Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Kostic
____________Casemiro
_______Llorente_____Gundogan
Salah_________Andre___________Son
Subs: Koke, Tomori, Fabian, Eriksen, Olmo, Coman, 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_____Kostic
Salah__Llorente___Gundogan____Son
_______________Andre______________
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 - Koke on Gundogan off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Llorente off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Andre off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Fabian on Llorente off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
All action 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is attack and them not having the ball. We know they’ve dangerous front men, but their work shy and so we look to play attacking, with a high line, and press high up the park. Exploit the space behind their front 3 with our pace and high energy to get at their defence, we have some of the best defenders out to deal with their threat. Limit their chances on the ball and when they do get on the ball they’ll more often be far from goal and have it all to do.
We have a great mix of physicality and technical ability in midfield, but more importantly we’ve got ball playing defenders which is critical for a possession game, that and pace up top to stretch the opposition. The wingers stay high and wide in the first two thirds of the park.
Tino likes to mix it up, so we focus on our own all action possession game, an all signing all dancing energy approach fit for a final to entertain. Frustrate Portsmouth by keeping the ball, we know Tino will love an excuse to shout at Busquets and Neymar who are sure to play.
As you’d expect possession always starts with the defence and 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. One fb gets forward at a time.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Pompey’s defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play.
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 Pompey quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our wingers and fbs (one forward at a time) to create space in attack.
We have 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. Mount supports creating and linking the play, Fernandes gets in and around the box looking for the final ball or shooting.
Positional structure and technical ability 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 —— Alaba
————————————— Rodri ————————————
—————— B.Fernandes —— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling —————— L.Martinez ————— Gnabry
Subs. Henderson, Theo, R.James, Thiago, Felix, Bale, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose possession 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 and where they can’t hurt us. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey advance into higher areas 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 (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, force Pompey backwards. With two forwards left up this is where we look to press the opposition into mistakes and win the ball in high areas.
When Tino’s boys 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 and power up top. And height for defending and attacking set pieces.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Thiago for Mount. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Bale for Sterling, fresh pace and big game player. More height to defend and attack set pieces.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Theo for Alaba. More attacking lb and fresh pace.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Mount.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Bale for Sterling.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri. Thiago to dm. More attacking and control.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Bale for Carvajal. 3 at back with Alaba 3rd cb. Bale plays left wing, Sterling right.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Sterling. Gnabry to right wing.
pens:
1. Bruno Fernandes - pk king
2. Marquinhos - big game player and leader
3. Lautaro - our talisman
4. Gnabry - big game player and German
5. Bale - big game player
6. Alaba - big game player and as good as German
7. Osimhen / Felix / Theo
Watford (Away to Arsenal) Week 1
Captain: Assunção
Vice Captain: Ruan
---------------- Júnior
Khellven---Fuchs---Ruan---Abner
-------Assunção---Pyerre
------------------Igor
Henrique------------------Paulinho
----------------Darwin
SUBS: Brenno, Lewis, Kaique, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very agile. 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. One goes forward and one stays back. 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 into the stands. 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 gameplan 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 (Pyerre). 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 Igor 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’, Pyerre will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor 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 easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Paulinho 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 Igor, Pyerre and Darwin 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 Pyerre may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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.
Darwin 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 size and strength 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: Igor, Henrique or Paulinho with Fuchs, Ruan and Pyerre to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Pyerre (with his thunderbolt) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Darwin, Paulinho, Assunção
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Kaique for Ruan, Veron for Henrique and Evanilson for Darwin.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Pyerre with Veron and Henrique with Evanilson. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
-------------Assunção
Veron------- Igor----------Paulinho
------Evanilson---Darwin
Newcastle vs WOLVES
Injuries:
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Leonardo Spinazzola
Josh Doig
Ki-jana However
……………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Semedo……………..Koulibaly……….Romagnoli………..Wijndal
…………………………….Busquets…………….Verratti………………
Neymar……………………………Griezmann……………….Insigne
………………………………………….Ronaldo………………………………
Subs: Pickford, Soyuncu, Vranckx, Doku, Soumare Vlahovic, Phillips
You don’t get a much tougher start than away at title contenders Newcastle. Been a bit of an overhaul in the squad over the summer as we target 5th place and the tag of best of the rest.
