
Today we will concentrate on doing what we do best and playing to our strengths – keeping hold of the ball and working it simply around the park. Nothing flash or risky – just possession football. Patience could be the key and if we keep it tight we have the personnel to get us a goal. We have pace to move the ball forward very quickly and enough pace to regain our shape if the opposition turn it around and try and counter us. This is a formation that can slot into a number of systems. We can easily slip into a 4-3-3, 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 depending on how the match pans out. When defending it will be more of a defensive 4-4-2 with Guimarães and Assunção holding in the middle with Rodríguez just in front pressing the opposition and making a nuisance of himself. The whole team will sit that wee bit deeper but always ready for any possible counter.
With the ability of our team to change formation depending on the circumstances I think we have enough in midfield and out wide to starve them from the ball. We will be looking to get bodies in the box. With fast and fluid attacking play Núñez will always have support in this area and our wide men will always have a target to get the ball in to. With the trickery of Rodríguez, 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 Assunção and Guimarães 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 Guimarães) 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, Gabriel and Assunção expected to go up for attacking set plays.
Penalties - Núñez or Talles
SUBS
If Winning (on 75 mins) – Fuchs for Botman and Zaracho for Antony – (Straight Swap)
If losing (on 70 mins) – Kaio for Assunção, and Zaracho for Antony (Switch to attacking 4-1-3-2):
----------------Guimarães
Zaracho----Rodríguez------Talles
-----------Núñez --Kaio
posted on 19/11/20
CHELSEA v arsenal
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, J.Alba, Pellegrini, Neymar
U23 - Bissaka, Locatelli, de Jong, Havertz, Greenwood
U19 - Badiashile
-------------------------- Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka --- V.van Dijk --- Badiashile --- Jordi Alba
--------- Pellegrini --- Locatelli --- F. de Jong ---------
- Havertz ----------- Greenwood ------------- Neymar -
Meslier, Kamara, Bentancur, Zaniolo, Haaland, A.Gouiri,(All U23) Samardzic (U19)
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 Locatelli ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, 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, Badiashile spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so 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 Pellegrini 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 Badiashile to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Locatelli is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, 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, having a player like Locatelli aloows more time forde Jong and Pellegrini, hemust 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 Pellegrini 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. Pellegrini 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 to receive a pass and drive on. 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 & Locatelli stay and cover. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Havertz and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Pellegrini 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 & Pellegrini so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Greenwood is well supported, especially Neymar/Havertz/Pellegrini 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/drawing -
65 Mins - Haaland for Pellegrini 4-4-2
Losing
75 Mins - Jordi Alba to LM, Bissaka to RCB, Neymar and Greenwood either side of Haaland
82 Mins - Gouiri for Alba - very attacking 3-4-3
Drawing -
75 Mins - Gouiri for Greenwood, Zaniolo for Havertz, fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Pellegrini, Haaland for Greenwood, fresh legs on
83 Mins - Zaniolo for Havertz
posted on 21/11/20
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 21/11/20
Sorry made a mistake! Could you delete the above fan?
posted on 21/11/20
League Cup, Group A
Southampton v SHEFFIELD UNITED
--------------------------
9 x u23 players in squad
Inc. Cucurella, Gallagher and Verschaeren playing the full 90 mins
In addition to the above:
Academy Player (u19): Nathan Wood (Middlesbrough) plays for 75 minutes before being substituted
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Wood, Cucurella
Gallagher, Höjbjerg
Bale, James, Verschaeren
Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Neco Williams, Justin, Rodon, Koopmeiners, Allan, Brooks
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/James/Gallagher (Bale/Gallagher after 75 mins)
Penalties: Suárez
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 Conor Gallagher and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Gallagher 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 Gallagher 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, Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher 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 Gallagher such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Gareth Bale, James Rodríguez and Yari Verschaeren 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 Gallagher or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Gallagher and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Gareth Bale and Yari Verschaeren, 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, Verschaeren & 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 & Verschaeren 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, Neco Williams on for Lamptey, Brooks on for James
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 22/11/20
U23 - all bar Laporte, Rodri and Sterling. U19 - Quaresma
High tempo 4-2-3-1
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. We have a dm duo that are all strong defensively but also great on the ball and able to dominate possession. We look to control the tempo of the game. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.
