----------------- Ter Stegen -----------------
--- B.Pavard --- M.De Ligt --- P.Torres ---
------------ Fabinho --- N.Kante -----------
M.Asensio ----- De Bruyne -------- L.Sane
-------- Kun Aguero --- Griezmann --------
Subs:
Sanchez, Cancelo, Ferland, Tolisso, J.David, Hazard, Werner
Captain: De Ligt
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Aguero (No Panenka’s!)
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
After success last time out we stick with the winning formula and go for goals against a strong Leicester side.
Out of possession we stay compact with our wingers droppping in, ready to break at speed on the counter. In possession we pin them back, going on the offensive we force them to track back or leave themselves exposed.
Whilst the 3-2-3-2 formation can look crazily attacking when broken down it has a nice balance, the Fabinho & Kante pairing are integral as they provide a powerhouse DM duo to protect the defence giving us 5 solid defensive players and 5 attacking goalscoring players.
An obvious exposure of the set up is our flanks however playing with a natural RCB & LCB means we’re well protected, with Fabinho’s ability to seamlessly drop in as a utility CB another weapon in our defensive arsenal.
The opposition have bags of pace out wide in Sterling, Mane & co however we’re happy to let them have the ball out on the flanks, our 3 CB’s will stay compact and central, don’t go out and engage the wingers instead force them to come infield, with a compact central area there will be simply no room to manoeuvre and with three towering CB’s we are comfortably dealing with any crosses in the air.
In possession we’re stacked with firepower, De Bruyne pulling the strings with Asensio & Sane offering pace down the wings and Aguero & Griezmann a
devastating duo up top.
Defence:
We go with a perfectly balanced back three, strong defensively but also with great ball players which will allow us to retain possession and play out from the back. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, Pavard and Torres will act as cover and stay relatively centrally at all times. We don’t want them to drift out wide, let then wingers come to us, keeping the central area’s compact will make it extremely difficult for the opposition to play through us.
Our brick wall of Fabinho and Kante will shield our defence, limiting the supply to their attack whilst also having bags of pace and energy to scamper across and deal with any threats out wide.
In this set up we also have the flexibility for Fabinho to drop in alongside De Ligt, allowing Pavard & Torres to cover the flanks in a conventional back 4. Tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon.
Midfield:
Kante and Fabinho will act as our enforcers in the middle. They will sit in front of our defence stifling the oppositions creativity and more importantly, cutting off the supply line to their forwards. We want to physical impose ourselves in this area of the pitch and these two are absolute warriors.
All action players we rely on their fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible.
If their wingers break at pace then we want one of Fabinho/Kante to drift across to engage them whilst the other stays central and picks up their AM. Importantly this will allow our back three to stay intact and deal with their forwards.
If they look to build from the back slowly then this is when we will drop into a deeper defensive shape with Fabinho dropping in at CB and KDB dropping in alongside Kante forming a DM/CM partnership. As soon as we win back possession we spring in to attack with KDB terrorising them from AM as Fabinho slots back in alongside Kante at DM.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back three and DM defensive pivot this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they opt for three at the back then 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 one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves.
Up top we go with the duo of Aguero & Griezmann. Aguero will play on the shoulder of the last man, looking to use his intelligent movement to get in behind and through on goal, a real penalty box predator we want him on his toes ready to pounce as soon as we’re in the danger area. Griezmann has a more freedom with the Frenchman in exceptional form. He has great link up play and has license to drift between the lines. If the opposition look to press then quick one two’s between our frontmen should unlock the defence with both excellent finishers in front of goal.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Asensio & Sane off, Cancelo & Ferland on. Wingers off, full backs on. We tighten up defensively, moving to an orthodox back 5 to see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Aguero & Asensio off, Werner & Hazard on. Extra injection of speed & quality as we bring on two players capable of unlocking any defence.
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
_____Gundogan_____Llorente
Salah________ASilva________Sonaldo
Subs: Koke, Koulibaly, Raul, Damsgaard, Olmo, Eriksen, Coman
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.
______________Navas
_________Dias_____VVD_______
____Trent____Casemiro_____Shaw
Salah__Gundogan___Llorente____Sonaldo
______________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 - Olmo on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Gundogan off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Son off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Koke on Gundogan off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
-----------------------Neuer
-------Soyuncu—Hermoso---Hernandez
Castagne---Brozovic-----SMS--------Guerreiro
-------Chiesa--------Kane------Depay
Pope
Denayer
Menino
Pellegrini
Adams
Barnes
Vardy
We have changed shape today, opting for a 3-4-3, which is somewhat a reaction to the way we know Newcastle like to play. With Newcastle liking to create a five man attack, I have opted for an extra man in defence, and, in truth, it may even merge to a 5-2-3, as I want the FBs to largely track the opposing wingers, so how advanced a position they adopt, will largely depend on where the opposing wingers play. I think that the opposition’s desire to attack, attack, attack, will leave exploitable space in behind. Moving the ball quickly will be key, and not being overly reliant on the midfield, which will mostly be a body for pressing and defense, as Newcastle will look to try and outnumber in this area. We will try to avoid playing the game that they want us to play, and attack them in a different manner. For this, I want to see the primary form of attack being down the flanks, targetting the space vacated by their full backs pushing into midfield, with our own attacking FB and wide-man doubling up in these key areas. The window for exploiting this will be small, so moving the ball quickly will be key in our style for today. We accept that Newcastle may have more of the ball than us today, but swift counter attacks, we believe, will leave them exposed defensively.
I think our defensive shape makes us strong, and hard to break down. The three defenders chosen all blend a mix of good ball playing attributes, with strong physicality, and good reading of the game. A physical approach from the opposition is unlikely to be successful. Hermoso will be given the role of man-marking their main striker, whilst Soyuncu and Hernandez will operate more as flexible sweepers, covering spaces in behind, and moving across to wherever the main threat may be. Castagne and Guerreiro are both quick FBs, who will stick tight to the opposition wide players when the opposition have the ball, but must be ready to break in support when we win back possession. Brozovic and SMS will also operate as sweeper holding midfielders, using their boundless energy to cover areas of the pitch where we may be outnumbered or look vulnerable. We know that Newcastle will want to double up in the middle areas, so we will want to force them out wide as often as possible, holding them in areas that they don’t want to play in, and areas that facilitate our quick breaks as much as possible.
When we win the ball, the key is to transition into attack as quickly as possible. I believe that long balls aimed into our wide attacking positions are likely to be effective, due to the lack of Newcastle cover in these positions, with Chiesa and Depay sitting wide to provide options for these out-balls. Alternatively, our attacking FBs can also drive forward with the ball. In this scenario, they will look to try and double up with their winger, and drive towards the goal, creating an overload against their exposed defensive options. Kane staying centrally will be a constant goal threat, and will take up the attentions of one of their defensive options, creating an overload for whichever other of their defensive players have to deal with Chiesa, Depay and an additional FB. Using pace and direct running in this way will, we believe, facilitate a lethal counter attack, as Newcastle leave very few numbers back when they go on the attack.
The problem with this strategy will naturally be that, by committing one of our FBs forward to contribute to the attack, there may be space to exploit in behind our own defense. When Guerreiro gets forward, I think Hernandez will have the astuteness to be able to cover his areas, whilst I will rely on Brozovic pushing over to cover Castagne. The first part will be the high press, which will hopefully allo0w time for our FB to get back into position. Kane will target the CBs, whilst Depay and Chiesa will sit slightly inside, allowing for them easily press the FB out-ball if it is taken, but also aid Kane in the centre, should it look like he is struggling to cope with the two opposition CBs and GK. By holding them up in this area of the pitch, we buy time for ourselves to adopt our defensive shape (ewhether that be 3-4-3 or 5-2-3 depending on their formation), which will hopefully limit how exposed we will be defensively. Brozovic and SMS will largely operate in our own and the middle third, being busy in the press and the movement of the ball into the wide areas when we have possession.
Substitutions
If winning
Barnes on for Chiesa and Pellegrini on for SMS 72 mins
Fresh legs in these key areas. Both these substitutions will serve as like-for-like changes.
Menino on for Castagne 80 mins
See above. Fresh legs. Like-for-like
If losing/drawing
Barnes on for Guerreiro 75 mins
Change to a classic 4-4-2, with Hernandez pushing to LB, and Depay joining Kane at the top of the line.
Pellegrini on for Chiesa 80 mins
4-3-3, with Pellegrini joining Broz and SMS in midfield, and Barnes playing on the right of our attacking trident.
ARSENAL VS Portsmouth
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-----------Kounde---------------Lacroix-------------Alba
--------------------------------- McKennie ------------------------------------
------------------- Barella -------------------- Paqueta ------------------
---------------------------------- Maddison -----------------------------------
---------------------- Auba ------------------- Watkins -----------------
Subs - Raya, Odoi, Soumare, Smith-Rowe, Lozano, Oyarzabal, Calvert-Lewin
CAPTAIN - KOUNDE
CK'S - BARELLA
FK'S - BARELLA
PENALTIES - AUBA
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Aubameyang to get in our half and defend. Watkins will be the attack missile whenever the oppo CB/DM's have the ball he will close them down asap. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. I want the team to press the oppo whenever they have the ball so they don't have a chance to settle and dictate the tempo. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Maignan in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Kounde and Lacroix bring top level experience to the backline. Kounde will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Lacroix will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Hakimi + Alba
Hakimi and Alba will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Auba and Watkins are a threat in the air. McKennie will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
McKennie
McKennie will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Barella/Paqueta.
Centre Mids
Barella + Paqueta
Paqueta will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Barella will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
James Maddison
Maddison will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Aubameyang + Watkins
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Aubameyang to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Paqueta and put on Soumare in DM next to McKennie to give the defence even more protection. Oyarzabal on for Barella to play LM and Lozano on for Watkins to play RM. Wingers to help out in defensive duties.
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde--------------Lacroix-----------Alba
-------------------------Soumare-----------McKennie---------------------
Lozano----------------------------------------------------------Oyarzabal
-----------------------------------Maddison---------------------------------
--------------------------------------Auba -------------------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off McKennie and put on Lozano in RW. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Put on Oyarzabal for Auba aswell and DCL on for Watkins.
------------------------------------ Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde------------Lacroix------------Alba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------Barella ---------- Paqueta ----------------
---------------------------------- Maddison ------------------------------
Lozano-------------------------DCL------------------------Oyarzabal
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Calvert-Lewin on for Watkins
Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta
Lozano on for Maddison
SOTON VS Bournemouth
----------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------------------
-----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez-----------
Raphinha---------Tchouameni-------Valverde---------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Odegaard----------------------------------
--------------------Greenwood-----------------Rashford--------------------
Subs - Ait-Nouri, Dest, Curtis Jones, Bailey, Wirtz, Adama, Jovic
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. Fofana and Gomez 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.
WINGBACKS
Raphinha and Pulisic are playing as wingbacks today. They are not defenders irl but both of them put a shift in defensively for their real life clubs and I want them to do that here. Your defending doesn't have to be flashy just stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Both of you are rapid so if it's a foot race the oppo wants they'll be up against it! Fofana and Gomez will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they don't use the overlapping fullbacks. As an attacking outlet I want Raphinha and Pulisic to play how wingbacks would normally play. Stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter. Both of you can cut in from time to time if you want to into your stronger fits to give the oppo summat different to think about.
Defence Mids
Tchouameni + Valverde
These 2 will be the main defensive force to cover our defence. When the oppo LW is attacking down the wings I want Tchouameni 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 help sort our Raphinha and Pulisic's defensive vulnerability. If either Tchouameni 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.
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 wingbacks 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 Tchouameni and Bailey 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. Adama Traore on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Gomez----------
----------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama----------------Odegaard---------Wirtz-------------------Bailey
-------------------------Greenwood------------Rashford-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Ødegaard and put on Jones in CM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. . Take the attacking wingbacks off and put on Dest and Ait Nouri as defensive wingbacks who'll offer a lot more defensive stability.
--------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez--------
Dest------------------Valverde----------Tchoua---------------------Nouri
--------------------------------------Jones---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Greenwood---------Rashford----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Pulisic
Jovic on for Greenwood
Bailey on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
Chelsea vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Tough game vs Fan’s Chelsea, bunch of hype merchants and flat track bullies that the media love, that said they are half decent.
