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

-------Denayer---Soyuncu---Hermoso

Castagne-----SMS---Pellegrini-------Guerreiro

------Chiesa-------Kane---------Depay

Pope
White
Jorginho
Foden
Hernandez
Barnes
Vardy

A switch to a 3-4-3 for todays game sees us trying to change up our gameplan to better exploit the weaknesses of our opposition. By pushing up our FBs, and playing with more options in the wide areas, I hope that we can double up on the opposition in these positions, and stretch them, to better create chances, and dpray havoc in their defense. The counter to this, is an extra body in the central defensive line, which allows us to better cope with their more central focus of attack. On the ball, I want to see the same quick movement, with maximum three touches in our own third (more leniency can be applied when it comes to driving runs at their defense), and the ball quickly spread into the wide areas as early as possible. Off the ball, I think we have sufficient energy, pace, and drive throughout the team to properly apply our intense pressing game.

Defensively, our trio are all players comfortable at picking up the ball and moving it quickly. Their number one aim will be to spread the play to the WBs, but with Pellegrini and SMS dropping back in front, and Neuer in behind, options under pressure should never be in short supply. When the WBs do pick up the ball, they should look to make those driving forward runs, and I think both players suit that role ideally. Pellegrini and SMS operate as dual box-to-box midfielders, with one pushing into the advanced areas, and the other sitting slightly deeper. They can vary which takes these roles through the game, so as to make it harder to predict which midfield runs need to be tracked. I don’t want to see Castagne and Guerreiro too advanced, as it will make the out passes harder, so they will drop back about as deep as the two central midfielders, to make a flat-ish bank of four in front of the defence.

Most of the transitions into attack are likely to come from the WBs charging into open space in front of them, but we also have the players in advanced areas to play with this. Depay and Chiesa may sit slightly inside, but they are still operating as wide players. Them being inside forwards is likely to draw the opposition FBs slightly further in, creating more space for the WBs on the overlap. The more advanced midifielder is also likely going to come into these areas to provide more options, as we look to utilize triangles of passing to quickly maneuveuer the ball into dangerous areas, and pull their players out of position. The primary aim for the WBs should be to get to the by-line and get a cross into the danger area, whilst the wingers will sit deeper, providing the option for the cut back, and look to worm their way in behind whenever they get the opportunity to. With Kane up front, we have a potent, in-form striker capable of bagging from anywhere in the penalty area. This allows us to vary the styles of our approach, both whipping balls onto his head, and also cutting the ball in low. He will look to sit in between the posts as often as possible, as this will be from where he is most dangerous. I don’t want to see him dropping off today, and instead constantly sitting on their defence, and making a nuisance of himself. In Depay and Chiesa, we have wide players capable of varying their game, but cuttin inside and heading for goal is the route I expect to see them utilise most, whilst the WBs stretch the pitch, and create spaces further inside.

When the ball is lost in these areas, we need quick and swift reactions. They are likely to build their progression through the middle, so flooding that area is essential. Kane and Depay will focus on their defensive line, with Depay covering our left and Kane our right, whilst Chiesa will drop back into midfield and support Pellegrini and SMS. Castagne and Guerreiro will also operate slightly inside, flooding the midfield, and making it difficult for them to navigate. If they start to try and focus attacks out wide, then the WBs will push out to more natural berths. They key is to try and win the ball back as quickly as possible, whilst shielding our defence, recycle possession, and get ourselves back on the front foot.

Defensively, I want to see Hermoso and Denayer operating a man-marking system on opposition strikers, whilst Soyuncu will operate as a spare man, drifting in to support whichever of the two of them needs his support most, making it difficult for any one CB to be doubled up on at any one time. With Neuer sweeping up behind them, we think we should be pretty well covered against balls in over the top.

Substitutions

If losing/drawing

Pellegrini off Foden on 70 mins

A slightly more conventional 10, operating in that sole position, giving us another body in a more advanced position.

Denayer off for Vardy 75 mins

Change to a 4-2-4, with Vardy operating up top with Kane, Foden operating with SMS, and Guerreiro and Castagne operating deeper.

If winning

Pellegrini off for Jorginho 70 mins

A more cobventional 4 designed to sit deep in front of the defence.

Chiesa off for Barnes 75 mins

Fresh legs to attack and see out the game.

WOLVES vs Newcastle

………………………………………..Trubin……………………………
……………………….Tapsoba…..Botman…Konate……………..
J.Justin………………….Tonali…………Rice……………….Cucurella
……………….Kluivert…………………Boadu……….…Eze
Subs: Bayindir, Schuurs, Kumbulla, Willock, Berge, Nunez, Vlahovic

Fast fluid football today, the normal conception of any side playing a back 3 is that it’s too rigid and too narrow, but we’re deliberately playing our wingers on the wrong side – this enables them to cut inside and attack the spaces between FB/CB, this then creates the space for our wing-backs to bomb on and break the defensive lines and put balls into the box.
Trubin standing at an impressive 6ft5 will cut an imposing figure behind the sticks, only 19 years old but with 7 clean sheets in 15 games for Shaktar this season led to him making his debut for the Ukraine during the recent internationals. Will use that substantial frame of his to come out and collect any high balls into the box, quick off his line and stay big, not may strikers will fancy him baring down on them, with the ball puts his foot through it safety first.

Tapsoba (6ft3) Botman (6ft3) Konate (6ft3) cut a physically intimidating defensive back line that Newcastle will struggle to penetrate, all 3 of them are reasonably quick for such big men but out of respect for Newcastle we set up shop on the 18 yard line. Whilst this stretches the pitch out to help our attackers find space, it also closes off the spaces behind for Newcastles players to operate in, they have to come through us rather than try and turn us as the gaps just aren’t there. When we’re in possession I want Botman to go “full dutch” and join in the midfield – leaves us 2 competent defenders in the back line and gives us an extra ball player In the middle of the park. We don’t want possession for possessions sake but we move the ball around with purpose – the main aim is the cross-field switch balls….Newcastle are savvy and when they realise that’s the plan we hold onto to ball moving it around amongst ourselves, waiting for them to bring their heavy press and when it comes we unleash the the diagonals and drop our men in behind their midfield.

Justin and Cucurella – both have great engines and a fair amount of pace to burn, we utilize today – as they look to go high and wide, get in behind Newcastles midfield and draw the full-backs towards them creating some space for our wingers to play nice slick one-twos and carve out some chances.

Tonali and Rice are the conductors of this team, Tonali is the one that sits, great range of passing, will look for the gaps in Newcastles team, will hold until the last second before offloading giving the recipient more time and space. Newcastle have bodies in that midfield but it’s not quick (In the legs atleast) so we keep them moving and take the energy out of them. Rice is more box to box today, although not necessarily having to be that advanced so more so 25yards out from their goal, he brings the energy to the engine room.

Eze and Kluivert as mentioned earlier are our inverted wingers, we want them cutting inside taking runners with them and leaving the flanks open for our wing-backs to attack and whip balls in, this tactic should in theory give us 4 players in the Newcastle box – The striker, both wingers and the opposite wing-back – Ie if Justin is in possession then Cucuerella attacks the back stick, and vice versa. Defensively they track their winger back to half way before passing him on to the WB, and then just tuck in to make a bank of four with Sandro T and Rice.

Boadu at 6ft is tall and strong enough to lead the line today, with a good turn of pace he’ll look to play off the shoulder of the last man and run into balls in behind. 12 goals in 26 games playing for a side that isn’t called Ajax is a great return, still only 20 years old.

Subs:
65 mins
Vlahovic > Boadu – 6ft2 powerhouse comes on – we go more direct looking to hit him and let him knock it down for the wingers to latch onto.
Kumbulla > Konate – fresh legs in the back line but he’s the midget in defence at 6ft2

Nunez > Eze – Narrow front three as Vlahovic is the spearheard and Nunez and Kluivert took in behind him

PORTSMOUTH vs spurs

……………………………………Ederson………………………
Bellerin……………..Ibanez…………..Romagnoli………Ferland
……………………………Paredes……….Kessie……………………
Ronaldo…………………………Jota…………………………..Insigne
……………………………………Immobile…………………………………….

Subs – Pickford, Zagadou, Todibo, Alli, Goncalves, Aguero, Berardi

Neves,McKennie and Busquets all injured so we shuffle the pack today for the visit of Tab’s Spurs team. We may well lose the midfield battle Afterall Tab’s is the greatest midfield in the history of great midfields. But ultimately, they have Werner up-top so I’m not even sure why I’m bothering playing defenders.
We know Tab’s side will come here to try and impose itself on the game and in KDB and Silva they have genuine influencers (nah not these insta models with an allergy to clothes and a heightened self worth) but the only muscle they have in there is Casemiro and lets be honest Kessie will eat him for breakfast…. He’s like a daft punk song, Harder,Better,Faster,Stronger. Alongside Franck the Tank is Leandro Paredes a solid 2 months after signing the Argentine gets his debut, a very good DM, can put his foot in but he’s so much more than a stopper. He’s a very good range of passing and will look to get us moving from the back sharply, very good replacement for Ruuuuuuben Neves.

Kessie and Paredes give us a solid platform for this game and it’ll be a nice match-up between them and KDB/Bernardo. The third spoke in the spurs wheel is Casemiro who is in fairness a semi-decent DM… but he’s Brazilian can’t trust any defensive Brasilian, so we’ll test him today, even ice is solid till you put some heat on it. And today’s heat comes in the shape of Diogo Jota. Jota is not a #10 but he’s a SS – we saw his best at wolves playing uptop alongside big Raul… full on aggressive little rat, doesn’t back down and keeps on running at you. That’s his job today, play off the big striker, operate in the pockets of space and be a full on nuisance running from deep, before popping up in the box to dispatch another chance.

Our defence is missing the behemoth that is Maguire nah I can’t take that seriously either. Ferland and Bellerin both have pace for days. And they’ll need it against Spurs’ show-ponies. Just jockey them, show em the line and force the cross for big Timo to jump under. If the man cuts inside just stay with him and support the CB as he comes across. Offensively both go. We have a solid foundation at the back, so get up and bang balls into the mixer.

Big Roger Ibanez comes in to replace Ruben Dias, quick and reasonably tall has adapted nicely to life in Serie A with Atalanta and Roma. I know I rubbished Brasilian defenders earlier but he’s got Uruguayan citizenship so it’s that genetic that’s the dominant one alongside him is Romagnoli still only 26 but over 200 top flight games to his name now, cool calm and collected he’s the one to shadow Timo no goal, whilst Ibanez is the free man, free to collect the ball in a leisurely manner after Werners first touch knocks it on 10 foot.

Ronaldo and Insgine are marked on the teamsheet as wingers, and I guess they are but with genuine freedom, we want them and Jota to be a fluid trident, switch roles between themselves and judge the balance of a game accordingly. They know in Immobile they have a prolific striker but also a hard runner that can hold up the play and bring others into the game, so as Immobile runs the channels opening up the defence – our trident will turn Casemiro and run at spurs’ defenders.
We know the Spurs defence are no slouches and are battle hardened but we do fancy our attacks chances of getting in behind and in Ronaldo and Immobile at least, we’re clinical enough to put away enough chances to keep us honest in this game.

Subs 65 mins

Aguero > Immobile. Different kind of striker but if the ball drops in the box there are few better button men out there that you want pulling the trigger.

Alli > Jota. Very similar roles but Alli makes up for the physicality lost by Immobile’s departure

Berardi > Insigne. Keeps the goal threat in fact probably increases it, him and Ronaldo switch wings so the cut inside and shoot is very much an option

Bournemouth (4-3-3) Round 22 (Away to Newcastle)
Captain: Bremer
Vice-Captain: Cleiton

-----------------Cleiton
Pereira--Bremer--Carmo---Abner
-------Zubimendi--Pyerre
-----------------Wesley
González----------------Kvaratskhelia
------------------Ruiz

SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Rodrigues, Assunção, Azate, Veron, 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 (Zubimendi) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Ward-Prowse). In front of them Wesley 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’ Ward-Prowse will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Wesley 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: Cleiton 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 (Zubimendi). 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 (Ward-Prowse). 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 Wesley will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both González and Kvaratskhelia 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 Wesley, Ward-Prowse and Ruiz 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 Ward-Prowse may sit a bit deeper allowing Wesley 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.
Ruiz 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: Wesley, Kvaratskhelia or González with Bremer, Carmo, Zubimendi and Ruiz to offer an aerial threat. Wesley and Kvaratskhelia (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 – Rodrigues for Bremer, Assunção for Zubimendi and Evanilson for Ruiz .
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Ward-Prowse with Evanilson and González with Veron. 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.
------------Zubimendi
Veron---Wesley---Kvaratskhelia
--------Evanilson -----Ruiz

------------------------- Martinez -------------------------
P.Kalulu ------ S.deVrij ------ Skriniar ------ Chilwell
-------------------------- Kamara -------------------------
------------------- Kroos -------- Pogba ------------------
Dembele --------------------------------------- S.Gnabry
------------------------- R.Lukaku -------------------------

Maignan, Lenglet, Aouar, Koopmeiners, Nkunku, Gouiri, Alvarez

Again, 343, 541, 433, all depends how the passage of play is going, we can transition into any of the above formations, we have two powerful CBs that defend the lines with everything they have, their job is to stop the striker getting any chances or at least any easy chances, they stay as a pair, they stay solid, they let nothing passed, Skriniar man marks the striker, de Vrij supports him, clear everything, both clear first ask questions later, when in possession they can pass it out wide to fullbacks or to the midfielders ahead of them.

When we attack, Kamara is a very important part of this formation, he sits in front of the two CBs, sometimes right in between them forming a 3 man back line, this allows Kalulu and Chiwell to attack, they can both go at the same time, we want to really have a go and if this means we have numbers going forward then so be it, we want to hit them with numbers and plenty of pace, The fullbacks drive down the line, which ever side it is use Kroos/Pogba to get round defenders, quick one/twos, play the triangles to get up and beyond them, then they have Dembele and Gnabry as well the further afield they get, this is quick football, no messing today, once they are in space look to play it into Dembele or Gnabry or fire in a cross which will see plenty of numbers in the danger area to aim for as Kroos/Pogba, opposite winger and Fullabck will be their waiting and obvs the main man Lukaku will be there to do what he does best, Kroos and Pogba are the heart beat of the team, most will go through them, fullbacks will use them to go round players as will wingers, there job is to make sure the run these players make isn't gone to waste as they play the ball into space for them to drive into, always available for the pass and will make the dangerous runs into the box to get on the end of the cross coming in.They both have great shots from distance as wlell so don't be afraid to have a pop at goal. Lukaku always stays as No.9, he is a beast in the nicest of ways, he can be played in, he will shrug defenders off, can take them on, also, as crosses come in a very good chance he will win the header. If he cannot go for goal, hold it up, there will be players driving in from all angles, he just has to pick the right one out. For corners and set pieces lets pile pressure on them, we have plenty of power and heght with the CBs, Kroos and Pogba in the danger area.

When defending Kamara's primary role in front of the defence or in the heart of it, he is the 'free' CB/DM, 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 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. We do go 4141 or 541 when defending our attacking fullbacks become proper fullbacks as they flit back into defence, again plenty numbers and easy transition from our attacking formation, the four more attacking midfielders make a bank of 4, they make this line and keep focussed on the job ahead then it should be fine, harass them when they have the ball, look to make them play stupid misplaced passes so we can gather the ball and break with pace. Lukaku harasses the back line of the opposition and defends from the front, we give them little time all over the park and hopefully win the ball back to start our attacking transition

We must defend as a team tho, 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
Free Kicks - Kroos
Pens - Lukaku
Corners - Wingers

Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Kamara drop to LCB, Gouiri for Chilwell and to LCF, Aouar for Kalulu, he goes to CM with Pogba moving up to AM 3412
75 Mins - J.Alvarez for Pogba, a young attacking threat

Winning -
75 Mins - Koopmeiners for Pogba, helps more defensively, Nkunku for Dembele
85 Mins - Gouiri for Lukaku

-------------------------- Gulacsi --------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Romero ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson
--------------- F. de Jong ---- Camavinga ---------------
--- Mbappe ------------ Neymar ------------ Grealish ---
-------------------------- Håland ---------------------------

Meslier, Konsa, Laimer, Bellingham, Musiala, Ferran, Malen

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

Romero picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Bastoni spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get to our midfield quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to those in front 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!!, Robertson is a dangerous weapon to have and he will do more attacking than Bissaka as he supports Grealish down the left, often driving passed him to whip in dangerous balls, Bissaka the same but not as often as he makes up the back 3. If either get caught up field I want the midfielders to help them out by filling the gaps so we don't get exposed, this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Camavinga sitting back.
.

Camavinga is high energy in yer face, he 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.

Neymar moves central for a change 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/Camavinga/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition, Neymar on the DM and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, skillfull and will cause all sorts of problems, 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, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Grealish will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Neymar to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Wingers to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting. Quick passing in triangles, quick one twos that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, especially Neymar who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - de Jong
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Konsa for Bissaka, Ferran for Robertson

Gulasci
Konsa - Romero - Bastoni
F.Torres - F.de Jong - Camavinga - Grealish
Mabppe - Haaland - Neymar

75 Mins - Malen for Neymar

Drawing -
70 Mins - Malen for Grealish, Neymar LW, Malen up top 442

Winning -
75 Mins - Laimer for Neymar, go behind the midfield and become the DM

SHEFFIELD UNITED v Leeds United

-----------------------Lopes
Lamptey, Andersen, T. Silva, Tagliafico
--------------Dorsch, Höjbjerg
---Mahrez--------James-------------Isco
-----------------------Suárez

Subs: Kelleher, Tomiyasu, Guehi, Marcelo, Gallagher, Brooks, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Mahrez, James, Isco
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Niklas Dorsch and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Dorsch 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 Dorsch 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, Niklas Dorsch.

Dorsch 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 Dorsch 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 Dorsch or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Lamptey and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Dorsch 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
Brooks on for James, Gallagher on for Höjbjerg and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez

Triple substitution - A mix of dribbling trickery, fresh legs and power in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

Attacking 4-3-3

At home we play an attacking 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is them not having the ball. As you’d expect with a possession gameplan we will be patient in the first two thirds of the park, this means we will move the ball quickly and at pace but will not force the play, let them chase us tiring them physically and mentally. Fernandes is the exception as we give him freedom to play more direct balls from deeper areas.

In the final third we give all players freedom to use their quality to create and produce magic to open up the opposition.

Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching City defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play. We use this possession to target City out wide, and get at their full backs. We get both full backs attacking down the wings, giving the wingers the freedom to go inside. Rodri at dm, and Goretzka just ahead giving us the strength in front of cbs to commit numbers forward.

In front of the defence Rodri offers the perfect dm to control and set the tempo for our play, Goretzka next to him offers a powerful box to box engine, with Fernandes playing as attacking Cm with freedom to drift. Everyone in their best position, in a formation and system that suits everyone playing their natural game.

Rodri in front offering a strong, athletic dm presence. The rest of the midfield and attackers are tasked with pressing the ball, Goretzka offers strength and intelligence, Fernandes brings energy and intensity. The front three also hard working and will press in high areas and win the ball back quickly.

In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rodri stays deepest but the trio do not play so narrow. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press City in high areas, and aiding distribution out from the back line.

Laporte the man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Marquinhos who is free to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Win the ball back from them quickly before they can get anywhere.

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

We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front three, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space.

As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Goretzka supports creating and linking the play, Fernandes gets in and around the box looking for the final ball or shooting.

Positional structure, in addition to our technical players will be key to our quick passing possession gameplan going forward. Our approach in build up is to play a flexible asymmetric shape, getting bodies on different lines to increase the options we have in possession, and to create gaps in the opposition, and space for our players.

————————————— Allison ———————————
Carvajal ——Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————————- Rodri ————————————
———————— Goretzka —— B.Fernandes —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling ——————— L.Martinez ————— S.Mane


Subs. Henderson, R.James, Thiago, Mount, Zaha, Felix, Jesus

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 City advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-3-2. Winger on the side of play drops deep and Rodri drops behind the other two cms pressing the space behind the two cms pressing the ball, sweeping up danger behind them and in front of the defence.

Lautaro and the remaining wide forward in the space in between the opposition defence and midfield, and either side of their dm. This will make it difficult for their to dm to circulate possession back to their defence.

The wide man on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Goretzka and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force City backwards. With the two forwards left forward this is where we look to press the opposition into mistakes and win the ball in high areas. With pace to join the attack quickly and overload City.

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

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Jesus for Lautaro. More pace up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Fernandes. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Zaha for Sterling. Fresh pace power and trickery.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Jesus for Sterling. More direct and goal scorer.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Theo. 3-5-2.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Goretzka. More attacking, more fluid options in attack.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Jesus for Fernandes. 4-2-2-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Sterling. Fresh trickery to get us back in it.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Goretzka.

Southampton vs WOLVES

Last game of the season, lets go out with a bang and try to win our first points. We’re expecting Nadz to continue with his 3232 formation and with this in mind we’re going to add some width to our attack and get his soton back-line


Injuries:
Luca Netz
Sven Botman
Tiago Tomas
Declan Rice
Myron Boadu

………………………..Bayindir……………….
……………..Konate…...Tapsoba….Kumbulla….
J.Justin…..……...Tonali……...Berge………...Cucurella
…………..D.James…..Vlahovic……..Kluivert

Subs: Trubin, Schuurs, Walker-Peters, Willock,Davies, Diaz, Aaronson


This is a very youthful side that we’re building but even with key players injured our starting XI ahead of this weekends games has played 222 first team games between, so young yes, but gaining decent amounts of experience to.

We expect Nadz to sit off in the early stages and grow into the game, but we won't give them chance to settle - fast paced transitions from back to front. Kumbulla and Konate as thw wider CB's will be hitting the long diagonals into the acres of space behind Nadz's midfield for wing-backs to really exploit, we need to keep turning this soton this defence. Tapsoba is a top quality defender and whilst he can go long to we want him to be a little more cultured and play the percentage balls. Defensively Konate and Kumbulla take a man each and Tapsoba sweeps up.

Justin and James will run the lines, stretch the pitch as wide as possible and look to get into the spaces let by soton's lack of defensive width, we have 3 central-ish attackers to occupy Soton's back-three and we don't ecpect Soton's wingers to be that hard working defensively so make the most of this today and get those balls into the box.

Tonali and Berge as the pivot today, Berge gos to box to box, get a foot in and win the ball back as high up the pitch as possible, Tonali is the deep lying playmaker, collect the ball from the defence and dictacte the ryhymn and tempo of the match. hes more than just a show pony though, he's the weird love child of rino gattuso and andrea pirlo, when the soton midfield press him, he looks up and dinks it over their heads and turns the game into a leg race. Berge is all action and 6ft5 is a wrecking ball of a player, Yaya Toure goes to bed in Sander Berge pyjammas.

The trident up front are key today. Jones and Kluivert are nominal wingers but we're tucking them inside as we look to match-up Soton's defence.
Vlahovic is 6ft2 and is our power-house he'll plant himself bang central and be the springboard for our attacks, banks on himself to win more than his share of aerial duels, very good hold up player and with 2 others running off him he could be of great use, he's more than just a target man though as per his goal return this season for Fiorentina.