In the central midfield trio have the intelligence of Neves next to Rodri, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Neves our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Rodri is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Neves who presses the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Spurs, seeking to exploit their defence. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Cunha the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Spurs.
Laporte the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. The wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two pressing cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back fquickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our forwards and fbs (one bombs forward at a time) to create space as we push forward.
Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.
We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Felix supports getting close to the front using his creativity to link the play.
—————————— Henderson
Quaresma — Militao —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————Rodri —— Neves
——————————— J.Felix
—- Sterling ————————————- M.Cunha -—
——————————— Lautaro
Subs. Schmeichel, Marquinhos, Thiago, M.Mount, S.Mane, Mahrez, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As they advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble the 4-2-3-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two dms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Rodri deeper than Neves pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Neves behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Neves effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When the Spurs get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Mane for Cunha. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Felix. More energy.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Laimer for Neves. Pace and energy in Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mane and Mount for Neves and Cunha. More attacking energy in Cm and Mane to add the quality
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. Gung ho. Lautaro playing just off Osimhen in front two.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Mane for Theo. 3–5-2. Mane up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Rodri. More energy in Cm with the 3 at the back. Neves plays dm role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Cunha. Mane to lw.
posted on 22/11/20
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - J.Pedro. U23 - Hakimi, Tapsoba, Tielemans, Guendouzi, Diaby. + Nkunku coming on 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 — Tapsoba — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Guendouzi
——————————— Pogba
Joao Pedro ———————————— M.Diaby
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, B.Williams, Witsel, Rabiot, Nkunku, Carrasco, 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 Carrasco for Pedro fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Witsel and Nkunku for Tielemans and Guendouzi.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Witsel and Carrasco for Guendouzi and J.Pedro. 4-4-2, Son up with Lukaku.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Hakimi. 3-5-2.
If losing after 80 mid bring on Benzema for Diaby. Son left. Two big men up top.
posted on 22/11/20
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
U23: Calabria Tonali Kulu Curtis Jota Gomez
U19: Rhys
____________Chesney
Calabria____Rhys___Carlos___Besenbaini
___________Tonali
Kulu___Silva___Curtis___Jota
____________Gomez
SUBS: Henderson, Kroos, Modric, Goretzka, Bamford, Ings, Alberto
Captain: Silva
Penalties: Jota
Set Piece: Silva
The formation deployed today is so that we gain as much control as possible higher up he pitch. We expect to have more of the ball so patience is key. 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 and 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. 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.
The right centre mid will drop in so that the centre backs can split wide to push the full backs general position higher up in line with the midfielders (and wide forwards engage their back line along with the striker). In doing so we create a four man midfield to overpower their midfield. This will allow our midfield to be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The defensive mid will press the space at the back of our midfield.
By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.
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, wherever they are on the pitch. 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 back to the defensive mid to keep possession and to keep the ball moving.
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 defensive midfielder. 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 defensive mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.
Subs
65 mins: Alberto comes on for Curtis, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Alberto will add creative ability and energy late in the game.
75 mins: Bamford comes on for Gomez, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Henderson comes on for Tonali to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Ings comes on for Silva and play 2 up front.
posted on 22/11/20
Under 23 - De Ligt, Sancho, Konate, Kumbulla, Aouar, McKennie
Youth - X.Simons, Geubbels
------------------ Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Konate -- Marcelo
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
--- L.Sane ---- De Bruyne --- J.Sancho --
--------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
Subs: Butland, Kumbulla, McKennie, Aouar, Geubbels, Hazard, 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. Konate 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: Marcelo & Casemiro off, Hazard & Icardi on. Attacking 3-4-3 as we bring the heavy artillery on and go for goals.
posted on 22/11/20
Under 23 - Garcia, Bennacer, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Brahim, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- R.Patricio -------------------
B.Pavard -- E.Garcia --- Skriniar -- A.Sandro
------------ S.Roberto --- Bennacer -----------
---- H.Ziyech ---- Maddison ---- K.Coman ---
--------------------- P.Dybala --------------------
Subs:
De Gea, Hummels, Kilman, Tchouaméni, Pjanic, Brahim, Leao
We set up with a strong side suited to playing attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
We look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 4 and hit them on the counter.