Injuries:
Goncalo Inacio
James Justin
Joe Willock
Brandon Williams
Justin Kluivert
…………………………………………Bayindir………………………
…………………….Taposba…………Botman……..Kumbulla…….
Aaronson…………………Tonali………….Rice………………Cucurella
……………………….Brahim………………………….Gakpo
……………………………………………..Mir…………………………..
Subs: Vandevoordt, Netz, Schuurs, Berge, Davies, Eze, Boadu
We know that Fan is in love with his 433/4231 variant so we negate this somewhat today with a 3-4-2-1. Chelsea’s big strength is it’s front line, but our centre-backs are really good and Tap in Terry Haaland won’t be getting this all his own way.
The 2 holding midfielders will just sit in and help monitor the Chelsea wingers, we’re not particularly concerned with Chelsea’s midfield, it’s a good pivot but uninspiring and will likely just sit – so it’s a bit of a Mexican stand-off in that respect.
The wing-backs are given a lot of freedom in this system, we’re playing inside-forwards ahead of them based there to occupy Chelsea’s holding mids, so these two will get up and stretch the pitch.
This is going to be controversial but WE DO NOT PRESS THE BALL UNTIL CHELSEA GET 30 YARDS OUT. Their biggest strength is the pace they have, and unleashing that pace on the counter attack, so we let them keep the ball, get bodies behind it and don’t let them play through us. Kinda figured id we let them have possession it negates the bulk of their pace and with no actual creativity coming from deep we can nullify them just by not moving too far forwards.
With the ball nothing fancy quick direct passing to the wing-backs and front 3 whilst keep 5 outfield players back at all times.
Boring as feck, not even sorry.
Bayindir a very decent 1.98m in height this commanding Turk, is a safe pair of hands between the sticks, plays it safe for us, comes and catches crosses rather than punching, everything else is generic goalie fodder.
The back-three have 83 league games between this so far this season, Botman is clearly the stand-out and could well get himself a French league title, he’s the captain of the team and will lead by example, both of Lille’s games this season finished with clean sheets going to the leaders (0-0 and 1-0 respectively) if he managed to keep out Neymar/Mbappe/ADM/Kean whilst partnered by Jose Fonte, in our well drilled side he should be fine.
He’s partnered by two other 6 ft plus stoppers, so they just hold the 18 yard line, bully the tap in merchant on his touch and don’t let him get in behind. With the ball we just keep it simple, find the easy/safe ball – there’s plenty of time – Chelsea’s attack will only run in one direction and his midfield will be sitting so stroke it about and allow them to come on before hitting those longer balls, lets take the sting and pace out of the game.
Cucurella and Aarons will give us the width, watch out for Chelsea’s wingers but when we get the ball look to get forwards,we have 2 holders in midfield so they can risk getting caught out briefly.
Cucu has 3 goals and an assist in 34 games for Getafe whilst Aaronson has settled really well into European football with 5 goals and 3 assists in 17 games for RBS.
Rice and Tonali are both playing as #6’s – two more of our starting 11 being north of 6ft. They’ll sandwich Neymar, one to hit him as he takes his touch, the other to hit him as he wriggles or rolls away from the first nibble.
Both are comfortable on the ball and will keep the passes going, in neat triangles, setting the traps for the Chels to walk in to before speeding up the tempo and getting at their flanks, we’ve identified that area as their biggest weakness.
Brahim and Gakpo play as old school inside forwards today, we don’t expect the Chelsea wingers to track back so its 1v1 out-wide so with these two operating in the spaces between DM and RB we force Fans pivot even deeper, both are really clever intricate little players, both have goals in them and in Rafa Mir up top we have a very tidy wedge. 13 goals in 35 league games for 6ft2 Rafa Mir shows he can be the ideal target man/physical presence for this very young side, he’ll look to bully the inexperienced Chelsea CB’s making space for the inside-forwards to try and exploit.
Set-pieces can be a key factor for us,Chelsea only have 3 players that are 6ft plus, so all corners and free-kicks will be whipped into the box. Our back-three, Tonali and Rice, Gakpo (6ft2) plus Mir will be in the box – so we’ll have 7 (seven) bodies in their box for corners all of whom clear 7 foot…. As you can see this is a clear mis-match and we’ll load up on the set-pieces and wreak havoc. Defensively they all come back for them, with Diaz, Aaronson and Cucurella on the half-way for the counter.
subs 65 mins
Boadu > Mir – life for like
Eze > Brahim – Like for like
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Europa League Round 4 (Away to Man City)
Captain: Wilmot
Vice-Captain: Júnior
------------------Júnior
Pereira--Wilmot--Carmo---Abner
-------Assunção--W Prowse
-----------------Wesley
Ferreira-------------------Henrique
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Rodrigues, De Paula, Azate, Veron, Talles
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (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: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (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 Ferreira and Henrique 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Wesley, Henrique or Ferreira with Wilmot, Carmo, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Wesley and Henrique (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 Wilmot, De Paula for Assunção and Talles for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Ward-Prowse with Talles and Ferreira 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.
------------Assunção
Veron---Wesley---Henrique
--------Talles -----Núñez
Attacking 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, two ultra attacking fbs giving width with two CMs covering the space creating from the midfield and two wide no.10s. The two no.10s being key to breaking a deep defence, and to help us dominate possession. They will offer a headache to the opposition in how to pick them up and the attacking Bruno.
We play a high line to allow us to dominate and take the game to Arsenal, the cbs have great pace to allow us to play the high line needed to play real possession football. 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 this possession game plan the two number 10s playing just off the striker will be key, one on either side offering magic and flair to open up the opposition. Dybala coming in on his preferred left foot, Felix coming in on his preferred right.
The fbs are key to the gameplan, both have great pace and will be expected to get high up the park stretching the opposition and delivering crosses. We want them to be as attacking as wbs, similar to Stevie G’s Rangers with two deep cms creating from deep and offering cover.
In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow. In attack, Rodri stays deepest in front of cbs but ready to drop as a 3rd cb if needed giving fbs freedom. Thiago and Rodri both create from deep areas.
Militao 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 Arsenal quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Rodri and Thiago collecting from defence, with Bruno and a fluid front 3 in front. Using the quick feet of our two no.10s and fbs both bombing forward to create space as we push forward.
As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Thiago 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, giving 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 ———————————
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Militao — T.Hernandez
————————— Thiago.A —— Rodri ——————————
———————————— B.Fernandes ———————————
——— P.Dybala —————————————— J.Felix————
———————————— L.Martinez ——————————
Subs. Henderson, Carvajal, D.Rice, Sterling, Gnabry, Mane, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-3-2. The no.10 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 no.10 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 no.10 on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Arsenal 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 Arsenal.
When Arsenal get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Mane for Dybala and Felix. More width and pace up top as legs tire.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rice for Thiago. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Mane for Dybala and Felix. More pace against tired legs.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Thiago. One fb stays back, get crosses in to the big man in the box.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Gnabry and Sterling for Thiago and Dybala. Felix moves to attacking mid next to Bruno. Pace and more width.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. 4-2-2-2, big man in the box.
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Romero ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson
---------------- Bissouma ----- F.de Jong ---------------
-- F.Torres ------------ Neymar ------------ Grealish --
-------------------------- Haland --------------------------
Meslier, Locatelli, Bellingham, Havertz, D.Malen, Mendes, P.Daka
We will try and control this game as best we can , 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 he is a very robust and hard defender, 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 Bissouma sitting back.
.
Recoveries mean possession, possession means control, this is why Bissouma is in the team as a starter as he is excellent at this a part of his game that he excels at. He 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, 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, 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 stays central and 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/Bissouma/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 especially Robertson who will support Grealish very well. However, the movement up front between Grealish and Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, the ball at times sticks to them like glue and extremely hard to dispossess, 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 - Oblak
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - de Jong
Losing -
65 Mins - Malen for Grealish, he goes up top, Neymar to the left 4-4-2
75 Mins - P.Daka for Robertson, he and Malen either side of Haland 3-4-3, Bellingham for Bissouma, more forward thinking
Winning -
80 Mins - Locatelli for Neymar, sits in midfield
85 Mins - Malen for Haland
Drawing
65 Mins - Havertz for Grealish, he goes central in a free role, Neymar to the left
75 Mins - Malen for Haland
-------------------- E.Martinez --------------------
Aarons ----- Skriniar ----- S.deVrij ---- Tierney
--------------- D.Luiz ------ Aouar ----------------
G.Bale -------------- Pogba --------------- Gouiri
---------------------- G.Jesus ----------------------
Mikki van Sas, Lenglet, Kamara, Szoboszlai, Benzema, Kroos, Nkunku
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Pogba and Jesus harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Aouar and Luiz a solid pair in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Aarons and Tierney have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Skriniar will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. de Vrij alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Luiz's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. A very disciplined performance is a must from Luiz today
Aouar and has responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Pogba is in a free role, he is the link between everything, he will drift about looking to support those on the ball making himself available at all time, will give and go and find dangerous areas to fill as he looks to get the ball back and link up with Jesus.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, I want Gouiri to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Bale can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Aarons and Jesus, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in Jesus so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to aim for the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers and Pogba will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Pens - G.Jesus
Free Kicks - Bale
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Benzema for Aarons, Szoboszlai for Aouar
343, Szob going left, Gouiri and Jesus either side of Benzema
75 Mins - Nkunku for Bale
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Pogba sit in midfield
83 Mins - Benzema for Jesus
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Leeds United
Lopes, Maehle, Höjbjerg, James
-----------------------Patrício
Lamptey, Andersen, T. Silva, Grimaldo
---------------Kovacic, de Roon
---Mahrez----------Isco-----------Mertens
-----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Livramento, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Gallagher, Brooks, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Mahrez/Mertens
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo 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, Isco and Dries Mertens as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or de Roon, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo 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 Dries Mertens, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Isco, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Isco 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, Mertens & 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, Isco & Mertens 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
Gallagher on for de Roon, Brooks on for Isco 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.
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
_______Llorente_____Modric
Salah_________Son________Coman
Subs: Koke, Koulibaly, Fabian, Lingard, Olmo, Eriksen, Raul
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.
______________Navas
_________Dias_____VVD_______
____Trent____Casemiro_____Shaw
Salah__Llorente___Modric____Coman
_______________Son______________
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 - Olmo on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Llorente off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Son off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Koke on Llorente off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
------------------ Ter Stegen ------------------
----- B.Pavard --- De Ligt --- P.Torres ------
Cancelo -- N.Kante --- De Bruyne -- Ferland
----------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
-------- Kun Aguero --- Timo Werner -------
Subs:
Sanchez, Ramos, Fabinho, De Paul, Asensio, L.Sane, Abraham
Captain: De Ligt
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Aguero (No Panenka’s!)
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
With the games coming thick and fast we freshen things up, this time up against an often top heavy Chelsea side we go with a set up to subdue their firepower, whilst going with a dynamic attack to exploit the vulnerabilities in their midfield and defence.
The aim is simple, starve them of any room to manoeuvre in the final third, forcing them to constantly run in to traffic whenever then come infield. As soon as we win back possession we hit them on the counter and exploit the space in behind.
KDB will pull the strings from central midfield, this means as soon as we win the ball we can get the ball to him to carve open the opposition. As he advances into attacking area’s Griezmann will drift to RF and Werner to LF either side Aguero giving us a deadly front three.
Out of possession we stay compact with our wingbacks droppping in giving us a solid back 5 which will makes things extremely difficult for the opposition to find any space. Kante will also add an extra layer of protection from CM. The Frenchman has an incredible engine and provides the work rate of two players. As the saying goes, 70% of the world is covered by water with the remaining 30% covered by N’Golo Kante!
In Cancelo & Ferland we have two wingbacks that can run for days, this will allow a seemless transition from defence to attack as they get up and down the flanks. With a front two of Aguero & Werner with Griezzy drifting in behind they will have plenty to aim at in the danger areas.
Defence:
We go with a perfectly balanced back three, strong defensively but also with great ball players which will allow us to retain possession and play out from the back. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, Pavard and Torres will act as cover and stay relatively centrally at all times. We don’t want them to drift out wide, as our WB’s will pick up their widemen, we keep the central area’s compact making it extremely difficult for the opposition to have any sniff at goal.