James is a silky player and is already playing for his next move as he's too old for us come November. fast and direct, will look to run into the spaces between the LCB and CB, draw men to him ad either offload or draw the foul.

Kluivert is a skilful player great touch and has goals in him he'll mirror James and attack the spaces around the RCB.

with these three men occupying central spaces and our wing-backs charging forwards we should be able to get good balls into the Soton box and end the season on a high note.

Subs 65 mins

Diaz > James - like for like just fresh legs

Aaronson > Kluivert like for like

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

------------------ Ter Stegen ----------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- F.Mendy
----------- Casemiro --- N.Kante ----------
J.Sancho ------ De Bruyne -------- L.Sane
----------------- Kun Aguero ----------------

Subs:
Sanchez, Reguilon, P.Torres, Antony, Asensio, Hazard, Morata

Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: De Bruyne

So here we have it, after a great season we find ourselves one win away from clinching the first title under the TAB era. Befitting of such an occasion we welcome one of the top sides around as we go in seek of glory.

In a game such as this experience is key, whilst we have the luxury of home and form advantage nothing beats having a team full of experience to see us over the line. In today's line up we go with a side packed with experience with 10 of the 11 starters having won a league title at the highest level, with Jadon Sancho looking to add his name to his illustrious peers.

Set up wise we go with a perfectly balanced 4-2-3-1. We respect the attacking talent of the opposition and therefore bring in Pavard & Ferland who are two of the best defensive full backs in the business. The opposition have a high powered attack and we look to counter that with a solid defensive unit, Ramos partnering De Ligt in the middle with our two powerhouses of Casemiro & Kante adding a brick wall in front of our defensive.

In De Bruyne we have someone who is pretty much unplayable at present and with the opposition often lacking an out and out DM we feel that this could be the biggest mismatch on the park. Sancho & Sane offer great pace on the flanks whilst Aguero is a pure predator, the opposition have some great up and coming young CB's but this is a match up in which Aguero's experience and tactical nous should see the Argentine thrive.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with strength 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 pace to keep up with any opponent. Both Pavard & Ferland have quality on the ball however their focus today will be on their defensive duties as we look to keep the opposition at bay.

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 as we look to stamp our authority.

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, working in conjunction with our FB’s to nullify their attack.

By having such a strong DM duo this will take away the defensive responsibilities of KDB & co, allowing them to stay forward as we look to hit the opposition on the counter.

Forwards:

We go with four heavy hitters in attack as we look to pick the opposition apart.

As always De Bruyne will be instrumental and we give him more attacking freedom today playing as in the hole behind Aguero. 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.

Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they do opt for three at the back then Sancho and Sane 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 our frontman, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves. Both are excellent technicians on the ball and capable of whipping in the perfect balls for Aguero to pounce.

Aguero plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Aguero could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. His off the ball movement is second to none and his predatory instincts means that he's pretty much always in the right place at the right time. As always he'll be on his toes ready to pounce on anything that chances that fall his way with the Argentine one of the best finishers in the business. He'll be playing the full 90 and as the game creeps on we know that with him on the field we have every chance of creating another Agueroooooo moment!

If winning:
75 mins: Sane off, P.Torres on. Tighten up defensively we bring on an extra CB and move to 5-4-1 to see out the win.
85 mins: Sancho off, Asensio on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Sane off, Hazard on. Hazard has had his critics so the perfect opportunity for the Belgium to showcase his magic.
75 mins: We pile on the pressure with Morata going up top alongside Aguero with Sancho, KDB & Hazard in behind. Goals.

SOTON VS Wolves

----------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------Upamecano--------Stones--------Badiashile-------------
-----------------------------Ndidi---------Valverde---------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raphinha---------------------Odegaard---------------Richarlison
------------------Greenwood-----------------Rashford---------------------

Subs - Ait-Nouri, Dest, Ndombele, Tchouameni, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Kean

CAPTAIN - RASHFORD
CK'S - ØDEGAARD
FK'S - ØDEGAARD
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. Badiashile and Upamecano will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to close down the oppo wingers. Stones 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 Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
These 2 will be the main defensive force to cover our defence. When the oppo LW is attacking down the wings I want Ndidi to close him down and put a tackle in or stop him getting to the byline. Likewise with Valverde who will be tasked with the same job against the oppo RW. This will allow our front five to focus solely on attacking with no defensive restrictions put on them. If either Ndidi or Valverde are helping out on the wings I want the other DM to stay in the middle of the pitch and close down the oppo AM if they play one. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to Ødegaard who will drop deep from time to time. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. But he must not forget his main job which is to protect the defence.

Wingers
Raphinha + Richarlison
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Richarlison will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. 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 into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with Ødegaard. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box as we are playing 2 strikers in strike and it will be harder for the oppo defence to defend than the typical one striker they normally come up against. 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. .

Attack Mid
Martin Ødegaard
The Big Ø will be the playmaker and chance creator for our attackers. His technical ability on the ball is world class and he is the type of player that can run all match without getting tired. Off the ball I want him to press the oppo midfielders. When we have possession of the ball try and find space in the attacking third of the pitch for you to receive the ball and use your playmaking ability to create chances for the team. Look out for runs from our wingers and strikers and thread some pinpoint passes to them.

Strikers
Marcus Rashford MBE + Greenwood
These 2 blood brothers will be the main goalscorers of the team. 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 and try and get in front of your marker. 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 find spaces in the oppo defence.
Greenwood will use his physical ability and hold up play to bring others in to the game. He's a proper two footed striker equally as strong on his right as he is on his left so I don't want him to hesitate to shoot when he has an opportunity to shoot.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Valverde and Diaby for Pulisic to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

-------------------------------------Ramsdale-----------------------
-----------Upamecano---------Stones--------Badiashile----------
----------------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raphinha--------------Odegaard---------Wirtz-------------------Diaby
-------------------------Greenwood------------Rashford-------------------

Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Ødegaard and put on Tchouameni 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 Dest and Ait Nouri as wingbacks who'll offer a lot more defensive stability.

-----------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
----------Upamecano--------Stones--------Badiashile--------
------------------------------Tchou--------Ndidi------------------------------
Dest----------------------------Valverde--------------------------Ait-Nouri
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Greenwood---------Rashford----------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Diaby on for Richarlison
Kean on for Greenwood
Ndombele on for Valverde
Fresh legs to bring on.

Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5


____________Mendy
Morey____Dias_____Virgil____Shaw
_____________Koke
_______Barella____Modric
Salah_______ASilva_______Coman

Subs: Angelino, Llorente, Raul, Tielemans, Silas, Lemar, Oyar

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.

______________Mendy
_________Dias_______Virgil_______
______Morey____Koke___Shaw
Salah____Barella___Modric____Coman
______________ASilva______________

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 - Llorente on Modric off. Fresh legs.

70 mins losing/drawing - Tielemans on Barella off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.

75 mins losing/drawing - Oyar on Coman off. Better penetration down the left and will play inside left more.

75 mins winning - Lemar on Barella off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.

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

Walker---Soyuncu---Hermoso—Hernandez

----------------SMS----Pellegrini

Chiesa------------Foden-------------Depay

----------------------Kane

Pope
Guerreiro
Simakan
Brozovic
Phillips
Barnes
Bamford

I’m throwing a bit of caution to the wind today, and am looking to try and get a win, so that we can aim to pull ourselves away from the struggle at the bottom, so we have opted for a 4-2-3-1, though it will fundamentally operate as similar to the 4-3-3 I have used most of this season, but with Foden operating slightly further forward as an additional attacking player, which will hopefully put us on the front foot, and give us more options to retain possession in the middle and final third. The gamestyle will be largely similar, with 2-3 touch football further back the pitch, and allowing slightly more expression in the attacking areas, mainly for the wingers. We want to see quick transition, and not playing possession for possession’s sake, so moving the ball into our outlet areas is key. Unlike last week, there will be less focus on specifically the wide areas, so I want to exploit the middle of the pitch. With them being without Kovacic, and Foden occupying the attention of the 4, I believe SMS and Pellegrini as an engine room will give us more than enough to drive the team forward. Despite that, I also believe the FB areas are a position we can get at against Sheffield United, so Depay and Chiesa will also be important to our play.

Defensively, the onus should be on quick movement. We have Neuer in net again, so should always have a calm, cucumberesque (cool) option behind, whilst SMS and Pellegrini will be making themselves readily available, also. As said before, it should be 2-3 touch stuff. One touch, then pass, keeping the ball moving, and working to tire their attacking trident, who I don’t believe to be the most intense pressers. Breaking through them will be key, so we must be looking for our outballs, whether that be down the line to the wide-men or into the engine room. The key is to provide options. When the FBs have the ball, I want to see their respective winger drop deep and CM push slightly wider, so that we can work the ball forward in overlapping triangles. The FBs do have license to get forward and support the attack, but only one at time. With both FBs comfortable at pushing across into a back three, that will be the shape they take whenever the other pushes forward to contribute offensively.

When we get the ball into the opposition half, we should be looking at having a base of at least five attackers (with one of the CMs dropping back and operating deeper, not quite as a CDM, but more a covering box-to-box on the half way line, alternating, so as neither tire too quickly), joined potentially by one of the FBs. This should give us plenty of options. In these areas, I want to see the ball stretched, so that we can target their FB options, with the ball tending to go on whichever side we are doubling up on. Their wide attackers aren’t the most intense trackers, so we think this is a reasonable manner of approach. Kane should keep himself central. He ought to be fired up, looking for the golden boot, so keeping himself between the goalposts, where he is objectively the most potent, is very important. Depay and Chiesa will both look to push inside, and when they do I want to see Foden ghost into these wider areas, making himself another option, whilst the CM will operate more as a 10. Foden doing this will likely draw out their holding midfielder to follow him, and create space in the middle. If the holding midfielder does not do this, then Foden should have free space uncovered, so either way is beneficial.

Should the ball be lost, then recovering it quickly and keeping us on the front foot is key. The plan is to break back into our 4-3-3, with the attacking trident of Kane, Depay and Chiesa attacking quickly, pressing the defensive line and the goalkeeper, working in tandem to prevent them from having the time and space to move the ball quickly. Foden will then sit on their number 4, keeping tight to him and preventing the use of him as an out-ball, whilst Pellegrini and SMS look to operate in the midfield areas, tracking their runners and, again, preventing time and space. All this should allow us time to better adopt our shape, regain possession, and get back on the attack once again.

Substitutions

If winning

Foden off for Brozovic 75 mins

Revert to a 4-3-3 with Brozovic sat in the 4, and SMS and Pellegrini operating a slightly more advanced role.

Chiesa off for Barnes 80 mins

Fresh legs and wastes time.

Pellegrini off for Phillips 85 mins

Fresh legs and wastes time.

If losing/drawing

Pellegrini off for Guerreiro 70 mins

Change to a 3-3-3-1, with Hernandez at LCB, and allowing for our WBs to push forward and contribute in attack.

Foden off for Bamford 77 mins

Change to a 3-3-4, with Bamford up alongside Kane in the central areas.

arsenal vs PORTSMOUTH
Injuries
Alex Telles
Charles De Ketelaere
Jean-Clair Todibo
Diogo Jota

...........................Ederson..................
Bellerin........Ibanez.......Romagnoli.....A.Sandro
...............Kessie.....Busquets......Neves........
...............Bernardo..................Insigne
...............................Ronaldo.....................
Subs: Pickford,Doherty,Zagadou, McKennie, Paredes, Belotti, Immobile

Away at Arsenal is a tough place to finish and we've took a nosedive in form the last 2 weeks, we know Jet thinks his sides the greatest thing since sliced bread - did you know that Bruce Forsyth was born before sliced bread was even a thing? anyway....

we've setup today to be defensively compact first and foremost, but carrying enough potency to give Arsenal enough to think about on the counter.

we pack the centre areas of the pitch, making it impossible to play through us but giving us enough bodies to a) play keep possession football and take the sting out of the game and b) stifle Arsenal make them to resort to going long and gifting us the ball back.

Ederson is one of the very best keepers in the world and is probably numero uno in terms of keepers being able to "play a bit" - he sweeps behind the back line, and plays sensible percentage balls.

Bellerin and Sandro are both very quick - they use that today to get up and down the pitch, we have 3 very capable Cm's at coveing the spaces whilst they get back into position should we lose the ball. Defensively show the man the line and don't dive in - especially if you're marking Son, he's likely to go down and not get back up.

Ibanez and Roma have the makings of a solid partnership, Ibanez will man mark their central striker, Roma would normally watch the runs from midfield but we have that covered so he'll shuffle and help double up with our full backs as required.

Jet has a very good midfield three but we'll out-gun them today. whether you see us as a 3 or 5 man midfield. Busquets is the pure DM today, he sits between the lines and tidies it up, even at his age there aren't many in the business better than he is... clever player who#s much more than just a destoryer he can create to, so a vital cog in the wheel.
Neves has the stats that make him one of the very best DM's in the top 5 leagues but he chips in with goals to, and is another clever player, he goes box to box today, really gets in Arsenals faces and wins turnover ball in dangerous positions, turn the gunners defence and midfield and we cash in.
Kessie is a proper baller - big strong and a great engine he goes box to box as well, gets right up close and physical with this lightweight arsenal side. good on the ball to and has lots of goals in him.
as you can see our midfield 3 is bigger,stronger,better than anything that Jet can put out, he can't physically dominate us... man for man we'll hold that middle ground, get a foothold in the game and play it at out own pace.

IF you consider that our midfield 3 aren't enough to dominate then playing two number 10#s is the ace in our pack. We know Jet will want to build from the back. by playing the two AM's his deep lying playmaker will have 2 men on his every touch, harrying him and forcing him to go long and rush his passes, with Ronaldo playing centrally the passes back wont be an option. so in short when their Dm gets the ball he has 2 men rushing him, and we then have a 3 man midfield wall 2 going man for man on his fellow midfielders and the 3rd man adding to the press. there's no way he's dictating the play and absolutely no way he wins the midfield battle today.

When Bernardo or Insgine have the ball we have plenty of options - theres the one two, we have both full-backs pushing forwards so they're both options and with Neves/Kessie also playing B2B and of course Ronaldo up-top we're looking to attack with 7, (seven)players at all times. this will just force Arsenal backwards, and keep the game played in their half. if they sit in thats fine we'll just keep the ball. if they start to heavy press then it goes back to Busquets and re-start.

Defenisevely we keep a contact shape - the back four hold the 18yard line, Ederson is sweeper keeper so anything go through the lines he'll deal with. Bernardo and Insigne drop right back to make a bank of 5 - with themselves as the widest points of the line - we have 9 bodies (10 if you count Ederson) behind the ball, there are no gaps for Arsenal to exploit and no space for their widemen to run into.

Ronaldo stays up top, he stays as far forward as Arsenal's defensive shape allows, the deepest he'll come back is half-way. Offensively he plays his natural game. the greatest goal scorer of his generation a real handfull. pegs the gunners defence back and gives us a platform to play off.

subs 65 mins

McKennie > Kessie - like for like, fresh legs in the engine
Paredes > Busquets (then switch with Neves) more fresh legs
Doherty > Bellerin - offers a far greater goal threat, as the game starts to get more stretched out he could be a match winner

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

------------------ Ter Stegen ----------------
Cancelo --- De Ligt --- Ramos -- F.Mendy
----------- Casemiro --- N.Kante ----------
M.Asensio ----- De Bruyne -------- L.Sane
---------------- A.Griezmann ---------------

Subs:
Sanchez, P.Torres, Pavard, Neuhaus, Hazard, Werner, Morata

Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: De Bruyne
Corners: Wingers

Cup final day and a North London Derby to boot! The boys are buzzing after securing the league title and with confidence sky high we go in search of more silverware in what could be an epic season.