Skriniar is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.
For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.β¨β¨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 Coman to break at speed or Maddison to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Dybala 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 Dybala 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, Pjanic 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 & Coman off, Leao & Brahim. 4-2-2-2 with Dybala & Leao up top as we go for the winner.
posted on 23/11/20
SOTON VS Sheffield United
U19 player - Couto
U23 - Dias, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Reinier, Wirtz, Pulisic, Rashford
--------------------------------------Onana-----------------------
Couto-----------Upamecano-----------Dias----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------Lo Celso--------Camavinga-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wirtz--------------------------Reinier-----------------------Pulisic
----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Ramsdale, Dest, Ndidi, McTominay, I Sarr, Bergwijn, 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 Mids
Camavinga + Lo Celso
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 Lo Celso. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Wirtz and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Lo Celso 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.
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 Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in..
Attack Mid
Reinier Jesus
Reinier will be playing just behind Rashford and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
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 Lo Celso and Sarr for Wirtz to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
--------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Ait Nouri
-------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford-----------------Isak-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Reinier and put on Ndidi in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. McTominay on for Lo Celso to add more energy in the centre of midfield. .
-------------------------------------Onana--------------------------------
Couto-------Upamecano------Dias------Ndidi--------Nouri
----------------------McTom--------------Camavinga-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------Wirtz----------------------Rashford--------------------Pulisic--
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Wirtz
McTominay on for Lo Celso
Isak on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 23/11/20
U19s – Aaron Hickey (with Yunus Musah and Simon Sohm on the bench)
U23s – Phil Foden, Federico Chiesa, and Justin Kluivert (with Nordi Mukiele, Alexis Saelamakers and Donyell Malen on the bench)
--------------------Neuer
-------Akanji-----Tah----Hernandez
Castagne-------SMS--------------Hickey
------------------Foden
----Chiesa------Kane-----Kluivert
Pope
Mee
Mukiele
Sohm
Musah
Saelamakers
Malen
Going back to the 3-3-1-3 for this week, as I like the defensive base that the three at the back gives us, whilst allowing us extra men to contribute to the attack. This allows for us to put more pace on the pitch, with Castagne and Hickey offering us attacking options as wing backs. SMS gets his first game as a deep lying player, but we know that he is more than capable of operating in this system. We also have plenty of pace in the attacking two, meaning that we should really be able to dominate in these wide areas. We have players that are very capable of keeping the ball, so we should avoid rshing the play unless we need to, instead allowing for quick movement of the ball with a two touch system, building our attacks quickly from deep. In short, we are hoping to emulate Bielsaball, moving the ball quickly, but not rushing with long balls forward.
The defensive base is made of four players who are all very comfortable on the ball, meaning that we can move it around quite quickly. When on the ball, Akanji and Hernandez can push out further wide, near to the conventional FB roles, making it harder for the opposition to press these areas. Neuer is one of the best sweeper keepers in the world, and give us an extra option for moving the ball. SMS is also an option here, dropping deep to provide another out ball for the defensive players. Castagne and Hickey will sit on the touchline, slightly more advanced, providing another out ball, and continuing to stretch the pitch, making it both difficult to press, and also creating space across the pitch. Foden and the other attacking players will remain advanced. When our advanced defensive players, like Hickey, SMS, and Castagne, will look for these players when the time is right to transition from defence to attack.
When we get the ball into the attacking half of the pitch, we need to first look for the pace and movement in behind, with Chiesa and Kluivert looking to contribute in this area. If this doesn’t work, then we need to show more patience. Hickey and Castagne will push up to overlap the wide players, whilst SMS will get up and provide another option. Kane should stick between the goalposts, where he is most potent, contributing both in and out of the penalty area. When he has his back to goal, he will look to utilise the quick players playing off him. As seen in my teamsheet, Chiesa and Kluivert play as inside forwards, sitting further in from the touchline, meaning they can alternate between targetting the FBs or the CBs, and should drag the opposition FBs into a more central position, creating space for the overlapping players. Foden will push in and support Kane, but will also obviously contribute to the quick movement of the play around the edge of the penalty area. I think we have the options here to be consistently incisive.
Should we lose possession in these areas, a high press should be instantly engaged. Our attacking three will target the opposition defence and goalkeepers, with Foden pushing up to support them should we need an extra man. Otherwise, he will sit on the opposition’s deepest midfielder, making it difficult for them to play the ball out from the back. This system should make it so that the opposition struggles to hold the ball in their third, either being forced into long balls forward, or being pressed into mistakes that we can pounce upon and transition back into the attacking style. This should also buy time for Hickey, Castagne and SMS to get back into their defensive positions, meaning we are ready for if they manage to break past our press.
The back seven will take up the space I set in the tactics. Akanji and Hernandez can push slightly wider, to cover the wide areas. Hickey and Castagne will step up and press the wide players of the opposition before they get into dangerous areas. SMS will press the midfielders in front of the defence. We also have pace in our defence, capable of covering deep spaces in behind, so we shouldn’t get too exposed in this area.
Substitutions
If winning
Phil Foden off for Yunus Musah 70 mins
A deeper option in the centre of midfield, operating as more of a box to box midfielder than a conventional number 10
Justin Kluivert and Timothy Castagne off for Alexis Saelamakers and Nordi Mukiele 75 mins
Saelamakers on the right and Chiesa swaps over to the left. Mukiele is a more comfortable defensive option at RB than Castagne
If losing/drawing
Jonathan Tah off for Donyell Malen 65 mins
Switch to a back four, with Malen going up top to support Kane with a bit more pace.
Justin Kluivert off for Yunus Musah 70 mins
Fresh legs on the right, with Chiesa on the left.
posted on 23/11/20
Wolves vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries: Gagliardini, Lozano, Coady, Ibanez
………………………Ederson…………………………
Walker………Ramos……..Torres………..Reguilon
……………………………Barella……………………………
Doku…………………Grealish……………..Barnes
………………Jiminez……………Ronaldo………………….
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Mings, Verratti, Jorginho, Orsolini, Abraham
U19 – Doku
U23 – Torres, Reguilon, Barella, Barnes (all start) Maximiano, Aarons, Orsolini, Abraham (bench)
2 tough games on my return and the 3rd one isn’t much easier, we’ve gone a slightly more conventional formation this week, only slight, keeps my principle of a 5-5 but with a flat back four giving us more defensive width.
Walker and Reguilon are both given freedom to attack at will over-lap their winger so our wide-men can cut inside and cause the numbers advantages in the final third, lets be fair Walker can’t defend for sh!t so the further from my goal he is the better.
Ramos is perhaps the greatest ever Spanish defender and full time dirty bassa, he could teach an Italian a dark art or two, club captain marshalls the defence and quietly goes about his business, keep it simple keep it moving. Torres alongside is officially the greatest ever left footed centre-half he’ll play as the spare span (no welshy not a sweeper, put ya lube away)
No value in playing 2 holding midfielders they stifle the play and take each others space, so Barella Inter milan legend plays infront of the back 4, but he’s more box-to-box gets the ball drives it forward, rinse and repeat.
Barnes and Doku, inside forwards attack the spaces between CB and FB, in the knowledge our own FB’s are running the line lets get those over-loads working.
Grealish traditional #10, drifts wide or deep to collect the ball, intelligent player (by Villa standards atleast) will draw players to him before offloading.
Raul and Ronaldo have a bit of everything, pace power, dashing good looks and goal threat, that’s just Raul, Ronaldo is half decent too….
im gonna stop now cus its hometime
posted on 26/11/20
CHELSEA v s.utd
Remiro, Manolas O23
Samardzic U23
Rest U23
------------------------- Remiro --------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- Manolas ---- Zagadou ---- B.Chilwell
------------------------- Kamara --------------------------
-------------- Bentancur ----- Samardzic --------------
F.Torres ---------------------------------------- A.Gouiri
------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
Meslier, Nianzou, Locatelli, Havertz, Mbappe, Neymar, N.Mendes
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 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, Haaland slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Zagadou picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Manolas spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so 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 PBentnacur OR Samardzic to drift to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Manolas and Zagadou to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Kamara sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Kamara is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, 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, having a player like Kamara allows more time for Bentancur and Samardzi,c he 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. Bentancur 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 Samardzic 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. Samardzic 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 to receive a pass and drive on. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass he can make up the extra man further forward as Bentancur/Samardzic 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 Gouiri anmd Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Samardzic to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Samardzic and Haaland so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers and Samardzic 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 - Manolas
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Samardzic/Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Mbappe for Samardzic, go up front 442/424, Neymar for Gouiri
75 Mins - Havertz for Ferran
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Samardzic, Mendes for Gouiri 4141
80 Mins - Mbappe for Haaland
posted on 26/11/20
Bournemouth Tactics Carabao Cup Group B Round 5 (away to Spurs)
U23: Whole squad (inc. subs)
Youth: Talles & Kaique
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-----------------Simón
Kaique--Felipe—Botman----Lodi
---------------Assunção
-----Guimarães---Rodríguez
Veron--------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Ivan, Viña, Gabriel, Henrique, Azate, Zaracho, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very aZarachoe. 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: Assunção 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. Guimarães and Rodríguez will play just in front of Assunção. Guimarães will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Rodríguez will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. 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.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron 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 Rodríguez, Guimarães and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside 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 Rodríguez 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 big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. 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 power 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: Rodríguez, Talles or Veron with Felipe, Botman, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Rodríguez and Talles (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Henrique for Guimarães, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Zaracho for Guimarães and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Zaracho offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Assunção
Zaracho-----Rodríguez----Talles
---------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 28/11/20
4-3-1-2 High tempo
U19: Gilmour
U23: All bar Schmeichel and Alaba
At home we go with an attacking side full of pace, but one with an incredibly high work rate, allowing us to play with a high tempo and defend all over the pitch.
Wolves have great quality in attack, but we feel our pace and trickery in attack can cause them problems to get the win, we look to exploit this.
We have a team that can defend from the front in a flexible formation with players that willl defend high up the pitch. Gilmour plays in a disciplined deep role, Laimer the white Kante is a pressing machine and will bring huge energy to midfield while Mount’s high work rate in front of defence offers a very strong defensive midfield trio despite not having a natural dm.
The front three have freedom to play central or wide giving fluency to the play. We have fantastic pace in the front two, width is created from the drifting of the forwards, the movement of attacking mids and the marauding fbs. Target the opposition cbs with pace, and get at them down the outside of cbs and inside of fbs where the fbs aren’t the strongest defensively.
The organisation of a team's play and the inter-linking between the individual blocks is simpler using 4-3-1-2 more refined and more objective. The distances players have to cover is less, and things happen faster. With a single pass from midfield there can be somebody near the ball close to the opponent's goal. We have less natural width when defending but Laimer and Mount have the energy to get across and help the fbs defensively.
Formation also offers flexibility as the midfield trio narrow to the side we are defending. Felix then drops in to the midfield four on the opposite side of play. We will drop two solid lines of four to defence, and remove any space between the lines and allow us to defend in a compact unit. Defence starts with the all action front two, we will defend all over the pitch.
Playing with a high tempo when we win the ball we attack at pace and look to play direct and get the ball to Felix and the front two quickly. The three front players have freedom to play wide or central, find space behind their midfield. We seek to play direct and to hit the opposition on the counter.
One full back will have freedom to attack at a time, one bombing down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly.
Though we look to play direct, only long balls are to feet or into space for players to run on to. The front two offer high work rate, pace and great ability on the ball.
—————————— Schmeichel
R.James —— Militao —— Alaba —— Theo
———— Laimer — B.Gilmour — Mount
——————————— J.Felix
———————— Jesus —— M.Cunha
Subs. Carvajal, Rodri, Thiago, B.Fernandes, Mane, Sterling, Lautaro
High press defence
The front two have fantastic work rates and will work together as the first block. The attacking mid will defend behind making a defensive box.
Once the opposition get past this box press, the team drop to take a relatively deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Felix on the opposite side of play. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball.
As the opposition advance, we defend in two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. As they enter our half we defend in a deep formation leaving no space behind or between the lines. Cunha then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us. Jesus always up on the last man looking to split two of the opposition defence.
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 Laimer and Mount to press the pay, leaving Gilmour goal side zonal guarding cbs. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.
Alaba the defensive leader at the back, Militao man marks, Alaba with the intelligence and pace to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. The full backs always seek to push their wide players out wide.
When we attack we push forward as a team as the defence push up. We have pace at the back to guard against counter attacks.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Rodri and Mane for Gilmour and Felix. Mane left, Cunha right in 4-3-3.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Bruno Fernandes and Mane for Felix and Mount. 433. Mane left, Cunha right.
If drawing or losing after 72 mins bring on Sterling for Cunha..
posted on 28/11/20
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Chelsea
Academy player = Ian Maatsen (subbed off on 75)
U23 - 10 in squad of which 3 (Lamptey, Rodon & Koopmeiners are playing the entire 90)
Dubravka
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Maatsen
Höjbjerg, Koopmeiners
Bale, Brooks, Reus
Mertens
Subs: Kelleher, Justin, Vanheusden, Cucurella, Allan, Gallagher, Verschaeren
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Bale/Reus
Penalties: Mertens
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Ian Maatsen 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, David Brooks and Marco Reus as our band of three attacking midfielders with Dries Mertens as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Maatsen 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.
David Brooks, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Brooks is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Bale, Reus & Mertens to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Mertens clinical finishing means that he is always a danger in the opponent's box. He has the ability to find space for himself or his teammates even when he is tightly marked by defenders. He'll drop deep at times, but will also spend much of his time playing on the shoulder of the opponents’ deepest defender, stretching play and threatening to break in behind with his electric pace.
Subs on 75 mins
Cucurella on for Maatsen and Verschaeren on for Brooks
Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line
posted on 29/11/20
Under 23 - De Ligt, Sancho, Konate, Aouar, Chukwueze
Youth - X.Simons
-------------------- Lopes -----------------
Cancelo -- Konate --- N.Ake -- Marcelo
---------- Casemiro --- Simons ----------
Chukwueze ----- Fabian ------- Hazard
-------------------- Icardi -----------------
Subs:
Courtois, De Ligt, Aouar, De Bruyne, Sancho, Sane, Griezmann
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 Konate 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 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 Fabian. 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 Chukwueze and Hazard flanking the Icardi in the middle. In one on one situations our wide players 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
Icardi 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 Icardi 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: Chukwueze & Fabian off, Sancho & Aouar on. Fresh legs as we look to keep our energy levels high and hit them on the break as they inevitably push men forward.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Fabian, Chukwueze &Casemiro off, De Bruyne, Sancho & Griezmann on. We bring on the heavy artillery with Sancho & Hazard on the flanks with Icardi & Griezmann up top. Goals.
posted on 29/11/20
Under 23 - Hudson-Odoi, Bennacer, Kilman, Gakpo, Leao
Youth - Sandry Roberto
-------------------- De Gea
B.Pavard -- Skriniar --- Hummels - A.Sandro
----------- S.Roberto --- Bennacer
Hudson-Odoi ---- Dybala ----- Werner
------------------ Ibrahimovic
Subs:
Patricio, Kilman, Torreira, Ziyech, Gakpo, Leao, Martial
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.β¨β¨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 2 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 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 Werner to break at speed or Dybala to go through the middle as we look to supply our lethal finisher up top. Ibrahimovic will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his fantastic movement 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:
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/losing:
70 mins: Hummels & Ibra off, Martial & Ziyech on. 3-4-3 with Werner, Dybala & Martial up top as we go for goals.
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