At first glance my side seems unbalanced in that I have two left wingers, but I’m playing traditional inside forwards rather than out and out wingers, our attacking width will be supplied by our full-backs, allowing Neymar and Insigne to come inside when the spaces are there. Lorenzo has a magic right boot so that cut in and curl one out to the far stick is the option ball there. Neymar is genuinely comfortable playing off either foot so the option to cut in and drive on is balanced against going past his man on the outside, to have that option in his armoury adds a real threat to our side and makes us much less predictable – this fluidity is then added to by the addition of Griezmann a genuine left-pegger sitting in the nominal #10 position but this trident will be expected to “shuffle” and switch their on-field positions, Stretch out Ludy’s defence and try and add some confusion to proceedings.
Donnarumma comes in this season and at almost 6ft5 fills not only the goal with his presence but fills his defence with confidence, A strong athletic specimen is quick off his line to close the angles down for the strikers whilst cutting an imposing figure, not as comfortable on the ball as his predecessor Ederson was but that’s ok we have other very good ball players so as long as he does his basics right, we’re in business.
Our defence is in a transition again (is it transition if it changes yearly) but in Wijndal and Semedo with have a lot of pace in the full-back areas and up against Newcastles front-line that’ll be needed, they’ll both show their respective men down the line and try and force the cross, don’t dive in just make sure you stay goal-side, Ludy has assembled a great side but they lack that physicality up top, so with our full-backs forcing the wingers to run the line and put crosses into the box, that’s bread and butter for Koulibaly and Romagnoli to deal with, they have the makings of a very solid pairing, they have the left foot right foot pairing that’s so invaluable plus brains and brawn… Kouli is the power and Roma is the glory (welshy if you’re on results I want a slot for old school WWF references)
Busquets and Verratti as a pivot is about as good as you can expect for a side that are just about mid-table in this league, Tenacious V had a stellar euro’s for Italy after returning from injury, he was part of a midfield that dominated 5 out of 6 games, the only game they were on the back foot for was against Spain and the main protagonist in that Spanish midfield that bossed Italy was… yep you guessed it Busquets. These two are intelligent players they know when to press and when to be passive, always willing to step in and put a foot in where needed, but they’re more than just win the ball and recycle it, they’re incisive in possession and pick the best pass with such regularity that they’re actually playing 3/4/5 passes further along in the move, to have one such deep lying technician is special to have two in there makes us genuinely privileged, They may only be 2 men but they can hold a midfield against sides that line up with a 3, and when you add whichever of our fluid attacking midfielders that’s dropped into the ”10” we have a very creative midfield trident.
A creative midfield however, is redundant without willing runners that can create spaces, and with Semedo and Wijndal surging forwards, both go to the half-way line but only one fully commits to the attack by going further, depending on who’s side the attack is advancing, as the ball is moved about the other side moves forward as he goes back, kind of like a pulley and counterweight system, as they advance and our inside forwards come in-field bringing their markers with them, we have some magic players that can do some very good one touch interchanges and blind reverse passes that will tie up newcastles man markers, Neymar,Griezzer,Insigne,Verratti passing triangles will certainly draw out the Newcastle back-line.
The forgotten man in my tactics after almost 800 words is Cristiano Ronaldo….. I could end this paragraph there and it’d be fine, we all know what he brings to the side as a pure #9. We don’t need huge work rate, we don’t need running the channels and we don’t need him dropping deep getting in the way of Griezzer – what we need is him pinning the centre-backs in their spot, not going wide to double-up on our world class wingers, we need to get Newcastle in one-vs-ones out-wide (Neymar vs Shaw and Insigne vs TAA) which then allows Griezzer to operate further forwards and make it two-on-two vs VVD/Dias. No small order to crack that nut but when you need an ice cold finisher, you’d do a lot, lot worse than Ronaldo.
Subs 65 mins.
Doku > Insigne – Neymar goes LW, Doku plays RW, Griezzer a pure #10.. This kid played against Italy and gave them (and me nightmares) 25 mins to run at a tiring Gary Barlow could be carnage.
Soumare > Busquets – fresh legs, 6ft2 midfield powerhouse comes into add some physicality in the engine room, will go B2B and allow Verratti to sit and play “quarter-back”
Sub 75 mins.
Vlahovic > Ronaldo – The heir replaces the king, scored a lot of serie A goals last year, a real physical specimen will be a proper handful for a tiring defence
Leicester vs LIVERPOOL
Injuries:
Nathan Ake
Hugo Lloris
Weston McKennie
Rafael Leao
………………………………Trubin………………
……………...Kabak……..Varane……..Botman
Trippier………..Tonali……….Zinchenko……….Ait-Nouri
…………………………………Neto…………………………..
…………………….Icardi…………..Belotti
Subs: Vandevoordt, Dumfries, Schuurs, Willock, Ihattaren, Kelechi, D.James
The biggest criticism of Liverpool last season was they were too inexperienced so we’ve worked hard to rectify that this season, tough start though away at the foxes, so a slightly more negative system (partly due to injury and partly due to the opposition) keep it tight through the middle and try to set up some counters where we can break at pace and fashion out some chances for our hitmen.
Fast paced counter-attacking football is the order of the day, so we don’t push high up where we can be caught out by Rof’s blistering pace, we’re a bit more passive in their half, the front two will close down the centre-backs but Neto will drop off to half-way, yes it gifts them possession but they can’t hurt us 50/60/70 yards out. When they cross into our half we spring the trap as Belotti runs back towards the ball, but Icardi stays high – he forces their defence to stay back deep and it opens up the pitch. Neto runs towards the man in possession and everyone else steps forwards taking a man each. Varane stays on the edge of the “D” as the sweeper/insurance policy but the rest are picked up or “covered off”.
When we get the ball our wing-backs on their bikes, Nouri is rapid and Trippier’s no slouch and our front 3 are quick enough to get in and about Leicester’s defence
Trubin plays ahead of Lloris, all 6ft6 of him, only just turned 20 but already has 2 full caps for the Ukraine and 29 league games under his belt, we expect him to be able to command his box when coming for crosses, at that height he shouldn’t be beaten easily, no need to play sweeper keeper with a back-five so just do the basics right.
The back-three, Varane was the big signing of the summer and he comes in as the sweeper, experienced at the very highest level, will be a great addition to our side, he’ll sit off a step or two, Marshall the troops and just calm them down, step in and deal with the danger, rinse and repeat.
Botman and Kabak are the two more aggressive, ball chasing defenders, they’ll come out and try and get at Rof’s AM to snuff out the danger before he can thread through the killer ball.
Ait-Nouri had a good season last year and the hope is he can kick on further, we’re taking the handbrake off and letting him have the freedom to attack at will, we have a solid defence and DM so he can push and stretch the Leicester back-line. Over on the other side whilst not as dynamic a player, Trippier is a real weapon with his set-piece deliveries and crosses from deep in open play, with the movement of Icardi and Belotti he can cause some carnage in the Leicester box.
Tonali and Zinchenko in the engine room have the skillset to be a great combo, Zinchenko captains the Ukraine national side playing there, sweet left peg and a high work-rate, will go B2B for us today. Tonali plays as the deep-lying playmaker, he links the defence to the attack, great range of passing as he shifts us through the gears in an attempt to turn Leicester’s defence and getting them in no-mans land.
Neto whilst we see him operating on the wings thanks to “Nuno-Ball” he has that very direct running style that reminds me of prime Kaka, we want him in the hole, getting on the ball as often as possible and driving forward drawing the Leicester defensive block out to him, either drawing fouls in dangerous areas or releasing the ball to our front-two.
Belotti and Icardi are a great pairing, Belotti as well as being deadly in front of goal, is a big hard working target-man, he’ll harry the Leicester back line, trying to bully them and be a platform for Neto and Icardi to work, Whilst Belotti is a grafter up top, Mauro is an ice cold finisher, we want him playing off the shoulder of the last man, he’s got decent pace but very very good movement, we trust him to find those little pockets of space to occupy and pull the trigger.
Subs 65 mins:
Dumfries > Nouri (Trippier goes LWB) fresh legs
Willock > Zinchenko – like for like but an added goal threat
Kelechi > Belotti
------------------------ Martinez -----------------------
M.Aarons ----- Skriniar ----- Manolas ----- Tierney
----------------- T.Kroos ----- N.Kante ---------------
B.Silva ----------------------------------------- Gosens
------------------------- Zaniolo ------------------------
------------------------- Lukaku ------------------------
Areola, M.Cash, Oneyka, Prowse, Buendia, G.Jesus, J.Alvarez
Big opener away in a Manc derby, but we go in confident, retaining the mighty Lukaku was huge for us, so we have a massive goal threat up top also adding B.Silva and Kante amongst others which improves us 10 fold..
Emi top class keeper, great vocal presence behind the defence, distribution he knows when to go short or long, can easy get an assist or two this season
Back four, Manolas and Skriniar are two no nonsense defenders, Skriniar man marks the main CF, be onto him quickly and do not allow him any time to turn and get inot dangerous areas, Manolas spare so if they play two up top he will pick up the second striker, if not he will support Skriniar and the defensive mid to stop any others coming through.
Fullbacks very quick, strong defenders, can attack and defend, Aarons on the right will bomb down the right hand side, get outside Silva to allow him to cut inside to support the forwards, give and go and quite one twos will allow Aarons to bypass the Utd defenders and whip in a dangerous cross to the front two and whoever else is coming in from the left, Tierney will work with Gosens down the left, Gosens will allow Tierney to drive passed him, a little like Silva however I want both to stick to the touchline area to double up on the utd defenders, whever is in possession will get the cross in or even if one does eventually cut in, get a shot away, both dangerous from distance., defending whoever is nearest the defence and we lose the ball will drive back and they will simply change positions.
Kante and Kroos, is there any better? They have everything, Kante has the work rate of two players, very dymanic, his ball winning abilities are top drawer, mnot many players will get passed him, as he wins the ball just a simple ball to those around him. Kroos has exceptional vision, so as he picks up the ball in midfield, he will look to set others away, wether its the fullbacks driving forward or up to the front two, he will always pick out his man, once hhe has passed he will always move into space to make himself available for a return ball.
Silva and Gosens wider, gives us a solid 4, both good in defensive situations as will help out, there work rate is top notch, however as we have two guys in the middle who are great in the air its always good to have guys that can pin point their crosses right onto the two, which is exactly what Silva and Gosens do.Get themselves into positons with Aarons and Tierney, get passed the Utd defenders, cross, football is a simple game when played with freedom and joy which we will aim to do.
Zaniolo is in a free/No.10 role behind Lukaku, he will pick up from Kroos/Kante and drive forward, along with Lukaku these two provide us with a serious goal threat, bith on the deck with power and poise and in the air as the crosses keep getting whipped in, Lukaku can hold it up for him so look to bully trhe Utd defenders who aren't the strongest and get the shot away. As I said, crosses will be getting whipped in, so rise early get above the defenders and boom it really should be a goal.
Defend as a team, attack as a team, no passengers today as we look to get off to a flying start.
Captain - Skriniar
Penalties - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Kroos
Corners - Silva
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - G.Jesus for Aarons - 3 at the back, Jesus up top with Lukaku 3412
75 Mins - Buendia for Zaniolo, B.Silva into the No.10 role, Buendia to RW
Winning -
75 Mins - Onyeka for Zaniolo and into midfield to beef it up 451, M.Cash for Aarons
Drawing -
70 Mins - Buendia for Zaniolo, he goes right, Silva to No.10, CAsh for Aarons, new legs down the right to cause problems
75 Mins - Jesus for Silva go with two up top
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Bonucci ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson
--------------------------- D.Luiz --------------------------
---------------- F.de Jong ----- Locatelli ----------------
-- Mahrez ------------------------------------- Mbappe --
-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
N.Pope, Romero, N.Mendes, Bellingham, Grealish, Camavinga, P.Daka
Away to Spurtz on the opening day, cant get much tougher than that!, Neymar gone and a few changes around the xi, but nothing will change in the way we play, our game is based solely on possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate the opposition, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Douglas Luiz 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, 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 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Bastoni and Bonucci, one of the great Italian Centre Backs and his young protégé at the back, Bastoni picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Bonucci their to guide will be spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks. Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time!!, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Luiz sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Luiz is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we cant allow them to dictate play, having a player like Luiz allows more time for Locatelli and de Jong, he must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong & 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 and attacking fullbacks but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple,they have 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. