U23: Calabria Tonali Kulu Curtis
U19: Rhys
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
____________Chesney
Calabria____Rhys___Carlos___Besenbaini
___________Tonali
Kulu___Silva___Curtis___Podence
____________Vardy
SUBS: Henderson, Kroos, Modric, Odegaard, Jota, Gomez, Alberto
Captain: Silva
Penalties: Vardy
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: Odegaard 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: Gomez comes on for Vardy, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Henderson comes on for Silva to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Jota comes on for Silva and play 2 up front.
SOTON VS Newcastle
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, Adama, Bergwijn, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Camavinga and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Kubo + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Kubo will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dest and Ait-Nouri are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Reinier for Camavinga and Jovic for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Jovic-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Bergwijn on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Nouri
--------------------------Valverde--------------Camavinga-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo------------------------------Rashford--------------------Bergwijn
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Kubo
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Bergwijn on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - B.Williams. U23 - Hakimi, Tapsoba, Ndombele, Dembele + Nkunku and Guendouzi 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 Witsel is the dm allowing Ndombele and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio will be key.
When we defend in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back. We press in this unit as soo. As the opposition enter our half, let them have the ball in their own half.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.
As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for him in the middle. He’s not a target man, but he’s great in the air in the box. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Lukaku.
—————————— H.Lloris
Hakimi —— Koulibaly — Tapsoba — B.Williams
—————— Ndombele — Witsel
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son Heung-M
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Digne, Guendouzi, Nkunku, Diaby, 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 Witsel in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Tapsoba 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 Diaby for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Guendouzi and Nkunku for Ndombele and Pogba.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Benzema for Ndombele. 4-2-2-3.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Hakimi. 3-5-2. Williams cb.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Nkunku for Pogba.
Leeds vs PORTSMOUTH (3-5-2)
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Pau Torres
Luis Maximiano
Sergio Ramos
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Gomez, Barella, V D Beek, (all start) Aarons, Ibanez, Abraham (Subs)
……………………………………………Ederson………………………….
……………………………Gomez………Coady……….Mings……………
…………………………………………..Jorginho………………………………
………………………Doku…………….Barella………..V D Beek
………………………………………………Grealish……………………
…………………………………..Raul…………………..Ronaldo…..
Subs: Akinfeev, Aarons, Ibanez, Verratti, Llorente, Abraham, Lacazette
Not so much a must win game more a must not lose game, we’ve gone more conventional in a 3-5-2 BUT DOKU and VDB are not wing backs they’re the widest point of a diamond.
Today is all about control, we hold the ball and move it and Leeds around like pieces on a chess board, wait for the right opportunity then go through the gears and pull the trigger.
We lost our Spanish Cb’s so have a fully English back line. Gomez and Mings the wider of the three will shuffle and cover the threat from leeds wingers as required. Coady is the sweeper and wears the armband today, vocal and commanding he’ll marshall the the troops, in possession Mings and Gomez will play it short but Coady will look for those diagonals as we try to stretch the leeds lines.
Jorginho sits at the base of the diamond, not your traditional anchor man but he puts is foot when required, that said his primary function is ball retention, he’s the option not only for our defence but our midfield to, gets it moves it keeps driving us forward, we’ve a 5 man midfield diamond, there will always be a pass on for him, we have no individual line breakers today, this is about shape, they move forwards, backwards and sde to side as a unit, cutting off the space that leeds can try to work in – there are no spaces for Leeds to play between the lines. Doku the widest point on the right hand side of the diamond, used to being a winger so will look to get forward when we have the ball (in formation still) but going as wide as he can creating those spaces so we can overload the leeds back line, defensively his job is the Leeds winger, not to fall too deep tho so as leaving us imbalanced but as support for Gomez. Barella’s biggest weakness is his versatility and again today it’s a change of role but I want his as our B2B man in the engine room, he scores his share of goals so he’ll be pushing up there to support Grealish or occupy his space when he pushes further forward, defensively he’ll sit in with Jorginho effectively making a double pivot and again cutting off the play between the lines that Leeds will try and force. VDB is a really clever player, likes to force to play so he’ll be in as yet another playmaker, Whilst Doku will be a ball carrier on hie side VDB will be more like Jorginho keeping us moving and always being an option, he can get forward and anyone watching AJAX will know he has goals in him. Defensively he will mirror Doku. I know this may well lead to a very congested midfield, but it’s a very clever and adaptable middle, and ultimately we don’t need to win, so we control this area of the game we get over the line.
Grealish plays as the #10, given the freedom to roam the pitch, drop deep to collect the ball or shuffle wide to create spaces for our midfielders to run into.
Raul & Ronaldo 2 deadly strikers that should get us the goals to progress to the knockout stages, Ronaldo will be the fox in the box, I’m aware this doesn’t fully utilise his skillset, but it amplifies the one that we need most, ice cold predatory skills. Raul is the initial point of contact, don’t wanna call him the target man as it’s linked to a long ball mindset, but Raul will play back to goal hold it up, lay it off and the swivel running into the box looking for the return or a rebound. These two together are great physical specimens and Leeds defence will know they’ve been in a battle after the final whistle.
Subs 60 Mins
Winning or Drawing
Abraham > Raul – Like for like just fresh legs.
Verratti > Jorginho – Again like for like.
Llorente > Grealish – Yea you guessed it, like for like.
Losing
Abraham > VDB - Formation change
Verratti > Jorginho – Formation change
We now line up in a 3-2-1-4, fast direct football, some would say long ball, long diagonals out to the wings, drill some crosses in and mix it up.
……………………………………………Ederson………………………….
……………………………Gomez………Coady……….Mings……………
…………………………………..Verratti……Barella…………………………
………………………………………………Grealish……………………
……………Doku………………..Raul…………Abraham………..Ronaldo…..
Subs: Akinfeev, Aarons, Ibanez, Llorente, Lacazette
IF we’re still losing in the 80th minute we make our final sub.
Lacazette > Grealish – Kitchen sink time. Laca goes and plays inbetween Raul and Tammy makes it a pure front 5, 2 wingers and 3 center forwards.
-------------------Neuer
Mukiele---White---Hernandez---Gosens
------------------Partey
------------Milinkovic-Savic
---Musah-----Foden------Depay
------------------Kane
Pope
Castagne
Akanji
Brozovic
Saelamakers
Ocampos
Immobile
Reverting back to the 4-1-4-1 today, as a win is needed. This gives us the extra body in the midfield battle, and allows us to control the ball better, and push extra men into the attacking areas. I have opted for a three of Musah, Foden, and Depay in behind Kane, as I think this gives us plenty of movement, pace, and flair in key areas. I would have us favour the left hand side for most of our attacks, as I think we have players here that can do the most damage, and Gosens is at his best when given the license to attack and not sit back. I have balanced this by picking a more defensive option at RB and playing Mukiele, who will contribute less to the attacking side of the game. We want to bombard Portsmouth, and attack them at any opportunity we can, so have picked players capable of moving the ball into the attacking areas with pace and directness, whether that be on the flanks or in the central areas of the pitch. The team should be looking to play a two-touch system, not dallying on the ball for long, and instead moving it quickly, and will play at a high intensity whether in possession or not, showing no let-up in attacking. We want a place in the next round, and think this is the best way to get it.
Defensively, I have picked four ball playing defenders, plus a sweeper keeper behind them. This means that we will be playing a fairly high line, pushing the play up the pitch, however I think we have plenty of pace in that defence, especially with Hernandez and Mukiele, and should be able to cope should the opposition try to exploit this. Partey will mirror the role of Neuer in the team, meaning that we have options to play it to both forward and backward, as well as moving it across the back line as well. Gosens and Mukiele will push out wide, stretching the play and making it harder for an effective press to be engaged. If it is looking as if Portsmouth are winning key battles in this area, then Musah and SMS can drop further back and provide additional options for our passing. The initial movement should be to look for these forward balls, ideally through Gosens, but also to SMS, Foden and Musah, without resorting to long balls lumped forward. Get the ball into the hands of our creative players whenever we can.
On the attack, we should look to have Gosens overlapping on the left hand side, with Depay sitting slightly inside, almost as a second striker, and looking to use his pace to get in behind the opposition defence. He also has the skill to play in front of them, and can be a dangerous quantity from long range. On the other side, Musah can push out wide, stretching the play, whilst SMS will slot in alongside Foden on the right hand side. This should give us
Musah-----SMS------Foden-----Gosens
-----------Kane--------------Depay
In the attacking areas, meaning we have plenty of options, with six players engaged in the attack. Kane and Depay are both dangerous players centrally, and the opposition will struggle to deal with both, whilst Foden is always dangerous when in the box. Quick movement across these players should pull the opposition defence around, and we should never be short of options with this number of players going forward. The two touch system applies here, so constant movement is needed, to make sure players have plenty of options at all times.
When we lose possession, I want to see Depay push back into the LW role, whilst Gosens pushes back. Allowing the opposition to hold the ball in these areas can be important for us, allowing some time to preserve energy. Key to this is knowing when to press. When the opposition holds the balls in the central areas a press is unnecessary, allowing them to hold the ball here. When they push wide, Depay and Musah will pounce, and should they try to step out through the middle, Kane will begin his press, supported in movements by Foden. Our energy should properly engage when they enter into the middle third of the pitch.
When we are on the attack, the defense should take this shape
---------Mukiele----White----Hernandez
------------------------Partey
Converting to a back three, with Mukiele slotting inside, allowing for Gosens to push forward, and for Hernandez to cover the areas that may be vacated by this movement. Partey will patrol the areas in front, and can also push into wide areas if need be, but should primarily operate centrally. When Gosens gets back, the defence will push to the right and operate more as a back four, with SMS dropping in alongside Partey to flood the central areas, making it congested and difficult for them to operate in. Mukiele and Gosens can hold the opposition wide players in these positions, and therefore make it difficult for them to play in either area of our third.
Substitutions
If winning
Brozovic and Akanji on for SMS and Gosens 70 mins
Brozovic gives us fresh legs in the box-to-box role, whilst Akanji will go CB, with herandez pushing out to LB, as a more defensive minded option than Gosens.
Saelamakers on for Mukiele 80 mins
Fresh legs at RB
If losing/drawing
Immobile and Akanji on for Mukiele and Gosens 70 mins
--------------------Neuer
--------Akanji----White----Hernandez
--------------------Partey
Musah----SMS---------Foden--------Depay
-------------Kane-----Immobile
More attacking shape. Gets more bodies in the danger areas.
Ocampos on for Partey 77 mins
Depay comes into a more central role, with Ocampos playing wide left.
CHELSEA v Bournemouth
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba
U23 - Bissaka, Locatelli, de Jong, Mbappe, Ferran, Haaland, Havertz
U19 - Badiashile
----------------------- Remiro ------------------------
W-Bissaka - V.van Dijk - Badiashile - Jordi Alba
------------- F.de Jong ---- Locatelli ---------------
F.Torres ------------ Havertz ------------- Mbappe
----------------------- Haaland -----------------------
Bergstrom(Chelsea Yth), N.Mendes(U19), Kamara(U23), Pellegrini, Greenwood(U23), Neymar, Calvert-Lewin(U23)
Our game is still based solely on possession football, which begins from the keeper, playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back as our front three play quite a high line, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli and de Jong 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 always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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 not much gets passed him, Badiashile spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only 'one at a time', when in no danger, they push down the line in support of the wingers, drive on the outside making an extra man.. van Dijk and Badiashile to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
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, 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, 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, he will sit in protect our defence alongside Locatelli as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Havertz as they move into space, with Locatelli drop back if need be to pick it up from the CBs and look for easy balls, keep it simple, they both have 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. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. 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 push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.
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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Ferran/Mbappe to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with sheer pace/[power and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, he will always beat them with his pace and will look to get in on 1 v 1 v the defender then the keeper, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, 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 front by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Neymar for Havertz, N.Mendes for Alba, we go 3-4-3
Remiro
W-Bissaka - van Dijk - Badiashile
Ferran - de Jong - Kamara - Mendes
Mbappe - Haaland - Neymar
Mendes quick enough to get back and make a back 4 again when required
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Haaland, fresh legs
Drawing
70 Mins - Neymar for Ferran, swith wih Mbappe
80 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Havertz 4-4-2/4-2-4, go more long ball and crosses in from wide positions, Pellegrini for de Jong same time
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Havertz, Kamara drop in behind, Locatelli & de Jong and shores it up
86 Mins - N.Mendes for Mbappe help out defensively for the final few mins
BOURNEMOUTH Carabao Cup away to Chelsea
Captain: Gabriel
Vice-Captain: Simón
Under 23: everyone
Youth: Talles
----------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe--Gabriel----Lodi
------Assunção----Guimarães
----------------Zaracho
Antony-------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Marcelo, Viña, Botman, Palacios, Azate, Rodríguez, Pedro
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Zaracho and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Talles will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Zaracho, Guimarães and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Zaracho to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Zaracho, Talles or Antony with Felipe, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Talles (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Botman for Felipe, Palacios for Assunção and Pedro for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Pedro and Antony with Rodríguez. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
---------------Assunção
Rodríguez---Zaracho---Talles
-----------Pedro -----Núñez
Under 23 - Sancho, Konate, McKennie, Aouar, Kumbulla
Youth - X.Simons
------------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- Bonucci --- Konate -- F.Mendy
---------- McKennie --- Simons ------------
--- Sancho ---- De Bruyne ---- L.Sane ---
---------------- A.Griezmann ---------------
Mendy, Kumbulla, Aouar, Eriksen, Asensio, Icardi, Morata
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 Bonucci 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:
McKennie will be our holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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 McKennie 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:
80 mins: McKennie & Sane off, Fabian & Kumbulla on. Extra defensive cover as we revert to 5-4-1, Fabian helping retain possession whilst an extra CB helps us shut up shop as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: McKennie & Sane off, Icardi & Morata on. We pile on the pressure as we add more goals. KDB moves to CM as we switch to 4-2-2-2 with Sancho & Griezmann out wide with Icardi & Morata up top.
