SHEFFIELD UNITED v Manchester City
------------------Kelleher
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Grimaldo
-----------Kovacic, Gallagher
---Mahrez----James-----------Isco
-------------------Suárez
Subs: Dubravka, Vrsaljko, Guehi, Ampadu, Lainez, Brooks, Mertens
Captain: T. Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic and Gallagher we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Gallagher can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Kovacic can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Gallagher's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gallagher running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Kovacic such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, James Rodríguez and Isco as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or Gallagher, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Gallagher can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Isco, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James Rodríguez, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Mahrez, Isco & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Mahrez, James & Isco to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Brooks on for Mahrez and Mertens on for Isco
Double substitution - Lots of fresh pace and sublime dribbling skills in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2
———————-— Chesney
————— Fabinho - Hummels - Shaw
Trent - Goretzka - Kroos - Barella - Robbo
——————— Salah - Vardy
Subs: Olmo, Modric, Henderson, Jota, Immobile, Kulu, Oyarzabal
Captain: Kroos
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Salah
Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by making a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.
In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.
We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.
Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.
When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.
Attacking play style
We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.
Defensive play style
Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.
We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.
Defensive transitions
First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.
Offensive transitions
We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.
Subs.
65 mins - Henderson on Kroos off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Oyarzabal on Goretzka off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 Oyar left salah right Vardy central
75 mins losing - Immobile on Vardy off. Get behind their defence.
75 mins winning - Modric for Barella. Calm things a bit.
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
-------------------- Mendy -------------------
------ Cancelo --- N.Ake --- Reguilon ----
---------- Casemiro --- N.Kante -----------
J.Sancho ------ De Bruyne ----- E.Hazard
---------- A.Morata --- Griezmann --------
Subs:
Sanchez, Christensen, Aouar, Asensio, L.Sane, Dybala, Abraham
Tactics:
As the season progresses our adaptability has been our greatest strength and we continue to channel our inner Pep Guardiola as we go with a set up that the great man himself would be proud of in today’s 3-2-3-2 formation.
Welshy has done his best to butcher our CB’s however the timing of bringing in Kante has proved impeccable as his partnership with Casemiro, quite possibly the best DM partnership in the world, provides ample defensive protection which allows us to go with a back three and an attack which can wreak havoc on the opposition. Such is our strength in depth that we’re even able to call upon the likes of Dybala, L.Sane & Asensio from the bench as we look to put our opposition to the sword.
Defence:
We go with possibly one of the quickest back three’s there is in Cancelo, Ake & Reguilon. If they play one up top Ake will mark however we know Fan has a tendency to play two up top which will actually suit our set up perfectly.
If they go with the two then Cancelo and Reguilon will mark with Ake acting as cover. Our FB’s move to RCB and LCB today and therefore offer the perfect balance in a back three. Our brick wall of Casemiro and Kante will shield our defence, limiting the supply to their attack whilst also having bags of pace and energy to scamper across and deal with any threats out wide.
In this set up we also have the flexibility for Casemiro to drop in alongside Ake, allowing Cancelo & Reguilon to cover the flanks in a conventional back 4. Tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon.
Midfield:
Casemiro and Kante will act as our enforcers in the middle. They will sit in front of our defence stifling the oppositions creativity and more importantly, cutting off the supply line to their forwards. We want to physical impose ourselves in this area of the pitch and these two are absolute warriors.
All action players we rely on their 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.
If their wingers break at pace then we want one of Casemiro/Kante to drift across to engage them whilst the other stays central and picks up their AM. For instance if they break down one flank then Kante will drift across to shut them down whilst Casemiro stays central and vice versa. Importantly this will allow our back three to stay intact and deal with their forwards.
If they look to build from the back slowly then this is when we will drop into a deeper defensive shape with Casemiro dropping in at CB and KDB dropping in alongside Kante forming a DM/CM partnership. As soon as we win back possession we spring in to attack with KDB terrorising them from AM as Casemiro slots back in alongside Kante at DM.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back three and DM defensive pivot this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. 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 pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they opt for three at the back then Sancho and Hazard can cause them real damage. We want them to hug the touch line, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. We want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition, looking to either supply one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves. We feel our quality out wide could be the real difference maker in this one.
Up top we go with the duo of Morata & Griezmann. If they go with a back four then they’ll likely find themselves in one on one match ups. If the opposition go with a back three then they could be in real trouble as we could potentially outnumber them with Sancho, Morata, Griezmann & Hazard essentially forming a front four when in possession.
Morata will be the target man, offering a real aerial threat and great hold up play. Griezmann is the link up man, drift between the lines causing havoc and getting himself on the end of Morata’s knockdowns. The Frenchman is in fine form and we expect him to finish any chances that fall his way.
With the pace, creativity and sheer quality of our front five, coupled with the sight of seeing Dybala & Sane entering from the bench to exploit tired legs, we feel it could be a long day for the opposition defence.
Subs:
If winning:
75 mins: Morata off, Christensen on. We tighten up defensively as we bring on an extra CB move to a 4-5-1 formation.
80 mins: Griezmann off. Dybala on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Morata & Hazard off, Dybala & Sane on. Their defence will be tiring and the pace and quality of Dibbles & Sane will be the last thing they’ll want to see. We keep up the pressure and raise the tempo in the final 20 as we go for the winner.
Bournemouth Tactics: League round 16 (Home to Leicester)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice Captain: Zubeldia
Team:
------------------Simón
Molina--Ibañez—Botman---Olivera
-----------------Zubeldia
--------Domínguez---Gonçalves
Veron------------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Lewis, Araújo, Assunção, Guimarães, Sancet, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very 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: Zubeldia 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. Domínguez and Gonçalves will play just in front of Zubeldia. Domínguez will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gonçalves will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, Domínguez and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Domínguez may sit a bit deeper allowing Gonçalves to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Gonçalves, Suárez or Veron with Ibañez, Botman, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Araújo for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Guimarães for Domínguez, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Sancet for Domínguez and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Sancet offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Zubeldia
Sancet-----Gonçalves----Suárez
---------Núñez---Evanilson
Red Card Subs:
Keeper: Maximiano for Simón and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
FB: Lewis as direct replacement (LB/RB) and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
CB: Araújo as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
CM: Guimarães as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
LW/RW/AM: Move Gonçalves to LW/RW: 4-4-1
CF: Evanilson as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
SOTON vs Portsmouth
------------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano----------Demiral---------Fofana------------------
-----------------------------------Camavinga------------------------------------
-----------------------Valverde--------------Lo Celso------------------------
Bailey---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
--------------------------Isak------------Rashford----------------------------
Subs - Badiashile, Ait-Nouri, Tonali, Szoboszlai, Reinier, Richarlison, Adama
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
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 back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Upamecano and Fofana will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to close down the oppo wingers. Demiral in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo striker/s. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
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. Help out Upamecano and Fofana if they come up against a winger on the wings. 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
Bailey + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to do similar by cutting in from the right, and to either open up space to shoot or to pass infield to their teammates. 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 your teammates close to you and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. If there is no space to cut in then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Jovic to get his head on. 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 our strikers to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Strikers
Marcus Rashford MBE
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.
Alexander Isak
Isak will look to use his strength and hold up play to bring others into the game. Try and get in front of the oppo defenders and use your aerial ability to win the header and either pass the header to a teammate or get a shot on goal. Try to make runs off the shoulders of the oppo defence aswell sometimes just to mix it up and give the oppo defenders something else to think about.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Szoboszlai for Lo Celso and Adama for Bailey to bring some more attacking impetus on. Reinier on for Valverde aswell and a small position change in midfield. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano----------Demiral---------Fofana-----------------
--------------------------------------Camavinga--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama------------------Szobo---------Reinier-------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------Isak------------Rashford----------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Tonali in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. . Take the wingers off and put on Adama and Ait Nouri as wingbacks who'll offer a lot more defensive stability.
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano-------Demiral---------Fofana----------------
-------------------Camavinga--------------Tonali------------------------------
Adama-------------------------Valverde--------------------Ait-Nouri
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Isak--------------Rashford--------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Bailey
Szoboszlai on for Pulisic
Richarlison on for Isak
Fresh legs to bring on.
Portsmouth vs Southampton
Injuries:
Busquets,Kessie,Kilmann,Aguero
…………………………………Ederson……………………….
Castro………………Dias………………Romagnoli………Ferland
………………………………….Koke…………………………………..
……………………Weston……………….Eriksen……………….
Insigne……………………….Belotti……………………….Ronaldo
Subs: Turati, Bonucci, Telles, Zielinski, Raul, Ali, Chiellini
Tough game vs Nadz’s Saints side, the last couple of months he’s gone without wingbacks and that’s something we look to exploit today, Have even gone with a traditional formation to give us the perfect opportunity.
Southampton have a really good midfield and ours is hit badly with injuries to Biscuits and Kessie, so the switch around gives us an extra body in there to try and wrestle away some of his sides momentum.
Ederson is a genuine world class keeper, and right now I’d say he’s Brazils best, big strong and athletic but comfortable with the ball at his feet, a good talker and he’ll marshall his defence, quick off his line so any through balls by-passing our defence he can deal with.
Otto plays LWB for Wolves, but he’s naturally both footed so switches flanks for us today, he gives great attacking width and is very comfortable in possession he’ll run the line, interchange possession with the midfield and continue to advance, he’ll stay out-wide stretching the saints defence as wide as possible.
Ferland Mendy comes in for his debut and by all accounts is a top top player, quick and strong, he mirrors Otto on the other flank, they both go up, we really wanna widen the saints lines and expose the lack of full-backs.
defensively both of these men are more than capable, they’ll show their man the line, make him cross it where our CB’s will fancy their chances in the individual duels. Don’t dive in, just jockey and await support from the midfielders.
Ronaldo and Insigne are playing as inverted wingers today, because of the nature of our full-backs and banking on Nadz sticking to 3 at the back, these two are coming inside so they can unleash their stronger feet, they don’t need to run the line as that takes away our FB’s spaces, so get the ball and come inside, the other benefit of this is that it gives us numbers in the midfield battle vs Saint’s powerhouses. Both of these can hit from distance so if it’s on they have the freedom to go for it, as they drift inside the link-up play with Eriksen could pay dividends his eye for a pass is right up there.
Dias and Romagnoli go man for man against Saint’s top two, Roma vs the More physical threat and Dias vs the quicker threat, same generic tactics for defenders im afraid, stand strong, stay big don’t dive unless you have to, in possession keep it simple we have plenty of runners in the side, switch it for the diagonals, there’s lots of space to hit as saints push on.
Koke is the quarter-back today, he’s not your typical DM and we can’t expect him to be, but he can be a decent shield and just put his foot in, close down the spaces and keep it simple. With the ball at his feet he’s a really good player, do the deep lying playmaker does suit his skillset, head’s up pick ya passes, we need to hit Saints hard and fast. Turn their wingers and get them running back towards goal, because he’s just gonna be sitting, he allows our FB’s to be free-running as we’ll always have (atleast) 3 men back.
Weston comes in and slots perfectly into Kessie’s role as the B2B man, great engine on him averaging 9.5km per match (last season) he’ll get stuck in to the midfield battle and is always good for a goal or two, arriving late on the edge of the box taking a defender away will be key to us exploit Saint’s defence.
Eriksen is the #10 today, can still put a shift in and as well know he’s got a goal in his game, so with our wingers coming inside, our FB’s pushed right up and Weston running from deep, The great Dane has a lot of options, it’s the inwards runs of our wingers today that we hope gives us that bit of an edge as expose the lack of width in that defence and midfield.
Belotti is a top top finisher but his overall work-rate is second to none, he’ll harry and chase down the defenders, but we want him centrally by doing so he’ll fix atleast one of the CB’s in place, so once our wingers cut inside we should find a fair bit of space to carve out some good chances for him, and we’re confident in him finishing
Subs 65 mins regardless
Zielinski > Eriksen
Raul > Belotti
--------------------Neuer
Castagne----White---Hermoso---Hernandez
--------------------Jorginho
-------------SMS-----------Alberto
Ocampos-----------------------------Depay
--------------------Kane
Woodman
Walker
Adams
Brozovic
Chiesa
Musah
Malen
We return to the 4-3-3 for a tough game against Arsenal, with a few changes in personnel due to injury and suspension. White, Jorginho and Alberto all come in, and I think each of them is a quality player to step up and fill the void. The change in shape heralds a change in the attacking shape. The 4-3-3 has the possibility of switching into a 4-2-3-1, should we wish to push Alberto into a more advanced role. In terms of style, I want to see us transition quickly, moving the ball in 1-3 touches, and operating triangles across the pitch. Keeping hold of possession is important for us today, as it is in a possession-based game that a number of our players excell. As well as this, I want to see a return to the high intensity press across the pitch. If the opposition are allowed possession then they will hurt us, so we have to work to hold it, and then retain it whenever it is lost.
Defensively, I’m not expecting Jorginho to operate as a physical shield for the back four, and instead expect him to influence the game by dictating the play. He should have plenty of options, with two creative players in front of him, plenty of attacking talent in the wing areas, and players capable of driving us forward at FB. We vary the way the ball is spread, and make it difficult for Arsenal to pin down the approach play. Hermoso and White are also calm, cool, and collected when in possession. Finding Jorginho should be their first move, but spreading the play into the wide areas should always be seen as an option. I want to see Depay and Ocampos drop off slightly, to find space, and serve as an outball. I don’t want us to be light at the back, so our FBs will be allowed to attack, but only in moderation. The primary attacking full back should be Castagne, showing a focus down the right hand side, with Hernandez tucking slightly inside, and almost operating as a back three when Castagne bombs forward. He will look to overlap Ocampos, who will come slightly inside to accommodate and create space. We think this attacking threat from deep is probably necessary due to the lack of dynamism perhaps coming from the DM area.
In terms of the attacking players work on the ball, I have already pointed to Ocampos operarting a slightly inside forward role. The key for us today is to try and create chances for our clinical finishers, namely Kane and Depay. Kane should be the focal point, operating between the posts whenever we have possession, whilst Depay will play off him, using his pace and strength to push on and get behind the opposition lines. This is the advantage of Kane, in that he is capable of operating both as a natural goalscorer and as a support man, all at the same time. In terms of the contributions of other attackers, Alberto will look to play a free attacking role, operating in whatever space is made available. I expect this to often see him drifting into the wide left areas, covering the space vacated whenever Depay pushes forward. SMS will operate as a box to box player, pushing as far as the edge of the area, but making sure that he is unlikely to be caught with space in behind him.
When we lose possession, the gameplan has to be to win it back as quickly as possible. Kane will look to apply pressure to the opposition CBs and GK, whilst Depay and Ocampos will cut off out balls to the FBs, and Alberto will look to sit on whatever holding midfielder Arsenal may play. This man-for-man system makes it harder for Arsenal to play out from the back, forcing them into longer, more riskier passes. It does also, of course, mean we have a chance to win back the ball high up the pitch, and manufacture more chances from there. Kane will keep himself up top, even when the ball transitions into the midfield third. I want to see Depay, Ocampos and Alberto continue to follow the ball, however. Here, it is more important to press in numbers than man-for-man, so they, along with SMS, will operate a combined press, not allowing the opposition any time on the ball, and working as a group to shield our defensive players. By recovering possession, we can look to re-engage our attacking outlets.
Substitutions
Jorginho off for Brozovic 60 mins
Ocampos off for Chiesa 65 mins
Fresh legs in both defensive and attacking areas.
If winning
Alberto off for Adams 70 mins
Operating a conservative 4-2-1-3, with Adams alongside Brozovic, in an attempt to better see out the game.
If losing/drawing
Malen on for Castagne 80 mins
Change to a 3-1-2-3-1. Attacking, yes, but need to throw whatever we can at the door to try and get a goal.
High tempo 4-2-2-2
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality, that will mix up the play with pace and some magic.
We have a strong dm next to the energy of Mount in the Cm two, but also great on the ball and able to play at a high tempo. We look to play with pace setting a high tempo for 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 and physicality of Rodri next to the energy of Mount. Mane and Fernandes also offer high energy pressing.
Up top new Rui Costa also offering exuberance in front. Cunha
Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Mount who presses the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line. We have a strong defence, allowing us to take the game to Newcastle with an attacking formation.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Toon, seeking to exploit their full backs and space out wide. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Bruno, Cunha and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Toon.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the four narrow in front with Rodri dropping behind, allowing Mount + Fernandes/Maneto press with cover. As Toon get into our half, 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 four, 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 four, Felix supports getting close to Cunha who is the 9, using his creativity to link the play.
——————————— Allison
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte —— Alaba
————————— Rodri—— M.Mount
—- B.Fernandes ——————————- Mane -—
———————— J.Felix —— M.Cunha
Subs. Henderson, Stones, Theo, Thiago, Neves, Zaha, P.Neto
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 4-4-1-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two cms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Felix just sits on their deepest Cm, don’t let him get on the ball.
When Toon 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 defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Zaha for Felix. Fresh pace and skills, 4-2-3-1, Zaha right, Bruno central.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Neves for Mount. Fresh legs and quality.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Theo for Cunha. Mane moves up top. Theo lm. Fresh pace.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Zaha and Neto for Felix and Mount. More pace as legs tire to open up. Bruno Cm.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Thiago for Felix. Move Bruno further forward. 4231.
Balanced 4-3-3
We look to at pace, quick passing throughout as we look to attack with power through the centre using the pace out wide to open up the opposition. Use that pace out wide to create space for Ndombele and Pogba.
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 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.
—————————— Souza
Hakimi — Koulibaly — Lenglet — L.Digne
—————————— Witsel
————— Ndombele —— Pogba
Dembele ——————————— Son Heung-M
—————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Tielemans, Godfrey, Nkunku, Diaby, Benzema, 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 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 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 after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele more attacking and fresh pace and power.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tielemans for Wits. 4-4-2. Nkunku lm , Son up top.
If drawing after 85 mins bring on Kean for Dembele.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele. 4-2-2-2. Son up top, Nkunku left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Tielemans for Witsel, box to box power and energy.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Kean for Dembele.
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Portsmouth
-----------------Kelleher
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Ampadu, Höjbjerg
---Mahrez-----James----------Isco
------------------Suárez
Subs: Dubravka, Lavinier, Rodon, Bernat, Gallagher, Djuricic, Mertens
Captain: T. Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens)
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ampadu can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, James Rodríguez and Isco as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Isco, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James Rodríguez, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Mahrez, Isco & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Mahrez, James & Isco to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Djuricic on for Isco and Mertens on for Suárez
Double substitution - Lots of fresh pace and sublime dribbling skills in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
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Bournemouth (4-3-3) Round 17 (Away to Tottenham)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice-Captain: Rodak
-----------------Rodak
Molina--Ibañez--Araújo---Olivera
-------Zubeldia----Guimarães
---------------Gonçalves
Veron-------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Aarons, Carmo, Assunção, Azate, Sancet, Evanilson
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 (Zubeldia) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Gonçalves 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 Gonçalves 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: Rodak 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 (Zubeldia). 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 Gonçalves will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, 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 Gonçalves 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: Gonçalves, Suárez or Veron with Ibañez, Araújo, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (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 – Carmo for Ibañez, Assunção for Zubeldia and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Evanilson and Veron with Sancet. 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.
------------Zubeldia
Sancet---Gonçalves---Suárez
--------Evanilson -----Núñez
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
---------- Pavard ----- Skriniar ----- Konate ----------
Coufal -------- McTom ------- Prowse -------- Gosens
------------------------- Grealish -------------------------
----------------- A.Silva -------- Werner ----------------
Casteels, Romero, Sandro, Soucek, Coman, Correa, Moreno
Ill give it one more go, we go in looking to attack and score goals and play with freedom. When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Grealish will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Grealish to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Martinez is our sweeper keeper, he always makes himself big, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Pavard & Konate, Cover the wingbacks when they have pushed forward and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
Skriniar - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Coufal and Gosens, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although McTominay's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. Also very good in front of goal and in the box for set pieces, if he makes a break forward Prowse will look just to sit in a bit.
Ward-Prowse has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running he is expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Grealish is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, Silva & Werner are great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, therefore winning a lot of free kicks
Werner I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Grealish to get Silva away on goal, he and Silva both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Werner, Silva will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back
Silva, is our out an out No.9, fox in the box, he is there to finish off chances created by other, I want him always on the last man, no defending required from him, always ready to pounce, if however he cant get in on goal he has plenty round him to lay it off to, or just a quick pass and look to get into space where he can get his shot off, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.
Captain Skriniar
Pens - A.Silva
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Grealish
Losing -
65 Mins - Correa for Coufal, Coman for Gosens, we go same formation, but with wingers instead of wingbacks
75 Mins - G.Moreno for Werner fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Soucek for Werner, he goes to the right of McTominay to shore up midfield
83 Mins - Moreno for Silva
Drawing -
65 Mins - Moreno for Werner, Soucek for Prowse
75 Mins - Correa for Coufal, he and Gosens into midfield
-------------------- Mendy -------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- Reguilon
------------------ Casemiro -----------------
L.Sane -------- De Bruyne ------ E.Hazard
----------- A.Morata --- P.Dybala ----------
Subs:
Sanchez, Rudiger, Kante, Neuhaus, Aouar, Griezmann, Abraham
Tactics:
We look to continue our fine form as we continue our free flowing attacking football in today’s 4-1-3-2. With home advantage we look to go on the offensive as we go for goals.
As always tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon which means that whilst we’re 4-1-3-2 in possession, when the opposition are in possession we will drop back into a 4-2-3-1.
When we lose the ball De Bruyne will drop in alongside Casemiro in a DM/CM double pivot with Dybala dropping into the #10 role. Giving us a stronger defensive platform and ensuring we limit the space for them to operate.
Casemiro - De Bruyne
Sane - Dybala - Hazard
Morata
As soon as we win back possession we spring onto the offensive with KDB pushing forward and Dybala up top alongside Morata.
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. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with De Ligt also drifting across to offer additional support. When in possession both Cancelo and Reguilon have 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 act as the shield in front of our defence and pick up their most advanced AM, cutting out their supply line in the process. He’ll stay back at all times and anchor the midfield.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. 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 pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back four and strong DM anchor this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will act as the playmaker whilst out wide we look to hit them with the pace and skill of Sane and Hazard. We want them to hug the touch line, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. We want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition, looking to either supply one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves.
Up top we go with a classic big man/small man partnership of Morata & Dybala.
Morata will be the target man, offering great hold up play and a real aerial threat from any crosses that come into the box. Dybala will be the link up man, drift between the lines making him incredibly difficult to pick up and causing havoc when getting on the end of Morata’s knockdowns. The Argentine giving the perfect opportunity to shine in this set up.
With a trio of Sane, De Bruyne and Hazard supporting our front two they will have a dream supply line as we go for goals in today’s match up.
Subs:
If winning:
75 mins: Dybala off, Kante on. We tighten up defensively as we bring an extra DM alongside Casemiro.
80 mins: Morata off. Griezmann on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Casemiro & Dybala off, Griezmann & Aouar on. Aoaur gives us a bit more creativity from deep in a quarterback role with the fresh legs of Griezmann giving us a new threat up top.
Comment deleted by Article Creator
comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 1 second ago
--------------------------- Oblak ----------------------------
Mazrouai ----- J.Gomez ----- van Dijk ----- Jordi Alba
--------------- Locatelli --------- F.de Jong --------------
--------------------------- B.Silva ---------------------------
-------- Mason.G ------- Giroud -------- Mbappe --------
Bono, Kamara, Chilwell, Pessina, Havertz, Gouiri, Bamford
We like 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 or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, even better if they don't have fullbacks, we cant get in behind quite easily, 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 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, Giroud slightly higher up always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Joe Gomez picks up the CF, van Dijk spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, if they get 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 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 we cant afford be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli to drift to the side with this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows de Jong to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, B.Silva also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Locatrelli has made by moving to pick up men. van Dijk and Gomez 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, will at times drop between the 2 Cbs to get the ball, 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 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. Our midfield maestro Silva 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/CF 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 and passing 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, playing a high line to force there wide players back, however, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Greenwood will cause them problems drifting in an out, forcing defenders out of position thus allowing Silva to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Greenwood 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 Giroud who can beat any defender with power, driving passed them 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 Giroud who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Silva and one of the wide men, depending what side we attack from, 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
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - B.Silva
Corners - B.Silva
Losing
65 Mins -
Kamara for Alba, he goes to LCB, Gouiri for Mazraoui, Havertz for Giroud
J.Gomez - van Dijk - B.Kamara
B.Silva - Locatelli - F.de Jong - Gouiri
Mason.G - Havertz - Mbappe
Winning -
75 Mins - Pessina for Greenwood, he goes to the right of Locatelli, B.Silva to RM, Havertz for Giroud
Drawing -
70 Mins - Gouiri for Giroud, Mbappe to CF, Gouiri to LW more pace up top
75 Mins -
Kamara for Alba go to LCB, Chilwell for Alba and he and Mazrouai push up
343
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
______________Stegen
Trent___Hummels___Boateng__Zinchenko
______________Fabinho
___________Kroos___Modric
Kulu___________Salah__________Jota
Subs: Robbo, Llorente, Barella, Immobile, Olmo, Lemar, Bennacer
Today I’d like to take complete control of midfield, holding possession and stretch their back line while outnumbering every area of the middle third and final third of the pitch. Our full backs will play as inverted fullbacks assuming the role as box to box and pivoting midfielders, thereby pushing our midfielders further forwards creating a 5 man attack.