Up against quality opposition we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 which offers solidity in defence and the perfect balance for us to go with an attacking quartet up top as we go for goals.

We look to dominate the middle of the park with Casemiro & Kante both offering all action displays which allows KDB to run the game, the Belgian currently in imperious form.

We want our wingers to push up when we're in possession giving us an in form front three up top. Asensio finding a fine run of goalscoring form with the Spaniard now back at his best, Sane offers unreal pace and remains as unplayable as ever whilst Griezmann is the man for the big occasion and loves a cup final goal!

When out of possession we drop into a solid 4-5-1, making ourselves incredibly hard to break down and setting us up perfectly to hit them on the counter as soon as we win back possession.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with strength 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 pace to keep up with any opponent. Both Cancelo & Ferland have quality on the ball however their focus today will be on their defensive duties as we look to keep the opposition at bay.

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 as we look to stamp our authority.

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, working in conjunction with our FB’s to nullify their attack.

By having such a strong DM duo this will take away the defensive responsibilities of KDB & co, allowing them to stay forward as we look to hit the opposition on the counter.

Forwards:

We go with four heavy hitters in attack as we look to pick the opposition apart.

As always De Bruyne will be instrumental and we give him more attacking freedom today playing as a #10 in the hole behind Griezmann. 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.

Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they do opt for three at the back then Asensio and Sane 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 our frontman, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves. We feel our quality in midfield and attack could be the real difference maker in this one.

Griezmann plays through the middle and will have a talented supply line around him. The brief is simple, get into the box and put the ball in the back of the net. With the number of quality attackers we have around him Griezmann could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he thrives. He has license to drop deep pulling their CB's with him and creating space for our wingers to attack in behind. As always he'll be on his toes ready to pounce on anything that chances that fall his way with the Frenchman one of the best finishers in the business.

If winning:
75 mins: Asensio off, P.Torres on. Tighten up defensively we bring on an extra CB and move to 5-4-1 to see out the win.
85 mins: Sane off, Werner on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Asensio off, Hazard on. Sane switches flanks as we bring on a player made for the big occasion.
75 mins: Kante off, Werner on. We pile on the pressure with the pacy Werner up against tiring legs as he goes in a front two with Griezmann.

Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League round 11 (Home to Newcastle)
Captain: Pereira
Vice Captain: Zubimendi

Team:
----------------Cleiton
Aarons--Pereira—Henri---Abner
---------------Zubimendi
---------W-Prowse-----Pyerre
Kvaratskhelia---------------González
-----------------Kalajdzic

SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, vd Berg, Assunção, Guimarães, Wesley, Kaio

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: Cleiton 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: Zubimendi 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. W-Prowse and Pyerre will play just in front of Zubimendi. W-Prowse will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Pyerre 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 Kvaratskhelia and González 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 Pyerre, W-Prowse and Kalajdzic 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 W-Prowse may sit a bit deeper allowing Pyerre 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.

Kalajdzic 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: Pyerre, González or Kvaratskhelia with Pereira, Henri, Zubimendi and Kalajdzic to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and González (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Kalajdzic

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Vd Berg for Henri, Kaio for Kalajdzic and Guimarães for W-Prowse, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 80 minutes) Wesley for W-Prowse and Kaio for Kvaratskhelia. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Kaio and Wesley offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

--------------Zubimendi
Wesley-----Pyerre----González
-----------Kalajdzic---Kaio

Comment deleted by Article Creator

ARSENAL vs. Tottenham

--------------------- Szczesny ------------------
Mukiele ---- Mancini --- Gabriel ---- J.Alba
------------------ Fernandinho -----------------
------------ T.Partey --- Gundogan ----------
Son Heung-Min -- E.Cavani -- Aubameyang

Subs: Leno, N’Dicka, F. Ruiz, Maddison, Saka, Pepe, Calvert-Lewin

Another final but this time we have to go one better. We will not lose to our rivals again and have picked a team packed with inform quality but crucially experience of these big occasions to ensure we manage to get the win. New tactics with player by player instructions to communicate how we want to setup and win this game.

Attacking / In possession shape and tactics (3-3-2):

-------------------- Szczesny ---------------------
-------- Mukiele -- Mancini -- Gabriel ---------
---- T.Partey –- Fernandinho -- Jordi Alba ---
----- Son H.M. -- Gundogan -- Aubameyang --
----------------- Edinson Cavani -----------------

Woijech Szczesny – The big pole in goal has plenty of experience and knows how to command a defence. In possession he has three CBs to distribute too, he also has some tall forwards to aim at if he goes long.

Nordi Mukiele – The Frenchman is a solid CB or RB/RWB option, so today he will play as a RCB in the build up but a RB out of possession. His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Spurs throw at us.

Gianluca Mancini – One of the best young central defenders around, Mancini has top level experience despite being young and he will use his height and pace to ensure we can deal with Spurs today.

Gabriel Magalhaes – Gabriel has been brilliant when placed alongside calm defenders, so we have prepared the perfect environment for him today. Alba as an outlet ahead of him, and his teammate Aubameyang further ahead.

Jordi Alba – This guy has won it all and he’s now gonna add the FA Cup to his selection. He will offer the outlet out of defence, an overlap to Aubameyang who will cut inside when in possession. Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Spurs can throw at us.

Fernandinho – This guy has won it all in England and has a huge amount of quality and experience to add on this big occasion. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify one of Tottenham’s stronger areas.

Thomas Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. He also has experience playing at right back and so his ability to take the RDM space in the build up will help us both offensively and defensively. Alongside Fernandinho he provides a real wall for Spurs to struggle to break through.

Ilkay Gundogan – One of the best players in the Premier League this season, Ilkay is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He will be our most forward thinking of our midfield trio, but still we have a more defensive central three selected in order to nullify Spurs CM’s and then we have three forwards ahead that we want to progress the ball quickly too and allow them and their pace to do huge damage. Gundogan, along with Partey and Alba, will be the key quick transition players that get the ball to our forwards. Ilkay has also developed a knack for scoring of late.

Heung-Min Son – A player with a huge workrrate coupled with pace and a clinical edge, the perfect player to play in a final and to play on the break. Coupled with the others in our front three, we have a huge amount to handle for Spurs.

Aubameyang – Aubameyang carried Arsenal to the FA Cup last year with huge goals in the semi and the final. He is ready to lift it on JA606 this time around. Quick in transition, deadly in this left zone when allowed to come inside. The threat of the Alba overlap and Aubameyang cutting in makes the left channel almost impossible to defend for Spurs. Both players will then be looking for Cavani and Son in the box – two lethal finishers.

Edinson Cavani – The Uruguayan has been amazing for Manchester United lately. He is probably the best in the world in terms of that attacking movement, and he will constantly be available for the quick outlet from our CMs, or when the ball goes wide to Son or Auba, he will be getting into a position for a cutback to score. He’s played on the biggest stage and scored goals all round the world, he can be our matchwinner today.

Defensive/ Out of possession shape and tactics (4-1-4-1):

-------------------- Szczesny ----------------
Mukiele --- Mancini --- Gabriel --- J.Alba
----------------- Fernandinho ---------------
Son ----- T.Partey --- Gundogan ---- Auba
---------------- Edinson Cavani --------------

SUBS
If winning
After 60 – Bukayo Saka for Aubameyang – Son to LM, Saka RM.
After 70 – Fabian Ruiz for Thomas Partey – fresh legs and ball retainer.

If drawing
After 60 – Bukayo Saka for Son – Fresh legs, more of an intricate player to give us a new avenue to try and break them down.
After 70 – Fabian Ruiz for Fernandinho.

If losing
After 60 – Bukayo Saka for Mukiele – Partey to RB as he did in the EL semis for Atletico so well, Saka comes in at RCM/RAM as a more offensive, pacey option.
After 70 – James Maddison for Fernandinho.

After 80 (all scenarios) – Calvert-Lewin for Cavani – a strong, fresh hold up presence and different thing for them to think about.

-------------------------- Martinez --------------------------
Calabria ------- Skriniar ------- S.deVrij ------- Tierney
--------------------------- Kamara ---------------------------
------------------- Soucek ------- P.Pogba -----------------
S.Gnabry ------------------------------------------ A.Gouiri
------------------------- K.Benzema -------------------------

Maignan, Lenglet, Aouar, Bentancur, Dembele, Lukaku, Elanga

Again, 343, 541, 433, all depends how the passage of play is going, we can transition into any of the above formations, we have two powerful CBs that defend the lines with everything they have, their job is to stop the striker getting any chances or at least any easy chances, they stay as a pair, they stay solid, they let nothing passed, Skriniar man marks the striker, de Vrij supports him, clear everything, both clear first ask questions later, when in possession they can pass it out wide to fullbacks or to the midfielders ahead of them.

When we attack, Kamara is a very important part of this formation, he sits in front of the two CBs, sometimes right in between them forming a 3 man back line, this allows Calabria and Tierney to attack, they can both go at the same time, we want to really have a go and if this means we have numbers going forward then so be it, we want to hit them with numbers and plenty of pace, The fullbacks drive down the line, which ever side it is use Soucek/Pogba to get round defenders, quick one/twos, play the triangles to get up and beyond them, then they have Gouiri and Gnabry as well the further afield they get, this is quick football, no messing today, once they are in space look to play it into Gouiri or Gnabry or fire in a cross which will see plenty of numbers in the danger area to aim for as Soucek/Pogba, opposite winger and Fullabck will be their waiting and obvs the main man Benzema will be there to do what he does best, Soucek and Pogba are the heart beat of the team, most will go through them, fullbacks will use them to go round players as will wingers, there job is to make sure the run these players make isn't gone to waste as they play the ball into space for them to drive into, always available for the pass and will make the dangerous runs into the box to get on the end of the cross coming in.They both have great shots from distance as wlell so don't be afraid to have a pop at goal. Benzema always stays as No.9, he is a tremendous finisher and will pounce when given the opportunity, he can be played in, he will shrug defenders off, can take them on, also, as crosses come in a very good chance he will win the header. If he cannot go for goal, hold it up, there will be players driving in from all angles, he just has to pick the right one out. For corners and set pieces lets pile pressure on them, we have plenty of power and heght with the CBs, Soucek and Pogba in the danger area. Soucek and Pogba are also huge threats in front of goal and obvs at set pieces.

When defending Kamara's primary role in front of the defence or in the heart of it, he is the 'free' CB/DM, 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 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. We do go 4141 or 541 when defending our attacking fullbacks become proper fullbacks as they flit back into defence, again plenty numbers and easy transition from our attacking formation, the four more attacking midfielders make a bank of 4, they make this line and keep focussed on the job ahead then it should be fine, harass them when they have the ball, look to make them play stupid misplaced passes so we can gather the ball and break with pace. Benzema harasses the back line of the opposition and defends from the front, we give them little time all over the park and hopefully win the ball back to start our attacking transition

We must defend as a team tho, 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
Free Kicks - Pogba
Pens - No.9
Corners - Wingers

Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Calabria, Antony Elanga for Tierney, Kamara to LCB, Elanga LW, Dembele RW 3-4-3
75 Mins - Lukaku for Gouiri

Drawing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Gouiri, switch with Gnabry, Lukaku for Benzema, fresh legs
75 Mins - Aouar for Soucek

Winning -
75 Mins - Bentancur for Soucek, sit in beside Kamara, Lukaku for Benzema
85 Mins - Elanga for Gouiri
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Lesta vs WOLVES

Injuries:
Maarten Vandevoordt
Marash Kumbulla
Justin Kluivert
Perr Schuurs
Declan Rice

Wolverhampton Wanderers, one of the founding members of the football league, and attributed with being the catalyst for the start up of the European cup, after famous victories over the best sides in the world back in the 50’s including Honved and Real Madrid. Versus LCFC one of the all time great sides in the history of Sports gaming.


………………………………….Trubin………………………..
Reynolds…………Botman………….Tapsoba…………Netz
………………………Tonali………..Rovella
Stengs……………………………………………………Gakpo
…………………………Vlahovic……..Boadu

Subs: Bayindir (gk), B.Williams, Konate, Berge, Davies, Tomas, Berisha

We’ve gone with an old school 4-4-2 a very youthful side but with a fair whack of experience in it. We’re not sure how seriously RoF will take this competition but he has a great squad of players from which to pick from, so either way it’s a good learning curve for our young cubs.
We are going with a fast tempo in your face aggressive style of long-ball today, our wide midfielders will be advanced and look to in behind and get at the Leicester the defence, our back line sits deep including the FB’s don’t go off up top, sit back and keep the back line rigid.

Individual roles/instructions:

Trubin - 19 year old 5ft5 shot stopper from the Ukraine, 8 clean sheets in 17 games for Shaktar this season, We don’t need anything fancy, just come off your line and command your box, try to catch rather than punch and if the game needs slowing down then slow it down

Reynolds – Another that’s just 19 years old, but already got a full cap to his name for the USofA, found chances limited in Rome this season, but a bright prospect. Defensively keep tight to his man, show the line don’t dive in – offensively go as high as half way. This covers yourself off a counter but also enables the midfielders to join the attack.


Netz – The baby at the side aged only 17, but 11 league games under his belt and a goal. Will mirror Reynolds on the opposite flank.


Botman – part if a whopping deal to bring him here, literally the next big thing outta Holland. 32 league games for the 21 year old. Big strong and comfy on the ball, he’s the player out of the back, will look to play the diagonals to get our side going on up the pitch.


Tapsoba – at 22 he’s considered the old man of the team, 28 games under his belt this season for Leverkusen. Him and Botman make a physically imposing duo. Whilst Botman is the baller Tapsoba is the enforcer and goes Man2Man on the central striker, don’t give ground just stand him up and chop him down.


Tonali – The 20 year old starlet has had a tough season at Milan but still managed 23 games, he does the job of 2 men in this side. He’s the midfield enforcer and playmaker, he’ll snap ya leg and then reverse pass nutmeg ya teammate. The kids a touch of quality,

Rovella – 15 league appearances for the 19 year old this season, has a great engine on him. So whilst Tonali holds the side together, Rovella goes Mini-Marchisio in his B2B role, our full-backs tuck in as Cm’s when we have the ball so he can push on and support the attack.

Stengs – 6 goals and 4 assists in 25 games this season for the flyin dutchman, quick and direct, he’ll tow the line, stretch the pitch and get good balls into the Leicester box for our strikers to attack – defensively no deeper than Half-way, but be on ya toes ready to win the foot-race going the other way.

Gakpo – 6 goals and 2 assists in 18 games for this young man. Like Stengs very quick and very direct, will look to leave his man behind get his head up and bang the balls into the box.

Both of our wingers will be attacking the back-stick when the other one has the ball, so if our LW has it then our RW goes back stick and vice-versa – add in Rovella running from deep we should be looking at 3 or 4 players in the foxes box when we attack.

Vlahovic – our main man up top 6ft2 and a muscular frame makes him the perfect focal point, but he’s much more than a target man. 16 goals and 2 assists in 31 Serie A games this season. He’ll stay central and pin atleast one CB there with him, this creates spaces for our runners. If the ball drops into the box he’s not likely to miss.

Boadu - 12 goals and 1 assist in 27 league games for Ajax this season, pretty quick and pretty tall (6ft). good eye for goal a very good all-round striker, he’ll play off the shoulder of the last man.