Our wingbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have cover with our 3 CB’s in behind. When in possession both Cancelo and Ferland have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third.
Midfield:
Kante will provide a bundle of energy in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic dribble which will be key in moving the ball upfield as we aim for a quick transition from defence to attack.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Griezmann centrally or Aguero & Werner up top. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forwards:
We go with a deadly attacking trident up top. Griezmann will be instrumental with the Frenchman given license to drift between the lines causing a real defensive headache for the opposition. In central area’s can be devastating whilst he also has license to push forward alongside Aguero & Werner as we look to overwhelm their defence. He’s a fantastic technician and a real big game player who only needs a sniff at the sight of goal to punish the opposition.
Up top we go with the duo of Aguero & Werner. Timo will play on the shoulder of the last man, looking to use his lightening pace to get in behind and through on goal, the German often at his best when playing in a front two. Aguero will be our fox in the box, a real predator he’ll be on his toes as soon as we’re on the attack. His ability to make intelligent runs will open up pockets of space and with an array of creativity around him we expect him to finish any chances that fall his way.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Griezmann off & Fabinho on. Extra steel in central midfield with our wingbacks also sitting deeper in a permanent back 5.
80 mins: Werner off, Sane on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Werner, Cancelo & Ferland off. Fabinho, Sane & Asensio on. Triple change as we switch to our famous 3-2-3-2. Kante & Fabinho shielding our back three with Sane, KDB, Asensio supporting our front two of Aguero & Griezmann. Goals.
ARSENAL VS Portsmouth
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-----------Kounde---------------Lacroix-------------Alba
-------------------------------Fernandinho ------------------------------------
------------------- Barella -------------------- Paqueta ------------------
---------------------------------- Maddison -----------------------------------
---------------------- Auba ------------------- Watkins -----------------
Subs - Raya, Odoi, Soumare, Smith-Rowe, Lozano, Oyarzabal, Coutinho
CAPTAIN - KOUNDE
CK'S - BARELLA
FK'S - BARELLA
PENALTIES - AUBA
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Aubameyang to get in our half and defend. Watkins will be the attack missile whenever the oppo CB/DM's have the ball he will close them down asap. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. I want the team to press the oppo whenever they have the ball so they don't have a chance to settle and dictate the tempo. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Maignan in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Kounde and Lacroix bring top level experience to the backline. Kounde will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Lacroix will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Hakimi + Alba
Hakimi and Alba will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Auba and Watkins are a threat in the air. Fernandinho will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
Fernandinho
Fernandinho will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Barella/Paqueta.
Centre Mids
Barella + Paqueta
Paqueta will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Barella will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
James Maddison
Maddison will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Aubameyang + Watkins
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Aubameyang to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Paqueta and put on Soumare in DM next to Fernandinho to give the defence even more protection. Oyarzabal on for Barella to play LM and Lozano on for Watkins to play RM. Wingers to help out in defensive duties.
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde--------------Lacroix-----------Alba
-------------------------Soumare-------Fernandinho---------------------
Lozano----------------------------------------------------------Oyarzabal
-----------------------------------Maddison---------------------------------
--------------------------------------Auba -------------------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Fernandinho and put on Lozano in RW. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Put on Oyarzabal for Watkins aswell. Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta aswell
------------------------------------ Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde------------Lacroix------------Alba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------Barella ---------- Rowe ----------------
---------------------------------- Maddison ------------------------------
Lozano-------------------------Auba------------------------Oyarzabal
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Coutinho on for Maddison
Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta
Lozano on for Maddison
SOTON VS Newcastle
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------------------
-----------------Dest------------Gomez-----------Badiashile-----------
Raphinha---------------Ndidi-------Ndombele---------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Odegaard----------------------------------
--------------------Greenwood--------------Rashford--------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Tchouameni, Curtis Jones, Bailey, Wirtz, Adama, 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. Dest and Badiashile will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to close down the oppo wingers. Gomez 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.
WINGBACKS
Raphinha and Pulisic are playing as wingbacks today. They are not defenders irl but both of them put a shift in defensively for their real life clubs and I want them to do that here. Your defending doesn't have to be flashy just stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Both of you are rapid so if it's a foot race the oppo wants they'll be up against it! Dest and Badiashile will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they don't use the overlapping fullbacks. As an attacking outlet I want Raphinha and Pulisic to play how wingbacks would normally play. Stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter. Both of you can cut in from time to time if you want to into your stronger fits to give the oppo summat different to think about.
Defence Mids
Ndidi + Ndombele
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 Ndombele who will be tasked with the same job against the oppo RW. This will help sort our Raphinha and Pulisic's defensive vulnerability. If either Ndidi or Ndombele 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. Ndombele 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.
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 wingbacks 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 Ndombele and Bailey 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. Adama Traore on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------------Dest------------Gomez-----------Badiashile----------
--------------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-------------Odegaard------------Wirtz-------------------Bailey
-------------------------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. Put on Sessegnon at LWB to offer more defensive protection.
--------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
----------------Dest-------------Gomez-----------Badiashile--------
Raphinha-------------Ndidi----------Tchoua------------------------Sess
----------------------------------Ndombele---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Greenwood---------Rashford----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Pulisic
Kean on for Greenwood
Wirtz on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
PORTSMOUTH vs wolves
Injuries:
Nicolo Zaniolo
Domenico Berardi
Diogo Jota
Lorenzo Insigne
Tough games vs the wolf cubs, may lack in top level experience but there’s some proper talent in there and we can’t take anything for granted today, fast paced 4-3-3 for us as we look to get a good hold of the midfield, our wide trident looking to stretch their defence, turn them and get them running towards their own goal.
……………………………………………Ederson……………………………
Calabria……………….Milenkovic………….Romagnoli………….Sandro
…………………………………………….Neves……………………………………
…………………………Kessie……………………….Bernardo………………….
Ronaldo……………………………….Belotti………………………………De Ketelaere
Subs: Pickford, Mancini, Ibanez, Busquets, Goncalves, Vlahovic, Alli
Ederson is a great ball playing keeper, one of the best in business and whilst that isn’t his primary function it is part of what gives us that appeal, perfect for us building from the back.
The defence is pure Serie A, Calabria is the top tackler in Italy this season and will be likely facing Neto so he’ll be needing that skill set, very good forwards to and will give us some much needed width. Sandro on the left is a pure athlete, decent defending but more than capable getting forwards. Milenkovic and Romangoli are a tough uncompromising duo that can handle the physicality that Wolves can bring to the party, but are both comfortable enough on the ball to continue the playing out from the back ethos we’re persevering with.
Neves sits as the six, I’ve banged the drum already about his interception and tackles stats so I won’t bore you by saying he’s numero uno according to certain sources. But he’s more than just a DM, he has a fantastic range of passes so sitting as the Quarter-back is perfect for us today, long/short/switch balls he can get us going up the pitch.
Kessie comes in as our B2B man, perfect for the role as we look to control the centre of the pitch, can get stuck in and put a foot in and has an eye for goal to. The Perfect role for the man today.
Bernardo is our AM – we’ve lined up in a 433 but really I guess it’s a 4231 very tidy player, will link our play nicely. We have a technically gifted side and his ability to float about the pitch will open up Wolves nicely.
Ronaldo plays more inside forward than traditional winger, we want him drifting inside looking for space to exploit and get a shot away, are you even reading this? I’m waffling and you all know what this guys capable of anyway.
De ketelaere is fast turning into my utility man, Cm last week Lw this week. Whilst Ronaldo looks to play on the inside, we want him staying wider, making the pitch stretch out and getting the spaces set for Bernardo to run into, Big strong lad is Charles so any balls coming into the box from the right flank we want him attacking the back stick. He’s tall enough to be a genuine threat and we want the Wolves CB’s focusing on him rather than Belotti.
It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Belotti at Torino but he’s still a goal threat and he’ll lead the line today, play off the shoulder of the last man and time those runs in behind. With Bernardo threading him through and our wingers making late runs into the box he should be able to find himself in a bit of space to put some chances away.
Subs 65 mins
Vlahovic > Belotti – like for like but a bigger physical presence
Goncalves > Bernardo – 20 goals in 31 games from AM this season – perfect for seeing the game out
Busquets > Neves – Like for like
WOLVES vs pompey
Injuries:
Adam Hlozek
Rafa Mir
Justin Kluivert
Brahim Diaz
Bryan Reynolds
Injuries have decimated our attacking options so we’re gonna sit in today with a rigid formation, maintain defensive shape and make it hard for them to play through us.
…………………………………………..Bayindir……………………………
………………………Kumbulla……..Botman….Tapsoba…………….
Ait-Nouri…………Bentancur….Tonali…Willock……Williams….
…………………………………...Neto…………….Boadu……………………
Subs: Trubin (GK), Reynolds, Schuurs, Onana, Berge, Berisha, Raspadori
I know the above formation is boring but you start a game with one point and we’d like to end it with that point still in tact. Rock solid through the middle enables us to plug the gaps without being pulled out of shape. But still maintains enough attacking threat to trouble Pompey
Bayindir is a great shot-stopper and we don’t want sweeper keeper nonsense from him. Trust the defence to do their job and concentrate on keeping things simple, with the ball just aim at the centre circle, we have enough bodies there to compete.
The wall of Wolverhampton will hold strong, Kumbulla,Botman and Tapsoba are all 6ft plus so any physical Portsmouth and their dwarves try to bring we can deal with. RCB and LCB will shuffle wide to “double up” with their wing-back when dealing with Pompey’s wide-men leaving Botman 1v1 with the central striker, stand up tall, and over power him.
with the ball the three of them look to keep it simple and play it into the midfield for us to continue to move it along.
Nouri and Williams will be given the freedom to get forwards and try to push back Pompeys full-backs, we have 3 solid CM’s so they can cover the runs as needed, we need to try and inject some width to stop Portsmouth getting it all their own way.
The middle-three are a really good blend here, Bentancur comes in as our B2B midfielder, 33 games this season for Juve (not sure if that’s an endorsement or not anymore) but a very tidy player, will get stuck in to the pompey midfield and let us get a foothold. Sandro T – otherwise know as Andrea Gattuso is the Anchor man, Ball playing anchorman, in fact he does the exact same job as his opposite number at Pompey (Ruben Neves). Willock is the second B2B, he’s flourishing at Newcastle and has become a genuine goal-threat with a goal in each of his last 5 games.
whilst our lay-out is perceived as negative, it isn’t really that bad, 2 attacking wing-backs plus 2 runners from midfield added to the front 2 gives us 6 attacking players, all allowed to do so because of 4 players sitting deep in our own half ready to snuff out a counter-attack.
Neto is a wideman by trade, but I’m harnessing his pace and trickery in a central area today 5 goals and 5 assists in a bad season for wolves, this lad could genuinely go on to be one of the very best in the world, alongside him is the next big striker to come out of Hollandia. He may only be just turned 20 but 15 goals in 31 games for Alkmaar, making him the 7th top scorer in dutch football this season.
this duo may be very young but their pedigree is there for all to see, both are proper rapid so will look to run in behind Tino’s cumbersome defence.
Subs 70 mins
Berisha > Boadu… 11 goals and 10 assists in 27 games for RB Salzburg
Berg > Bentancur – like for like
-----------------------Neuer
Walker-----Soyuncu---Hermoso---Hernandez
-----------------------Brozovic
-----------------SMS---------Foden
Chiesa-----------------Isak--------------Depay
Pope
Castagne
Denayer
Phillips
Pellegrini
Ocampos
Vardy
A return to the 4-3-3 of old for today, in a game where I want us to show slightly more control of the ball, and a more consistent attacking intent than against Newcastle last time out. We have opted for more numbers going forward, and a reversal to the standard back four in an attempt to accommodate this. I want to see us play quick movement football, with the ball on the deck, in a possession style, creating chances by quickly moving the ball around them. I want to see us trying to exploit wider areas, as I think Sheffield United are weaker at FB than elsewhere in their team, and think this is an area of strength for us, utilising the ability of Depay and Chiesa to stretch the game and get at their defenders.
In terms of the defensive unit, on the ball I want to see quick movement, limiting themselves to 2-3 touches, before moving the ball on, and I think each of our players is suited to this system. In terms of options, Brozovic and SMS will drop deep to consistently provide out balls through the middle, whilst spreading the ball to Hernandez or Castagne will help for us to create attacks down the flanks. I’d rather not see Chiesa or Depay drop off, as keeping the high-wide line is important, and it also pegs back their FBs, keeping them away from our third. I don’t want to see any shilly-shallying, so players can also look back to Neuer, one of the best sweeper keepers around, if they want an additional way out of pressure.
In the attacking areas, I would be looking for one of Hernandez or Walker to push forward and support the attack, whilst the other tucks inside and operates as part of a back three. I think this allows us not to be reliant on one specific avenue of attack, and vary our approach play a little more. Foden will be operating as a more conventional number 10 in this role, as, with Sheffield United lacking their usual steel of Hojbjerg in midfield, I believe that this is an additional area for us to exploit. His ability to play on the flanks will also allow for him to drift outside and support our wide players in that key area. When he does this, I want to see SMS step up and operate more as a 10, whilst Brozovic will sit back and dictate the play as an option on the halfway line. By doing this, I believe that we can double and triple up in the wide areas, stretching their defence out, and leaving space in the middle. In Isak, I believe we have a player who wants the ball on the ground, and that suits the style of our wingers, who are more about cutting inside and charging at goal. With that fox in the box sort of striker, any rebounds could be deadly.
The transition into defence is an important one, today, as Sheffield United have capable attacking players. Depay and Chiesa will do much of the high pressing, with Isak instead focusing his attention on the opposition holding midfielder, which means that Sheff United will struggle to focus their ball-playing style through that outlet. This also allows us time to get back into our shape, and means that Foden can operate in midfield, allowing us a spare man in the middle, which will be key for us in winning the ball back quickly. Upon doing so, we have to transition that into attack, which should be easy, as Chiesa and Depay will already be in an advanced position. If the opponent chooses to quickly counter attack, then our back three, shielded by Brozovic, who can push out wide to cover either space, should be enough to resist, until more bodies can get back to contribute.
Substitutions
If winning
Chiesa off for Phillips 72 mins
Operate more of a 4-2-3-1, with Phillips alongside Brozovic, and Foden operating at RW. I believe this allows for us to match them more man-for-man.
Vardy on for Isak 77 mins
Fresh legs up top, with Vardy inserting a quick flash of pace as they try and commit to more attacks.
Ocampos on for Foden 82 mins
Fresh legs at RW
If losing/drawing
Vardy on for Chiesa, Castagne on for Brozovic 70 mins
Switch to a 3-4-3, with Hernandez operating as a LCB, and Depay and Vardy playing wide of Isak. This gives us extra attacking bodies, whilst not sacrificing defense.
Ocampos on for Isak 80 mins
Fresh legs in the attacking three, with Vardy operating as ST.
Mikki van Sas out of Citys squad, didnt realise he was at Sheff Utd
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
-------- Gabbia ------ S.de Vrij ------ Kamara --------
Aarons --------- Aouar ------- Pogba -------- Tierney
------------------------- Zaniolo --------------------------
------------- Benzema --------- G.Jesus ----------------
Szczesny, Mings, D.Luiz, Kroos, Nkunku, Bale, Gouiri
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Zaniolo will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Zaniolo and one of the forwards to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks.
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Emi is our sweeper keeper, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Gabbia and Kamara, Cover the wingbacks and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
de Vrij - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Aarons and Tierney, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although Aouar's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession not a DM but feisty all the same, and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus when they have the ball, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Pogba has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Zaniolo is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, Benzema and Jesus are great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, rtherefore winning a lot of free kicks
Jesus I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Pogba/Zaniolo to get Benzema away on goal, Benzema will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in from out wide or again link with those behind him
Benzema, must be able to hold up play for others to support, also run the channels, 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, 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 vrij
Pens - Benzema
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Aouar
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Zaniolo, Jesus - Benz - Gouiri front 3, Kroos for Aouar same time look to use his experience and skills to get the front 3 in on goal with precision passes
75 Mins - Bale for de Vrij, 424/244 he goes right, Gouiri left in a very attacking formation in a game we have to win
Winning -
75 Mins - D.Luiz for Benzema, he goes in behind the midfield in a holding role taking over form Aouar's duties as the man marker
80 Mins fullbacks drop back into a back 5, Zaniolo to the right, Nkunku on for Pogba and he goes to the left 541
83 Mins - Bale for Jesus
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League round 5 (Home to Sheffield Utd.)
Captain: Araújo
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-----------------Júnior
Ngakia--Araújo—Wilmot---Sosa
----------------Assunção
-------W-Prowse----Pyerre
Ferreira-----------------------Wesley
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Pereira, Fuchs, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Júnior 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: Assunção will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. W-Prowse and Pyerre will play just in front of Assunção. 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 Ferreira and Wesley 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: W-Prowse, Wesley or Ferreira with Araújo, Wilmot, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and Wesley (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Fuchs for Wilmot, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for W-Prowse, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for W-Prowse and Evanilson for Ferreira. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Assunção
Veron-----Pyerre----Wesley
--------Núñez---Evanilson
Bournemouth v SHEFFIELD UNITED
-----------------------Patrício
Maehle, Alderweireld, Andersen, Grimaldo
----------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
---Mahrez----------James----------Mertens
-----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Ampadu, de Roon, Bale, Isco, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Mahrez/James (Isco)/Mertens
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Toby Alderweireld and Joachim Andersen paired up at centre-back, Joakim Maehle at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic 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 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 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, 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 Dries Mertens as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Maehle and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Dries Mertens, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James, 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, Mertens & 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 & Mertens 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
Lamptey on for Maehle, Isco on for James and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Triple substitution - dribbling trickery and fresh legs in Isco, electric pace in Lamptey, and in Ibrahimovic a real powerhouse and focal point for the attacking midfielders in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
-------------------------- Meslier ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Romero ----- E.Konsa ----- Robertson
-------------- Bissouma --------- Locatelli ---------------
----------------------- Malinovskiy -------------------------
--- F.Torres ---------------------------------- Neymar ---
-------------------------- Håland ---------------------------
Johnstone, N.Mendes, Camavinga, Bellingham, Havertz, Musiala, Malen
We like playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, we cant get in behind quite easily as there fullbacks like to push forward, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli and Bissouma ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Malinovskiy slightly higher up always on top of the midfielders stopping them passing between each other, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the CF he is quick and powerful so will stop the threat of their No.9, Konsa spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, with Meslier behind, he will constantly be shouting and keeping the bank of 4 in a line as to not leave gaps, if they get away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both CBs comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time we cant afford be exposed but this is mostly Robertson,who will drive up and down the pitch for 90+ mins, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Bissouma to drift to the side to cover spaces made by our fullbacks, this gives our fullbacks more freedom to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows Locatelli to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, Malinovskiy also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Bissouma has made by moving to pick up men. Konsa to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Romero sitting back.
Recoveries mean possession, possession means control, this is why Bissouma is in the team as a starter as he is excellent at this a part of his game that he excels at. He 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, 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, 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. Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.Our midfield maestro Malinovskiy is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three, also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he has a wicked left foot and will easily pick them out, also he draws players in, often taking a kick or two while he does it, gaining many free kicks, so as he does this he will pass the ball away sometimes taking 2/3 players out of the game leaving a lot more room for others to make something dangerous, he will pass and move to always make himself available. After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers are extremely quick, 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 especially Robertson who will support Neymar very well. However, the movement up front between Neymar and Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, the ball at times sticks to them like glue and extremely hard to dispossess, thus allowing Malinovskiy to pick his moment to move into space either as a SS 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 Malinovskiy 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 - Locatelli
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Malinovskiy
Corners - Malinovskiy
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - D.Malen for Robertson, 3 at the back, 2 up top, Grealish for Malinovskiy as well and he takes over Set plays
Drawing -
70 Mins - Bellingham for Malinovskiy, Camavinga for Locatelli, Grealish for Neymar, fresh legs same formation
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Malinovskiy, he drops back a bit, Grealish for Neymar
83 Mins - Malen for Haaland
Possession 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is them not having the ball. Possession always starts at the back and so we go with possibly the two best ball playing cbs out and with great pace to allow us to play the high line needed to play real possession football. 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 Pompey defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play. In front of the defence Rodri and Thiago are the perfect two for the possession, play with Fernandes playing an Iniesta role as attacking Cm with freedom to drift. Everyone in their best position, in a formation and system that suits everyone playing their natural positions.
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 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 Wolves 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 (one 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, Thiago 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, giving 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 — T.Hernandez
————————————— Rodri ————————————
———————— Thiago.A —— B.Fernandes —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling ——————— L.Martinez ————— S.Mane
Subs. Henderson, Alaba, Rice, Goretzka, Felix, Gnabry, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey 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 (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pompey 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 Pompey.
When Pompey 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 Osimhen for Lautaro. More pace up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Fernandes. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane, fresh pace.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Alaba and Osimhen for Theo and Carvajal. 3-5-2. More direct and goal scorer.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Thiago.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Goretzka for Rodri. Thiago to dm. High energy in Cm as box to box role.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane. More trickery to get us back in it.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Theo. Gung ho.
------------------ R.Sanchez -----------------
Cancelo -- S.Ramos --- P.Torres -- Mendy
------------- Fabinho --- N.Kante ----------
J.Sancho ----- A.Griezmann ------ L.Sane
------------------ Kun Aguero ----------------
Subs:
Virginia, Reguilon, Pavard, De Paul, Asensio, Hazard, Werner
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Sancho
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Wingers
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and getting the ball to our dangermen at the other end.
We respect the attacking talent of the opposition and go with a balanced back 4 to limit their threat. Cancelo & Ferland adding bundles of energy and pace at FB, Ramos partnering Torres in the middle with our two powerhouses of Fabinho & Kante adding a brick wall in front of our defence.
In Griezmann we have someone who is pretty much unplayable when at his best and with license to pay between the lines he will be given the freedom to work his magic. 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. Torres will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Spaniard 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. When in possession Cancelo & Ferland have license to get forward and both have quality in the final third.
Midfield:
Fabinho 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 Fabinho/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 Griezmann & 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 Griezmann 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Sane off, Pavard on. Tighten up defensively we bring on an extra CB and move to 5-4-1 to see out the win.
85 mins: Aguero off, Werner on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Cancelo & Sane off, Werner & Hazard on. We pile on the pressure as we move to 3-2-3-2. Our DM’s shield our defence whilst Werner comes on up top alongside Aguero as we look for the winner.
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Tactics
Page 35 of 69
36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40
posted on 10/5/21
----------------- Ter Stegen -----------------
--- B.Pavard --- M.De Ligt --- P.Torres ---
------------ Fabinho --- N.Kante -----------
M.Asensio ----- De Bruyne -------- L.Sane
-------- Kun Aguero --- Griezmann --------
Subs:
Sanchez, Cancelo, Ferland, Tolisso, J.David, Hazard, Werner
Captain: De Ligt
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Aguero (No Panenka’s!)
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
After success last time out we stick with the winning formula and go for goals against a strong Leicester side.
Out of possession we stay compact with our wingers droppping in, ready to break at speed on the counter. In possession we pin them back, going on the offensive we force them to track back or leave themselves exposed.
Whilst the 3-2-3-2 formation can look crazily attacking when broken down it has a nice balance, the Fabinho & Kante pairing are integral as they provide a powerhouse DM duo to protect the defence giving us 5 solid defensive players and 5 attacking goalscoring players.
An obvious exposure of the set up is our flanks however playing with a natural RCB & LCB means we’re well protected, with Fabinho’s ability to seamlessly drop in as a utility CB another weapon in our defensive arsenal.
The opposition have bags of pace out wide in Sterling, Mane & co however we’re happy to let them have the ball out on the flanks, our 3 CB’s will stay compact and central, don’t go out and engage the wingers instead force them to come infield, with a compact central area there will be simply no room to manoeuvre and with three towering CB’s we are comfortably dealing with any crosses in the air.
In possession we’re stacked with firepower, De Bruyne pulling the strings with Asensio & Sane offering pace down the wings and Aguero & Griezmann a
devastating duo up top.
Defence:
We go with a perfectly balanced back three, strong defensively but also with great ball players which will allow us to retain possession and play out from the back. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, Pavard and Torres will act as cover and stay relatively centrally at all times. We don’t want them to drift out wide, let then wingers come to us, keeping the central area’s compact will make it extremely difficult for the opposition to play through us.
Our brick wall of Fabinho and Kante will shield our defence, limiting the supply to their attack whilst also having bags of pace and energy to scamper across and deal with any threats out wide.
In this set up we also have the flexibility for Fabinho to drop in alongside De Ligt, allowing Pavard & Torres to cover the flanks in a conventional back 4. Tactical flexibility is our greatest weapon.
Midfield:
Kante and Fabinho will act as our enforcers in the middle. They will sit in front of our defence stifling the oppositions creativity and more importantly, cutting off the supply line to their forwards. We want to physical impose ourselves in this area of the pitch and these two are absolute warriors.
All action players we rely on their fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible.
If their wingers break at pace then we want one of Fabinho/Kante to drift across to engage them whilst the other stays central and picks up their AM. Importantly this will allow our back three to stay intact and deal with their forwards.
If they look to build from the back slowly then this is when we will drop into a deeper defensive shape with Fabinho dropping in at CB and KDB dropping in alongside Kante forming a DM/CM partnership. As soon as we win back possession we spring in to attack with KDB terrorising them from AM as Fabinho slots back in alongside Kante at DM.
Forwards:
In this set up our attack is where the fun really begins. With a back three and DM defensive pivot this allows us to essentially play with a front five when in possession and enables us to really cause some damage.
De Bruyne will be instrumental as plays his strongest position in the AM role. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition drawing them in and committing a defender before playing that decisive pass. He’s also a great goal scorer perfectly capable of striking a thunderbolt from distance at any moment, if the opposition drop off he has license to go for goal at any moment.
Out wide we look to hit them with pure pace and skill. If they opt for three at the back then 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 one of our front two, cut the ball back to KDB or go direct for goal themselves.
Up top we go with the duo of Aguero & Griezmann. Aguero will play on the shoulder of the last man, looking to use his intelligent movement to get in behind and through on goal, a real penalty box predator we want him on his toes ready to pounce as soon as we’re in the danger area. Griezmann has a more freedom with the Frenchman in exceptional form. He has great link up play and has license to drift between the lines. If the opposition look to press then quick one two’s between our frontmen should unlock the defence with both excellent finishers in front of goal.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Asensio & Sane off, Cancelo & Ferland on. Wingers off, full backs on. We tighten up defensively, moving to an orthodox back 5 to see out the win.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Aguero & Asensio off, Werner & Hazard on. Extra injection of speed & quality as we bring on two players capable of unlocking any defence.
posted on 10/5/21
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
_____Gundogan_____Llorente
Salah________ASilva________Sonaldo
Subs: Koke, Koulibaly, Raul, Damsgaard, Olmo, Eriksen, Coman
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.
______________Navas
_________Dias_____VVD_______
____Trent____Casemiro_____Shaw
Salah__Gundogan___Llorente____Sonaldo
______________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 - Olmo on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Gundogan off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Son off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Koke on Gundogan off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
posted on 10/5/21
-----------------------Neuer
-------Soyuncu—Hermoso---Hernandez
Castagne---Brozovic-----SMS--------Guerreiro
-------Chiesa--------Kane------Depay
Pope
Denayer
Menino
Pellegrini
Adams
Barnes
Vardy
We have changed shape today, opting for a 3-4-3, which is somewhat a reaction to the way we know Newcastle like to play. With Newcastle liking to create a five man attack, I have opted for an extra man in defence, and, in truth, it may even merge to a 5-2-3, as I want the FBs to largely track the opposing wingers, so how advanced a position they adopt, will largely depend on where the opposing wingers play. I think that the opposition’s desire to attack, attack, attack, will leave exploitable space in behind. Moving the ball quickly will be key, and not being overly reliant on the midfield, which will mostly be a body for pressing and defense, as Newcastle will look to try and outnumber in this area. We will try to avoid playing the game that they want us to play, and attack them in a different manner. For this, I want to see the primary form of attack being down the flanks, targetting the space vacated by their full backs pushing into midfield, with our own attacking FB and wide-man doubling up in these key areas. The window for exploiting this will be small, so moving the ball quickly will be key in our style for today. We accept that Newcastle may have more of the ball than us today, but swift counter attacks, we believe, will leave them exposed defensively.
I think our defensive shape makes us strong, and hard to break down. The three defenders chosen all blend a mix of good ball playing attributes, with strong physicality, and good reading of the game. A physical approach from the opposition is unlikely to be successful. Hermoso will be given the role of man-marking their main striker, whilst Soyuncu and Hernandez will operate more as flexible sweepers, covering spaces in behind, and moving across to wherever the main threat may be. Castagne and Guerreiro are both quick FBs, who will stick tight to the opposition wide players when the opposition have the ball, but must be ready to break in support when we win back possession. Brozovic and SMS will also operate as sweeper holding midfielders, using their boundless energy to cover areas of the pitch where we may be outnumbered or look vulnerable. We know that Newcastle will want to double up in the middle areas, so we will want to force them out wide as often as possible, holding them in areas that they don’t want to play in, and areas that facilitate our quick breaks as much as possible.
When we win the ball, the key is to transition into attack as quickly as possible. I believe that long balls aimed into our wide attacking positions are likely to be effective, due to the lack of Newcastle cover in these positions, with Chiesa and Depay sitting wide to provide options for these out-balls. Alternatively, our attacking FBs can also drive forward with the ball. In this scenario, they will look to try and double up with their winger, and drive towards the goal, creating an overload against their exposed defensive options. Kane staying centrally will be a constant goal threat, and will take up the attentions of one of their defensive options, creating an overload for whichever other of their defensive players have to deal with Chiesa, Depay and an additional FB. Using pace and direct running in this way will, we believe, facilitate a lethal counter attack, as Newcastle leave very few numbers back when they go on the attack.
The problem with this strategy will naturally be that, by committing one of our FBs forward to contribute to the attack, there may be space to exploit in behind our own defense. When Guerreiro gets forward, I think Hernandez will have the astuteness to be able to cover his areas, whilst I will rely on Brozovic pushing over to cover Castagne. The first part will be the high press, which will hopefully allo0w time for our FB to get back into position. Kane will target the CBs, whilst Depay and Chiesa will sit slightly inside, allowing for them easily press the FB out-ball if it is taken, but also aid Kane in the centre, should it look like he is struggling to cope with the two opposition CBs and GK. By holding them up in this area of the pitch, we buy time for ourselves to adopt our defensive shape (ewhether that be 3-4-3 or 5-2-3 depending on their formation), which will hopefully limit how exposed we will be defensively. Brozovic and SMS will largely operate in our own and the middle third, being busy in the press and the movement of the ball into the wide areas when we have possession.
Substitutions
If winning
Barnes on for Chiesa and Pellegrini on for SMS 72 mins
Fresh legs in these key areas. Both these substitutions will serve as like-for-like changes.
Menino on for Castagne 80 mins
See above. Fresh legs. Like-for-like
If losing/drawing
Barnes on for Guerreiro 75 mins
Change to a classic 4-4-2, with Hernandez pushing to LB, and Depay joining Kane at the top of the line.
Pellegrini on for Chiesa 80 mins
4-3-3, with Pellegrini joining Broz and SMS in midfield, and Barnes playing on the right of our attacking trident.
posted on 10/5/21
ARSENAL VS Portsmouth
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-----------Kounde---------------Lacroix-------------Alba
--------------------------------- McKennie ------------------------------------
------------------- Barella -------------------- Paqueta ------------------
---------------------------------- Maddison -----------------------------------
---------------------- Auba ------------------- Watkins -----------------
Subs - Raya, Odoi, Soumare, Smith-Rowe, Lozano, Oyarzabal, Calvert-Lewin
CAPTAIN - KOUNDE
CK'S - BARELLA
FK'S - BARELLA
PENALTIES - AUBA
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Aubameyang to get in our half and defend. Watkins will be the attack missile whenever the oppo CB/DM's have the ball he will close them down asap. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. I want the team to press the oppo whenever they have the ball so they don't have a chance to settle and dictate the tempo. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Maignan in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Kounde and Lacroix bring top level experience to the backline. Kounde will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Lacroix will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Hakimi + Alba
Hakimi and Alba will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Auba and Watkins are a threat in the air. McKennie will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
McKennie
McKennie will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Barella/Paqueta.
Centre Mids
Barella + Paqueta
Paqueta will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Barella will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
James Maddison
Maddison will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Aubameyang + Watkins
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Aubameyang to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Paqueta and put on Soumare in DM next to McKennie to give the defence even more protection. Oyarzabal on for Barella to play LM and Lozano on for Watkins to play RM. Wingers to help out in defensive duties.
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde--------------Lacroix-----------Alba
-------------------------Soumare-----------McKennie---------------------
Lozano----------------------------------------------------------Oyarzabal
-----------------------------------Maddison---------------------------------
--------------------------------------Auba -------------------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off McKennie and put on Lozano in RW. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Put on Oyarzabal for Auba aswell and DCL on for Watkins.
------------------------------------ Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde------------Lacroix------------Alba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------Barella ---------- Paqueta ----------------
---------------------------------- Maddison ------------------------------
Lozano-------------------------DCL------------------------Oyarzabal
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Calvert-Lewin on for Watkins
Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta
Lozano on for Maddison
posted on 10/5/21
SOTON VS Bournemouth
----------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------------------
-----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez-----------
Raphinha---------Tchouameni-------Valverde---------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Odegaard----------------------------------
--------------------Greenwood-----------------Rashford--------------------
Subs - Ait-Nouri, Dest, Curtis Jones, Bailey, Wirtz, Adama, Jovic
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. Fofana and Gomez 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.
WINGBACKS
Raphinha and Pulisic are playing as wingbacks today. They are not defenders irl but both of them put a shift in defensively for their real life clubs and I want them to do that here. Your defending doesn't have to be flashy just stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Both of you are rapid so if it's a foot race the oppo wants they'll be up against it! Fofana and Gomez will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they don't use the overlapping fullbacks. As an attacking outlet I want Raphinha and Pulisic to play how wingbacks would normally play. Stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter. Both of you can cut in from time to time if you want to into your stronger fits to give the oppo summat different to think about.
Defence Mids
Tchouameni + Valverde
These 2 will be the main defensive force to cover our defence. When the oppo LW is attacking down the wings I want Tchouameni 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 help sort our Raphinha and Pulisic's defensive vulnerability. If either Tchouameni 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.
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 wingbacks 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 Tchouameni and Bailey 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. Adama Traore on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Gomez----------
----------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama----------------Odegaard---------Wirtz-------------------Bailey
-------------------------Greenwood------------Rashford-------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Ødegaard and put on Jones in CM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. . Take the attacking wingbacks off and put on Dest and Ait Nouri as defensive wingbacks who'll offer a lot more defensive stability.
--------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez--------
Dest------------------Valverde----------Tchoua---------------------Nouri
--------------------------------------Jones---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Greenwood---------Rashford----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Pulisic
Jovic on for Greenwood
Bailey on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 10/5/21
Chelsea vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Tough game vs Fan’s Chelsea, bunch of hype merchants and flat track bullies that the media love, that said they are half decent.
Injuries:
Goncalo Inacio
James Justin
Joe Willock
Brandon Williams
Justin Kluivert
…………………………………………Bayindir………………………
…………………….Taposba…………Botman……..Kumbulla…….
Aaronson…………………Tonali………….Rice………………Cucurella
……………………….Brahim………………………….Gakpo
……………………………………………..Mir…………………………..
Subs: Vandevoordt, Netz, Schuurs, Berge, Davies, Eze, Boadu
We know that Fan is in love with his 433/4231 variant so we negate this somewhat today with a 3-4-2-1. Chelsea’s big strength is it’s front line, but our centre-backs are really good and Tap in Terry Haaland won’t be getting this all his own way.
The 2 holding midfielders will just sit in and help monitor the Chelsea wingers, we’re not particularly concerned with Chelsea’s midfield, it’s a good pivot but uninspiring and will likely just sit – so it’s a bit of a Mexican stand-off in that respect.
The wing-backs are given a lot of freedom in this system, we’re playing inside-forwards ahead of them based there to occupy Chelsea’s holding mids, so these two will get up and stretch the pitch.
This is going to be controversial but WE DO NOT PRESS THE BALL UNTIL CHELSEA GET 30 YARDS OUT. Their biggest strength is the pace they have, and unleashing that pace on the counter attack, so we let them keep the ball, get bodies behind it and don’t let them play through us. Kinda figured id we let them have possession it negates the bulk of their pace and with no actual creativity coming from deep we can nullify them just by not moving too far forwards.
With the ball nothing fancy quick direct passing to the wing-backs and front 3 whilst keep 5 outfield players back at all times.
Boring as feck, not even sorry.
Bayindir a very decent 1.98m in height this commanding Turk, is a safe pair of hands between the sticks, plays it safe for us, comes and catches crosses rather than punching, everything else is generic goalie fodder.
The back-three have 83 league games between this so far this season, Botman is clearly the stand-out and could well get himself a French league title, he’s the captain of the team and will lead by example, both of Lille’s games this season finished with clean sheets going to the leaders (0-0 and 1-0 respectively) if he managed to keep out Neymar/Mbappe/ADM/Kean whilst partnered by Jose Fonte, in our well drilled side he should be fine.
He’s partnered by two other 6 ft plus stoppers, so they just hold the 18 yard line, bully the tap in merchant on his touch and don’t let him get in behind. With the ball we just keep it simple, find the easy/safe ball – there’s plenty of time – Chelsea’s attack will only run in one direction and his midfield will be sitting so stroke it about and allow them to come on before hitting those longer balls, lets take the sting and pace out of the game.
Cucurella and Aarons will give us the width, watch out for Chelsea’s wingers but when we get the ball look to get forwards,we have 2 holders in midfield so they can risk getting caught out briefly.
Cucu has 3 goals and an assist in 34 games for Getafe whilst Aaronson has settled really well into European football with 5 goals and 3 assists in 17 games for RBS.
Rice and Tonali are both playing as #6’s – two more of our starting 11 being north of 6ft. They’ll sandwich Neymar, one to hit him as he takes his touch, the other to hit him as he wriggles or rolls away from the first nibble.
Both are comfortable on the ball and will keep the passes going, in neat triangles, setting the traps for the Chels to walk in to before speeding up the tempo and getting at their flanks, we’ve identified that area as their biggest weakness.
Brahim and Gakpo play as old school inside forwards today, we don’t expect the Chelsea wingers to track back so its 1v1 out-wide so with these two operating in the spaces between DM and RB we force Fans pivot even deeper, both are really clever intricate little players, both have goals in them and in Rafa Mir up top we have a very tidy wedge. 13 goals in 35 league games for 6ft2 Rafa Mir shows he can be the ideal target man/physical presence for this very young side, he’ll look to bully the inexperienced Chelsea CB’s making space for the inside-forwards to try and exploit.
Set-pieces can be a key factor for us,Chelsea only have 3 players that are 6ft plus, so all corners and free-kicks will be whipped into the box. Our back-three, Tonali and Rice, Gakpo (6ft2) plus Mir will be in the box – so we’ll have 7 (seven) bodies in their box for corners all of whom clear 7 foot…. As you can see this is a clear mis-match and we’ll load up on the set-pieces and wreak havoc. Defensively they all come back for them, with Diaz, Aaronson and Cucurella on the half-way for the counter.
subs 65 mins
Boadu > Mir – life for like
Eze > Brahim – Like for like
posted on 14/5/21
Bournemouth (4-3-3) Europa League Round 4 (Away to Man City)
Captain: Wilmot
Vice-Captain: Júnior
------------------Júnior
Pereira--Wilmot--Carmo---Abner
-------Assunção--W Prowse
-----------------Wesley
Ferreira-------------------Henrique
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Rodrigues, De Paula, Azate, Veron, Talles
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (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: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (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 Ferreira and Henrique 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Wesley, Henrique or Ferreira with Wilmot, Carmo, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Wesley and Henrique (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 Wilmot, De Paula for Assunção and Talles for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Ward-Prowse with Talles and Ferreira 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.
------------Assunção
Veron---Wesley---Henrique
--------Talles -----Núñez
posted on 15/5/21
Attacking 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, two ultra attacking fbs giving width with two CMs covering the space creating from the midfield and two wide no.10s. The two no.10s being key to breaking a deep defence, and to help us dominate possession. They will offer a headache to the opposition in how to pick them up and the attacking Bruno.
We play a high line to allow us to dominate and take the game to Arsenal, the cbs have great pace to allow us to play the high line needed to play real possession football. 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 this possession game plan the two number 10s playing just off the striker will be key, one on either side offering magic and flair to open up the opposition. Dybala coming in on his preferred left foot, Felix coming in on his preferred right.
The fbs are key to the gameplan, both have great pace and will be expected to get high up the park stretching the opposition and delivering crosses. We want them to be as attacking as wbs, similar to Stevie G’s Rangers with two deep cms creating from deep and offering cover.
In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow. In attack, Rodri stays deepest in front of cbs but ready to drop as a 3rd cb if needed giving fbs freedom. Thiago and Rodri both create from deep areas.
Militao 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 Arsenal quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Rodri and Thiago collecting from defence, with Bruno and a fluid front 3 in front. Using the quick feet of our two no.10s and fbs both bombing forward to create space as we push forward.
As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, Thiago 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, giving 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 ———————————
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Militao — T.Hernandez
————————— Thiago.A —— Rodri ——————————
———————————— B.Fernandes ———————————
——— P.Dybala —————————————— J.Felix————
———————————— L.Martinez ——————————
Subs. Henderson, Carvajal, D.Rice, Sterling, Gnabry, Mane, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Arsenal advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape will resemble a 4-1-3-2. The no.10 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 no.10 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 no.10 on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Arsenal 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 Arsenal.
When Arsenal get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Mane for Dybala and Felix. More width and pace up top as legs tire.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rice for Thiago. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling and Mane for Dybala and Felix. More pace against tired legs.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Thiago. One fb stays back, get crosses in to the big man in the box.
If losing after 60 mins bring on Gnabry and Sterling for Thiago and Dybala. Felix moves to attacking mid next to Bruno. Pace and more width.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Felix. 4-2-2-2, big man in the box.
posted on 16/5/21
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Romero ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson
---------------- Bissouma ----- F.de Jong ---------------
-- F.Torres ------------ Neymar ------------ Grealish --
-------------------------- Haland --------------------------
Meslier, Locatelli, Bellingham, Havertz, D.Malen, Mendes, P.Daka
We will try and control this game as best we can , 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 he is a very robust and hard defender, 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 Bissouma sitting back.
.
Recoveries mean possession, possession means control, this is why Bissouma is in the team as a starter as he is excellent at this a part of his game that he excels at. He 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, 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, 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 stays central and 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/Bissouma/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 especially Robertson who will support Grealish very well. However, the movement up front between Grealish and Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, the ball at times sticks to them like glue and extremely hard to dispossess, 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 - Oblak
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Neymar
Corners - de Jong
Losing -
65 Mins - Malen for Grealish, he goes up top, Neymar to the left 4-4-2
75 Mins - P.Daka for Robertson, he and Malen either side of Haland 3-4-3, Bellingham for Bissouma, more forward thinking
Winning -
80 Mins - Locatelli for Neymar, sits in midfield
85 Mins - Malen for Haland
Drawing
65 Mins - Havertz for Grealish, he goes central in a free role, Neymar to the left
75 Mins - Malen for Haland
posted on 16/5/21
-------------------- E.Martinez --------------------
Aarons ----- Skriniar ----- S.deVrij ---- Tierney
--------------- D.Luiz ------ Aouar ----------------
G.Bale -------------- Pogba --------------- Gouiri
---------------------- G.Jesus ----------------------
Mikki van Sas, Lenglet, Kamara, Szoboszlai, Benzema, Kroos, Nkunku
Control possession high up the field, pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Pogba and Jesus harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Aouar and Luiz a solid pair in the middle & the front four further up the pitch in the centre as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
Aarons and Tierney have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Skriniar will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. de Vrij alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..
Luiz's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. A very disciplined performance is a must from Luiz today
Aouar and has responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Pogba is in a free role, he is the link between everything, he will drift about looking to support those on the ball making himself available at all time, will give and go and find dangerous areas to fill as he looks to get the ball back and link up with Jesus.
Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, I want Gouiri to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Bale can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Aarons and Jesus, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in Jesus so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to aim for the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers and Pogba will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.
We must defend as a team tho, 4-4-1-1 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Pens - G.Jesus
Free Kicks - Bale
Corners - Wingers
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Benzema for Aarons, Szoboszlai for Aouar
343, Szob going left, Gouiri and Jesus either side of Benzema
75 Mins - Nkunku for Bale
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Pogba sit in midfield
83 Mins - Benzema for Jesus
posted on 16/5/21
SHEFFIELD UNITED v Leeds United
Lopes, Maehle, Höjbjerg, James
-----------------------Patrício
Lamptey, Andersen, T. Silva, Grimaldo
---------------Kovacic, de Roon
---Mahrez----------Isco-----------Mertens
-----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Livramento, Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Gallagher, Brooks, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Mahrez/Mertens
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tariq Lamptey at right-back and Álex Grimaldo 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, Isco and Dries Mertens as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or de Roon, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Lamptey and Grimaldo 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 Dries Mertens, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Isco, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Isco 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, Mertens & 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, Isco & Mertens 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
Gallagher on for de Roon, Brooks on for Isco 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.
posted on 16/5/21
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Shaw
____________Casemiro
_______Llorente_____Modric
Salah_________Son________Coman
Subs: Koke, Koulibaly, Fabian, Lingard, Olmo, Eriksen, Raul
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.
______________Navas
_________Dias_____VVD_______
____Trent____Casemiro_____Shaw
Salah__Llorente___Modric____Coman
_______________Son______________
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 - Olmo on Modric off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Llorente off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Son off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Koke on Llorente off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
posted on 17/5/21
------------------ Ter Stegen ------------------
----- B.Pavard --- De Ligt --- P.Torres ------
Cancelo -- N.Kante --- De Bruyne -- Ferland
----------------- A.Griezmann ----------------
-------- Kun Aguero --- Timo Werner -------
Subs:
Sanchez, Ramos, Fabinho, De Paul, Asensio, L.Sane, Abraham
Captain: De Ligt
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Aguero (No Panenka’s!)
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
With the games coming thick and fast we freshen things up, this time up against an often top heavy Chelsea side we go with a set up to subdue their firepower, whilst going with a dynamic attack to exploit the vulnerabilities in their midfield and defence.
The aim is simple, starve them of any room to manoeuvre in the final third, forcing them to constantly run in to traffic whenever then come infield. As soon as we win back possession we hit them on the counter and exploit the space in behind.
KDB will pull the strings from central midfield, this means as soon as we win the ball we can get the ball to him to carve open the opposition. As he advances into attacking area’s Griezmann will drift to RF and Werner to LF either side Aguero giving us a deadly front three.
Out of possession we stay compact with our wingbacks droppping in giving us a solid back 5 which will makes things extremely difficult for the opposition to find any space. Kante will also add an extra layer of protection from CM. The Frenchman has an incredible engine and provides the work rate of two players. As the saying goes, 70% of the world is covered by water with the remaining 30% covered by N’Golo Kante!
In Cancelo & Ferland we have two wingbacks that can run for days, this will allow a seemless transition from defence to attack as they get up and down the flanks. With a front two of Aguero & Werner with Griezzy drifting in behind they will have plenty to aim at in the danger areas.
Defence:
We go with a perfectly balanced back three, strong defensively but also with great ball players which will allow us to retain possession and play out from the back. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, Pavard and Torres will act as cover and stay relatively centrally at all times. We don’t want them to drift out wide, as our WB’s will pick up their widemen, we keep the central area’s compact making it extremely difficult for the opposition to have any sniff at goal.
Our wingbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have cover with our 3 CB’s in behind. When in possession both Cancelo and Ferland have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third.