______________Stegen
________Hummels___Boateng_______
______Trent___Fabinho__Zinchenko
Kulu_______Kroos___Modric_____Jota
_______________Salah______________
By doing so I will always have an extra man in midfield, including wide passing options, creating overloads. It will also help us stretch the field wider as I would expect opposition players to drift in-field to try and mitigate the presence of the extra bodies in midfield leaving wide areas for our wide players to exploit. As such the wide players will be given instruction so hug the touchline when waiting to receive the ball, then they can cut in and play their natural game but providing pass options initially is a must.
I fully expect us to create difficulty for the opposition in assessing exactly how and where to cover space and how to effectively pressure the ball. Create pass options to drag players out of position when they struggle to cope with the extra man in midfield exploiting gaps between the lines.
Our attacks will be taking a very vertical approach which allows the attacking midfielders to receive the ball in space allowing us to hurt them. Our version of a vertical approach is passing the ball up and down the field, with players inviting pressure as they receive and release the ball thereby creating a gap for another player to move into to receive a recycled pass. Eventually a path to goal will appear and it’ll be up to the players to exploit that playing their natural games. The whole point of this system is about opening greater space in between the lines for the attacking midfielders to receive. The attacking midfielders will also be expected to break the lines and make runs beyond the striker to find space higher up the pitch creating goal-scoring opportunities. The fullbacks therefore have many options to pass to, the 9, the 10s, and out wide depending on the natural movements of the players.
Defensive stability is very important to the way we want to play. One of the rules ultimately in football is you cannot score if you don’t have the ball, so we aim to keep the ball as much as possible with the ongoing ball recycling process of trying to drag players out of position finding space to exploit. When the opposition do gain possession they immediately face a block of five in the middle and our third of the pitch, quickly changing back to a standard 4-5-1 in two flat lines (plus the striker up top). Doing so will allow us to effectively defend our wide areas stopping any crosses coming in while congesting the middle enough for minimal gaps to appear between the lines. We press less to minimise the risk of gaps appearing but instead rely on cutting passing lanes and options. Once possession is regained, we immediately progress up the pitch and revert back to 2-3-5. The central defensive triangle of both CBs and the DM are good in the air capable of winning plenty of duels in the air as well as on the ground, in addition of course to their exceptional passing ability. It is important to have players that occupy those three positions that have on-the-ball intelligence, astute awareness of how to cover space in transition, and an aerial presence.
Subs.
65 mins - Barella on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Llorente on Kroos off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Immobile on Kulu off. Salah goes right and Immobile provides aerial presence up front.
75 mins winning - Bennacer on Kroos off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
Round 17
Sheffield blades vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Dele Ali
Giorgio Chiellini
Matt Doherty
Leonardo Bonucci
Away at a resurgent Sheffield United. Welshy has built a strong side with a front four that can deal severe damage, but we can control the midfield and get at their defence so it’s a shuffle of the pack today and a switch to a more proactive formation, get at their defence and control the midfield before Welshy’s front-four can carry the day for the home team.
……………………………………………….Ederson……………………………….
…………………………………Dias…….Maguire….Romagnoli……………
…………………………………………….Busquets………………………
……………………………...Kessie…………………McKennie…………..
Ronaldo……… Insigne…..
………………………………Aguero……………..Belotti…………………….
Subs: Turati (GK) Ferland, Castro, Eriksen, Zielinski, Koke, Raul
I know the above is risky, and mostly frowned upon, I also know that we leave gaps in the wide areas defensively, oh and I also know Maguire is pony but with my injuries he gets the nod. But with the right system and players alongside him it’ll work.
Defensive strengths and weaknesses
Yes that’s not the quickest back line and we leave gaps out-wide. This is countered by the fact we sit deep today, we defend the 18 yard line, there’s no gaps behind for them to run into. If any through balls slide through Ederson is quick off his line and will sweep for us. Suarez has many many facets to his game but blistering pace isn’t one of them so with this in mind Maguire isn’t such a bad shout, we need physicality more and with the deep line, we accentuate his strengths and lessen his weaknesses. As I say we defend the perimeter when the ball is with Sheffields wingers, Busquets drops back into CB alongside Maguire and either Dias or Roma shuffle to cover the winger on their side. When LCB or RCB shuffle they go no wider than the edge of the box, no need to risk getting rinsed out-wide just the defend the box.
This defensive rigidity/shape keeps us in the game and allows us to go man to man with Sheffields front-four, stop the over-loads and gives us a platform to build on.
The Midfield is where this game is won or lost (or drawn for the pedants) Sheff Utd have a good midfield so the 3-man defence allows us to use an extra body in the engine room. Busquets is the deepest midfielder, we’re lucky to have him really as he does the job of two players, he can sit and dictate the play, getting us moving forwards but he is also great at breaking up the oppo play, defensively today he watches the Blades Am/#10 for the most part, but as mentioned will drop into CB when Sheffield go wide. If as expected Welshy sticks with his 4-2-3-1 that will leave Kessie and McKennie in one on ones with their counterparts and with both of them big strong units that cover big distances during a game, we can out-work and outrun them, but they’re more than just workhorses they have genuine quality and with 2 B2B midfielders harrying the Sheffield midfielders and not letting them settle into a rhythm and picking passes, we can get turnover ball in dangerous positions, and with us playing a front-four of our own if we get quick ball we can deliver some real damage to them.
The Fab four, no not John,Paul,George and Ringo, are full of pace and skill, our weakness is defensive width, but the best sides defend from the front. So with this in mind our 2 wingers push as high up as possible, with this in mind it keeps Sheffield’s full-backs deeper than perhaps wanted. This eases some of the pressure off our defence, if their FB’s push on regardless then Ronaldo and Insigne will have a lot of space to operate in and can cause carnage, running in from wide and getting the over-loads.
Belotti is a powerhouse and works solidly, Aguero will put a shift in but he’s a real penalty box predator. This combination will will take a man each in terms of Welshy’s CB’s. not allow us to be doubled-up on and allows us to press them high up the pitch, they won’t be allowed the time or freedom to build attacks from the back as their entire back line is man marked, and our midfield will be going man to man with theirs.
All in an even contest we just have to hope we have enough individual quality to win the individual match-ups.
Subs 65 mins
Eriksen > McKennie, fresh legs but gives us a bit more creativity in the engine room
Koke > Kessie, as above
Raul > Belotti – Like for like, bigger unit, better touch
--------------------Neuer
Walker----White----Hermoso---Hernandez
------------------Jorginho
-----------SMS------------Brozovic
Chiesa--------------------------------Foden
-------------------Depay
Pope
Castagne
Adams
Menino
Ocampos
Malen
Maitland-Niles
Maintaining the 4-3-3 today, I have decided to make a few slight tweaks to the system and manner of the approach, especially in midfield and attack. Defensively, I still want us to build attacks from deep, with players comfortably at quickly transitioning the defence into attack. In the midfield, I have once again opted for the playmaking presence of Jorginho shielding the defence, whilst playing a midfield two of Brozovic and SMS in front, perhaps sacrificing the more conventional number 10 for two players that are very capable of running the game and using their athleticism and passing range to expertly dominate the midfield areas, and serving as an engine room we can rely on. In attack, I have opted for Depay leading the line, where he has proved effective in the past. We will look to use his pace and driving runs to terrorise the opposition defence, in conjunction with Chiesa. With Foden on the left we have a player capable of dictating the play from an advanced area, even if he perhaps lacks the direct attacking of the other two members of the trident.
From a game plan perspective, the key is going to be quick movement of the ball from back to front. With Jorginho sat in front of the defence, there should always be a forward option to be found, but with Neuer behind them they also have the world’s foremost sweeper keeper to mop up, and provide another option, making it hard for them to be pressed high. Our driving force forward will be Walker at RB, a player who always has the license to bomb forward and support Chiesa in the attacking areas, using his pace and direct running to contribute. When this is engaged, Hernandez will tuck slightly inside, forming a back three, with White pushing to cover the wide right areas, and with Jorginho sat in front shielding. Hernandez will be given less license to attack, and will instead sit and prevent our defensive unit from being outnumbered. I don’t expect much manoeuvrability from Jorginho, and so will allow him to sit and mainly dictate play when on the ball, but shield in the 4 area when under attack. The legs of Brozovic and SMS should make up for his lack of movement defensively. Quick movement of possession does not exclude attempts at long balls, as we try to hit the opposition in any space they leave behind their lines, mainly aimed for Chiesa and for Depay.
The attacking trident takes a different approach this week. Balls into Depay with his back to goal will be less effective than with Kane, so the main approach should be looking for his feet, or to play the ball in front of him to run on to. Brozovic and SMS are both athletic in the way that they control the midfield, but both are also very capable of contributing in this approach. Foden and Chiesa will sit slightly inside of the wide areas when waiting for the ball, but, especially with Foden as he should have no overlapping support, they are capable of running these areas when needed, contracting the pitch at first, before quickly widening it, to make it difficult to mark either men or space. A driving aim for all three attackers should be to target getting into the box. We don’t have the players in the middle to make wide play hurt so much, so balls in should be low, and into dangerous areas where our players can pounce. Balls should be looked for early, so as to exploit running space in behind, more than waiting for the opposition to set up a deep line. I expect to see Depay vary his attacking approach, sometimes looking to drop off and tease the defenders out of position, creating space for Chiesa to push past him, whilst other times looking to make the runs past the last line himself.
When off the ball the attacking press should be engaged high. Depay has the pace and energy to cause problems in these areas, targeting the central players in the opposition defence, whilst Chiesa will support in targeting these high pitch players. Foden will drop slightly deeper, in line with Brozovic and SMS, allowing us to congest the middle of the pitch, and make it hard to play through these areas. By doing this, I hope that we can force the opposition away from playing the ball along the deck up the pitch, and instead focus on longer balls forward, that we have the players to win and then reengage our attacking style.
Red Card Substitutions
Assume for most it is Jorginho making way, with Brozovic operating as the deeper midfielder in the two man pivot, unless otherwise specified.
Neuer – Sub on Pope, who, obviously, goes in goal.
Walker – Sub on Castagne at RB.
White or Hermoso – Sub on Castagne, with him slotting in at LB, and Hernandez tucking inside as LCB.
Hernandez – Sub on Castagne at LB.
Jorginho – Leave as is, with Brozovic dropping deeper.
SMS or Brozovic – Sub on Menino, to operate as the other high intensity midfielder.
Foden or Chiesa – Sub on Ocampos on either flank.
Depay – Sub on Malen to lead the line.
Other Substitutions
If red card goes for them
Malen on for Jorginho 60+ mins
Attacking change to try and take the game to the opposition. Malen pushes up front as the main striker, with Depay playing off him.
comment by Tino Bambino (U2087)
posted 1 day ago
Round 17
Sheffield blades vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Dele Ali
Giorgio Chiellini
Matt Doherty
Leonardo Bonucci
Away at a resurgent Sheffield United. Welshy has built a strong side with a front four that can deal severe damage, but we can control the midfield and get at their defence so it’s a shuffle of the pack today and a switch to a more proactive formation, get at their defence and control the midfield before Welshy’s front-four can carry the day for the home team.
……………………………………………….Ederson……………………………….
…………………………………Dias…….Maguire….Romagnoli……………
…………………………………………….Busquets………………………
……………………………...Kessie…………………McKennie…………..
Ronaldo……… Insigne…..
………………………………Aguero……………..Belotti…………………….
Subs: Turati (GK) Ferland, Castro, Eriksen, Zielinski, Koke, Raul
I know the above is risky, and mostly frowned upon, I also know that we leave gaps in the wide areas defensively, oh and I also know Maguire is pony but with my injuries he gets the nod. But with the right system and players alongside him it’ll work.
Defensive strengths and weaknesses
Yes that’s not the quickest back line and we leave gaps out-wide. This is countered by the fact we sit deep today, we defend the 18 yard line, there’s no gaps behind for them to run into. If any through balls slide through Ederson is quick off his line and will sweep for us. Suarez has many many facets to his game but blistering pace isn’t one of them so with this in mind Maguire isn’t such a bad shout, we need physicality more and with the deep line, we accentuate his strengths and lessen his weaknesses. As I say we defend the perimeter when the ball is with Sheffields wingers, Busquets drops back into CB alongside Maguire and either Dias or Roma shuffle to cover the winger on their side. When LCB or RCB shuffle they go no wider than the edge of the box, no need to risk getting rinsed out-wide just the defend the box.