SOTON VS Spurs
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Sessegnon, Ndidi, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Sessegnon
-------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, Adama, Bergwijn, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Kubo and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Ndidi and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Kubo + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Kubo will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dest and Sessegnon are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Reinier for Ndidi and Richarlison for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield. Adama on for Kubo for aswell.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Sesseg
--------------------------Valverde--------------Ndidi-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama---------------------------Rashford------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Kubo
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
____________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
___________Kroos
Salah___Silva___Curtis___Jota
____________Vardy
SUBS: Fabinho, Kroos, Modric, Odegaard, Podence, Gomez, Alberto
Captain: Kroos
Penalties: Salah
Set Piece: Trent
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 and himself. He will sit on the last man 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: Odegaard 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: Gomez comes on for Vardy, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Fabinho comes on for Silva to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Podence comes on for Silva and play 2 up front Jota moving forward.
U23 - Henderson, Renan Lodi, D.Luiz, J.Felix, Lautaro. 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 Thiago next to Luiz, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Luiz comes in to offer physicality as well as his Samba skills. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Luiz is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Luiz plays zonally in front of cbs, Thiago who presses the play. Similar in attack, Luiz 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 City, seeking to exploit their full backs and space behind their midfield. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt City
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos 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 — Marquinhos — Laporte —— Renan Lodi
—————————D.Luiz —— Thiago
———————————— J.Felix
—- Sterling —————————————- Mane -—
———————————— Lautaro
Subs. Schmeichel, Alaba, Rodri, M.Mount, B.Fernandes, Cunha, 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. Luiz deeper than Thiago pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Thiago behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Thiago effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When City 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 Cunha for Sterling. Fresh pace and samba skills.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Felix. More energy.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Pace and power.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Fernandes and Mount for Thiago and Felix. More attacking energy in Cm and Fernandes to add the quality
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Lodi. Gung ho. Lautaro playing just off Osimhen in front two. 3-5-2.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Fernandes for Renan Lodi. 3–5-2. Felix up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Luiz. More energy in Cm with the 3 at the back. Thiago plays dm role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix.
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - B.Williams. U23 - Tapsoba, Tielemans, Dembele + subs coming on.
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 Tielemans is the dm allowing Rabiot 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, Tielemans 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 soon. As the opposition enter our half, let them have the ball in their own half.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.
As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for him in the middle. He’s not a target man, but he’s great in the air in the box. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Lukaku.
———————————— Lloris
B.Williams — Koulibaly — Tapsoba — L.Digne
——————— Tielemans — Rabiot
———————————— Pogba
Dembele ————————————— Son Heung-M
———————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Isco. Diaby, Carrasco, M.Kean
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 Tielemans 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 Tapsoba 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 Diaby for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele and Guendouzi for Rabiot and Pogba.
If winning or drawing after 78 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Diaby for Tielemans. 4-2-2-2. Son up top, Diaby left.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for B.Williams. 3-5-2. Digne lcb.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Isco for Dembele. Pure creativity to complement all the pace on park.
Barcodes vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Sekou Koita
Riccardo Orsolini
Jorginho
……………………………………..Ederson……………………..
……………..Torres…………...Coady……………..Ramos
……………………Zielinksi……Verratti……Barella……………..
……………………………………Grealish……………………….
Doku……………………………Ronaldo………………..Lozano
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, VD Beek, Gagliardini, Raul, Abraham.
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Torres,Barella (both start) Maximiano,Aarons,Gomez,VDB,Tammy (all bench)
Slight switch up today, still attacking but with one eye on safety first, we’re playing the percentages like an entertaining version of mark Shelby
Lubo has built a really solid and functional side, with a lot of pace out wide so us having no full-backs is tantamount to football suicide, but I’m trying something different I’m using inverted wide centre-backs as I think that’s the best way to counter his wingers, Lubo’s players are very much “cut-in merchants” rather than run line so with that in mind my RCB is a left pegger and my LCB a right pegger, so when Newcastles wide men drift in they actually come into my defenders strongest foot. Small subtlety but one that will make a difference. It also puts Ramos directly in line with Salah. His brief is simple, take him the feck out with every opportunity I mean if its an accidental shoulder dislocation that is fine but just wipe him out. Torres on Jota is much the same, use the clever fouls to just knock him off his stride and slow the momentum down. Coady goes man to man on Steptoe, don’t let him turn and run away, we all know Vardy has the uncanny ability to leave a trailing leg waiting for contact, just hold the deep line and don’t let the slide rule passes catch you out.
The trinity in midfield are all really comfortable on the ball, so they’ll pass and move it along, Verratti playing as the quarter-back, can put his foot in surprisingly well for a midget, will sit in the hole and close down any space their AM/#10 looks to operate in, if they go flatter then he screens any passes into Vardy’s feet, with Verratti closing down from there and Coady being a second shadow, there’s no options for the ball into feet as a springboard for attacks, which means they’ll have to try and go longer.
Barella and Zielinski both play B2B today, add weight to our attacks, both have an eye for goal so will try their luck from distance, defensively they drop deep to plug gaps, they’re going zonal rather than man to man.
the sheer weight of numbers in my midfield should give me a modicum of control, we have pace power and mobility in there, I know their midfield is pretty good too but we fancy our chances of winning that battle and controlling the tempo of the game.
Grealish is the number 10, his overall game has improved greatly, and we need that new found work rate today, whilst our midfield is strong he’s the link man at the tip, offensively he’s given the freedom of the pitch as we look to play a fluid passing game, with some nice slick triangles, pulling the barcodes all over the place. Defensively he’ll sit on (figuratively) their deep lying playmaker, harrying him into rushing his passes, if you watch American football, this is a run defence blitz – Jack charges at the ball carrier, and our trident midfield heavy press the receivers, force the mistake and turnover possession. Newcastles full back like to press high up the pitch, so when we get the ball we instantly hit the ball into the channels for our wingers to chase down, getting Newcastle running back at their own goal.
The trinity up top comprises of our quickest players (I think) Newcastle’s full backs love to get up the pitch, but this is their Achilles heel, whilst both out-put great numbers attackingly, defensively they can be gotten at, So Doku and Lozano will stay as high up the pitch as the offside line will allow us, if Newcastles FB’s drop off then track back as far as the half way line no deeper – cus when we win the ball back their gonna have to be on their toes cus we’re gonna rinse them on the counter-attack. Ronaldo up top – you know what he is capable so I’m not gonna bother waxing lyrical about his achievements, we’re gonna need a couple of goals and big game players don’t come much bigger than this man.
Subs 60 mins (winning or drawing)
Zielinski and Barella off VD Beek and Gagliardini on – no tactical change just fresh legs in the engine room.
losing at 60
Raul > Zielinski
Tammy > Lozano
we now line up like this
……………………………………..Ederson……………………..
……………..Torres…………...Coady……………..Ramos
…………………………………….Verratti…………………..
…………………………Grealish…………….Barella
Doku………………………Raul……..Tammy……………..Ronaldo
obvs my references to lubo are a typo and should read ludes, stupid fat fingers
POMPY vs spurs
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Piotr Zielinski
Roger Ibanez
Tyrone Mings
3-2-3-2
…………………………………….Ederson……………………..
…………………..Gomez……….Coady ©………..Torres….
…………………………….Barella………Sanches…………
Doku……………………………..Barnes……………..Ronaldo
…………………………Icardi…………….Jiminez……………….
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Verratti, Jorginho, Abraham, Lacazette
U19 – Doku
U23 starters – Gomez,Torres,Barella,Sanches,Barnes
U23 bench – Maximiano,Aarons,Papetti,Abraham
We welcome my dear friend TAB to our state of the ark, league one standard Fratton park, for the biggest game of our season. We’ve been busy making sure his spurs allstars get the welcome they deserve. This club as you all know is still recovering from bankruptcy we’ve still not replaced the broken window in the away changing room so you’ll feel that lovely sea breeze rolling through the place, and to further make things erm unfortunate the boiler in the away rooms has packed in and we cant afford to repair it so whilst your players sit there in a cold damp dressing room with precious little space to warm up, our groundsmen are busy watering the pitch, make it as heavy as possible for you’re lovely thoroughbreds to play that slick fancy passing game they’re so well accustomed to, this ball’s gonna stick and stick nicely.
Right down to the serious stuff.
Back to the 3-2-3-2 that Stan Cullis used back in the 50’s when wolves won 3 league titles a couple of cups and we’re “crowned” champions of the world. Ramos has left us and Bonucci is waiting his rona results, so Joe Gomes comes in at RCB, quick and uncompromising he’ll shuffle out-wide when needed to cover the LW, no need to dive in just stand him up and wait for the right time to step in and take the ball. Torres on the other side will do the same to his RW, heavy pitch the ball won’t run on as easily, so this games all about timing. Captain Coady goes man to man on their central striker (if they go 1 up top) if it’s a front two then he goes to the free man, don’t chase the ball…. The midfield screen will go to the ball.
when our defenders have the ball we look for the long balls down the channels or over the top for Raul to win, we’re not messing around with it at the back, we’re playing off the front foot, turning that Spurs midfield and going after them.
Barella and Sanches are an unusual pairing but with 3 Cb’s it annoys me when people still playing holding midfielders there’s no need, so today we’ve gone with 2 energetic midfielders in the engine room, both have the fancy skills on the ball but it’s their work-rate and drive that gets them the nod. Playing 2 B2B’s enables us to have the overloads in the attacking areas but gives us the numbers to sit in when under pressure. One goes to the ball carrier the other fills the space based on which outlet Spurs look to utilise. Barella in possession is a very heads up player, can pick the weight of pass perfectly and switch the play, what I want from Sanches is a ball carrier in the middle of the pitch, when we turn over possession he drives it forward drawing men towards him before offloading.
Doku is a pace merchant and whilst our heavy pitch will slow him down, it’ll also slow those around him down, we’re still looking to get him on the ball as much as possible, get him running at defenders and banging crosses in. with Raul on the edge of the 6 yard box, Icardi loitering for any spills plus Ronaldo running in at the back stick, this is a tactic we’ll use as often as possible, sooner or later one will stick.
Barnes, whilst not as good as his dad John, is a clever little player, good pace and very good close control, will play as the #10 today, collect the ball from the midfield and link the play, another one who loves to run with the ball, negating just how much of a swamp we’re playing on. Him,Doku,Sanches and Ronaldo should be able to gain us some serious yards with the ball at feet. When Doku has the ball as mentioned above, Barnes will just sit on the “D” either as a surprise receiver or there to collect any clearances from the defence. When Ronaldo has the ball, CR7 will be coming inside so Barnes will over-lap and go wide – this sawing movement should create confusion in the spurs ranks as to whom follows whom.
Ronaldo – Left wing but we all know realistically he’s an old fashioned inside forward, will look to play in that gap between RB and RCB – when you add in two strikers to marshall as well we could well get a few mismatches in our favour… big games call for big players.
Raul & Icardi – The classic big man, little man combo… Raul is so much more than just a target man but he can play this role perfectly holds the ball up, makes a nuisance of himself and has lovely quick feet, will sit infront of both Cb’s – does one CB step forward? Does the Dm drop deeper and leave Barnes in space? Icardi is the predator, he’ll sit on the shoulder of the last man, looking to find just enough space to get his shots away – with Raul and Ronaldo waiting for a rebound we certainly have the fire-power to trouble a side even as good as Spurs.
Subs 60 mins – regardless of scoreline, this is over 2 legs so a loss can be over-turned, this is about fresh legs.
Abraham > Raul – like for like an even bigger target man
Verratti > Barella – like for like
Jorginho > Sanches – like for like
Chelsea
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba, Pellegrini
U19 - Badiashile
Rest U23
-------------------------- A.Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- V.van Dijk ---- Badiashile ---- Jordi Alba
--------- Bentancur ---- Locatelli ---- F. de Jong --------
F.Torres ---------------- Haaland ----------------- Mbappe
Meslier, Kamara, Pellegrini, Havertz, Cengiz, Greenwood, Calvert-Lewin
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.
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 Bentancur OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs 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 allows more time for Bentancur and de Jong 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. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Bentancur as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Bentnacur 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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Bentancur 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong
Corners - Wingers
Losing
65 Mins - Neymar for Bentancur go left, Mbappe up top 442/424
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Ferran, Mbappe right, DCL up top with Haaland
Drawing -
65 Mins - Neymar for Ferran, switch with Mbappe, Havertz for Bentancur into a No.10 role
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Bentancur, sit between defence and midfield
80 Mins - Cengiz for Ferran
U19: B.Williams
U23: Tielemans, Nkunku. Bench: Godfrey, Diaby, Guendouzi, Dembele, Kean
Counter 4-4-2
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.
They press high up the park so we play long. Either get in behind, find space behind their midfield for Son or Nkunku to get in, or look for Lukaku to play on the weaker cb and bully them. Son and Lukaku both have fantastic pace and strength and we expect their link up to be on point. Up against an attacking team that presses they will find themselves with plenty of space when we get them the ball.
We have a very athletic side, with strength and pace throughout the team. We defend deep, let them have the ball and hit them quickly on the counter. As they push forward to press, we look to go direct for Nkunku or Pogba bursting through the midfield or go long to the front two. Hit them quick before they get bodies back. Digne gets forward from defence to offer width.
We defend in a deep, compact shape and narrow to the side of play. Two solid lines of four with no space in between. Nkunku goes right, Pogba left. Son sits in a position between their deepest midfielder, Lukaku up on the last defender. Either pulls their cbs apart disrupting their line, or has Son in space with their deepest Cm looking over his cb worrying about him more than the play.
Son targets space left by their fbs, or looks to get close to Lukaku and get at their cbs. 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 space in behind for them to use their pace. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball,
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 Witsel is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Nkunku and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4411 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back.
With team defending in a narrow unit the midfielder wide (Pogba or Nkunku) 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 (always Digne).
———————————— Lloris
B.Williams — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
————————————- Witsel
—————— Tielemans ———— Pogba
———————————— Nkunku
———————— Lukaku ——— Son H.
Subs. Gulacsi, Godfrey, Guendouzi, Rabiot, Dembele, M.Diaby, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Witsel defends in front cbs zonally 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 Witsel in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Lenglet intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Guendouzi for Nkunku fresh pace and energy in midfield. Pogba moves to most attacking role.
If winning after 76 mins bring on Dembele for Pogba. Pace to break against tired defenders.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Guendouzi for Tielemans . More energy.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dembele for Nkunku. More attacking and fresh energy and pace.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Dembele for Pogba. 442. Dembele right, Nkunku left in a flat 442. More width.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans. Fresh energy.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Diaby for Nkunku.
Under 23 - Sancho, Konate, McKennie, Aouar
Youth - X.Simons, F.Pellestri
----------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- Ramos --- Konate -- F.Mendy
--------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
Sancho ------- De Bruyne ------- Hazard
--------------- A.Griezmann --------------
Subs: Mendy, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Pellestri, Asensio, Morata
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 Ramos 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 holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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 Casemiro 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 Hazard and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Hazard 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:
80 mins: Simons & Hazard off, McKennie & Pellestri on. Extra defensive cover with McKennie slotting in alongside McKennie. The exciting Pellestri giving us fresh legs out wide.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Simons & Hazard off, Morata & Pellestri on. We pile on the pressure. Griezmann & Morata up top with Sancho, KDB & Pellestri in behind. Goals.
Chelsea
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba, Tolisso, Neymar
U19 - Badiashile
Rest U23
-------------------------- A.Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- V.van Dijk ---- Badiashile ---- Jordi Alba
--------- Bentancur ---- Locatelli ---- F. de Jong --------
Mbappe ----------------- Haaland ----------------- Neymar
Meslier, Kamara, Tolisso Havertz, Cengiz, Ferran, Calvert-Lewin
Same line up which won the first leg so go in confident. 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, 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.
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 Bentancur OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs 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 allows more time for Bentancur and de Jong 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. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Bentancur as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Bentnacur 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 Neymar and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Bentancur 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong
Corners - Wingers
Losing
65 Mins - Ferran for Bentancur, we go 442/424, Ferran RW and Mbappe up top
If it looks like we are going out of the cup any time after this
Calvert-Lewin for Alba 343 all out
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Bentancur, sit between defence and midfield becoming our enforcer
If this goes to ET, Havertz for Locatelli and go to AM 4231
Half time ET - Ferran for Haaland switch with Mbappe
Drawing -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Bentancur fresh legs
88 Mins - Kamara for Neymar, a midfield 4 of
Tolisso - Locatelli - F.de Jong - Kamara
purely to see it out and stifle them, if this goes to ET, Ferran for Locatelli and back to 433 with Ferran right and Mbappe left
Pens
Mbappe
Haaland
Neymar
De Jong
Ferran
Semedo
Alba
Whoever else is on attacking players first
Spurs vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries
Piotr Zielinski
Ederson
Pervis Estupinan
Sekou Koita
Well after a shock win in the first leg, the safest option would be to pack the midfield stifle the game and blag as many draw slots as we can, but that wouldn’t be fair on the zero fans in attendance, so we’ve gone with a half-way house formation that gives us defensive solidity but carries enough of a goal threat to maybe keep the score line respectable.
………………………………………………………Akinfeev…………………………….
………………………………Bonucci…….Alderweireld…….Torres……………
…………………………………………Verratti…………………Kessie………………….
………………………………………………………Sanches………………………………
Doku……………………………………………………………………………………Ronaldo
……………………………………..Icardi……………………Jiminez…………………………
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Barella, Jorginho, Abraham, Berardi
U19 – Doku
U23 – Torres, Kessie, Sanches, - U23 Bench – Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Abraham
Tab’s built a solid really solid side, but we do have a single goal cushion, Spurs are gonna have to come after us, and in doing so they’ll leave gaps in the defence for us to play into, I know its negative and dull but today we’re playing on the counter, they can have the ball in the middle area of the pitch, it’s not hurting us there, let them come deeper, once they get past the extremity of the centre circle our midfield then presses, win the ball back and we’re on our bikes.
Yet again defensively we look dangerously exposed but it’s not really the case, ball out-wide they’re not scoring from there it’s the balls into the box that hurt, but with 3 centre-backs and 2 holding midfielders we kill all that space and plug the gaps in which KDB plies his trade so well.
Akinfeev comes into the side, vastly experienced shot stopper and Footy manager legend, just use all that experience, got a solid defence infront of him that know their business, all he has to do is stop the ball going into the net twice, simple enough no? in possession either play it short to the CB’s or go long, into space for the wingers, or hit Raul with one.
The back line are all rugged centre-halves, all clear 6ft with Toby the short defender at just 6ft1. Bonucci goes RCB, cool calm and collected, will shuffle wide to watch the left winger, stand him don’t dive in. It’s likely to be Hazard he goes against, being Italian I expect him to use all the dark arts to stop him, one way or the other, just keep nibbling at the ankle we know he’s made of glass. Over on the left we Have Torres arguably Spains best ever left-footed defender. He’ll mirror Bonucci on the other side stand his man up and use his physical presence to dominate him, rough him up a bit there’s no VAR in the cup. Toby A is the sweeper keeping one eye on the central striker (should they play one) mopping up the loose balls and sticking close to his man so he can’t get a cheap spin and run in. If they play 2 up-top he goes to the ball carrier and either RCB or LCB picks up the 2nd striker depending which side they’re on.
Verratti and Kessie both hold their positions today, they don’t venture forwards it’s about sacrificing yourself for the team, defensively Kessie man to man marks their AM/#10 – expected to be KDB – Kessie big strong and athletic, he’s the midfield destroyer so will shadow him and look to hit him on his first touch, can’t give him chance to get his head up and pick a pass. Verratti is the free man, he looks to “mark the space” a pure fire fighting role but he’s got such a passing range surely he’ll know where the option is, so by being there he can cut it out at source. In possession both men have the freedom to go long or short as they see fit. Switch it up and turn the Spurs defence and midfield.
Sanches is the advanced midfielder not a #10 he’ll go B2B another bundle of energy without the ball he harries the spurs Dm’s from the front, knowing our strikers will be pressing from the back, this is energy sapping but we can’t let the home team find their rhythm with this in mind, we make the game a little scrappy, you know the cheap trips, shirt pulls, even just knocking the ball out for a throw in, slow the game down as much as possible and frustrate them into going long which is the bread and butter for our defence, offensively attack the spaces and cause the over-loads we need to get the 2 goals we really need.
The front four has the perfect blend of pace, power and trickery, most sides play a flat back four and up until now that’s included this wonderful spurs team, they say the best defence is attack, they also the best teams defend from the front…. So we man mark their entire defence, we need to peg them as deep in their own half as possible, stretch the pitch out and stifle them from offset, with their defence stifled by the fab four, and sanches sitting on the DM’s, the garden gnome has to go long with his goal kicks and from there the first and second balls are a lottery and a lottery we can win. Spurs are too good to resort to long ball it doesn’t fit their style of player but we’re gonna make them. If TAB forces his Fb’s up the pitch to create overloads he leaves his flank exposed to pace of Doku and Ronaldo, who afforded time and space will hurt teams.
Raul is the physical threat in this side he’ll go up against Ramos , body on the line and bring the others into play around him, Icardi is the fox in the box, will play off the shoulder of the other CB’ and look for those gilt edged chances that will surely come.
subs 65 mins regardless
Jorginho > Verratti, like for like and an eye on pens
Barella > Sanches, fresh legs but the roles the same
Pens
Jorginho
Raul
Icardi
Bonucci
Ronaldo
Sudden death
Barella
Kessie
Toby A
Doku
Torres
Akinfeev
High tempo 4-3-3
U19 - Saliba U23 - Hakimi, Tielemans, Ndombele, Dembele + Guendouzi, Godfrey on bench
Must win game at home we go with a powerful athletic team, full of pace and look to play at a high tempo. We want want to play a direct, quick flowing game attacking down the wings. We think the power and athlecism of our midfield trio and wide players will expose the lack of dynamism in the Chelsea midfield and expose the space they leave behind themselves as they press high and throw men forward. Quick direct passing and quick players, to beat their high press and expose space behind.
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 and link up with our wide men. One fb bombs forward at a time.
The opposition have quality in midfield on the ball, but lack athleticism and strength which we have in abundance, so we look to hit them with pace and Billy them in this area. Putting them under pressure in uncomfortable positions, rush them and force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Tielemans is the dm allowing Ndombele and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio will be key. Tielemans plays as our dm, we need to win, and so as a deep playmaker he will be key to spreading the play and our direct passing. Collecting from the back and looking to split the lines and set us on the front foot quickly before Chelsea get back in. Beating their high press.
When we defend, we do so in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Tielemans 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 soon as they enter our, 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 as such, 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 — Saliba — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Ndombele
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son.H-M.
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Godfrey, Guendouzi, Witsel, D.McNeil, Carrasco, Isco, 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 Tielemans 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 Saliba inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
Winning or 1 nil up (going through on aggregate):
If in a position to go through after 70 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide.
If in a position to go through after 75 mins bring on Witsel for Tielemans. Fresh energy and strength in Cm.
If in a position to go through after 80 mins bring on Benzema for Lukaku. Fresh pace, and more importantly quality to hold up the ball, and experience to see us through.
If drawing on aggregate:
After 70 mins bring on Benzema for Dembele. More Lukaku right, player as almost a second striker. Fluid front 3. Mix it up.
After 80 mins bring on McNeil for Ndombele. 4-4-2. Son and McNeil wide.
If losing(going out):
After 65 mins bring on Benzema for Ndombele. 4-4-2.
After 72 mins bring on McNeil and Godfrey for Dembele and Digne. 3-4-3 Hakimi and McNeil wide. Benzema, Lukaku and Son in attack. Fluid front 3. Benzema and Son getting involved linking play, Lukaku in the box. Wide mids providing width.
After 82 mins bring on Isco for Saliba. Wide mids to fb (gung ho fbs). 4-3-3, effectively a 3-4-3, with one fb always attacking.
Pens:
1. Lukaku
2. Tielemans
3. Benzema
4. Pogba
5. Son Heung-min (always on 5th pen)
6. Witsel (if on for Tielemans takes in his place)
7. Ndombele
8. Carrasco
9. Digne
10. Hakimi
Under 23 - Guillamon, Reguilon, McKennie, Aouar, J.David
Youth - Trubin
------------------ A.Trubin ---------------------
Cancelo --- Ramos --- Guillamon -- Reguilon
---------- Casemiro --- De Bruyne -----------
L.Sane --------- E.Hazard -------- M.Asensio
---------------- A.Griezmann -----------------
Subs:
Courtois, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Eriksen, David, Morata
Cup semi-final 2nd leg aka showtime! Hats off to Tino who played a blinder in the first leg, damp changing rooms, cold showers, boggy pitch, it was a real war of attrition. So much so that poor old Jadon Sancho and a few of our other youngsters suffered frostbite which keeps them out of the second leg. Bless.
Fortunately for us we’re now back with our home comforts at a swanky state of the art stadium, the undersoil heating will be cranked up, snoods at the ready and the pitch in pristine condition.
A goal down and all to play for we look to our big hitters to put on a show. Moving the ball at speed we go on the offensive in an attacking 4-2-3-1. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. Whilst going for goals we’re conscious not to leave ourselves exposed so when they’re in possession we sit deep, FB’s tucked in and our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, perfectly set up to win back possession and hit them on counter speed.
Defence:
Between the sticks we give a debut to the best young goalkeeper you’ve probably never heard of. The 6’6 youngster is fresh off some incredible performances in the Champions League including clean sheets against Real Madrid and home and away against Inter Milan. An achievement any GK in world football would be proud of this lad seemingly has the world at his feet or should I say, hands. With many of the world’s finest clubs sniffing around him he’s been snapped up by Spurs and jumps straight into action.
Ahead of him 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. Ramos will marshall the defence, srong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Guillamon will act as cover, sweeping up and offering support 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.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Hazard centrally or Sane and Asensio on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forward:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Hazard plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Griezmann as we go for goals.
Sane and Asensio offer quality from the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations they can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Hazard there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.
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:
80 mins: Asensio & Guillamon off, Aouar & Ake on. Extra defensive cover as Aouar slots into midfield with Hazard moving out wide. Ake improves our backline to help consolidate the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Asensio & Guillamon off, Aouar & Morata on. We pile on the pressure as we switch to a back three. Aouar’s introduction free’s up KDB to push forward with Sane & Hazard on the flanks and Morata joining Griezmann up top. Goals.
If Pens:
1. Sane
2. Griezmann
3. De Bruyne
4. Hazard
5. Ramos
6. Morata
7. Aouar
8. Casemiro
9. Cancelo
10. Reguilon
PORTSMOUTH vs west London wide-boys
Whilst Fan’s already got his excuses in because he’s missing Brazils latest party boy and a tap in merchant, we have to deal with arguably the best keeper in the world being out, Spains greatest ever Left pegging CB and the future GOAT of all RB’s.
Fan’ll go with his tried and trusted 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, amounts to the same thing really, we also know he’ll want his boys to go for possession based football. With that in mind for the first time this season we go for an almost conventional formation, the shape is solid, and we have the personnel in the middle to stifle his side and give us the numbers advantage in the centre of the park, he’s not playing possession football, we’re brining Tiki-Talia to the final, come get the ball fan.
……………………………………….Akinfeev………………………..
…………………..Bonucci……Coady……Alderweireld……
………………………………………Kessie…………………………..
……………………………Barella……………Jorginho………
………………………………………Grealish………………….
……Doku………………………...Icardi………………..…Ronaldo
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, Verratti, Sanches, Raul. Abraham
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Kessie, Barella, Bench – Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, Sanches, Abraham
I know it is a pretty narrow line up, but it helps us dominate possession of the ball, we’re all about retention today, Fan has great strength in depth but when he’s missing so many big hitters this is a good chance to get at him.
Akinfeev knows his business as well as anyone, will marshal the defence and keep it simple, with the ball at feet, any of our CB’s can have it if they’re all covered then one of the four midfielders will take possession.
The diamond in the middle has that bit of everything, and it’s that that’s the key today, whichever way Fan dresses it up it’s a 3 man midfield, when Chelsea have the ball in their own half Grealish chases down the man in possession, meaning the other 3 take a man each, this totally stifles his defences chances of using the ball cleverly, we’ve a front 3 tying up his defence and his midfield is man marked. They’re under pressure straight-away leaving I’m expecting DCL as their striker at their out-ball, he’s a big lad but he’s not gonna dominate my defenders. In possession we have the natural shape that’s perfect for handling the ball, add in our wingers up top and the fact that all 3 of our defenders are comfortable in possession, retention is key, retention and pulling Chelsea’s side all over the park.
Individual instructions as per the overall shape of the diamond
Kessie is the archetypal destroyer, will sit at the base and keep Chelsea’s AM company for as long as possible, nibble him as soon as the balls on his toes, if the midfield’s getting over-run he moves straight into centre, giving us a flat 3 – safe in the knowledge he’s got 3 CB’s holding the line behind him.
Jorginho and Barella both go box to box today, you can throw a blanket over the pair of them, I want them close, hunt together and keep the ball moving when we have it, If Chelsea have prolonged possession once Kessie steps up, and Jack’s dropped back we have a flat 4, Jorginho and Barella fan out-wide effectively becoming a bank of four, they’re job to track Fan’s midfielders if they go wide.
Grealish is the 10, he brings that touch of creativity and spontaneity that can unlock the stiffest of the defences, defensively as mentioned he drops back into the middle of the park, not the greatest defensively but a much needed body in there.
Whilst our midfield is controlling the centre of the pitch, our defence is alert, all 3 men are great on the ball, when we have the ball, Bonucci will push further forward into the DM role, this means that Kessie advances, still at the base of the diamond, Coady and Toby A will sit but with a decent gap, if the ball comes back they can both recycle it, short crisp passes, take the strength out of chelsea’s legs.
Defensively Coady watches the central striker, second skin job, don’t let him turn and get in behind, just hold position and frustrate him, with Bonucci and Toby supporting incase of a loose ball or knock-on. Bonucci and Toby A, will sit in tight both keeping an eye on their respective wingers, but with our midfield compressing into a flat-four we effectively have a 7 man defence to plug the gaps, in these instances and ONLY these instances, when we’ve got turnover possession inside 30 yards of our own goal can we go long, Chelsea have committed forward and now’s the time to hit the wide angled balls for Ronaldo and Doku to chase.
The Trident will stay as high up the pitch as possible, not only does this help to peg Chelsea’s defence back, it also gives our midfield a bit more space to work in, the wingers will look to cut inside and attack the spaces between the FB’s and CB’s, Grealish loitering on the edge of the D always ready for a quick one two, and Icardi is all about movement, his run depends on which CB blinks first and goes to cover his FB – that’s the gap Icardi moves into and that’s the gap our midfield find.
Subs – winning or drawing on 65 mins
Raul > Icardi, fresh legs
Sanches > Grealish, fresh legs
Verratti > Barella, fresh legs
losing on 65 mins – Party mode enabled
Raul > Barella – going for it up top
Abraham > Icardi – Proper target man as we go direct
we're now set-up like this, possession footy has gone, nows the time for long direct balls, one diagonal to the wing, one cross into the box, 4 touches max from defence to scoring
……………………………………….Akinfeev………………………..
…………………..Bonucci…………Coady……Alderweireld……
……………………………Kessie………Jorginho…………………..
………………………………………Grealish………………….
……Doku………………Abraham……..…Jiminez…………..…Ronaldo
Pens if needed:
1- Jorginho
2 – Bonucci
3 – Raul
4 – Sanches/Grealish (depends which is still on the pitch)
5 – Ronaldo
Sudden death – attackers, working backwards to Akinfeev
---------------------- A.Remiro ----------------------
W-Bissaka --- S.deVrij --- Gabriel --- N.Mendes
-------------- F.de Jong --- B.Kamara -------------
--- C.Under --------------------------- F.Torres ---
---------------- Mason.G --- Mbappe ---------------
Meslier, Zagadou, J.Alba, Locatelli, Gouiri, Zaniolo, Calvert-Lewin
We go 4-4-2, with fast forwards to get in behind the terribly slow defence of Portsmouth, they may be big bullies but we will play quick football, using plenty of pace in our front 4 and Mendes to get at them
The back four and Remiro must have constant communication, they play attacking football so we must pick up a man and stick with him, Gabriel will man mark the CB, big and powerful keep him away from danger and his job is done, nip at him and really annoy him until he becomes frustrated and p'd off to the stage where he starts to make simple mistakes. de Vrij stays spare, watches for any other player coming through that the midfield cant pick up. Fullbacks have a tough job, but both up to the challenge. keep the wingers to the outside away from danger and stop early crosses coming in, simples!
Attack wise, Bissaka will stay back allowing Mendes to drive on, this will push at least one of their wingers back creating less danger for us at the back. I want Mendes to drive passed Ferran, quick one two which will get us in behind the defense, Bonucci cant cover RB or at very least will be slow at covering and leave space in the middle, high crosses wont do it for us however so look to drill the ball into the box to the feet of the forwards, or as they will be buzzing about use Torres once more to play them in, high balls only of use at corners when the CBs are up.Bissaka attacks sporadically and does exactly the same, however, I want to use Mendes more often then not.
Always stay as close to a flat line as possibly when defending to make it harder for them coming thorugh when they attack
Kamara and de Jong are our insurance in front of the defence, Kamara in as he is quicker and more robust than Locatelli, he will hit them hard when they are in possession as will de Jong, be quick onto them, I mean very quick before they pass the ball to others, pick up the loose ball and get it away to the forwards, do not dither on it, stay tight again in a flat 4 with the two wingers when defending.
Ferran and Cengiz I want as inverted wingers today, when defending that is, really make the midfield as compact as possible, make the spaces tight and this will stop them playing any sort of football which will force them to quick, and at times misplaced passes to us, therefore we can start attacks quickly. Drive down the wings, and this time push wide, as this will push there CBs wide and leave gaps for our front two to expose, when we have the ball, I want quick, explosive football from the front four, they wont handle it as said they are slow as slow can be. Mendes on the left allows Ferran to push in so they have 3 /4 very quick players to deal with and as soon as an opening is there, they go for goal.
Greenwood and Mbappe up top, buzzing around like bees around honey, always on the move, they will both be playing as 9's and 10's today, when they have the ball get back, create a 6 man midfield to stop them controlling possession, stick the boot in, get the ball back and boom, we are away on the attack, exciting, explosive players, and with Cengiz, Ferran either side, Portsmouth defence will be breathing out their arses by half time!
Can both move left and right and a bit deeper so will be impossible for any Portsmouth defender to pick them up, and if they try they will leave huge holes for us to take advantage of, we will expose them hugely
So, quick, free flowing football, no high balls unless the two Cbs are up ie for corners, lead the a merry dance at the back, they are expecting the usal 433 from us today so we want to catch them and force them onto the back foot from the very first whistle
Captain - de Jong
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Direct - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Zagadou for Bissaka, we go 3-4-3 with Ferran going left and Greenwood right of Mbappe up top
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Cengiz, Ferran to the right, Calvert-Lewin as a Central striker in the 3, he can bully the tiring defenders
80 Mins - Gouiri for Greenwood, fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Greenwood and into midfield
83 Mins - Jordi Alba for Mendes, experienced to see it out
86 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Cengiz, Mbappe to the right, DCL central to hold it all up, still good for a goal if required
Drawing -
65 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Greenwood, different type of CF for them to deal with and we can now put in some high balls
75 Mins - Gouiri for Cengiz and switch with Ferran
Pens (whoever is on)
Mbappe
Greenwood
Mendes
Calvert-Lewin
Ferran
de Jong
Gouiri
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Tactics
Page 26 of 69
27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31
posted on 30/11/20
U23: Calabria Tonali Kulu Curtis
U19: Rhys
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
____________Chesney
Calabria____Rhys___Carlos___Besenbaini
___________Tonali
Kulu___Silva___Curtis___Podence
____________Vardy
SUBS: Henderson, Kroos, Modric, Odegaard, Jota, Gomez, Alberto
Captain: Silva
Penalties: Vardy
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: Odegaard 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: Gomez comes on for Vardy, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Henderson comes on for Silva to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Jota comes on for Silva and play 2 up front.
posted on 30/11/20
SOTON VS Newcastle
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Nouri, Camavinga, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Ait-Nouri
----------------------------------Camavinga---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, Adama, Bergwijn, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Camavinga will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Camavinga
Camavinga will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Adama and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Camavinga and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Kubo + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Kubo will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dest and Ait-Nouri are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Reinier for Camavinga and Jovic for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Ait Nouri
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Jovic-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Bergwijn on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Nouri
--------------------------Valverde--------------Camavinga-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo------------------------------Rashford--------------------Bergwijn
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Kubo
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Bergwijn on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 30/11/20
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - B.Williams. U23 - Hakimi, Tapsoba, Ndombele, Dembele + Nkunku and Guendouzi 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 Witsel is the dm allowing Ndombele and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio will be key.
When we defend in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back. We press in this unit as soo. As the opposition enter our half, let them have the ball in their own half.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.
As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for him in the middle. He’s not a target man, but he’s great in the air in the box. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Lukaku.
—————————— H.Lloris
Hakimi —— Koulibaly — Tapsoba — B.Williams
—————— Ndombele — Witsel
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son Heung-M
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Digne, Guendouzi, Nkunku, Diaby, 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 Witsel in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Tapsoba 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 Diaby for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Guendouzi and Nkunku for Ndombele and Pogba.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Benzema for Ndombele. 4-2-2-3.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Hakimi. 3-5-2. Williams cb.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Nkunku for Pogba.
posted on 30/11/20
Leeds vs PORTSMOUTH (3-5-2)
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Pau Torres
Luis Maximiano
Sergio Ramos
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Gomez, Barella, V D Beek, (all start) Aarons, Ibanez, Abraham (Subs)
……………………………………………Ederson………………………….
……………………………Gomez………Coady……….Mings……………
…………………………………………..Jorginho………………………………
………………………Doku…………….Barella………..V D Beek
………………………………………………Grealish……………………
…………………………………..Raul…………………..Ronaldo…..
Subs: Akinfeev, Aarons, Ibanez, Verratti, Llorente, Abraham, Lacazette
Not so much a must win game more a must not lose game, we’ve gone more conventional in a 3-5-2 BUT DOKU and VDB are not wing backs they’re the widest point of a diamond.
Today is all about control, we hold the ball and move it and Leeds around like pieces on a chess board, wait for the right opportunity then go through the gears and pull the trigger.
We lost our Spanish Cb’s so have a fully English back line. Gomez and Mings the wider of the three will shuffle and cover the threat from leeds wingers as required. Coady is the sweeper and wears the armband today, vocal and commanding he’ll marshall the the troops, in possession Mings and Gomez will play it short but Coady will look for those diagonals as we try to stretch the leeds lines.
Jorginho sits at the base of the diamond, not your traditional anchor man but he puts is foot when required, that said his primary function is ball retention, he’s the option not only for our defence but our midfield to, gets it moves it keeps driving us forward, we’ve a 5 man midfield diamond, there will always be a pass on for him, we have no individual line breakers today, this is about shape, they move forwards, backwards and sde to side as a unit, cutting off the space that leeds can try to work in – there are no spaces for Leeds to play between the lines. Doku the widest point on the right hand side of the diamond, used to being a winger so will look to get forward when we have the ball (in formation still) but going as wide as he can creating those spaces so we can overload the leeds back line, defensively his job is the Leeds winger, not to fall too deep tho so as leaving us imbalanced but as support for Gomez. Barella’s biggest weakness is his versatility and again today it’s a change of role but I want his as our B2B man in the engine room, he scores his share of goals so he’ll be pushing up there to support Grealish or occupy his space when he pushes further forward, defensively he’ll sit in with Jorginho effectively making a double pivot and again cutting off the play between the lines that Leeds will try and force. VDB is a really clever player, likes to force to play so he’ll be in as yet another playmaker, Whilst Doku will be a ball carrier on hie side VDB will be more like Jorginho keeping us moving and always being an option, he can get forward and anyone watching AJAX will know he has goals in him. Defensively he will mirror Doku. I know this may well lead to a very congested midfield, but it’s a very clever and adaptable middle, and ultimately we don’t need to win, so we control this area of the game we get over the line.
Grealish plays as the #10, given the freedom to roam the pitch, drop deep to collect the ball or shuffle wide to create spaces for our midfielders to run into.
Raul & Ronaldo 2 deadly strikers that should get us the goals to progress to the knockout stages, Ronaldo will be the fox in the box, I’m aware this doesn’t fully utilise his skillset, but it amplifies the one that we need most, ice cold predatory skills. Raul is the initial point of contact, don’t wanna call him the target man as it’s linked to a long ball mindset, but Raul will play back to goal hold it up, lay it off and the swivel running into the box looking for the return or a rebound. These two together are great physical specimens and Leeds defence will know they’ve been in a battle after the final whistle.
Subs 60 Mins
Winning or Drawing
Abraham > Raul – Like for like just fresh legs.
Verratti > Jorginho – Again like for like.
Llorente > Grealish – Yea you guessed it, like for like.
Losing
Abraham > VDB - Formation change
Verratti > Jorginho – Formation change
We now line up in a 3-2-1-4, fast direct football, some would say long ball, long diagonals out to the wings, drill some crosses in and mix it up.
……………………………………………Ederson………………………….
……………………………Gomez………Coady……….Mings……………
…………………………………..Verratti……Barella…………………………
………………………………………………Grealish……………………
……………Doku………………..Raul…………Abraham………..Ronaldo…..
Subs: Akinfeev, Aarons, Ibanez, Llorente, Lacazette
IF we’re still losing in the 80th minute we make our final sub.
Lacazette > Grealish – Kitchen sink time. Laca goes and plays inbetween Raul and Tammy makes it a pure front 5, 2 wingers and 3 center forwards.
posted on 30/11/20
-------------------Neuer
Mukiele---White---Hernandez---Gosens
------------------Partey
------------Milinkovic-Savic
---Musah-----Foden------Depay
------------------Kane
Pope
Castagne
Akanji
Brozovic
Saelamakers
Ocampos
Immobile
Reverting back to the 4-1-4-1 today, as a win is needed. This gives us the extra body in the midfield battle, and allows us to control the ball better, and push extra men into the attacking areas. I have opted for a three of Musah, Foden, and Depay in behind Kane, as I think this gives us plenty of movement, pace, and flair in key areas. I would have us favour the left hand side for most of our attacks, as I think we have players here that can do the most damage, and Gosens is at his best when given the license to attack and not sit back. I have balanced this by picking a more defensive option at RB and playing Mukiele, who will contribute less to the attacking side of the game. We want to bombard Portsmouth, and attack them at any opportunity we can, so have picked players capable of moving the ball into the attacking areas with pace and directness, whether that be on the flanks or in the central areas of the pitch. The team should be looking to play a two-touch system, not dallying on the ball for long, and instead moving it quickly, and will play at a high intensity whether in possession or not, showing no let-up in attacking. We want a place in the next round, and think this is the best way to get it.
Defensively, I have picked four ball playing defenders, plus a sweeper keeper behind them. This means that we will be playing a fairly high line, pushing the play up the pitch, however I think we have plenty of pace in that defence, especially with Hernandez and Mukiele, and should be able to cope should the opposition try to exploit this. Partey will mirror the role of Neuer in the team, meaning that we have options to play it to both forward and backward, as well as moving it across the back line as well. Gosens and Mukiele will push out wide, stretching the play and making it harder for an effective press to be engaged. If it is looking as if Portsmouth are winning key battles in this area, then Musah and SMS can drop further back and provide additional options for our passing. The initial movement should be to look for these forward balls, ideally through Gosens, but also to SMS, Foden and Musah, without resorting to long balls lumped forward. Get the ball into the hands of our creative players whenever we can.
On the attack, we should look to have Gosens overlapping on the left hand side, with Depay sitting slightly inside, almost as a second striker, and looking to use his pace to get in behind the opposition defence. He also has the skill to play in front of them, and can be a dangerous quantity from long range. On the other side, Musah can push out wide, stretching the play, whilst SMS will slot in alongside Foden on the right hand side. This should give us
Musah-----SMS------Foden-----Gosens
-----------Kane--------------Depay
In the attacking areas, meaning we have plenty of options, with six players engaged in the attack. Kane and Depay are both dangerous players centrally, and the opposition will struggle to deal with both, whilst Foden is always dangerous when in the box. Quick movement across these players should pull the opposition defence around, and we should never be short of options with this number of players going forward. The two touch system applies here, so constant movement is needed, to make sure players have plenty of options at all times.
When we lose possession, I want to see Depay push back into the LW role, whilst Gosens pushes back. Allowing the opposition to hold the ball in these areas can be important for us, allowing some time to preserve energy. Key to this is knowing when to press. When the opposition holds the balls in the central areas a press is unnecessary, allowing them to hold the ball here. When they push wide, Depay and Musah will pounce, and should they try to step out through the middle, Kane will begin his press, supported in movements by Foden. Our energy should properly engage when they enter into the middle third of the pitch.
When we are on the attack, the defense should take this shape
---------Mukiele----White----Hernandez
------------------------Partey
Converting to a back three, with Mukiele slotting inside, allowing for Gosens to push forward, and for Hernandez to cover the areas that may be vacated by this movement. Partey will patrol the areas in front, and can also push into wide areas if need be, but should primarily operate centrally. When Gosens gets back, the defence will push to the right and operate more as a back four, with SMS dropping in alongside Partey to flood the central areas, making it congested and difficult for them to operate in. Mukiele and Gosens can hold the opposition wide players in these positions, and therefore make it difficult for them to play in either area of our third.
Substitutions
If winning
Brozovic and Akanji on for SMS and Gosens 70 mins
Brozovic gives us fresh legs in the box-to-box role, whilst Akanji will go CB, with herandez pushing out to LB, as a more defensive minded option than Gosens.
Saelamakers on for Mukiele 80 mins
Fresh legs at RB
If losing/drawing
Immobile and Akanji on for Mukiele and Gosens 70 mins
--------------------Neuer
--------Akanji----White----Hernandez
--------------------Partey
Musah----SMS---------Foden--------Depay
-------------Kane-----Immobile
More attacking shape. Gets more bodies in the danger areas.
Ocampos on for Partey 77 mins
Depay comes into a more central role, with Ocampos playing wide left.
posted on 3/12/20
CHELSEA v Bournemouth
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba
U23 - Bissaka, Locatelli, de Jong, Mbappe, Ferran, Haaland, Havertz
U19 - Badiashile
----------------------- Remiro ------------------------
W-Bissaka - V.van Dijk - Badiashile - Jordi Alba
------------- F.de Jong ---- Locatelli ---------------
F.Torres ------------ Havertz ------------- Mbappe
----------------------- Haaland -----------------------
Bergstrom(Chelsea Yth), N.Mendes(U19), Kamara(U23), Pellegrini, Greenwood(U23), Neymar, Calvert-Lewin(U23)
Our game is still based solely on possession football, which begins from the keeper, playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back as our front three play quite a high line, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli and de Jong 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 always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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 not much gets passed him, Badiashile spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only 'one at a time', when in no danger, they push down the line in support of the wingers, drive on the outside making an extra man.. van Dijk and Badiashile to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Locatelli sitting back.
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, 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, 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, he will sit in protect our defence alongside Locatelli as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Havertz as they move into space, with Locatelli drop back if need be to pick it up from the CBs and look for easy balls, keep it simple, they both have 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. Havertz is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three and at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de Jong/Locatelli/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. 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 push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.
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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Havertz to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Ferran/Mbappe to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with sheer pace/[power and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, he will always beat them with his pace and will look to get in on 1 v 1 v the defender then the keeper, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Havertz who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, 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 front by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Havertz
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Neymar for Havertz, N.Mendes for Alba, we go 3-4-3
Remiro
W-Bissaka - van Dijk - Badiashile
Ferran - de Jong - Kamara - Mendes
Mbappe - Haaland - Neymar
Mendes quick enough to get back and make a back 4 again when required
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Haaland, fresh legs
Drawing
70 Mins - Neymar for Ferran, swith wih Mbappe
80 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Havertz 4-4-2/4-2-4, go more long ball and crosses in from wide positions, Pellegrini for de Jong same time
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Havertz, Kamara drop in behind, Locatelli & de Jong and shores it up
86 Mins - N.Mendes for Mbappe help out defensively for the final few mins
posted on 3/12/20
BOURNEMOUTH Carabao Cup away to Chelsea
Captain: Gabriel
Vice-Captain: Simón
Under 23: everyone
Youth: Talles
----------------Simón
Emerson--Felipe--Gabriel----Lodi
------Assunção----Guimarães
----------------Zaracho
Antony-------------------------Talles
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Marcelo, Viña, Botman, Palacios, Azate, Rodríguez, Pedro
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Guimarães will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Zaracho and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Guimarães). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Zaracho will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Talles will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Zaracho, Guimarães and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Guimarães may sit a bit deeper allowing Zaracho to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Zaracho, Talles or Antony with Felipe, Gabriel, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Zaracho and Talles (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Botman for Felipe, Palacios for Assunção and Pedro for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Pedro and Antony with Rodríguez. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
---------------Assunção
Rodríguez---Zaracho---Talles
-----------Pedro -----Núñez
posted on 6/12/20
Under 23 - Sancho, Konate, McKennie, Aouar, Kumbulla
Youth - X.Simons
------------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- Bonucci --- Konate -- F.Mendy
---------- McKennie --- Simons ------------
--- Sancho ---- De Bruyne ---- L.Sane ---
---------------- A.Griezmann ---------------
Mendy, Kumbulla, Aouar, Eriksen, Asensio, Icardi, Morata
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 Bonucci 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:
McKennie will be our holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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 McKennie 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:
80 mins: McKennie & Sane off, Fabian & Kumbulla on. Extra defensive cover as we revert to 5-4-1, Fabian helping retain possession whilst an extra CB helps us shut up shop as we see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: McKennie & Sane off, Icardi & Morata on. We pile on the pressure as we add more goals. KDB moves to CM as we switch to 4-2-2-2 with Sancho & Griezmann out wide with Icardi & Morata up top.
posted on 7/12/20
SOTON VS Spurs
U19 player - Kubo
U23 - Ramsdale, Dest, Fofana, Upamecano, Sessegnon, Ndidi, Valverde, Pulisic, Rashford MBE
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
Dest-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Sessegnon
-------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------
----------------------Valverde------------Lo Celso------------------------
Kubo---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------Rashford--------------------------------
Subs - Onana, Demiral, RLC, Reinier, Adama, Bergwijn, Jovic
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - RASHFORD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.
Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to the CM's. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Pulisic/Kubo and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Centre Mids
Valverde + Lo Celso
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Lo Celso will have a similar role to Valverde except he will be given more attacking freedom. I want him to always make runs forward and when the oppo DM has the ball I want him to put pressure on him and close him down so he makes a mistake and we potentially create a goal scoring opportunity. Use your nimbleness and pace to get away from players marking you in the middle and if you find some space shoot. If you see Ndidi and Valverde struggling in the middle being overwhelmed by the oppo then I want you to focus on helping them more defensively in the centre of midfield.
Wingers
Kubo + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Kubo will be looking to get to the byline and to whip some balls in to the area. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Dest and Sessegnon are no slouches attacking wise so use them! Pulisic will be allowed cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Rashford to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. If we get to the byline with either of the wingers I want them to either whip in a low ball across the face of the net for Rashford to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Striker
Rashford
Rashford is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and finishing. He will look to use his pace to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to fund spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Reinier for Ndidi and Richarlison for Lo Celso to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation.Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
----------------------------------Ramsdale--------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------Valverde---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kubo--------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
------------------------------------Reinier-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford---------------Richarlison-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Demiral in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Richarlison on for Pulisic to add more energy in the centre of midfield. Adama on for Kubo for aswell.
-------------------------------------Ramsdale-------------------------------
Dest-------Upamecano------Fofana------Demiral--------Sesseg
--------------------------Valverde--------------Ndidi-------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama---------------------------Rashford------------------Richarlison
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Kubo
Reinier on for Lo Celso
Richarlison on for Pulisic
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 7/12/20
NEWCASTLE 4-1-4-1
____________Alisson
Trent____Rhys___Car___Robbo
___________Kroos
Salah___Silva___Curtis___Jota
____________Vardy
SUBS: Fabinho, Kroos, Modric, Odegaard, Podence, Gomez, Alberto
Captain: Kroos
Penalties: Salah
Set Piece: Trent
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 and himself. He will sit on the last man 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: Odegaard 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: Gomez comes on for Vardy, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.
If winning 80 mins: Fabinho comes on for Silva to close out the game. He is capable in deep midfield.
If losing/drawing 80 mins: Podence comes on for Silva and play 2 up front Jota moving forward.
posted on 8/12/20
U23 - Henderson, Renan Lodi, D.Luiz, J.Felix, Lautaro. 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 Thiago next to Luiz, and the new Rui Costa offering exuberance in front. Luiz comes in to offer physicality as well as his Samba skills. Thiago our playmaker from deep in the centre, while Luiz is also excellent at spreading the play. In defence Luiz plays zonally in front of cbs, Thiago who presses the play. Similar in attack, Luiz 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 City, seeking to exploit their full backs and space behind their midfield. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Sterling, Lautaro and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt City
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos 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 — Marquinhos — Laporte —— Renan Lodi
—————————D.Luiz —— Thiago
———————————— J.Felix
—- Sterling —————————————- Mane -—
———————————— Lautaro
Subs. Schmeichel, Alaba, Rodri, M.Mount, B.Fernandes, Cunha, 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. Luiz deeper than Thiago pressing the space in front of the cbs. The midfield trio are the ones pressing the ball, they play narrow, one of the trio presses the ball and Thiago behind and the closest other attacking mid press the space next to the player pressing the ball. Thiago effectively offers cover behind the player pressing the ball blocking the central passing lanes. Force them wide.
When City 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 Cunha for Sterling. Fresh pace and samba skills.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Felix. More energy.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Pace and power.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Fernandes and Mount for Thiago and Felix. More attacking energy in Cm and Fernandes to add the quality
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Lodi. Gung ho. Lautaro playing just off Osimhen in front two. 3-5-2.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Fernandes for Renan Lodi. 3–5-2. Felix up top.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Luiz. More energy in Cm with the 3 at the back. Thiago plays dm role.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix.
posted on 8/12/20
Balanced 4-3-3
U19 - B.Williams. U23 - Tapsoba, Tielemans, Dembele + subs coming on.
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 Tielemans is the dm allowing Rabiot 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, Tielemans 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 soon. As the opposition enter our half, let them have the ball in their own half.
With team defending in a narrow unit the wide midfielder comes in narrow helping to pick up any spare midfielders who find space or get behind the midfield press.
As a team we look to push the opposition out wide where they will be limited to crosses and we will have a better chance of clearing our lines.
Lukaku up top plays his natural game, he’s best running in behind the opposition or at them. We look to play with great width stretch the game and the opposition looking to create space for him in the middle. He’s not a target man, but he’s great in the air in the box. One fb bombs forward at a time, we look to get the Cm on each side out combining with the attacking fb and winger playing one twos and producing the magic to create for Lukaku.
———————————— Lloris
B.Williams — Koulibaly — Tapsoba — L.Digne
——————— Tielemans — Rabiot
———————————— Pogba
Dembele ————————————— Son Heung-M
———————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Guendouzi, Ndombele, Isco. Diaby, Carrasco, M.Kean
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 Tielemans 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 Tapsoba 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 Diaby for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide
If winning or drawing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele and Guendouzi for Rabiot and Pogba.
If winning or drawing after 78 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Diaby for Tielemans. 4-2-2-2. Son up top, Diaby left.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Ndombele for B.Williams. 3-5-2. Digne lcb.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Isco for Dembele. Pure creativity to complement all the pace on park.
posted on 8/12/20
Barcodes vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Sekou Koita
Riccardo Orsolini
Jorginho
……………………………………..Ederson……………………..
……………..Torres…………...Coady……………..Ramos
……………………Zielinksi……Verratti……Barella……………..
……………………………………Grealish……………………….
Doku……………………………Ronaldo………………..Lozano
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, VD Beek, Gagliardini, Raul, Abraham.
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Torres,Barella (both start) Maximiano,Aarons,Gomez,VDB,Tammy (all bench)
Slight switch up today, still attacking but with one eye on safety first, we’re playing the percentages like an entertaining version of mark Shelby
Lubo has built a really solid and functional side, with a lot of pace out wide so us having no full-backs is tantamount to football suicide, but I’m trying something different I’m using inverted wide centre-backs as I think that’s the best way to counter his wingers, Lubo’s players are very much “cut-in merchants” rather than run line so with that in mind my RCB is a left pegger and my LCB a right pegger, so when Newcastles wide men drift in they actually come into my defenders strongest foot. Small subtlety but one that will make a difference. It also puts Ramos directly in line with Salah. His brief is simple, take him the feck out with every opportunity I mean if its an accidental shoulder dislocation that is fine but just wipe him out. Torres on Jota is much the same, use the clever fouls to just knock him off his stride and slow the momentum down. Coady goes man to man on Steptoe, don’t let him turn and run away, we all know Vardy has the uncanny ability to leave a trailing leg waiting for contact, just hold the deep line and don’t let the slide rule passes catch you out.
The trinity in midfield are all really comfortable on the ball, so they’ll pass and move it along, Verratti playing as the quarter-back, can put his foot in surprisingly well for a midget, will sit in the hole and close down any space their AM/#10 looks to operate in, if they go flatter then he screens any passes into Vardy’s feet, with Verratti closing down from there and Coady being a second shadow, there’s no options for the ball into feet as a springboard for attacks, which means they’ll have to try and go longer.
Barella and Zielinski both play B2B today, add weight to our attacks, both have an eye for goal so will try their luck from distance, defensively they drop deep to plug gaps, they’re going zonal rather than man to man.
the sheer weight of numbers in my midfield should give me a modicum of control, we have pace power and mobility in there, I know their midfield is pretty good too but we fancy our chances of winning that battle and controlling the tempo of the game.
Grealish is the number 10, his overall game has improved greatly, and we need that new found work rate today, whilst our midfield is strong he’s the link man at the tip, offensively he’s given the freedom of the pitch as we look to play a fluid passing game, with some nice slick triangles, pulling the barcodes all over the place. Defensively he’ll sit on (figuratively) their deep lying playmaker, harrying him into rushing his passes, if you watch American football, this is a run defence blitz – Jack charges at the ball carrier, and our trident midfield heavy press the receivers, force the mistake and turnover possession. Newcastles full back like to press high up the pitch, so when we get the ball we instantly hit the ball into the channels for our wingers to chase down, getting Newcastle running back at their own goal.
The trinity up top comprises of our quickest players (I think) Newcastle’s full backs love to get up the pitch, but this is their Achilles heel, whilst both out-put great numbers attackingly, defensively they can be gotten at, So Doku and Lozano will stay as high up the pitch as the offside line will allow us, if Newcastles FB’s drop off then track back as far as the half way line no deeper – cus when we win the ball back their gonna have to be on their toes cus we’re gonna rinse them on the counter-attack. Ronaldo up top – you know what he is capable so I’m not gonna bother waxing lyrical about his achievements, we’re gonna need a couple of goals and big game players don’t come much bigger than this man.
Subs 60 mins (winning or drawing)
Zielinski and Barella off VD Beek and Gagliardini on – no tactical change just fresh legs in the engine room.
losing at 60
Raul > Zielinski
Tammy > Lozano
we now line up like this
……………………………………..Ederson……………………..
……………..Torres…………...Coady……………..Ramos
…………………………………….Verratti…………………..
…………………………Grealish…………….Barella
Doku………………………Raul……..Tammy……………..Ronaldo
posted on 8/12/20
obvs my references to lubo are a typo and should read ludes, stupid fat fingers
posted on 11/12/20
POMPY vs spurs
Injuries:
Pervis Estupinan
Piotr Zielinski
Roger Ibanez
Tyrone Mings
3-2-3-2
…………………………………….Ederson……………………..
…………………..Gomez……….Coady ©………..Torres….
…………………………….Barella………Sanches…………
Doku……………………………..Barnes……………..Ronaldo
…………………………Icardi…………….Jiminez……………….
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Verratti, Jorginho, Abraham, Lacazette
U19 – Doku
U23 starters – Gomez,Torres,Barella,Sanches,Barnes
U23 bench – Maximiano,Aarons,Papetti,Abraham
We welcome my dear friend TAB to our state of the ark, league one standard Fratton park, for the biggest game of our season. We’ve been busy making sure his spurs allstars get the welcome they deserve. This club as you all know is still recovering from bankruptcy we’ve still not replaced the broken window in the away changing room so you’ll feel that lovely sea breeze rolling through the place, and to further make things erm unfortunate the boiler in the away rooms has packed in and we cant afford to repair it so whilst your players sit there in a cold damp dressing room with precious little space to warm up, our groundsmen are busy watering the pitch, make it as heavy as possible for you’re lovely thoroughbreds to play that slick fancy passing game they’re so well accustomed to, this ball’s gonna stick and stick nicely.
Right down to the serious stuff.
Back to the 3-2-3-2 that Stan Cullis used back in the 50’s when wolves won 3 league titles a couple of cups and we’re “crowned” champions of the world. Ramos has left us and Bonucci is waiting his rona results, so Joe Gomes comes in at RCB, quick and uncompromising he’ll shuffle out-wide when needed to cover the LW, no need to dive in just stand him up and wait for the right time to step in and take the ball. Torres on the other side will do the same to his RW, heavy pitch the ball won’t run on as easily, so this games all about timing. Captain Coady goes man to man on their central striker (if they go 1 up top) if it’s a front two then he goes to the free man, don’t chase the ball…. The midfield screen will go to the ball.
when our defenders have the ball we look for the long balls down the channels or over the top for Raul to win, we’re not messing around with it at the back, we’re playing off the front foot, turning that Spurs midfield and going after them.
Barella and Sanches are an unusual pairing but with 3 Cb’s it annoys me when people still playing holding midfielders there’s no need, so today we’ve gone with 2 energetic midfielders in the engine room, both have the fancy skills on the ball but it’s their work-rate and drive that gets them the nod. Playing 2 B2B’s enables us to have the overloads in the attacking areas but gives us the numbers to sit in when under pressure. One goes to the ball carrier the other fills the space based on which outlet Spurs look to utilise. Barella in possession is a very heads up player, can pick the weight of pass perfectly and switch the play, what I want from Sanches is a ball carrier in the middle of the pitch, when we turn over possession he drives it forward drawing men towards him before offloading.
Doku is a pace merchant and whilst our heavy pitch will slow him down, it’ll also slow those around him down, we’re still looking to get him on the ball as much as possible, get him running at defenders and banging crosses in. with Raul on the edge of the 6 yard box, Icardi loitering for any spills plus Ronaldo running in at the back stick, this is a tactic we’ll use as often as possible, sooner or later one will stick.
Barnes, whilst not as good as his dad John, is a clever little player, good pace and very good close control, will play as the #10 today, collect the ball from the midfield and link the play, another one who loves to run with the ball, negating just how much of a swamp we’re playing on. Him,Doku,Sanches and Ronaldo should be able to gain us some serious yards with the ball at feet. When Doku has the ball as mentioned above, Barnes will just sit on the “D” either as a surprise receiver or there to collect any clearances from the defence. When Ronaldo has the ball, CR7 will be coming inside so Barnes will over-lap and go wide – this sawing movement should create confusion in the spurs ranks as to whom follows whom.
Ronaldo – Left wing but we all know realistically he’s an old fashioned inside forward, will look to play in that gap between RB and RCB – when you add in two strikers to marshall as well we could well get a few mismatches in our favour… big games call for big players.
Raul & Icardi – The classic big man, little man combo… Raul is so much more than just a target man but he can play this role perfectly holds the ball up, makes a nuisance of himself and has lovely quick feet, will sit infront of both Cb’s – does one CB step forward? Does the Dm drop deeper and leave Barnes in space? Icardi is the predator, he’ll sit on the shoulder of the last man, looking to find just enough space to get his shots away – with Raul and Ronaldo waiting for a rebound we certainly have the fire-power to trouble a side even as good as Spurs.
Subs 60 mins – regardless of scoreline, this is over 2 legs so a loss can be over-turned, this is about fresh legs.
Abraham > Raul – like for like an even bigger target man
Verratti > Barella – like for like
Jorginho > Sanches – like for like
posted on 13/12/20
Chelsea
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba, Pellegrini
U19 - Badiashile
Rest U23
-------------------------- A.Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- V.van Dijk ---- Badiashile ---- Jordi Alba
--------- Bentancur ---- Locatelli ---- F. de Jong --------
F.Torres ---------------- Haaland ----------------- Mbappe
Meslier, Kamara, Pellegrini, Havertz, Cengiz, Greenwood, Calvert-Lewin
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.
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 Bentancur OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs 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 allows more time for Bentancur and de Jong 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. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Bentancur as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Bentnacur 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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Bentancur 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong
Corners - Wingers
Losing
65 Mins - Neymar for Bentancur go left, Mbappe up top 442/424
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Ferran, Mbappe right, DCL up top with Haaland
Drawing -
65 Mins - Neymar for Ferran, switch with Mbappe, Havertz for Bentancur into a No.10 role
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Bentancur, sit between defence and midfield
80 Mins - Cengiz for Ferran
posted on 13/12/20
U19: B.Williams
U23: Tielemans, Nkunku. Bench: Godfrey, Diaby, Guendouzi, Dembele, Kean
Counter 4-4-2
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.
They press high up the park so we play long. Either get in behind, find space behind their midfield for Son or Nkunku to get in, or look for Lukaku to play on the weaker cb and bully them. Son and Lukaku both have fantastic pace and strength and we expect their link up to be on point. Up against an attacking team that presses they will find themselves with plenty of space when we get them the ball.
We have a very athletic side, with strength and pace throughout the team. We defend deep, let them have the ball and hit them quickly on the counter. As they push forward to press, we look to go direct for Nkunku or Pogba bursting through the midfield or go long to the front two. Hit them quick before they get bodies back. Digne gets forward from defence to offer width.
We defend in a deep, compact shape and narrow to the side of play. Two solid lines of four with no space in between. Nkunku goes right, Pogba left. Son sits in a position between their deepest midfielder, Lukaku up on the last defender. Either pulls their cbs apart disrupting their line, or has Son in space with their deepest Cm looking over his cb worrying about him more than the play.
Son targets space left by their fbs, or looks to get close to Lukaku and get at their cbs. 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 space in behind for them to use their pace. We don’t press until they reach the final third, we get 9 men back behind the ball,
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 Witsel is the dm and Tielemans the deep playmaker. This duo coupled with the pace of our front two, Nkunku and Pogba will be key, defend as a unit in deep positions and counter.
When we defend, we defend in a narrow 4411 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Witsel defends zonally behind, and the other closest midfielder in the four blocking the passing lane forward. Force them back.
With team defending in a narrow unit the midfielder wide (Pogba or Nkunku) 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 (always Digne).
———————————— Lloris
B.Williams — Koulibaly — Lenglet — Digne
————————————- Witsel
—————— Tielemans ———— Pogba
———————————— Nkunku
———————— Lukaku ——— Son H.
Subs. Gulacsi, Godfrey, Guendouzi, Rabiot, Dembele, M.Diaby, Kean
Defence
We defend deep as a unit in the 4141 formation, almost a 41311 formation though as Witsel defends in front cbs zonally 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 Witsel in a central position to sweep in front of the defence.
If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit, seek to press them before they can switch up the park.
Koulibaly the defensive leader at the back, he is the man marker with Lenglet intelligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Guendouzi for Nkunku fresh pace and energy in midfield. Pogba moves to most attacking role.
If winning after 76 mins bring on Dembele for Pogba. Pace to break against tired defenders.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Guendouzi for Tielemans . More energy.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Dembele for Nkunku. More attacking and fresh energy and pace.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Dembele for Pogba. 442. Dembele right, Nkunku left in a flat 442. More width.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Rabiot for Tielemans. Fresh energy.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Diaby for Nkunku.
posted on 13/12/20
Under 23 - Sancho, Konate, McKennie, Aouar
Youth - X.Simons, F.Pellestri
----------------- Courtois ------------------
Cancelo -- Ramos --- Konate -- F.Mendy
--------- Casemiro --- Simons ------------
Sancho ------- De Bruyne ------- Hazard
--------------- A.Griezmann --------------
Subs: Mendy, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Pellestri, Asensio, Morata
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 Ramos 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 holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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 Casemiro 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 Hazard and Sancho flanking the Griezmann in the middle. In one on one situations Hazard 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:
80 mins: Simons & Hazard off, McKennie & Pellestri on. Extra defensive cover with McKennie slotting in alongside McKennie. The exciting Pellestri giving us fresh legs out wide.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Simons & Hazard off, Morata & Pellestri on. We pile on the pressure. Griezmann & Morata up top with Sancho, KDB & Pellestri in behind. Goals.
posted on 14/12/20
Chelsea
O23 - Remiro, van Dijk, Alba, Tolisso, Neymar
U19 - Badiashile
Rest U23
-------------------------- A.Remiro ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ---- V.van Dijk ---- Badiashile ---- Jordi Alba
--------- Bentancur ---- Locatelli ---- F. de Jong --------
Mbappe ----------------- Haaland ----------------- Neymar
Meslier, Kamara, Tolisso Havertz, Cengiz, Ferran, Calvert-Lewin
Same line up which won the first leg so go in confident. 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, 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.
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 Bentancur OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs 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 allows more time for Bentancur and de Jong 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. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks and Bentancur as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Bentnacur 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 Neymar and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bentancur to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/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 Bentancur 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 Bentancur who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong
Corners - Wingers
Losing
65 Mins - Ferran for Bentancur, we go 442/424, Ferran RW and Mbappe up top
If it looks like we are going out of the cup any time after this
Calvert-Lewin for Alba 343 all out
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Bentancur, sit between defence and midfield becoming our enforcer
If this goes to ET, Havertz for Locatelli and go to AM 4231
Half time ET - Ferran for Haaland switch with Mbappe
Drawing -
75 Mins - Tolisso for Bentancur fresh legs
88 Mins - Kamara for Neymar, a midfield 4 of
Tolisso - Locatelli - F.de Jong - Kamara
purely to see it out and stifle them, if this goes to ET, Ferran for Locatelli and back to 433 with Ferran right and Mbappe left
posted on 14/12/20
Pens
Mbappe
Haaland
Neymar
De Jong
Ferran
Semedo
Alba
Whoever else is on attacking players first
posted on 15/12/20
Spurs vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries
Piotr Zielinski
Ederson
Pervis Estupinan
Sekou Koita
Well after a shock win in the first leg, the safest option would be to pack the midfield stifle the game and blag as many draw slots as we can, but that wouldn’t be fair on the zero fans in attendance, so we’ve gone with a half-way house formation that gives us defensive solidity but carries enough of a goal threat to maybe keep the score line respectable.
………………………………………………………Akinfeev…………………………….
………………………………Bonucci…….Alderweireld…….Torres……………
…………………………………………Verratti…………………Kessie………………….
………………………………………………………Sanches………………………………
Doku……………………………………………………………………………………Ronaldo
……………………………………..Icardi……………………Jiminez…………………………
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Barella, Jorginho, Abraham, Berardi
U19 – Doku
U23 – Torres, Kessie, Sanches, - U23 Bench – Maximiano, Aarons, Papetti, Abraham
Tab’s built a solid really solid side, but we do have a single goal cushion, Spurs are gonna have to come after us, and in doing so they’ll leave gaps in the defence for us to play into, I know its negative and dull but today we’re playing on the counter, they can have the ball in the middle area of the pitch, it’s not hurting us there, let them come deeper, once they get past the extremity of the centre circle our midfield then presses, win the ball back and we’re on our bikes.
Yet again defensively we look dangerously exposed but it’s not really the case, ball out-wide they’re not scoring from there it’s the balls into the box that hurt, but with 3 centre-backs and 2 holding midfielders we kill all that space and plug the gaps in which KDB plies his trade so well.
Akinfeev comes into the side, vastly experienced shot stopper and Footy manager legend, just use all that experience, got a solid defence infront of him that know their business, all he has to do is stop the ball going into the net twice, simple enough no? in possession either play it short to the CB’s or go long, into space for the wingers, or hit Raul with one.
The back line are all rugged centre-halves, all clear 6ft with Toby the short defender at just 6ft1. Bonucci goes RCB, cool calm and collected, will shuffle wide to watch the left winger, stand him don’t dive in. It’s likely to be Hazard he goes against, being Italian I expect him to use all the dark arts to stop him, one way or the other, just keep nibbling at the ankle we know he’s made of glass. Over on the left we Have Torres arguably Spains best ever left-footed defender. He’ll mirror Bonucci on the other side stand his man up and use his physical presence to dominate him, rough him up a bit there’s no VAR in the cup. Toby A is the sweeper keeping one eye on the central striker (should they play one) mopping up the loose balls and sticking close to his man so he can’t get a cheap spin and run in. If they play 2 up-top he goes to the ball carrier and either RCB or LCB picks up the 2nd striker depending which side they’re on.
Verratti and Kessie both hold their positions today, they don’t venture forwards it’s about sacrificing yourself for the team, defensively Kessie man to man marks their AM/#10 – expected to be KDB – Kessie big strong and athletic, he’s the midfield destroyer so will shadow him and look to hit him on his first touch, can’t give him chance to get his head up and pick a pass. Verratti is the free man, he looks to “mark the space” a pure fire fighting role but he’s got such a passing range surely he’ll know where the option is, so by being there he can cut it out at source. In possession both men have the freedom to go long or short as they see fit. Switch it up and turn the Spurs defence and midfield.
Sanches is the advanced midfielder not a #10 he’ll go B2B another bundle of energy without the ball he harries the spurs Dm’s from the front, knowing our strikers will be pressing from the back, this is energy sapping but we can’t let the home team find their rhythm with this in mind, we make the game a little scrappy, you know the cheap trips, shirt pulls, even just knocking the ball out for a throw in, slow the game down as much as possible and frustrate them into going long which is the bread and butter for our defence, offensively attack the spaces and cause the over-loads we need to get the 2 goals we really need.
The front four has the perfect blend of pace, power and trickery, most sides play a flat back four and up until now that’s included this wonderful spurs team, they say the best defence is attack, they also the best teams defend from the front…. So we man mark their entire defence, we need to peg them as deep in their own half as possible, stretch the pitch out and stifle them from offset, with their defence stifled by the fab four, and sanches sitting on the DM’s, the garden gnome has to go long with his goal kicks and from there the first and second balls are a lottery and a lottery we can win. Spurs are too good to resort to long ball it doesn’t fit their style of player but we’re gonna make them. If TAB forces his Fb’s up the pitch to create overloads he leaves his flank exposed to pace of Doku and Ronaldo, who afforded time and space will hurt teams.
Raul is the physical threat in this side he’ll go up against Ramos , body on the line and bring the others into play around him, Icardi is the fox in the box, will play off the shoulder of the other CB’ and look for those gilt edged chances that will surely come.
subs 65 mins regardless
Jorginho > Verratti, like for like and an eye on pens
Barella > Sanches, fresh legs but the roles the same
Pens
Jorginho
Raul
Icardi
Bonucci
Ronaldo
Sudden death
Barella
Kessie
Toby A
Doku
Torres
Akinfeev
posted on 16/12/20
High tempo 4-3-3
U19 - Saliba U23 - Hakimi, Tielemans, Ndombele, Dembele + Guendouzi, Godfrey on bench
Must win game at home we go with a powerful athletic team, full of pace and look to play at a high tempo. We want want to play a direct, quick flowing game attacking down the wings. We think the power and athlecism of our midfield trio and wide players will expose the lack of dynamism in the Chelsea midfield and expose the space they leave behind themselves as they press high and throw men forward. Quick direct passing and quick players, to beat their high press and expose space behind.
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 and link up with our wide men. One fb bombs forward at a time.
The opposition have quality in midfield on the ball, but lack athleticism and strength which we have in abundance, so we look to hit them with pace and Billy them in this area. Putting them under pressure in uncomfortable positions, rush them and force them to go long where we will dominate in air. In midfield Tielemans is the dm allowing Ndombele and Pogba to attack. This duo coupled with the pace of our front trio will be key. Tielemans plays as our dm, we need to win, and so as a deep playmaker he will be key to spreading the play and our direct passing. Collecting from the back and looking to split the lines and set us on the front foot quickly before Chelsea get back in. Beating their high press.
When we defend, we do so in a narrow 4141 formation, in a tight unit with not much space between the lines. Two players pressing the ball, Tielemans 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 soon as they enter our, 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 as such, 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 — Saliba — Digne
—————— Tielemans — Ndombele
——————————— Pogba
Dembele ———————————— Son.H-M.
——————————— Lukaku
Subs. Godfrey, Guendouzi, Witsel, D.McNeil, Carrasco, Isco, 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 Tielemans 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 Saliba inteligence and both have pace to cover. The full backs always seek to push their attackers out wide.
Subs.
Winning or 1 nil up (going through on aggregate):
If in a position to go through after 70 mins bring on Carrasco for Dembele fresh pace and class out wide.
If in a position to go through after 75 mins bring on Witsel for Tielemans. Fresh energy and strength in Cm.
If in a position to go through after 80 mins bring on Benzema for Lukaku. Fresh pace, and more importantly quality to hold up the ball, and experience to see us through.
If drawing on aggregate:
After 70 mins bring on Benzema for Dembele. More Lukaku right, player as almost a second striker. Fluid front 3. Mix it up.
After 80 mins bring on McNeil for Ndombele. 4-4-2. Son and McNeil wide.