Midfield:
Kante will provide a bundle of energy in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic dribble which will be key in moving the ball upfield as we aim for a quick transition from defence to attack.
De Bruyne slots alongside him giving us a world class CM duo as we look to take hold of the game. Starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking to release Griezmann centrally or Aguero & Werner up top. He has license to push forward alongside when we’re in possession, causing them a defensive nightmare as we have a threat from every angle. With a fantastic strike from range we also encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.
Forwards:
We go with a deadly attacking trident up top. Griezmann will be instrumental with the Frenchman given license to drift between the lines causing a real defensive headache for the opposition. In central area’s can be devastating whilst he also has license to push forward alongside Aguero & Werner as we look to overwhelm their defence. He’s a fantastic technician and a real big game player who only needs a sniff at the sight of goal to punish the opposition.
Up top we go with the duo of Aguero & Werner. Timo will play on the shoulder of the last man, looking to use his lightening pace to get in behind and through on goal, the German often at his best when playing in a front two. Aguero will be our fox in the box, a real predator he’ll be on his toes as soon as we’re on the attack. His ability to make intelligent runs will open up pockets of space and with an array of creativity around him we expect him to finish any chances that fall his way.
Subs:
If winning:
70 mins: Griezmann off & Fabinho on. Extra steel in central midfield with our wingbacks also sitting deeper in a permanent back 5.
80 mins: Werner off, Sane on. Fresh legs up top as we look to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Werner, Cancelo & Ferland off. Fabinho, Sane & Asensio on. Triple change as we switch to our famous 3-2-3-2. Kante & Fabinho shielding our back three with Sane, KDB, Asensio supporting our front two of Aguero & Griezmann. Goals.
posted on 17/5/21
ARSENAL VS Portsmouth
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-----------Kounde---------------Lacroix-------------Alba
-------------------------------Fernandinho ------------------------------------
------------------- Barella -------------------- Paqueta ------------------
---------------------------------- Maddison -----------------------------------
---------------------- Auba ------------------- Watkins -----------------
Subs - Raya, Odoi, Soumare, Smith-Rowe, Lozano, Oyarzabal, Coutinho
CAPTAIN - KOUNDE
CK'S - BARELLA
FK'S - BARELLA
PENALTIES - AUBA
When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except Aubameyang to get in our half and defend. Watkins will be the attack missile whenever the oppo CB/DM's have the ball he will close them down asap. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. I want the team to press the oppo whenever they have the ball so they don't have a chance to settle and dictate the tempo. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.
Defence
Maignan in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Kounde and Lacroix bring top level experience to the backline. Kounde will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Lacroix will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.
Full backs
Hakimi + Alba
Hakimi and Alba will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Auba and Watkins are a threat in the air. Fernandinho will be covering for you if you are out of position
Defence Mid
Fernandinho
Fernandinho will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Barella/Paqueta.
Centre Mids
Barella + Paqueta
Paqueta will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Barella will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.
Attack Mid
James Maddison
Maddison will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.
Strikers
Aubameyang + Watkins
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Aubameyang to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Paqueta and put on Soumare in DM next to Fernandinho to give the defence even more protection. Oyarzabal on for Barella to play LM and Lozano on for Watkins to play RM. Wingers to help out in defensive duties.
----------------------------------- Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde--------------Lacroix-----------Alba
-------------------------Soumare-------Fernandinho---------------------
Lozano----------------------------------------------------------Oyarzabal
-----------------------------------Maddison---------------------------------
--------------------------------------Auba -------------------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Fernandinho and put on Lozano in RW. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Put on Oyarzabal for Watkins aswell. Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta aswell
------------------------------------ Maignan ---------------------------
Hakimi-------------Kounde------------Lacroix------------Alba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------Barella ---------- Rowe ----------------
---------------------------------- Maddison ------------------------------
Lozano-------------------------Auba------------------------Oyarzabal
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Coutinho on for Maddison
Smith-Rowe on for Paqueta
Lozano on for Maddison
posted on 17/5/21
SOTON VS Newcastle
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------------------
-----------------Dest------------Gomez-----------Badiashile-----------
Raphinha---------------Ndidi-------Ndombele---------------Pulisic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Odegaard----------------------------------
--------------------Greenwood--------------Rashford--------------------
Subs - Sessegnon, Tchouameni, Curtis Jones, Bailey, Wirtz, Adama, 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. Dest and Badiashile will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to close down the oppo wingers. Gomez 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.
WINGBACKS
Raphinha and Pulisic are playing as wingbacks today. They are not defenders irl but both of them put a shift in defensively for their real life clubs and I want them to do that here. Your defending doesn't have to be flashy just stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Both of you are rapid so if it's a foot race the oppo wants they'll be up against it! Dest and Badiashile will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they don't use the overlapping fullbacks. As an attacking outlet I want Raphinha and Pulisic to play how wingbacks would normally play. Stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter. Both of you can cut in from time to time if you want to into your stronger fits to give the oppo summat different to think about.
Defence Mids
Ndidi + Ndombele
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 Ndombele who will be tasked with the same job against the oppo RW. This will help sort our Raphinha and Pulisic's defensive vulnerability. If either Ndidi or Ndombele 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. Ndombele 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.
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 wingbacks 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 Ndombele and Bailey 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. Adama Traore on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------------Dest------------Gomez-----------Badiashile----------
--------------------------------------Ndidi--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adama-------------Odegaard------------Wirtz-------------------Bailey
-------------------------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. Put on Sessegnon at LWB to offer more defensive protection.
--------------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
----------------Dest-------------Gomez-----------Badiashile--------
Raphinha-------------Ndidi----------Tchoua------------------------Sess
----------------------------------Ndombele---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Greenwood---------Rashford----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Pulisic
Kean on for Greenwood
Wirtz on for Ødegaard
Fresh legs to bring on.
posted on 17/5/21
PORTSMOUTH vs wolves
Injuries:
Nicolo Zaniolo
Domenico Berardi
Diogo Jota
Lorenzo Insigne
Tough games vs the wolf cubs, may lack in top level experience but there’s some proper talent in there and we can’t take anything for granted today, fast paced 4-3-3 for us as we look to get a good hold of the midfield, our wide trident looking to stretch their defence, turn them and get them running towards their own goal.
……………………………………………Ederson……………………………
Calabria……………….Milenkovic………….Romagnoli………….Sandro
…………………………………………….Neves……………………………………
…………………………Kessie……………………….Bernardo………………….
Ronaldo……………………………….Belotti………………………………De Ketelaere
Subs: Pickford, Mancini, Ibanez, Busquets, Goncalves, Vlahovic, Alli
Ederson is a great ball playing keeper, one of the best in business and whilst that isn’t his primary function it is part of what gives us that appeal, perfect for us building from the back.
The defence is pure Serie A, Calabria is the top tackler in Italy this season and will be likely facing Neto so he’ll be needing that skill set, very good forwards to and will give us some much needed width. Sandro on the left is a pure athlete, decent defending but more than capable getting forwards. Milenkovic and Romangoli are a tough uncompromising duo that can handle the physicality that Wolves can bring to the party, but are both comfortable enough on the ball to continue the playing out from the back ethos we’re persevering with.
Neves sits as the six, I’ve banged the drum already about his interception and tackles stats so I won’t bore you by saying he’s numero uno according to certain sources. But he’s more than just a DM, he has a fantastic range of passes so sitting as the Quarter-back is perfect for us today, long/short/switch balls he can get us going up the pitch.
Kessie comes in as our B2B man, perfect for the role as we look to control the centre of the pitch, can get stuck in and put a foot in and has an eye for goal to. The Perfect role for the man today.
Bernardo is our AM – we’ve lined up in a 433 but really I guess it’s a 4231 very tidy player, will link our play nicely. We have a technically gifted side and his ability to float about the pitch will open up Wolves nicely.
Ronaldo plays more inside forward than traditional winger, we want him drifting inside looking for space to exploit and get a shot away, are you even reading this? I’m waffling and you all know what this guys capable of anyway.
De ketelaere is fast turning into my utility man, Cm last week Lw this week. Whilst Ronaldo looks to play on the inside, we want him staying wider, making the pitch stretch out and getting the spaces set for Bernardo to run into, Big strong lad is Charles so any balls coming into the box from the right flank we want him attacking the back stick. He’s tall enough to be a genuine threat and we want the Wolves CB’s focusing on him rather than Belotti.
It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Belotti at Torino but he’s still a goal threat and he’ll lead the line today, play off the shoulder of the last man and time those runs in behind. With Bernardo threading him through and our wingers making late runs into the box he should be able to find himself in a bit of space to put some chances away.
Subs 65 mins
Vlahovic > Belotti – like for like but a bigger physical presence
Goncalves > Bernardo – 20 goals in 31 games from AM this season – perfect for seeing the game out
Busquets > Neves – Like for like
posted on 17/5/21
WOLVES vs pompey
Injuries:
Adam Hlozek
Rafa Mir
Justin Kluivert
Brahim Diaz
Bryan Reynolds
Injuries have decimated our attacking options so we’re gonna sit in today with a rigid formation, maintain defensive shape and make it hard for them to play through us.
…………………………………………..Bayindir……………………………
………………………Kumbulla……..Botman….Tapsoba…………….
Ait-Nouri…………Bentancur….Tonali…Willock……Williams….
…………………………………...Neto…………….Boadu……………………
Subs: Trubin (GK), Reynolds, Schuurs, Onana, Berge, Berisha, Raspadori
I know the above formation is boring but you start a game with one point and we’d like to end it with that point still in tact. Rock solid through the middle enables us to plug the gaps without being pulled out of shape. But still maintains enough attacking threat to trouble Pompey
Bayindir is a great shot-stopper and we don’t want sweeper keeper nonsense from him. Trust the defence to do their job and concentrate on keeping things simple, with the ball just aim at the centre circle, we have enough bodies there to compete.
The wall of Wolverhampton will hold strong, Kumbulla,Botman and Tapsoba are all 6ft plus so any physical Portsmouth and their dwarves try to bring we can deal with. RCB and LCB will shuffle wide to “double up” with their wing-back when dealing with Pompey’s wide-men leaving Botman 1v1 with the central striker, stand up tall, and over power him.
with the ball the three of them look to keep it simple and play it into the midfield for us to continue to move it along.
Nouri and Williams will be given the freedom to get forwards and try to push back Pompeys full-backs, we have 3 solid CM’s so they can cover the runs as needed, we need to try and inject some width to stop Portsmouth getting it all their own way.
The middle-three are a really good blend here, Bentancur comes in as our B2B midfielder, 33 games this season for Juve (not sure if that’s an endorsement or not anymore) but a very tidy player, will get stuck in to the pompey midfield and let us get a foothold. Sandro T – otherwise know as Andrea Gattuso is the Anchor man, Ball playing anchorman, in fact he does the exact same job as his opposite number at Pompey (Ruben Neves). Willock is the second B2B, he’s flourishing at Newcastle and has become a genuine goal-threat with a goal in each of his last 5 games.
whilst our lay-out is perceived as negative, it isn’t really that bad, 2 attacking wing-backs plus 2 runners from midfield added to the front 2 gives us 6 attacking players, all allowed to do so because of 4 players sitting deep in our own half ready to snuff out a counter-attack.
Neto is a wideman by trade, but I’m harnessing his pace and trickery in a central area today 5 goals and 5 assists in a bad season for wolves, this lad could genuinely go on to be one of the very best in the world, alongside him is the next big striker to come out of Hollandia. He may only be just turned 20 but 15 goals in 31 games for Alkmaar, making him the 7th top scorer in dutch football this season.
this duo may be very young but their pedigree is there for all to see, both are proper rapid so will look to run in behind Tino’s cumbersome defence.
Subs 70 mins
Berisha > Boadu… 11 goals and 10 assists in 27 games for RB Salzburg
Berg > Bentancur – like for like
posted on 18/5/21
-----------------------Neuer
Walker-----Soyuncu---Hermoso---Hernandez
-----------------------Brozovic
-----------------SMS---------Foden
Chiesa-----------------Isak--------------Depay
Pope
Castagne
Denayer
Phillips
Pellegrini
Ocampos
Vardy
A return to the 4-3-3 of old for today, in a game where I want us to show slightly more control of the ball, and a more consistent attacking intent than against Newcastle last time out. We have opted for more numbers going forward, and a reversal to the standard back four in an attempt to accommodate this. I want to see us play quick movement football, with the ball on the deck, in a possession style, creating chances by quickly moving the ball around them. I want to see us trying to exploit wider areas, as I think Sheffield United are weaker at FB than elsewhere in their team, and think this is an area of strength for us, utilising the ability of Depay and Chiesa to stretch the game and get at their defenders.
In terms of the defensive unit, on the ball I want to see quick movement, limiting themselves to 2-3 touches, before moving the ball on, and I think each of our players is suited to this system. In terms of options, Brozovic and SMS will drop deep to consistently provide out balls through the middle, whilst spreading the ball to Hernandez or Castagne will help for us to create attacks down the flanks. I’d rather not see Chiesa or Depay drop off, as keeping the high-wide line is important, and it also pegs back their FBs, keeping them away from our third. I don’t want to see any shilly-shallying, so players can also look back to Neuer, one of the best sweeper keepers around, if they want an additional way out of pressure.
In the attacking areas, I would be looking for one of Hernandez or Walker to push forward and support the attack, whilst the other tucks inside and operates as part of a back three. I think this allows us not to be reliant on one specific avenue of attack, and vary our approach play a little more. Foden will be operating as a more conventional number 10 in this role, as, with Sheffield United lacking their usual steel of Hojbjerg in midfield, I believe that this is an additional area for us to exploit. His ability to play on the flanks will also allow for him to drift outside and support our wide players in that key area. When he does this, I want to see SMS step up and operate more as a 10, whilst Brozovic will sit back and dictate the play as an option on the halfway line. By doing this, I believe that we can double and triple up in the wide areas, stretching their defence out, and leaving space in the middle. In Isak, I believe we have a player who wants the ball on the ground, and that suits the style of our wingers, who are more about cutting inside and charging at goal. With that fox in the box sort of striker, any rebounds could be deadly.
The transition into defence is an important one, today, as Sheffield United have capable attacking players. Depay and Chiesa will do much of the high pressing, with Isak instead focusing his attention on the opposition holding midfielder, which means that Sheff United will struggle to focus their ball-playing style through that outlet. This also allows us time to get back into our shape, and means that Foden can operate in midfield, allowing us a spare man in the middle, which will be key for us in winning the ball back quickly. Upon doing so, we have to transition that into attack, which should be easy, as Chiesa and Depay will already be in an advanced position. If the opponent chooses to quickly counter attack, then our back three, shielded by Brozovic, who can push out wide to cover either space, should be enough to resist, until more bodies can get back to contribute.
Substitutions
If winning
Chiesa off for Phillips 72 mins
Operate more of a 4-2-3-1, with Phillips alongside Brozovic, and Foden operating at RW. I believe this allows for us to match them more man-for-man.
Vardy on for Isak 77 mins
Fresh legs up top, with Vardy inserting a quick flash of pace as they try and commit to more attacks.
Ocampos on for Foden 82 mins
Fresh legs at RW
If losing/drawing
Vardy on for Chiesa, Castagne on for Brozovic 70 mins
Switch to a 3-4-3, with Hernandez operating as a LCB, and Depay and Vardy playing wide of Isak. This gives us extra attacking bodies, whilst not sacrificing defense.
Ocampos on for Isak 80 mins
Fresh legs in the attacking three, with Vardy operating as ST.
posted on 18/5/21
Mikki van Sas out of Citys squad, didnt realise he was at Sheff Utd
posted on 20/5/21
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
-------- Gabbia ------ S.de Vrij ------ Kamara --------
Aarons --------- Aouar ------- Pogba -------- Tierney
------------------------- Zaniolo --------------------------
------------- Benzema --------- G.Jesus ----------------
Szczesny, Mings, D.Luiz, Kroos, Nkunku, Bale, Gouiri
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Zaniolo will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.
If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Zaniolo and one of the forwards to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks.
When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.
Emi is our sweeper keeper, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack
Gabbia and Kamara, Cover the wingbacks and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.
de Vrij - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Aarons and Tierney, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.
Although Aouar's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession not a DM but feisty all the same, and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus when they have the ball, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.
Pogba has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a pop.
Zaniolo is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, Benzema and Jesus are great finishers so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, rtherefore winning a lot of free kicks
Jesus I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Pogba/Zaniolo to get Benzema away on goal, Benzema will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in from out wide or again link with those behind him
Benzema, must be able to hold up play for others to support, also run the channels, 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, 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 vrij
Pens - Benzema
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Aouar
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Zaniolo, Jesus - Benz - Gouiri front 3, Kroos for Aouar same time look to use his experience and skills to get the front 3 in on goal with precision passes
75 Mins - Bale for de Vrij, 424/244 he goes right, Gouiri left in a very attacking formation in a game we have to win
Winning -
75 Mins - D.Luiz for Benzema, he goes in behind the midfield in a holding role taking over form Aouar's duties as the man marker
80 Mins fullbacks drop back into a back 5, Zaniolo to the right, Nkunku on for Pogba and he goes to the left 541
83 Mins - Bale for Jesus
posted on 20/5/21
Bournemouth Tactics: Europa League round 5 (Home to Sheffield Utd.)
Captain: Araújo
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-----------------Júnior
Ngakia--Araújo—Wilmot---Sosa
----------------Assunção
-------W-Prowse----Pyerre
Ferreira-----------------------Wesley
------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Pereira, Fuchs, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.
Goalkeeper: Júnior 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: Assunção will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. W-Prowse and Pyerre will play just in front of Assunção. 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 Ferreira and Wesley 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: W-Prowse, Wesley or Ferreira with Araújo, Wilmot, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and Wesley (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Fuchs for Wilmot, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for W-Prowse, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for W-Prowse and Evanilson for Ferreira. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Assunção
Veron-----Pyerre----Wesley
--------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 23/5/21
Bournemouth v SHEFFIELD UNITED
-----------------------Patrício
Maehle, Alderweireld, Andersen, Grimaldo
----------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
---Mahrez----------James----------Mertens
-----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Ampadu, de Roon, Bale, Isco, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Mahrez/James (Isco)/Mertens
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Toby Alderweireld and Joachim Andersen paired up at centre-back, Joakim Maehle at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic 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 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 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, 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 Dries Mertens as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.
Our 4-2-3-1 is set up to have that wonderful ‘springy' quality - it absorbs pressure without breaking and then snaps back with surprising force.
In defence our 4-2-3-1 covers space very effectively, with the band of three attacking midfielders and centre forward able to press the opposition high up the pitch while the two defensive midfielders ensure that there is no space left in front of the defence. Then the back four can either play a high line, compressing the space even further, or drop deeper as preferred.
Once we have won the ball back, often by Kovacic or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Maehle and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Riyad Mahrez and Dries Mertens, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.
James, 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, Mertens & 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 & Mertens 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
Lamptey on for Maehle, Isco on for James and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Triple substitution - dribbling trickery and fresh legs in Isco, electric pace in Lamptey, and in Ibrahimovic a real powerhouse and focal point for the attacking midfielders in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 23/5/21
-------------------------- Meslier ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Romero ----- E.Konsa ----- Robertson
-------------- Bissouma --------- Locatelli ---------------
----------------------- Malinovskiy -------------------------
--- F.Torres ---------------------------------- Neymar ---
-------------------------- Håland ---------------------------
Johnstone, N.Mendes, Camavinga, Bellingham, Havertz, Musiala, Malen
We like playing from the back and quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front we do not allow them to play from the back or allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line, put pressure on the defence, we cant get in behind quite easily as there fullbacks like to push forward, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Locatelli and Bissouma ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Malinovskiy slightly higher up always on top of the midfielders stopping them passing between each other, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the CF he is quick and powerful so will stop the threat of their No.9, Konsa spare picks up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, with Meslier behind, he will constantly be shouting and keeping the bank of 4 in a line as to not leave gaps, if they get away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both CBs comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time we cant afford be exposed but this is mostly Robertson,who will drive up and down the pitch for 90+ mins, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want Bissouma to drift to the side to cover spaces made by our fullbacks, this gives our fullbacks more freedom to make their way to midfield to cover. This allows Locatelli to stay central and pick up anyone else or indeed get the ball and get us moving, Malinovskiy also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap Bissouma has made by moving to pick up men. Konsa to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Romero sitting back.
Recoveries mean possession, possession means control, this is why Bissouma is in the team as a starter as he is excellent at this a part of his game that he excels at. He 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, 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, 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. Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in.Our midfield maestro Malinovskiy is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three, also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he has a wicked left foot and will easily pick them out, also he draws players in, often taking a kick or two while he does it, gaining many free kicks, so as he does this he will pass the ball away sometimes taking 2/3 players out of the game leaving a lot more room for others to make something dangerous, he will pass and move to always make himself available. After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.
Our wingers are extremely quick, 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 especially Robertson who will support Neymar very well. However, the movement up front between Neymar and Ferran will cause them problems drifting in an out, the ball at times sticks to them like glue and extremely hard to dispossess, thus allowing Malinovskiy to pick his moment to move into space either as a SS 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 Malinovskiy 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 - Locatelli
Pens - Haaland
Free Kicks - Malinovskiy
Corners - Malinovskiy
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - D.Malen for Robertson, 3 at the back, 2 up top, Grealish for Malinovskiy as well and he takes over Set plays
Drawing -
70 Mins - Bellingham for Malinovskiy, Camavinga for Locatelli, Grealish for Neymar, fresh legs same formation
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Malinovskiy, he drops back a bit, Grealish for Neymar
83 Mins - Malen for Haaland
posted on 23/5/21
Possession 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is them not having the ball. Possession always starts at the back and so we go with possibly the two best ball playing cbs out and with great pace to allow us to play the high line needed to play real possession football. 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 Pompey defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play. In front of the defence Rodri and Thiago are the perfect two for the possession, play with Fernandes playing an Iniesta role as attacking Cm with freedom to drift. Everyone in their best position, in a formation and system that suits everyone playing their natural positions.
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 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 Wolves 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 (one 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, Thiago 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, giving 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 — T.Hernandez
————————————— Rodri ————————————
———————— Thiago.A —— B.Fernandes —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling ——————— L.Martinez ————— S.Mane
Subs. Henderson, Alaba, Rice, Goretzka, Felix, Gnabry, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey 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 (Thiago and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pompey 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 Pompey.
When Pompey 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 Osimhen for Lautaro. More pace up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Fernandes. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane, fresh pace.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Alaba and Osimhen for Theo and Carvajal. 3-5-2. More direct and goal scorer.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Thiago.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Goretzka for Rodri. Thiago to dm. High energy in Cm as box to box role.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane. More trickery to get us back in it.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Theo. Gung ho.
posted on 24/5/21
------------------ R.Sanchez -----------------
Cancelo -- S.Ramos --- P.Torres -- Mendy
------------- Fabinho --- N.Kante ----------
J.Sancho ----- A.Griezmann ------ L.Sane
------------------ Kun Aguero ----------------
Subs:
Virginia, Reguilon, Pavard, De Paul, Asensio, Hazard, Werner
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Sancho
Penalties: Aguero
Corners: Wingers
Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM’s marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and getting the ball to our dangermen at the other end.
We respect the attacking talent of the opposition and go with a balanced back 4 to limit their threat. Cancelo & Ferland adding bundles of energy and pace at FB, Ramos partnering Torres in the middle with our two powerhouses of Fabinho & Kante adding a brick wall in front of our defence.
In Griezmann we have someone who is pretty much unplayable when at his best and with license to pay between the lines he will be given the freedom to work his magic. 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. Torres will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Spaniard 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. When in possession Cancelo & Ferland have license to get forward and both have quality in the final third.
Midfield:
Fabinho 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 Fabinho/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 Griezmann & 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 Griezmann 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.
If winning:
75 mins: Sane off, Pavard on. Tighten up defensively we bring on an extra CB and move to 5-4-1 to see out the win.
85 mins: Aguero off, Werner on. Fresh legs to pick them off on the break.
If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Cancelo & Sane off, Werner & Hazard on. We pile on the pressure as we move to 3-2-3-2. Our DM’s shield our defence whilst Werner comes on up top alongside Aguero as we look for the winner.
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