This defensive rigidity/shape keeps us in the game and allows us to go man to man with Sheffields front-four, stop the over-loads and gives us a platform to build on.
The Midfield is where this game is won or lost (or drawn for the pedants) Sheff Utd have a good midfield so the 3-man defence allows us to use an extra body in the engine room. Busquets is the deepest midfielder, we’re lucky to have him really as he does the job of two players, he can sit and dictate the play, getting us moving forwards but he is also great at breaking up the oppo play, defensively today he watches the Blades Am/#10 for the most part, but as mentioned will drop into CB when Sheffield go wide. If as expected Welshy sticks with his 4-2-3-1 that will leave Kessie and McKennie in one on ones with their counterparts and with both of them big strong units that cover big distances during a game, we can out-work and outrun them, but they’re more than just workhorses they have genuine quality and with 2 B2B midfielders harrying the Sheffield midfielders and not letting them settle into a rhythm and picking passes, we can get turnover ball in dangerous positions, and with us playing a front-four of our own if we get quick ball we can deliver some real damage to them.
The Fab four, no not John,Paul,George and Ringo, are full of pace and skill, our weakness is defensive width, but the best sides defend from the front. So with this in mind our 2 wingers push as high up as possible, with this in mind it keeps Sheffield’s full-backs deeper than perhaps wanted. This eases some of the pressure off our defence, if their FB’s push on regardless then Ronaldo and Insigne will have a lot of space to operate in and can cause carnage, running in from wide and getting the over-loads.
Belotti is a powerhouse and works solidly, Aguero will put a shift in but he’s a real penalty box predator. This combination will will take a man each in terms of Welshy’s CB’s. not allow us to be doubled-up on and allows us to press them high up the pitch, they won’t be allowed the time or freedom to build attacks from the back as their entire back line is man marked, and our midfield will be going man to man with theirs.
All in an even contest we just have to hope we have enough individual quality to win the individual match-ups.
Subs 65 mins
Eriksen > McKennie, fresh legs but gives us a bit more creativity in the engine room
Koke > Kessie, as above
Raul > Belotti – Like for like, bigger unit, better touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
welshy being the good soul that he is has pointed out an error in my formatting - Ronaldo and Insigne are wingers, one on each side not both on the right
CHELSEA v sheff utd
--------------------------- Oblak ----------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- S.deVrij ----- Bastoni ----- NMazrouai
-------------- F.de Jong --------- Locatelli ---------------
--------------------------- B.Silva ---------------------------
-------- Mbappe ------- Haaland ------- Neymar --------
Bono, Mancini, Kamara, Pessina, Ferran, Gouiri, Giroud
We like 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 or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, we cant get in behind quite easily,with pace and Bernardo Silva orchestrating things from his free role, 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 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, 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 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
We have the Worlds best goalkeeper behind our defence which consists of newbie Bastoni who picks up the CF he is quick and powerful so will stop the threat of their No.9, de vrij spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, he is vastly experienced so will keep our younger defenders right, constantly shouting and keeping the bank of 4 in a line as to not leave gaps, if they get 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 CBs 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 we cant afford be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli to drift to the side with this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows de Jong to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, B.Silva also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Locatrelli has made by moving to pick up men. Bastoni and de Vrij 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, will at times drop between the 2 Cbs to get the ball, 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 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, he will also look tfor piercing balls for Haaland and the wingers to drive onto and go for goal. Our midfield maestro Silva is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will 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 pass and move to always make himself available. 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, playing a high line to force there wide players back, however, 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 have options, charge at them and we do it quickly, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, forcing defenders out of position thus allowing Silva to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with pace and power, if their defence is on top then we can always go direct and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Silva and one of the wide men, depending what side we attack from, 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
Captain - Stefan de Vrij
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - B.Silva
Corners - B.Silva
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Mancini and Ferran for Mazrouai and Bissaka - Mancini goes to RCB, Ferran to LW, a very attacking 3412
75 Mins - Gouiri for B.Silva, Ferran to RW, Gouiri to LW, and a front 3 of Mbappe/Haaland/Neymar - All out attack
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for B.Silva he goes behind de Jong/Locatelli to become our DM
83 Mins - Pessina for de Jong fresh legs
88 Mins - Gouiri for Haaland
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ferran for B.Silva, Mbappe up top, Ferran RW 442/424
78 Mins - Pessina for de Jong
Bournemouth Tactics: League round 18 (Home to Arsenal)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice Captain: Zubeldia
Team:
-----------------Rodak
Molina--Ibañez—Botman---Olivera
--------------Zubeldia
--------Domínguez---Gonçalves
Antony------------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Lewis, Araújo, Assunção, Guimarães, Veron, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rodak 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: Zubeldia 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. Domínguez and Gonçalves will play just in front of Zubeldia. Domínguez will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gonçalves will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, Domínguez and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Domínguez may sit a bit deeper allowing Gonçalves to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Gonçalves, Suárez or Antony with Ibañez, Botman, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Araújo for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Guimarães for Domínguez, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Domínguez and Evanilson for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Zubeldia
Veron-----Gonçalves----Suárez
---------Núñez---Evanilson
PORTSMOUTH vs city
Difficult game against a strong city side, but we have home advantage and after taking 11 points from our last 5 games, as opposed to city’s 7 in the same period, we have the form and momentum (and potentially a 5 slot head start) to continue our surge up table.
Rof’s City side is packed full of talent, but they’re also a real physical threat so we switch our formation about a bit today to combat this and take the game to them.
with all of this in mind we play a traditional looking 4-3-2-1 (4-5-1 defensively) to try and get a proper control of the midfield, dictate not only possession of the football but also the tempo, we’ll play this at pace we want to, pass and move the ball about and take the energy out of City’s players, swamp the midfield and play with a heavy press, looking to rush City and cause the ball turn-overs.
The other advantage of this formation is that lately RoF has kind of used inside forwards as opposed to pure wingers, if he continues with this then our defensive midfielders will be automatically placed where his inside-forwards look to operate, thus cancelling the threat and leaving our full-backs to deal with City’s Full-backs. If Rof goes with a different set-up this can still be an advantage as any AM he plays will have Kessie, Busquests and Neves for company.
…………………………………Ederson……………………………………
Bellerin………………Dias……………Bonucci…………..Ferland
…………………Kessie…….Busquets……..Neves….
………………………Eriksen……………Insigne….
…………………………………Ronaldo……..
Subs: Romagnoli, Telles, Alli, McKennie, Belotti, Aguero, Doherty
This arrowhead formation gives us so much core strength, This enables us to soak up City’s attacks without losing any shape but still carries more than enough attacking fire-power to put the citizens to bed.
Ederson is a quality keeper and his ball distribution is second to none, he’s a big player for us and this systems suits him perfectly.
Bellerin and Mendy are fantastically quick, good going forwards but defensively susceptible, but this is about fitting the right formation around the players, they will both go, none of this one push one sit. With no wingers in our side they carry the weight for giving us width and with our midfield they have adequate cover to bomb on.
Dias and Bonucci – Bonucci comes in today replacing Roma, we expect to be facing Lukaku but potentially Lukaku and Benzema. Two very strong strikers so Bonucci gives us more physicality to deal with Lukaku, stay on him, don’t let him turn and just stay in his face – everyone knows, even stevie Wonder can see that Lukaku has no,zero,nada technique and his first touch is none existent. So just harry him and bully him out of the game. Dias is the spare man, unless it’s two up top. Then he covers the second striker, but if not he’s the security system, sweeps up the loose ball (no not on about the 6ft bounce off Lukaku’s first touch) these two have the makings of a strong partnership.
The KBN trident in midfield is as strong as any other midfield in the league and whilst City’s is one of their trump cards ours can nullify theirs. Busquets is the anchor man but also the orchestrator will sit in front of the defence and allows our full-backs to bomb on. Defensively sound and blessed with a good range of passing, even an aging Sergio-B can hold a midfield single handedly, here at Fratton park we’re amazed that Chelsea let him go so easily, but one mans junk and all that. Kessie is a monster and has such an engine on him he goes B2B for us today. Defensively capable and always good for putting his foot in will very much help us put the midfield battle in our control, very good going forwards to and chips in with his share of goals. Ruuuuuuuben Neves is statistically one of the best DM’s in European football according to “Optajoe” he won the ball back 268 times in the last calendar year.
@OptaJoe
·
Dec 31, 2020
268 - Rúben Neves won possession more often than any other player in the Premier League in 2020, while the midfielder also made the most tackles (72) of any player for Wolves. Bite. #OptaReview2020
But Neves isnt just a DM for us, the Portugese Xabi Alonso will like Kessie go B2B for us as we carry the fight to City, as mentioned solid defensively and another of our players with a fantasic range of passing, and with a penchant for long range worldy’s he can’t be given time or space so as City move to him he moves the ball on. I’m sure you’ll agree the midfield three have lovely balance.
Eriksen and Insigne both play as Am’s – Eriksen another rangey player, great touch, set-piece threat and energetic enough to put a shift in, will link nicely the midfield and the attack – can also play a give and go with our full-backs as they maraud forwards, another that chips in with goals and can hit them from range. Insigne is an altogether different animal, short with a low centre of gravity we want him running at City’s defenders, drawing the players to him and potentially free-kicks. Eriksen/neves/ronaldo on dead balls you may as well just give us the goal where as Eriksen will link and mostly stay centrally, Insigne will drift wider and look to get into spaces between FB and CB and take a runner with him.
Ronaldo moves into the centre, the most decorated goal scorer in world football, big strong and still quick, gives defenders nightmares with no real defensive duties he can stay high up the pitch, be on his toes and get ready to go. If he can see the goal it’s in range.
Subs 60 mins winning or drawing
McKennie > Kessie, like for like fresh legs in the engine
Alli > Eriksen, like for like, more physicality and energy in the final third
Romagnoli > Bonucci, yeah you guessed it like for like.
Losing at 60
Aguero > Eriksen – change to a straight 4-3-3 Ronaldo….Aguero….Insigne
McKennie > Kessie – like for like.
Doherty > Bellerin – gives us a bigger goal threat.
------------------------- Martinez --------------------------
Pavard ------- Romero -------- Skriniar -------- Sandro
----------------- McTom -------- Soucek ------------------
A.Correa ------------- Maddison --------------- Grealish
-------------------------- A.Silva ----------------------------
Casteels, Coufal, Prowse, Ziyech, Werner, Moreno, Coman
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Maddison and Silva harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially McTominay and Soucek our commanders in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Pavard and Sandro have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Romero will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Skriniar alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
McTominay's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Soucek and has responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop. Both 6'4, not much will get passed them due there sheer size and power, and obviously they will both be a danger at set pieces and corners etc.
Maddison is in a free role, he is the link between everything, he will drift about looking to support those on the ball making himself available at all time, will give and go and find dangerous areas to fill as he looks to get the ball back and link up with Silva.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, I want Correa to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Grealish can do his thing, a box of tricks and usually an beat his man quite easily, therefore then linking up with Sandro or Maddison, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in A.Silva so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Grealish, Maddison & Correa will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Pens - Silva
Free Kicks - Maddison/.Grealish
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Moreno for Sandro, we go 3412 with Moreno supporting Silva up top, Ziyech for Correa same time
70 Mins - Werner for Silva straight swap
Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for Maddison and into midfield 451 shore it up, Werner for A.Silva
Drawing -
70 Mins - Coufal for Pavard, Ziyech for Correa, a bit more energy down the right
75 Mins - Coman for Maddison, he goes left, Grealish central
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Tactics
Page 30 of 69
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posted on 20/2/21
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Manchester City
------------------Kelleher
Lamptey, T. Silva, Rodon, Grimaldo
-----------Kovacic, Gallagher
---Mahrez----James-----------Isco
-------------------Suárez
Subs: Dubravka, Vrsaljko, Guehi, Ampadu, Lainez, Brooks, Mertens
Captain: T. Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Joe Rodon paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic and Gallagher we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Gallagher can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Kovacic can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Gallagher's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Gallagher running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Kovacic such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, James Rodríguez and Isco as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or Gallagher, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Gallagher can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Isco, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James Rodríguez, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Mahrez, Isco & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Mahrez, James & Isco to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Brooks on for Mahrez and Mertens on for Isco
Double substitution - Lots of fresh pace and sublime dribbling skills in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 20/2/21
NEWCASTLE 3-5-2
———————-— Chesney
————— Fabinho - Hummels - Shaw
Trent - Goretzka - Kroos - Barella - Robbo
——————— Salah - Vardy
Subs: Olmo, Modric, Henderson, Jota, Immobile, Kulu, Oyarzabal
Captain: Kroos
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Salah
Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by making a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.
In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.
We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.
Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.
When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.
Attacking play style
We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.
Defensive play style
Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.
We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.
Defensive transitions
First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.
Offensive transitions
We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.
Subs.
65 mins - Henderson on Kroos off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing - Oyarzabal on Goretzka off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 Oyar left salah right Vardy central
75 mins losing - Immobile on Vardy off. Get behind their defence.
75 mins winning - Modric for Barella. Calm things a bit.
posted on 21/2/21
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 21/2/21
-------------------- Mendy -------------------
------ Cancelo --- N.Ake --- Reguilon ----
---------- Casemiro --- N.Kante -----------
J.Sancho ------ De Bruyne ----- E.Hazard
---------- A.Morata --- Griezmann --------
Subs:
Sanchez, Christensen, Aouar, Asensio, L.Sane, Dybala, Abraham
Tactics:
As the season progresses our adaptability has been our greatest strength and we continue to channel our inner Pep Guardiola as we go with a set up that the great man himself would be proud of in today’s 3-2-3-2 formation.
Welshy has done his best to butcher our CB’s however the timing of bringing in Kante has proved impeccable as his partnership with Casemiro, quite possibly the best DM partnership in the world, provides ample defensive protection which allows us to go with a back three and an attack which can wreak havoc on the opposition. Such is our strength in depth that we’re even able to call upon the likes of Dybala, L.Sane & Asensio from the bench as we look to put our opposition to the sword.
Defence:
We go with possibly one of the quickest back three’s there is in Cancelo, Ake & Reguilon. If they play one up top Ake will mark however we know Fan has a tendency to play two up top which will actually suit our set up perfectly.
If they go with the two then Cancelo and Reguilon will mark with Ake acting as cover. Our FB’s move to RCB and LCB today and therefore offer the perfect balance in a back three. Our brick wall of Casemiro and Kante will shield our defence, limiting the supply to their attack whilst also having bags of pace and energy to scamper across and deal with any threats out wide.
In this set up we also have the flexibility for Casemiro to drop in alongside Ake, allowing Cancelo & Reguilon to cover the flanks in a conventional back 4. Tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon.
Midfield:
Casemiro and Kante will act as our enforcers in the middle. They will sit in front of our defence stifling the oppositions creativity and more importantly, cutting off the supply line to their forwards. We want to physical impose ourselves in this area of the pitch and these two are absolute warriors.
All action players we rely on their 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.
If their wingers break at pace then we want one of Casemiro/Kante to drift across to engage them whilst the other stays central and picks up their AM. For instance if they break down one flank then Kante will drift across to shut them down whilst Casemiro stays central and vice versa. Importantly this will allow our back three to stay intact and deal with their forwards.
If they look to build from the back slowly then this is when we will drop into a deeper defensive shape with Casemiro dropping in at CB and KDB dropping in alongside Kante forming a DM/CM partnership. As soon as we win back possession we spring in to attack with KDB terrorising them from AM as Casemiro slots back in alongside Kante at DM.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back three and DM defensive pivot this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. 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 pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they opt for three at the back then Sancho and Hazard can cause them real damage. We want them to hug the touch line, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. We want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition, looking to either supply one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves. We feel our quality out wide could be the real difference maker in this one.
Up top we go with the duo of Morata & Griezmann. If they go with a back four then they’ll likely find themselves in one on one match ups. If the opposition go with a back three then they could be in real trouble as we could potentially outnumber them with Sancho, Morata, Griezmann & Hazard essentially forming a front four when in possession.
Morata will be the target man, offering a real aerial threat and great hold up play. Griezmann is the link up man, drift between the lines causing havoc and getting himself on the end of Morata’s knockdowns. The Frenchman is in fine form and we expect him to finish any chances that fall his way.
With the pace, creativity and sheer quality of our front five, coupled with the sight of seeing Dybala & Sane entering from the bench to exploit tired legs, we feel it could be a long day for the opposition defence.
Subs:
If winning:
75 mins: Morata off, Christensen on. We tighten up defensively as we bring on an extra CB move to a 4-5-1 formation.
80 mins: Griezmann off. Dybala on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Morata & Hazard off, Dybala & Sane on. Their defence will be tiring and the pace and quality of Dibbles & Sane will be the last thing they’ll want to see. We keep up the pressure and raise the tempo in the final 20 as we go for the winner.
posted on 22/2/21
Bournemouth Tactics: League round 16 (Home to Leicester)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice Captain: Zubeldia
Team:
------------------Simón
Molina--Ibañez—Botman---Olivera
-----------------Zubeldia
--------Domínguez---Gonçalves
Veron------------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Lewis, Araújo, Assunção, Guimarães, Sancet, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Simón is a big mobile keeper and very 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: Zubeldia 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. Domínguez and Gonçalves will play just in front of Zubeldia. Domínguez will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gonçalves will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, Domínguez and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Domínguez may sit a bit deeper allowing Gonçalves to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Gonçalves, Suárez or Veron with Ibañez, Botman, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Araújo for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Guimarães for Domínguez, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Sancet for Domínguez and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Sancet offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Zubeldia
Sancet-----Gonçalves----Suárez
---------Núñez---Evanilson
Red Card Subs:
Keeper: Maximiano for Simón and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
FB: Lewis as direct replacement (LB/RB) and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
CB: Araújo as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
CM: Guimarães as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
LW/RW/AM: Move Gonçalves to LW/RW: 4-4-1
CF: Evanilson as direct replacement and take off Domínguez: 4-4-1
posted on 22/2/21
SOTON vs Portsmouth
------------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano----------Demiral---------Fofana------------------
-----------------------------------Camavinga------------------------------------
-----------------------Valverde--------------Lo Celso------------------------
Bailey---------------------------------------------------------------Pulisic
--------------------------Isak------------Rashford----------------------------
Subs - Badiashile, Ait-Nouri, Tonali, Szoboszlai, Reinier, Richarlison, Adama
CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - LO CELSO
FK'S - LO CELSO
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 back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Upamecano and Fofana will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to close down the oppo wingers. Demiral in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo striker/s. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
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. Help out Upamecano and Fofana if they come up against a winger on the wings. 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
Bailey + Pulisic
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Pulisic will be looking to cut in from the left and Adama will be looking to do similar by cutting in from the right, and to either open up space to shoot or to pass infield to their teammates. 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 your teammates close to you and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. If there is no space to cut in then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Jovic to get his head on. 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 our strikers to poke home or pull the ball back to just outside the box for Valverde/Lo Celso to get a shot in.
Strikers
Marcus Rashford MBE
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.
Alexander Isak
Isak will look to use his strength and hold up play to bring others into the game. Try and get in front of the oppo defenders and use your aerial ability to win the header and either pass the header to a teammate or get a shot on goal. Try to make runs off the shoulders of the oppo defence aswell sometimes just to mix it up and give the oppo defenders something else to think about.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Szoboszlai for Lo Celso and Adama for Bailey to bring some more attacking impetus on. Reinier on for Valverde aswell and a small position change in midfield. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano----------Demiral---------Fofana-----------------
--------------------------------------Camavinga--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama------------------Szobo---------Reinier-------------------Pulisic
-----------------------------Isak------------Rashford----------------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Lo Celso and put on Tonali in DM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. . Take the wingers off and put on Adama and Ait Nouri as wingbacks who'll offer a lot more defensive stability.
-----------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
----------Upamecano-------Demiral---------Fofana----------------
-------------------Camavinga--------------Tonali------------------------------
Adama-------------------------Valverde--------------------Ait-Nouri
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Isak--------------Rashford--------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Adama on for Bailey
Szoboszlai on for Pulisic
Richarlison on for Isak
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 22/2/21
Portsmouth vs Southampton
Injuries:
Busquets,Kessie,Kilmann,Aguero
…………………………………Ederson……………………….
Castro………………Dias………………Romagnoli………Ferland
………………………………….Koke…………………………………..
……………………Weston……………….Eriksen……………….
Insigne……………………….Belotti……………………….Ronaldo
Subs: Turati, Bonucci, Telles, Zielinski, Raul, Ali, Chiellini
Tough game vs Nadz’s Saints side, the last couple of months he’s gone without wingbacks and that’s something we look to exploit today, Have even gone with a traditional formation to give us the perfect opportunity.
Southampton have a really good midfield and ours is hit badly with injuries to Biscuits and Kessie, so the switch around gives us an extra body in there to try and wrestle away some of his sides momentum.
Ederson is a genuine world class keeper, and right now I’d say he’s Brazils best, big strong and athletic but comfortable with the ball at his feet, a good talker and he’ll marshall his defence, quick off his line so any through balls by-passing our defence he can deal with.
Otto plays LWB for Wolves, but he’s naturally both footed so switches flanks for us today, he gives great attacking width and is very comfortable in possession he’ll run the line, interchange possession with the midfield and continue to advance, he’ll stay out-wide stretching the saints defence as wide as possible.
Ferland Mendy comes in for his debut and by all accounts is a top top player, quick and strong, he mirrors Otto on the other flank, they both go up, we really wanna widen the saints lines and expose the lack of full-backs.
defensively both of these men are more than capable, they’ll show their man the line, make him cross it where our CB’s will fancy their chances in the individual duels. Don’t dive in, just jockey and await support from the midfielders.
Ronaldo and Insigne are playing as inverted wingers today, because of the nature of our full-backs and banking on Nadz sticking to 3 at the back, these two are coming inside so they can unleash their stronger feet, they don’t need to run the line as that takes away our FB’s spaces, so get the ball and come inside, the other benefit of this is that it gives us numbers in the midfield battle vs Saint’s powerhouses. Both of these can hit from distance so if it’s on they have the freedom to go for it, as they drift inside the link-up play with Eriksen could pay dividends his eye for a pass is right up there.
Dias and Romagnoli go man for man against Saint’s top two, Roma vs the More physical threat and Dias vs the quicker threat, same generic tactics for defenders im afraid, stand strong, stay big don’t dive unless you have to, in possession keep it simple we have plenty of runners in the side, switch it for the diagonals, there’s lots of space to hit as saints push on.
Koke is the quarter-back today, he’s not your typical DM and we can’t expect him to be, but he can be a decent shield and just put his foot in, close down the spaces and keep it simple. With the ball at his feet he’s a really good player, do the deep lying playmaker does suit his skillset, head’s up pick ya passes, we need to hit Saints hard and fast. Turn their wingers and get them running back towards goal, because he’s just gonna be sitting, he allows our FB’s to be free-running as we’ll always have (atleast) 3 men back.
Weston comes in and slots perfectly into Kessie’s role as the B2B man, great engine on him averaging 9.5km per match (last season) he’ll get stuck in to the midfield battle and is always good for a goal or two, arriving late on the edge of the box taking a defender away will be key to us exploit Saint’s defence.
Eriksen is the #10 today, can still put a shift in and as well know he’s got a goal in his game, so with our wingers coming inside, our FB’s pushed right up and Weston running from deep, The great Dane has a lot of options, it’s the inwards runs of our wingers today that we hope gives us that bit of an edge as expose the lack of width in that defence and midfield.
Belotti is a top top finisher but his overall work-rate is second to none, he’ll harry and chase down the defenders, but we want him centrally by doing so he’ll fix atleast one of the CB’s in place, so once our wingers cut inside we should find a fair bit of space to carve out some good chances for him, and we’re confident in him finishing
Subs 65 mins regardless
Zielinski > Eriksen
Raul > Belotti
posted on 22/2/21
--------------------Neuer
Castagne----White---Hermoso---Hernandez
--------------------Jorginho
-------------SMS-----------Alberto
Ocampos-----------------------------Depay
--------------------Kane
Woodman
Walker
Adams
Brozovic
Chiesa
Musah
Malen
We return to the 4-3-3 for a tough game against Arsenal, with a few changes in personnel due to injury and suspension. White, Jorginho and Alberto all come in, and I think each of them is a quality player to step up and fill the void. The change in shape heralds a change in the attacking shape. The 4-3-3 has the possibility of switching into a 4-2-3-1, should we wish to push Alberto into a more advanced role. In terms of style, I want to see us transition quickly, moving the ball in 1-3 touches, and operating triangles across the pitch. Keeping hold of possession is important for us today, as it is in a possession-based game that a number of our players excell. As well as this, I want to see a return to the high intensity press across the pitch. If the opposition are allowed possession then they will hurt us, so we have to work to hold it, and then retain it whenever it is lost.
Defensively, I’m not expecting Jorginho to operate as a physical shield for the back four, and instead expect him to influence the game by dictating the play. He should have plenty of options, with two creative players in front of him, plenty of attacking talent in the wing areas, and players capable of driving us forward at FB. We vary the way the ball is spread, and make it difficult for Arsenal to pin down the approach play. Hermoso and White are also calm, cool, and collected when in possession. Finding Jorginho should be their first move, but spreading the play into the wide areas should always be seen as an option. I want to see Depay and Ocampos drop off slightly, to find space, and serve as an outball. I don’t want us to be light at the back, so our FBs will be allowed to attack, but only in moderation. The primary attacking full back should be Castagne, showing a focus down the right hand side, with Hernandez tucking slightly inside, and almost operating as a back three when Castagne bombs forward. He will look to overlap Ocampos, who will come slightly inside to accommodate and create space. We think this attacking threat from deep is probably necessary due to the lack of dynamism perhaps coming from the DM area.
In terms of the attacking players work on the ball, I have already pointed to Ocampos operarting a slightly inside forward role. The key for us today is to try and create chances for our clinical finishers, namely Kane and Depay. Kane should be the focal point, operating between the posts whenever we have possession, whilst Depay will play off him, using his pace and strength to push on and get behind the opposition lines. This is the advantage of Kane, in that he is capable of operating both as a natural goalscorer and as a support man, all at the same time. In terms of the contributions of other attackers, Alberto will look to play a free attacking role, operating in whatever space is made available. I expect this to often see him drifting into the wide left areas, covering the space vacated whenever Depay pushes forward. SMS will operate as a box to box player, pushing as far as the edge of the area, but making sure that he is unlikely to be caught with space in behind him.
When we lose possession, the gameplan has to be to win it back as quickly as possible. Kane will look to apply pressure to the opposition CBs and GK, whilst Depay and Ocampos will cut off out balls to the FBs, and Alberto will look to sit on whatever holding midfielder Arsenal may play. This man-for-man system makes it harder for Arsenal to play out from the back, forcing them into longer, more riskier passes. It does also, of course, mean we have a chance to win back the ball high up the pitch, and manufacture more chances from there. Kane will keep himself up top, even when the ball transitions into the midfield third. I want to see Depay, Ocampos and Alberto continue to follow the ball, however. Here, it is more important to press in numbers than man-for-man, so they, along with SMS, will operate a combined press, not allowing the opposition any time on the ball, and working as a group to shield our defensive players. By recovering possession, we can look to re-engage our attacking outlets.
Substitutions
Jorginho off for Brozovic 60 mins
Ocampos off for Chiesa 65 mins
Fresh legs in both defensive and attacking areas.
If winning
Alberto off for Adams 70 mins
Operating a conservative 4-2-1-3, with Adams alongside Brozovic, in an attempt to better see out the game.
If losing/drawing
Malen on for Castagne 80 mins
Change to a 3-1-2-3-1. Attacking, yes, but need to throw whatever we can at the door to try and get a goal.
posted on 27/2/21
High tempo 4-2-2-2
We go with an attacking team full of pace, playing with a high tempo in defence and attack. A fluid front four with real quality, that will mix up the play with pace and some magic.
We have a strong dm next to the energy of Mount in the Cm two, but also great on the ball and able to play at a high tempo. We look to play with pace setting a high tempo for 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 and physicality of Rodri next to the energy of Mount. Mane and Fernandes also offer high energy pressing.
Up top new Rui Costa also offering exuberance in front. Cunha
Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, Mount who presses the play. Similar in attack, Rodri plays deepest covering. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press the opposition in high area, and aiding distribution out from the back line. We have a strong defence, allowing us to take the game to Newcastle with an attacking formation.
We look to play our usual high tempo attacking game and take the game to Toon, seeking to exploit their full backs and space out wide. We have a strong side defensively and in attack, our team is built to give Felix, Bruno, Cunha and Mane the space and freedom to find the ball in space in attacking positions to hurt Toon.
Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, the four narrow in front with Rodri dropping behind, allowing Mount + Fernandes/Maneto press with cover. As Toon get into our half, 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 four, 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 four, Felix supports getting close to Cunha who is the 9, using his creativity to link the play.
——————————— Allison
Carvajal — Marquinhos — Laporte —— Alaba
————————— Rodri—— M.Mount
—- B.Fernandes ——————————- Mane -—
———————— J.Felix —— M.Cunha
Subs. Henderson, Stones, Theo, Thiago, Neves, Zaha, P.Neto
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 4-4-1-1. Wingers and Felix drop deep, joined up with the two cms with very little space between the two midfield lines. Felix just sits on their deepest Cm, don’t let him get on the ball.
When Toon 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 defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Zaha for Felix. Fresh pace and skills, 4-2-3-1, Zaha right, Bruno central.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Neves for Mount. Fresh legs and quality.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Theo for Cunha. Mane moves up top. Theo lm. Fresh pace.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Zaha and Neto for Felix and Mount. More pace as legs tire to open up. Bruno Cm.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Thiago for Felix. Move Bruno further forward. 4231.
posted on 27/2/21
Balanced 4-3-3
We look to at pace, quick passing throughout as we look to attack with power through the centre using the pace out wide to open up the opposition. Use that pace out wide to create space for Ndombele and Pogba.
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 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.
—————————— Souza
Hakimi — Koulibaly — Lenglet — L.Digne
—————————— Witsel
————— Ndombele —— Pogba
Dembele ——————————— Son Heung-M
—————————— Lukaku
Subs. Gulacsi, Tielemans, Godfrey, Nkunku, Diaby, Benzema, 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 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 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 after 75 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele more attacking and fresh pace and power.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Tielemans for Wits. 4-4-2. Nkunku lm , Son up top.
If drawing after 85 mins bring on Kean for Dembele.
If losing after 68 mins bring on Nkunku for Ndombele. 4-2-2-2. Son up top, Nkunku left.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Tielemans for Witsel, box to box power and energy.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Kean for Dembele.
posted on 27/2/21
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Portsmouth
-----------------Kelleher
Lamptey, Kjaer, T. Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Ampadu, Höjbjerg
---Mahrez-----James----------Isco
------------------Suárez
Subs: Dubravka, Lavinier, Rodon, Bernat, Gallagher, Djuricic, Mertens
Captain: T. Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez (Mertens)
Our defensive unit consists of Simon Kjaer and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.
The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Ampadu can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.
Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.
Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Riyad Mahrez, James Rodríguez and Isco as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Isco, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James Rodríguez, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Mahrez, Isco & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.
Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Mahrez, James & Isco to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Djuricic on for Isco and Mertens on for Suárez
Double substitution - Lots of fresh pace and sublime dribbling skills in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 28/2/21
Comment deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 28/2/21
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Round 17 (Away to Tottenham)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice-Captain: Rodak
-----------------Rodak
Molina--Ibañez--Araújo---Olivera
-------Zubeldia----Guimarães
---------------Gonçalves
Veron-------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Aarons, Carmo, Assunção, Azate, Sancet, Evanilson
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 (Zubeldia) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Guimarães). In front of them Gonçalves 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 Gonçalves 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: Rodak 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 (Zubeldia). 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 Gonçalves will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, 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 Gonçalves 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: Gonçalves, Suárez or Veron with Ibañez, Araújo, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (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 – Carmo for Ibañez, Assunção for Zubeldia and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Guimarães with Evanilson and Veron with Sancet. 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.
------------Zubeldia
Sancet---Gonçalves---Suárez
--------Evanilson -----Núñez
posted on 28/2/21
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
---------- Pavard ----- Skriniar ----- Konate ----------
Coufal -------- McTom ------- Prowse -------- Gosens
------------------------- Grealish -------------------------
----------------- A.Silva -------- Werner ----------------
Casteels, Romero, Sandro, Soucek, Coman, Correa, Moreno
Ill give it one more go, we go in looking to attack and score goals and play with freedom. When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Grealish will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Grealish to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Martinez is our sweeper keeper, he always makes himself big, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Pavard & Konate, Cover the wingbacks when they have pushed forward and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
Skriniar - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Coufal and Gosens, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although McTominay's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. Also very good in front of goal and in the box for set pieces, if he makes a break forward Prowse will look just to sit in a bit.
Ward-Prowse has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running he is expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Grealish is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, Silva & Werner are great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, therefore winning a lot of free kicks
Werner I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Grealish to get Silva away on goal, he and Silva both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Werner, Silva will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back
Silva, is our out an out No.9, fox in the box, he is there to finish off chances created by other, I want him always on the last man, no defending required from him, always ready to pounce, if however he cant get in on goal he has plenty round him to lay it off to, or just a quick pass and look to get into space where he can get his shot off, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.
Captain Skriniar
Pens - A.Silva
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Grealish
Losing -
65 Mins - Correa for Coufal, Coman for Gosens, we go same formation, but with wingers instead of wingbacks
75 Mins - G.Moreno for Werner fresh legs
Winning -
75 Mins - Soucek for Werner, he goes to the right of McTominay to shore up midfield
83 Mins - Moreno for Silva
Drawing -
65 Mins - Moreno for Werner, Soucek for Prowse
75 Mins - Correa for Coufal, he and Gosens into midfield
posted on 28/2/21
-------------------- Mendy -------------------
Cancelo -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- Reguilon
------------------ Casemiro -----------------
L.Sane -------- De Bruyne ------ E.Hazard
----------- A.Morata --- P.Dybala ----------
Subs:
Sanchez, Rudiger, Kante, Neuhaus, Aouar, Griezmann, Abraham
Tactics:
We look to continue our fine form as we continue our free flowing attacking football in today’s 4-1-3-2. With home advantage we look to go on the offensive as we go for goals.
As always tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon which means that whilst we’re 4-1-3-2 in possession, when the opposition are in possession we will drop back into a 4-2-3-1.
When we lose the ball De Bruyne will drop in alongside Casemiro in a DM/CM double pivot with Dybala dropping into the #10 role. Giving us a stronger defensive platform and ensuring we limit the space for them to operate.
Casemiro - De Bruyne
Sane - Dybala - Hazard
Morata
As soon as we win back possession we spring onto the offensive with KDB pushing forward and Dybala up top alongside Morata.
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. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with De Ligt also drifting across to offer additional support. When in possession both Cancelo and Reguilon have 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 act as the shield in front of our defence and pick up their most advanced AM, cutting out their supply line in the process. He’ll stay back at all times and anchor the midfield.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. 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 pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back four and strong DM anchor this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will act as the playmaker whilst out wide we look to hit them with the pace and skill of Sane and Hazard. We want them to hug the touch line, make the pitch as wide as possible and exploit any space on offer. We want them to be direct, get on the ball and go straight at the opposition, looking to either supply one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves.
Up top we go with a classic big man/small man partnership of Morata & Dybala.
Morata will be the target man, offering great hold up play and a real aerial threat from any crosses that come into the box. Dybala will be the link up man, drift between the lines making him incredibly difficult to pick up and causing havoc when getting on the end of Morata’s knockdowns. The Argentine giving the perfect opportunity to shine in this set up.
With a trio of Sane, De Bruyne and Hazard supporting our front two they will have a dream supply line as we go for goals in today’s match up.
Subs:
If winning:
75 mins: Dybala off, Kante on. We tighten up defensively as we bring an extra DM alongside Casemiro.
80 mins: Morata off. Griezmann on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Casemiro & Dybala off, Griezmann & Aouar on. Aoaur gives us a bit more creativity from deep in a quarterback role with the fresh legs of Griezmann giving us a new threat up top.
posted on 28/2/21
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 28/2/21
comment by Fan Gillhaus 1903 (U3339)
posted 1 second ago
--------------------------- Oblak ----------------------------
Mazrouai ----- J.Gomez ----- van Dijk ----- Jordi Alba
--------------- Locatelli --------- F.de Jong --------------
--------------------------- B.Silva ---------------------------
-------- Mason.G ------- Giroud -------- Mbappe --------
Bono, Kamara, Chilwell, Pessina, Havertz, Gouiri, Bamford
We like 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 or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, even better if they don't have fullbacks, we cant get in behind quite easily, 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 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, Giroud slightly higher up always on top of the CBs stopping them passing between each other, 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 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Joe Gomez picks up the CF, van Dijk spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, if they get 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 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 we cant afford be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli to drift to the side with this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows de Jong to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, B.Silva also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Locatrelli has made by moving to pick up men. van Dijk and Gomez 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, will at times drop between the 2 Cbs to get the ball, 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 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. Our midfield maestro Silva 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/CF 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 and passing 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, playing a high line to force there wide players back, however, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Greenwood will cause them problems drifting in an out, forcing defenders out of position thus allowing Silva to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Greenwood 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 Giroud who can beat any defender with power, driving passed them 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 Giroud who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Silva and one of the wide men, depending what side we attack from, 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
Captain - van Dijk
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - B.Silva
Corners - B.Silva
Losing
65 Mins -
Kamara for Alba, he goes to LCB, Gouiri for Mazraoui, Havertz for Giroud
J.Gomez - van Dijk - B.Kamara
B.Silva - Locatelli - F.de Jong - Gouiri
Mason.G - Havertz - Mbappe
Winning -
75 Mins - Pessina for Greenwood, he goes to the right of Locatelli, B.Silva to RM, Havertz for Giroud
Drawing -
70 Mins - Gouiri for Giroud, Mbappe to CF, Gouiri to LW more pace up top
75 Mins -
Kamara for Alba go to LCB, Chilwell for Alba and he and Mazrouai push up
343
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 1/3/21
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
______________Stegen
Trent___Hummels___Boateng__Zinchenko
______________Fabinho
___________Kroos___Modric
Kulu___________Salah__________Jota
Subs: Robbo, Llorente, Barella, Immobile, Olmo, Lemar, Bennacer
Today I’d like to take complete control of midfield, holding possession and stretch their back line while outnumbering every area of the middle third and final third of the pitch. Our full backs will play as inverted fullbacks assuming the role as box to box and pivoting midfielders, thereby pushing our midfielders further forwards creating a 5 man attack.
______________Stegen
________Hummels___Boateng_______
______Trent___Fabinho__Zinchenko
Kulu_______Kroos___Modric_____Jota
_______________Salah______________
By doing so I will always have an extra man in midfield, including wide passing options, creating overloads. It will also help us stretch the field wider as I would expect opposition players to drift in-field to try and mitigate the presence of the extra bodies in midfield leaving wide areas for our wide players to exploit. As such the wide players will be given instruction so hug the touchline when waiting to receive the ball, then they can cut in and play their natural game but providing pass options initially is a must.
I fully expect us to create difficulty for the opposition in assessing exactly how and where to cover space and how to effectively pressure the ball. Create pass options to drag players out of position when they struggle to cope with the extra man in midfield exploiting gaps between the lines.
Our attacks will be taking a very vertical approach which allows the attacking midfielders to receive the ball in space allowing us to hurt them. Our version of a vertical approach is passing the ball up and down the field, with players inviting pressure as they receive and release the ball thereby creating a gap for another player to move into to receive a recycled pass. Eventually a path to goal will appear and it’ll be up to the players to exploit that playing their natural games. The whole point of this system is about opening greater space in between the lines for the attacking midfielders to receive. The attacking midfielders will also be expected to break the lines and make runs beyond the striker to find space higher up the pitch creating goal-scoring opportunities. The fullbacks therefore have many options to pass to, the 9, the 10s, and out wide depending on the natural movements of the players.
Defensive stability is very important to the way we want to play. One of the rules ultimately in football is you cannot score if you don’t have the ball, so we aim to keep the ball as much as possible with the ongoing ball recycling process of trying to drag players out of position finding space to exploit. When the opposition do gain possession they immediately face a block of five in the middle and our third of the pitch, quickly changing back to a standard 4-5-1 in two flat lines (plus the striker up top). Doing so will allow us to effectively defend our wide areas stopping any crosses coming in while congesting the middle enough for minimal gaps to appear between the lines. We press less to minimise the risk of gaps appearing but instead rely on cutting passing lanes and options. Once possession is regained, we immediately progress up the pitch and revert back to 2-3-5. The central defensive triangle of both CBs and the DM are good in the air capable of winning plenty of duels in the air as well as on the ground, in addition of course to their exceptional passing ability. It is important to have players that occupy those three positions that have on-the-ball intelligence, astute awareness of how to cover space in transition, and an aerial presence.
Subs.
65 mins - Barella on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Llorente on Kroos off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Immobile on Kulu off. Salah goes right and Immobile provides aerial presence up front.
75 mins winning - Bennacer on Kroos off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
posted on 1/3/21
Round 17
Sheffield blades vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Dele Ali
Giorgio Chiellini
Matt Doherty
Leonardo Bonucci
Away at a resurgent Sheffield United. Welshy has built a strong side with a front four that can deal severe damage, but we can control the midfield and get at their defence so it’s a shuffle of the pack today and a switch to a more proactive formation, get at their defence and control the midfield before Welshy’s front-four can carry the day for the home team.
……………………………………………….Ederson……………………………….
…………………………………Dias…….Maguire….Romagnoli……………
…………………………………………….Busquets………………………
……………………………...Kessie…………………McKennie…………..
Ronaldo……… Insigne…..
………………………………Aguero……………..Belotti…………………….
Subs: Turati (GK) Ferland, Castro, Eriksen, Zielinski, Koke, Raul
I know the above is risky, and mostly frowned upon, I also know that we leave gaps in the wide areas defensively, oh and I also know Maguire is pony but with my injuries he gets the nod. But with the right system and players alongside him it’ll work.
Defensive strengths and weaknesses
Yes that’s not the quickest back line and we leave gaps out-wide. This is countered by the fact we sit deep today, we defend the 18 yard line, there’s no gaps behind for them to run into. If any through balls slide through Ederson is quick off his line and will sweep for us. Suarez has many many facets to his game but blistering pace isn’t one of them so with this in mind Maguire isn’t such a bad shout, we need physicality more and with the deep line, we accentuate his strengths and lessen his weaknesses. As I say we defend the perimeter when the ball is with Sheffields wingers, Busquets drops back into CB alongside Maguire and either Dias or Roma shuffle to cover the winger on their side. When LCB or RCB shuffle they go no wider than the edge of the box, no need to risk getting rinsed out-wide just the defend the box.
This defensive rigidity/shape keeps us in the game and allows us to go man to man with Sheffields front-four, stop the over-loads and gives us a platform to build on.
The Midfield is where this game is won or lost (or drawn for the pedants) Sheff Utd have a good midfield so the 3-man defence allows us to use an extra body in the engine room. Busquets is the deepest midfielder, we’re lucky to have him really as he does the job of two players, he can sit and dictate the play, getting us moving forwards but he is also great at breaking up the oppo play, defensively today he watches the Blades Am/#10 for the most part, but as mentioned will drop into CB when Sheffield go wide. If as expected Welshy sticks with his 4-2-3-1 that will leave Kessie and McKennie in one on ones with their counterparts and with both of them big strong units that cover big distances during a game, we can out-work and outrun them, but they’re more than just workhorses they have genuine quality and with 2 B2B midfielders harrying the Sheffield midfielders and not letting them settle into a rhythm and picking passes, we can get turnover ball in dangerous positions, and with us playing a front-four of our own if we get quick ball we can deliver some real damage to them.
The Fab four, no not John,Paul,George and Ringo, are full of pace and skill, our weakness is defensive width, but the best sides defend from the front. So with this in mind our 2 wingers push as high up as possible, with this in mind it keeps Sheffield’s full-backs deeper than perhaps wanted. This eases some of the pressure off our defence, if their FB’s push on regardless then Ronaldo and Insigne will have a lot of space to operate in and can cause carnage, running in from wide and getting the over-loads.
Belotti is a powerhouse and works solidly, Aguero will put a shift in but he’s a real penalty box predator. This combination will will take a man each in terms of Welshy’s CB’s. not allow us to be doubled-up on and allows us to press them high up the pitch, they won’t be allowed the time or freedom to build attacks from the back as their entire back line is man marked, and our midfield will be going man to man with theirs.
All in an even contest we just have to hope we have enough individual quality to win the individual match-ups.
Subs 65 mins
Eriksen > McKennie, fresh legs but gives us a bit more creativity in the engine room
Koke > Kessie, as above
Raul > Belotti – Like for like, bigger unit, better touch
posted on 1/3/21
--------------------Neuer
Walker----White----Hermoso---Hernandez
------------------Jorginho
-----------SMS------------Brozovic
Chiesa--------------------------------Foden
-------------------Depay
Pope
Castagne
Adams
Menino
Ocampos
Malen
Maitland-Niles
Maintaining the 4-3-3 today, I have decided to make a few slight tweaks to the system and manner of the approach, especially in midfield and attack. Defensively, I still want us to build attacks from deep, with players comfortably at quickly transitioning the defence into attack. In the midfield, I have once again opted for the playmaking presence of Jorginho shielding the defence, whilst playing a midfield two of Brozovic and SMS in front, perhaps sacrificing the more conventional number 10 for two players that are very capable of running the game and using their athleticism and passing range to expertly dominate the midfield areas, and serving as an engine room we can rely on. In attack, I have opted for Depay leading the line, where he has proved effective in the past. We will look to use his pace and driving runs to terrorise the opposition defence, in conjunction with Chiesa. With Foden on the left we have a player capable of dictating the play from an advanced area, even if he perhaps lacks the direct attacking of the other two members of the trident.
From a game plan perspective, the key is going to be quick movement of the ball from back to front. With Jorginho sat in front of the defence, there should always be a forward option to be found, but with Neuer behind them they also have the world’s foremost sweeper keeper to mop up, and provide another option, making it hard for them to be pressed high. Our driving force forward will be Walker at RB, a player who always has the license to bomb forward and support Chiesa in the attacking areas, using his pace and direct running to contribute. When this is engaged, Hernandez will tuck slightly inside, forming a back three, with White pushing to cover the wide right areas, and with Jorginho sat in front shielding. Hernandez will be given less license to attack, and will instead sit and prevent our defensive unit from being outnumbered. I don’t expect much manoeuvrability from Jorginho, and so will allow him to sit and mainly dictate play when on the ball, but shield in the 4 area when under attack. The legs of Brozovic and SMS should make up for his lack of movement defensively. Quick movement of possession does not exclude attempts at long balls, as we try to hit the opposition in any space they leave behind their lines, mainly aimed for Chiesa and for Depay.
The attacking trident takes a different approach this week. Balls into Depay with his back to goal will be less effective than with Kane, so the main approach should be looking for his feet, or to play the ball in front of him to run on to. Brozovic and SMS are both athletic in the way that they control the midfield, but both are also very capable of contributing in this approach. Foden and Chiesa will sit slightly inside of the wide areas when waiting for the ball, but, especially with Foden as he should have no overlapping support, they are capable of running these areas when needed, contracting the pitch at first, before quickly widening it, to make it difficult to mark either men or space. A driving aim for all three attackers should be to target getting into the box. We don’t have the players in the middle to make wide play hurt so much, so balls in should be low, and into dangerous areas where our players can pounce. Balls should be looked for early, so as to exploit running space in behind, more than waiting for the opposition to set up a deep line. I expect to see Depay vary his attacking approach, sometimes looking to drop off and tease the defenders out of position, creating space for Chiesa to push past him, whilst other times looking to make the runs past the last line himself.
When off the ball the attacking press should be engaged high. Depay has the pace and energy to cause problems in these areas, targeting the central players in the opposition defence, whilst Chiesa will support in targeting these high pitch players. Foden will drop slightly deeper, in line with Brozovic and SMS, allowing us to congest the middle of the pitch, and make it hard to play through these areas. By doing this, I hope that we can force the opposition away from playing the ball along the deck up the pitch, and instead focus on longer balls forward, that we have the players to win and then reengage our attacking style.
Red Card Substitutions
Assume for most it is Jorginho making way, with Brozovic operating as the deeper midfielder in the two man pivot, unless otherwise specified.
Neuer – Sub on Pope, who, obviously, goes in goal.
Walker – Sub on Castagne at RB.
White or Hermoso – Sub on Castagne, with him slotting in at LB, and Hernandez tucking inside as LCB.
Hernandez – Sub on Castagne at LB.
Jorginho – Leave as is, with Brozovic dropping deeper.
SMS or Brozovic – Sub on Menino, to operate as the other high intensity midfielder.
Foden or Chiesa – Sub on Ocampos on either flank.
Depay – Sub on Malen to lead the line.
Other Substitutions
If red card goes for them
Malen on for Jorginho 60+ mins
Attacking change to try and take the game to the opposition. Malen pushes up front as the main striker, with Depay playing off him.
posted on 2/3/21
comment by Tino Bambino (U2087)
posted 1 day ago
Round 17
Sheffield blades vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries:
Dele Ali
Giorgio Chiellini
Matt Doherty
Leonardo Bonucci
Away at a resurgent Sheffield United. Welshy has built a strong side with a front four that can deal severe damage, but we can control the midfield and get at their defence so it’s a shuffle of the pack today and a switch to a more proactive formation, get at their defence and control the midfield before Welshy’s front-four can carry the day for the home team.
……………………………………………….Ederson……………………………….
…………………………………Dias…….Maguire….Romagnoli……………
…………………………………………….Busquets………………………
……………………………...Kessie…………………McKennie…………..
Ronaldo……… Insigne…..
………………………………Aguero……………..Belotti…………………….
Subs: Turati (GK) Ferland, Castro, Eriksen, Zielinski, Koke, Raul
I know the above is risky, and mostly frowned upon, I also know that we leave gaps in the wide areas defensively, oh and I also know Maguire is pony but with my injuries he gets the nod. But with the right system and players alongside him it’ll work.
Defensive strengths and weaknesses
Yes that’s not the quickest back line and we leave gaps out-wide. This is countered by the fact we sit deep today, we defend the 18 yard line, there’s no gaps behind for them to run into. If any through balls slide through Ederson is quick off his line and will sweep for us. Suarez has many many facets to his game but blistering pace isn’t one of them so with this in mind Maguire isn’t such a bad shout, we need physicality more and with the deep line, we accentuate his strengths and lessen his weaknesses. As I say we defend the perimeter when the ball is with Sheffields wingers, Busquets drops back into CB alongside Maguire and either Dias or Roma shuffle to cover the winger on their side. When LCB or RCB shuffle they go no wider than the edge of the box, no need to risk getting rinsed out-wide just the defend the box.
This defensive rigidity/shape keeps us in the game and allows us to go man to man with Sheffields front-four, stop the over-loads and gives us a platform to build on.
The Midfield is where this game is won or lost (or drawn for the pedants) Sheff Utd have a good midfield so the 3-man defence allows us to use an extra body in the engine room. Busquets is the deepest midfielder, we’re lucky to have him really as he does the job of two players, he can sit and dictate the play, getting us moving forwards but he is also great at breaking up the oppo play, defensively today he watches the Blades Am/#10 for the most part, but as mentioned will drop into CB when Sheffield go wide. If as expected Welshy sticks with his 4-2-3-1 that will leave Kessie and McKennie in one on ones with their counterparts and with both of them big strong units that cover big distances during a game, we can out-work and outrun them, but they’re more than just workhorses they have genuine quality and with 2 B2B midfielders harrying the Sheffield midfielders and not letting them settle into a rhythm and picking passes, we can get turnover ball in dangerous positions, and with us playing a front-four of our own if we get quick ball we can deliver some real damage to them.
The Fab four, no not John,Paul,George and Ringo, are full of pace and skill, our weakness is defensive width, but the best sides defend from the front. So with this in mind our 2 wingers push as high up as possible, with this in mind it keeps Sheffield’s full-backs deeper than perhaps wanted. This eases some of the pressure off our defence, if their FB’s push on regardless then Ronaldo and Insigne will have a lot of space to operate in and can cause carnage, running in from wide and getting the over-loads.
Belotti is a powerhouse and works solidly, Aguero will put a shift in but he’s a real penalty box predator. This combination will will take a man each in terms of Welshy’s CB’s. not allow us to be doubled-up on and allows us to press them high up the pitch, they won’t be allowed the time or freedom to build attacks from the back as their entire back line is man marked, and our midfield will be going man to man with theirs.
All in an even contest we just have to hope we have enough individual quality to win the individual match-ups.
Subs 65 mins
Eriksen > McKennie, fresh legs but gives us a bit more creativity in the engine room
Koke > Kessie, as above
Raul > Belotti – Like for like, bigger unit, better touch
----------------------------------------------------------------------
welshy being the good soul that he is has pointed out an error in my formatting - Ronaldo and Insigne are wingers, one on each side not both on the right
posted on 5/3/21
CHELSEA v sheff utd
--------------------------- Oblak ----------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- S.deVrij ----- Bastoni ----- NMazrouai
-------------- F.de Jong --------- Locatelli ---------------
--------------------------- B.Silva ---------------------------
-------- Mbappe ------- Haaland ------- Neymar --------
Bono, Mancini, Kamara, Pessina, Ferran, Gouiri, Giroud
We like 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 or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, we cant get in behind quite easily,with pace and Bernardo Silva orchestrating things from his free role, 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 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, 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 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
We have the Worlds best goalkeeper behind our defence which consists of newbie Bastoni who picks up the CF he is quick and powerful so will stop the threat of their No.9, de vrij spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, he is vastly experienced so will keep our younger defenders right, constantly shouting and keeping the bank of 4 in a line as to not leave gaps, if they get 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 CBs 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 we cant afford be exposed, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli to drift to the side with this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows de Jong to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, B.Silva also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Locatrelli has made by moving to pick up men. Bastoni and de Vrij 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, will at times drop between the 2 Cbs to get the ball, 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 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, he will also look tfor piercing balls for Haaland and the wingers to drive onto and go for goal. Our midfield maestro Silva is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three. also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will 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 pass and move to always make himself available. 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, playing a high line to force there wide players back, however, 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 have options, charge at them and we do it quickly, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, forcing defenders out of position thus allowing Silva to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with pace and power, if their defence is on top then we can always go direct and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Silva and one of the wide men, depending what side we attack from, 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
Captain - Stefan de Vrij
Penalties - Mbappe
Free Kicks - B.Silva
Corners - B.Silva
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Mancini and Ferran for Mazrouai and Bissaka - Mancini goes to RCB, Ferran to LW, a very attacking 3412
75 Mins - Gouiri for B.Silva, Ferran to RW, Gouiri to LW, and a front 3 of Mbappe/Haaland/Neymar - All out attack
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for B.Silva he goes behind de Jong/Locatelli to become our DM
83 Mins - Pessina for de Jong fresh legs
88 Mins - Gouiri for Haaland
Drawing -
70 Mins - Ferran for B.Silva, Mbappe up top, Ferran RW 442/424
78 Mins - Pessina for de Jong
posted on 5/3/21
Bournemouth Tactics: League round 18 (Home to Arsenal)
Captain: Ibañez
Vice Captain: Zubeldia
Team:
-----------------Rodak
Molina--Ibañez—Botman---Olivera
--------------Zubeldia
--------Domínguez---Gonçalves
Antony------------------------------Suárez
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Maximiano, Lewis, Araújo, Assunção, Guimarães, Veron, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Rodak 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: Zubeldia 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. Domínguez and Gonçalves will play just in front of Zubeldia. Domínguez will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gonçalves will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Antony and Suárez 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 Gonçalves, Domínguez and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Domínguez may sit a bit deeper allowing Gonçalves to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Gonçalves, Suárez or Antony with Ibañez, Botman, Zubeldia and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gonçalves and Suárez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Araújo for Botman, Evanilson for Núñez and Guimarães for Domínguez, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Domínguez and Evanilson for Antony. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
--------------Zubeldia
Veron-----Gonçalves----Suárez
---------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 5/3/21
PORTSMOUTH vs city
Difficult game against a strong city side, but we have home advantage and after taking 11 points from our last 5 games, as opposed to city’s 7 in the same period, we have the form and momentum (and potentially a 5 slot head start) to continue our surge up table.
Rof’s City side is packed full of talent, but they’re also a real physical threat so we switch our formation about a bit today to combat this and take the game to them.
with all of this in mind we play a traditional looking 4-3-2-1 (4-5-1 defensively) to try and get a proper control of the midfield, dictate not only possession of the football but also the tempo, we’ll play this at pace we want to, pass and move the ball about and take the energy out of City’s players, swamp the midfield and play with a heavy press, looking to rush City and cause the ball turn-overs.
The other advantage of this formation is that lately RoF has kind of used inside forwards as opposed to pure wingers, if he continues with this then our defensive midfielders will be automatically placed where his inside-forwards look to operate, thus cancelling the threat and leaving our full-backs to deal with City’s Full-backs. If Rof goes with a different set-up this can still be an advantage as any AM he plays will have Kessie, Busquests and Neves for company.
…………………………………Ederson……………………………………
Bellerin………………Dias……………Bonucci…………..Ferland
…………………Kessie…….Busquets……..Neves….
………………………Eriksen……………Insigne….
…………………………………Ronaldo……..
Subs: Romagnoli, Telles, Alli, McKennie, Belotti, Aguero, Doherty
This arrowhead formation gives us so much core strength, This enables us to soak up City’s attacks without losing any shape but still carries more than enough attacking fire-power to put the citizens to bed.
Ederson is a quality keeper and his ball distribution is second to none, he’s a big player for us and this systems suits him perfectly.
Bellerin and Mendy are fantastically quick, good going forwards but defensively susceptible, but this is about fitting the right formation around the players, they will both go, none of this one push one sit. With no wingers in our side they carry the weight for giving us width and with our midfield they have adequate cover to bomb on.
Dias and Bonucci – Bonucci comes in today replacing Roma, we expect to be facing Lukaku but potentially Lukaku and Benzema. Two very strong strikers so Bonucci gives us more physicality to deal with Lukaku, stay on him, don’t let him turn and just stay in his face – everyone knows, even stevie Wonder can see that Lukaku has no,zero,nada technique and his first touch is none existent. So just harry him and bully him out of the game. Dias is the spare man, unless it’s two up top. Then he covers the second striker, but if not he’s the security system, sweeps up the loose ball (no not on about the 6ft bounce off Lukaku’s first touch) these two have the makings of a strong partnership.
The KBN trident in midfield is as strong as any other midfield in the league and whilst City’s is one of their trump cards ours can nullify theirs. Busquets is the anchor man but also the orchestrator will sit in front of the defence and allows our full-backs to bomb on. Defensively sound and blessed with a good range of passing, even an aging Sergio-B can hold a midfield single handedly, here at Fratton park we’re amazed that Chelsea let him go so easily, but one mans junk and all that. Kessie is a monster and has such an engine on him he goes B2B for us today. Defensively capable and always good for putting his foot in will very much help us put the midfield battle in our control, very good going forwards to and chips in with his share of goals. Ruuuuuuuben Neves is statistically one of the best DM’s in European football according to “Optajoe” he won the ball back 268 times in the last calendar year.
@OptaJoe
·
Dec 31, 2020
268 - Rúben Neves won possession more often than any other player in the Premier League in 2020, while the midfielder also made the most tackles (72) of any player for Wolves. Bite. #OptaReview2020
But Neves isnt just a DM for us, the Portugese Xabi Alonso will like Kessie go B2B for us as we carry the fight to City, as mentioned solid defensively and another of our players with a fantasic range of passing, and with a penchant for long range worldy’s he can’t be given time or space so as City move to him he moves the ball on. I’m sure you’ll agree the midfield three have lovely balance.
Eriksen and Insigne both play as Am’s – Eriksen another rangey player, great touch, set-piece threat and energetic enough to put a shift in, will link nicely the midfield and the attack – can also play a give and go with our full-backs as they maraud forwards, another that chips in with goals and can hit them from range. Insigne is an altogether different animal, short with a low centre of gravity we want him running at City’s defenders, drawing the players to him and potentially free-kicks. Eriksen/neves/ronaldo on dead balls you may as well just give us the goal where as Eriksen will link and mostly stay centrally, Insigne will drift wider and look to get into spaces between FB and CB and take a runner with him.
Ronaldo moves into the centre, the most decorated goal scorer in world football, big strong and still quick, gives defenders nightmares with no real defensive duties he can stay high up the pitch, be on his toes and get ready to go. If he can see the goal it’s in range.
Subs 60 mins winning or drawing
McKennie > Kessie, like for like fresh legs in the engine
Alli > Eriksen, like for like, more physicality and energy in the final third
Romagnoli > Bonucci, yeah you guessed it like for like.
Losing at 60
Aguero > Eriksen – change to a straight 4-3-3 Ronaldo….Aguero….Insigne
McKennie > Kessie – like for like.
Doherty > Bellerin – gives us a bigger goal threat.
posted on 6/3/21
------------------------- Martinez --------------------------
Pavard ------- Romero -------- Skriniar -------- Sandro
----------------- McTom -------- Soucek ------------------
A.Correa ------------- Maddison --------------- Grealish
-------------------------- A.Silva ----------------------------
Casteels, Coufal, Prowse, Ziyech, Werner, Moreno, Coman
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Maddison and Silva harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially McTominay and Soucek our commanders in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Pavard and Sandro have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Romero will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Skriniar alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
McTominay's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Soucek and has responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop. Both 6'4, not much will get passed them due there sheer size and power, and obviously they will both be a danger at set pieces and corners etc.
Maddison is in a free role, he is the link between everything, he will drift about looking to support those on the ball making himself available at all time, will give and go and find dangerous areas to fill as he looks to get the ball back and link up with Silva.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, I want Correa to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Grealish can do his thing, a box of tricks and usually an beat his man quite easily, therefore then linking up with Sandro or Maddison, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in A.Silva so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular Grealish, Maddison & Correa will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Pens - Silva
Free Kicks - Maddison/.Grealish
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Moreno for Sandro, we go 3412 with Moreno supporting Silva up top, Ziyech for Correa same time
70 Mins - Werner for Silva straight swap
Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for Maddison and into midfield 451 shore it up, Werner for A.Silva
Drawing -
70 Mins - Coufal for Pavard, Ziyech for Correa, a bit more energy down the right
75 Mins - Coman for Maddison, he goes left, Grealish central
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