If losing(going out):
After 65 mins bring on Benzema for Ndombele. 4-4-2.
After 72 mins bring on McNeil and Godfrey for Dembele and Digne. 3-4-3 Hakimi and McNeil wide. Benzema, Lukaku and Son in attack. Fluid front 3. Benzema and Son getting involved linking play, Lukaku in the box. Wide mids providing width.
After 82 mins bring on Isco for Saliba. Wide mids to fb (gung ho fbs). 4-3-3, effectively a 3-4-3, with one fb always attacking.
Pens:
1. Lukaku
2. Tielemans
3. Benzema
4. Pogba
5. Son Heung-min (always on 5th pen)
6. Witsel (if on for Tielemans takes in his place)
7. Ndombele
8. Carrasco
9. Digne
10. Hakimi
posted on 16/12/20
Under 23 - Guillamon, Reguilon, McKennie, Aouar, J.David
Youth - Trubin
------------------ A.Trubin ---------------------
Cancelo --- Ramos --- Guillamon -- Reguilon
---------- Casemiro --- De Bruyne -----------
L.Sane --------- E.Hazard -------- M.Asensio
---------------- A.Griezmann -----------------
Subs:
Courtois, N.Ake, McKennie, Aouar, Eriksen, David, Morata
Cup semi-final 2nd leg aka showtime! Hats off to Tino who played a blinder in the first leg, damp changing rooms, cold showers, boggy pitch, it was a real war of attrition. So much so that poor old Jadon Sancho and a few of our other youngsters suffered frostbite which keeps them out of the second leg. Bless.
Fortunately for us we’re now back with our home comforts at a swanky state of the art stadium, the undersoil heating will be cranked up, snoods at the ready and the pitch in pristine condition.
A goal down and all to play for we look to our big hitters to put on a show. Moving the ball at speed we go on the offensive in an attacking 4-2-3-1. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. Whilst going for goals we’re conscious not to leave ourselves exposed so when they’re in possession we sit deep, FB’s tucked in and our CM’s marshalling the middle of the park, perfectly set up to win back possession and hit them on counter speed.
Defence:
Between the sticks we give a debut to the best young goalkeeper you’ve probably never heard of. The 6’6 youngster is fresh off some incredible performances in the Champions League including clean sheets against Real Madrid and home and away against Inter Milan. An achievement any GK in world football would be proud of this lad seemingly has the world at his feet or should I say, hands. With many of the world’s finest clubs sniffing around him he’s been snapped up by Spurs and jumps straight into action.
Ahead of him 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. Ramos will marshall the defence, srong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Guillamon will act as cover, sweeping up and offering support 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.
Midfield:
Casemiro will be our holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate 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.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Hazard centrally or Sane and Asensio on the flanks as we play at pace. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forward:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. Hazard plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and go at the opposition, a player with fantastic link up play and an for goal he also has license to push up top alongside Griezmann as we go for goals.
Sane and Asensio offer quality from the flanks. Both will be direct, going at the opposition with speed. In one on one situations they can be deadly and with the opposition likely to be concerned with KDB and Hazard there is every chance these two can find space to expose on the flanks. With a powerhouse frontline we go for goals, both wingers will look to cause problems, cutting inside and going direct for goal one moment and driving down the line, bamboozling the opposition before whipping the ball into the box the next.
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:
80 mins: Asensio & Guillamon off, Aouar & Ake on. Extra defensive cover as Aouar slots into midfield with Hazard moving out wide. Ake improves our backline to help consolidate the win.
If drawing/losing:
75 mins: Asensio & Guillamon off, Aouar & Morata on. We pile on the pressure as we switch to a back three. Aouar’s introduction free’s up KDB to push forward with Sane & Hazard on the flanks and Morata joining Griezmann up top. Goals.
If Pens:
1. Sane
2. Griezmann
3. De Bruyne
4. Hazard
5. Ramos
6. Morata
7. Aouar
8. Casemiro
9. Cancelo
10. Reguilon
posted on 18/12/20
PORTSMOUTH vs west London wide-boys
Whilst Fan’s already got his excuses in because he’s missing Brazils latest party boy and a tap in merchant, we have to deal with arguably the best keeper in the world being out, Spains greatest ever Left pegging CB and the future GOAT of all RB’s.
Fan’ll go with his tried and trusted 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, amounts to the same thing really, we also know he’ll want his boys to go for possession based football. With that in mind for the first time this season we go for an almost conventional formation, the shape is solid, and we have the personnel in the middle to stifle his side and give us the numbers advantage in the centre of the park, he’s not playing possession football, we’re brining Tiki-Talia to the final, come get the ball fan.
……………………………………….Akinfeev………………………..
…………………..Bonucci……Coady……Alderweireld……
………………………………………Kessie…………………………..
……………………………Barella……………Jorginho………
………………………………………Grealish………………….
……Doku………………………...Icardi………………..…Ronaldo
Subs: Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, Verratti, Sanches, Raul. Abraham
U19 – Doku
U23’s – Kessie, Barella, Bench – Maximiano, Aarons, Gomez, Sanches, Abraham
I know it is a pretty narrow line up, but it helps us dominate possession of the ball, we’re all about retention today, Fan has great strength in depth but when he’s missing so many big hitters this is a good chance to get at him.
Akinfeev knows his business as well as anyone, will marshal the defence and keep it simple, with the ball at feet, any of our CB’s can have it if they’re all covered then one of the four midfielders will take possession.
The diamond in the middle has that bit of everything, and it’s that that’s the key today, whichever way Fan dresses it up it’s a 3 man midfield, when Chelsea have the ball in their own half Grealish chases down the man in possession, meaning the other 3 take a man each, this totally stifles his defences chances of using the ball cleverly, we’ve a front 3 tying up his defence and his midfield is man marked. They’re under pressure straight-away leaving I’m expecting DCL as their striker at their out-ball, he’s a big lad but he’s not gonna dominate my defenders. In possession we have the natural shape that’s perfect for handling the ball, add in our wingers up top and the fact that all 3 of our defenders are comfortable in possession, retention is key, retention and pulling Chelsea’s side all over the park.
Individual instructions as per the overall shape of the diamond
Kessie is the archetypal destroyer, will sit at the base and keep Chelsea’s AM company for as long as possible, nibble him as soon as the balls on his toes, if the midfield’s getting over-run he moves straight into centre, giving us a flat 3 – safe in the knowledge he’s got 3 CB’s holding the line behind him.
Jorginho and Barella both go box to box today, you can throw a blanket over the pair of them, I want them close, hunt together and keep the ball moving when we have it, If Chelsea have prolonged possession once Kessie steps up, and Jack’s dropped back we have a flat 4, Jorginho and Barella fan out-wide effectively becoming a bank of four, they’re job to track Fan’s midfielders if they go wide.
Grealish is the 10, he brings that touch of creativity and spontaneity that can unlock the stiffest of the defences, defensively as mentioned he drops back into the middle of the park, not the greatest defensively but a much needed body in there.
Whilst our midfield is controlling the centre of the pitch, our defence is alert, all 3 men are great on the ball, when we have the ball, Bonucci will push further forward into the DM role, this means that Kessie advances, still at the base of the diamond, Coady and Toby A will sit but with a decent gap, if the ball comes back they can both recycle it, short crisp passes, take the strength out of chelsea’s legs.
Defensively Coady watches the central striker, second skin job, don’t let him turn and get in behind, just hold position and frustrate him, with Bonucci and Toby supporting incase of a loose ball or knock-on. Bonucci and Toby A, will sit in tight both keeping an eye on their respective wingers, but with our midfield compressing into a flat-four we effectively have a 7 man defence to plug the gaps, in these instances and ONLY these instances, when we’ve got turnover possession inside 30 yards of our own goal can we go long, Chelsea have committed forward and now’s the time to hit the wide angled balls for Ronaldo and Doku to chase.
The Trident will stay as high up the pitch as possible, not only does this help to peg Chelsea’s defence back, it also gives our midfield a bit more space to work in, the wingers will look to cut inside and attack the spaces between the FB’s and CB’s, Grealish loitering on the edge of the D always ready for a quick one two, and Icardi is all about movement, his run depends on which CB blinks first and goes to cover his FB – that’s the gap Icardi moves into and that’s the gap our midfield find.
Subs – winning or drawing on 65 mins
Raul > Icardi, fresh legs
Sanches > Grealish, fresh legs
Verratti > Barella, fresh legs
losing on 65 mins – Party mode enabled
Raul > Barella – going for it up top
Abraham > Icardi – Proper target man as we go direct
we're now set-up like this, possession footy has gone, nows the time for long direct balls, one diagonal to the wing, one cross into the box, 4 touches max from defence to scoring
……………………………………….Akinfeev………………………..
…………………..Bonucci…………Coady……Alderweireld……
……………………………Kessie………Jorginho…………………..
………………………………………Grealish………………….
……Doku………………Abraham……..…Jiminez…………..…Ronaldo
Pens if needed:
1- Jorginho
2 – Bonucci
3 – Raul
4 – Sanches/Grealish (depends which is still on the pitch)
5 – Ronaldo
Sudden death – attackers, working backwards to Akinfeev
posted on 19/12/20
---------------------- A.Remiro ----------------------
W-Bissaka --- S.deVrij --- Gabriel --- N.Mendes
-------------- F.de Jong --- B.Kamara -------------
--- C.Under --------------------------- F.Torres ---
---------------- Mason.G --- Mbappe ---------------
Meslier, Zagadou, J.Alba, Locatelli, Gouiri, Zaniolo, Calvert-Lewin
We go 4-4-2, with fast forwards to get in behind the terribly slow defence of Portsmouth, they may be big bullies but we will play quick football, using plenty of pace in our front 4 and Mendes to get at them
The back four and Remiro must have constant communication, they play attacking football so we must pick up a man and stick with him, Gabriel will man mark the CB, big and powerful keep him away from danger and his job is done, nip at him and really annoy him until he becomes frustrated and p'd off to the stage where he starts to make simple mistakes. de Vrij stays spare, watches for any other player coming through that the midfield cant pick up. Fullbacks have a tough job, but both up to the challenge. keep the wingers to the outside away from danger and stop early crosses coming in, simples!
Attack wise, Bissaka will stay back allowing Mendes to drive on, this will push at least one of their wingers back creating less danger for us at the back. I want Mendes to drive passed Ferran, quick one two which will get us in behind the defense, Bonucci cant cover RB or at very least will be slow at covering and leave space in the middle, high crosses wont do it for us however so look to drill the ball into the box to the feet of the forwards, or as they will be buzzing about use Torres once more to play them in, high balls only of use at corners when the CBs are up.Bissaka attacks sporadically and does exactly the same, however, I want to use Mendes more often then not.
Always stay as close to a flat line as possibly when defending to make it harder for them coming thorugh when they attack
Kamara and de Jong are our insurance in front of the defence, Kamara in as he is quicker and more robust than Locatelli, he will hit them hard when they are in possession as will de Jong, be quick onto them, I mean very quick before they pass the ball to others, pick up the loose ball and get it away to the forwards, do not dither on it, stay tight again in a flat 4 with the two wingers when defending.
Ferran and Cengiz I want as inverted wingers today, when defending that is, really make the midfield as compact as possible, make the spaces tight and this will stop them playing any sort of football which will force them to quick, and at times misplaced passes to us, therefore we can start attacks quickly. Drive down the wings, and this time push wide, as this will push there CBs wide and leave gaps for our front two to expose, when we have the ball, I want quick, explosive football from the front four, they wont handle it as said they are slow as slow can be. Mendes on the left allows Ferran to push in so they have 3 /4 very quick players to deal with and as soon as an opening is there, they go for goal.
Greenwood and Mbappe up top, buzzing around like bees around honey, always on the move, they will both be playing as 9's and 10's today, when they have the ball get back, create a 6 man midfield to stop them controlling possession, stick the boot in, get the ball back and boom, we are away on the attack, exciting, explosive players, and with Cengiz, Ferran either side, Portsmouth defence will be breathing out their arses by half time!
Can both move left and right and a bit deeper so will be impossible for any Portsmouth defender to pick them up, and if they try they will leave huge holes for us to take advantage of, we will expose them hugely
So, quick, free flowing football, no high balls unless the two Cbs are up ie for corners, lead the a merry dance at the back, they are expecting the usal 433 from us today so we want to catch them and force them onto the back foot from the very first whistle
Captain - de Jong
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Direct - Mbappe
Corners - Wingers
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Zagadou for Bissaka, we go 3-4-3 with Ferran going left and Greenwood right of Mbappe up top
75 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Cengiz, Ferran to the right, Calvert-Lewin as a Central striker in the 3, he can bully the tiring defenders
80 Mins - Gouiri for Greenwood, fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Greenwood and into midfield
83 Mins - Jordi Alba for Mendes, experienced to see it out
86 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Cengiz, Mbappe to the right, DCL central to hold it all up, still good for a goal if required
Drawing -
65 Mins - Calvert-Lewin for Greenwood, different type of CF for them to deal with and we can now put in some high balls
75 Mins - Gouiri for Cengiz and switch with Ferran
Pens (whoever is on)
Mbappe
Greenwood
Mendes
Calvert-Lewin
Ferran
de Jong
Gouiri
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