Us playing 2 up top and 2 wingers negates Leicester from being able to build possession slowly from the back, this suits our game-plan as we have some pretty explosive players so we try to win the ball as high up the pitch as possible and exploit the spaces left behind.

Whilst our side is very young this XI has amassed 233 league appearances between them this season, more so if you include cups/Europe. At an average of 21 games each. Not bad for a side whos average age is just 20 years old.

Subs 65 mins

Berge > Rovella – Like for like, But Tonali plays a little higher, with the Ginger Ninja the enforcer

Berisha > Boadu – 10 goals and 7 assists for Salzburg, he’s the small man in the Big Man/Small Man combo

West london wideboys vs FC PORTOmouth

Injuries:
Jordan Pickford
Sekou Koita
Lorenzo Insigne
Dan-Axel Zagadou

There was a time when a trip to go play Fan’s Chelsea struck fear into the hearts and souls of SG Managers, the titles won, the names on display and of course the imposing figure of everyone’s favourite Aberdeen fan, but after limping to 4th place in the league and an early cup exit. The illusion of invincibility has been lifted.

………………………………………….Ederson………………………….
……………………….Ibanez…..…Mancini…..Romagnoli………..
Telles…………………Neves………….Goncalves……………Sandro
………………………………………Bernardo………………………………
……………………………..Jota…………………..Ronaldo…………………

Subs: Pickford, Todibo, Kessie, Paredes, Belotti, Immobile, Ketelaere

Very heavy leaning towards Portuguese speaking footballers, with the only exceptions being Mancini and Romagnoli.

We’ve played various formations since my return but this is a return to our roots with a fluid 3-5-2, we expect Fan to stick with his 433/4231 – so this formation will absorb his heavy possession attack and look to hit them hard on the counter.

With the ball we look to mix it up and vary Neves’ long pass, switch ball style passes he does so well with Goncalves shorter crisper passes into feet, we have a lot of skill in this side and it’s blended nicely with a lot of pace – the perfect set up really for a fast counter attacking side.

Ederson is right up there with the very best keepers in the world, they say it’s like playing a midfielder in goal, and it’s the technical ability we harness today, will look to play the ball out from the back as we move it between ourselves, drawing the chels on before switching through the gears and going more direct

Our defence is rugged as feck, but they’re all classy, Ibanez and Roma more so, hence them being the wider CB’s open up their bodies and hit those sexy diagonal passes for us to run onto. Mancini is more the muscle and he’ll be the one to man mark the central striker get under his skin and keep him playing with his back to goal, don’t let him run in behind, Ederson is rapid off his line so if you can just hinder the striker for that split second, it’ll be enough. Whilst Mancini is the muscle, Roma and Ibanez will act as back up to our wing back’s if needed. Chels have pace out wide but we have discipline and organisation with the 3 Romans.

Telles and Sandro are both left footers, but then Maldini the greatest ever LB (There can be no argument) was a right footer. They are both rapid which is what we need attacking wise and defensively, and in the case of Telles is allows him to cut inside with that wand of a left peg and have a go from distance. I want them both pushing as high up the pitch as possible, stretching the game out and pegging back Chelseas full-backs, enabling us to isolate the front-three.

Neves and Pedro-G have the makings of a great partnership, I tweeted not long ago that Neves one of only 4 Prem players to make BOTH 50 tackles and interceptions, so he’s the deep lying playmaker that all sides would love as he puts his foot in as well, 5 goals too since January he’ll sit and cover the spaces allowing our WB’s to get forward, he also covers the space for Pedro-G to get forward, I know its only the Liga NOS but 17 goals from 26 games show why he’s being compared to Bruno Fernandes, a very good passer of the ball will keep it tidy before moving forwards to link with Bernardo, taking shots from distance or joining the attack late ala lampardo.

Bernardo is given the free role, a really intelligent player that always manages to make the right decisions, whilst he lines up in the #10 slot, we want him drifting, he’ll know which runs to make, but with him pulling wide and Jota drifting the channels in the other direction we should really stretch Fan’s midfield.
Whilst Chelsea may out-muscle us in the midfield, the biggest muscle is the brain and we have a bloody smart trio there, also in terms of chemistry they can/do play together, this isn’t a hypothetical trident but one that is legit tangible.

Jota and Ronaldo, Jota is none stop energy, one angry little mother-fecker but he’s shown in his time at Liverpool he can finish more than just his dinner, adding goals to his game at a rate of 1 every 113 minutes, he’ll look to drift wide and then cut back in, mirroring Bernardo, attack those spaces between FB and CB – make the Chelsea defence hesitate as to who follows who. Our wing-backs are right up there so the FB’s can’t move, the DM is tracking Pedro-G, Bernardo is hovering taking away another midfielder, so with the CB going it leaves the greatest goal scorer of all time Ronaldo one on one with a CB which isn’t what anyone needs (well other than me) 36 years old now but still scoring a goal every 95 minutes is insane.

We have the side here, laid out in a formation that plays to our strengths and enough match-winners to take the game to the chels, slick fast counterattacking football, clinical forwards and a solid back-line

Subs – 65 mins

Kessie > Goncalves – changes the dynamic slightly as he’s a more box to box powerhouse, but he’ll help turn the tide in the engine room.
Paredes > Neves – Like for like

Immobile > Jota – Just as hard working as Jota, and with 22 in 35 just as deadly

Southampton v SHEFFIELD UNITED

Andersen, Grimaldo, Höjbjerg, Suárez

----------------------Lopes
Lamptey, Ampadu, T. Silva, Tagliafico
--------------Kovacic, de Roon
----Mahrez-------James-----------Isco
---------------------Mertens

Subs: Kelleher, Guehi, Koopmeiners, Gallagher, Brooks, Thauvin, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Any of Mahrez, James, Isco, Mertens
Penalties: Mertens (Ibrahimovic)

Our defensive unit consists of Ethan Ampadu and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Marten de Roon as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic and de Roon 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 de Roon 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 de Roon's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With de Roon 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 Dries Mertens as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

Lamptey and Tagliafico can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and de Roon 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 & Mertens to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.

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

Subs on 75 mins
Thauvin on for Mahrez, Gallagher on for de Roon and Ibrahimovic on for Mertens

Triple substitution - A mix of dribbling trickery, fresh legs and power in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

-------------------------- Meslier --------------------------

N.Mukiele ----- Romero ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson

------------------------- Bissouma -------------------------

--------------- F. de Jong ----- M.Locatelli -------------

--- Mbappe ------------ Haaland ----------- Neymar ---

K.Ziger, Konsa, Bellingham, Mendes, Havertz, Grealish, Malen

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

Romero picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Bastoni spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get to our midfield quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to those in front 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!!, Robertson is a dangerous weapon to and as he supports Neymar down the left, often driving passed him to whip in dangerous balls, Mukiele the same with Mbappe but not as often as he makes up the back 3. If either get caught up field I want the midfielders to help them out by filling the gaps so we don't get exposed, this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Bissouma sitting back.

We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Bissouma is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, he gives an insurance to our young defensive pairing and extra protection and he also gives de Jong and Locatelli more freedom to support our forward line, he must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong & Locatelli out of possession, will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible as a 3 in front of the 4, in possession get it to the front 3 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. de Jong and Locatelli move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, they are the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front three and push on, look to receive a pass and drive on. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get them around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass they can make up the extra man further forward as Bissouma stays and covers. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.

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

Captain - de Jong
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Locatelli, we go 442-424 as Grealish goes Left and Neymar up top
75 Mins - Grealish to No.10, Malen on for Neymar as we go 4213

Drawing -
65 Mins - Bellingham for Locatelli more attacking drive, Grealish for Neymar fresh legs and creativity
75 Mins - Malen for de Jong 442

Winning -
75 Mins - N.Mendes for Neymar helps defensively
83 Mins - Malen for Haaland fresh legs just to annoy them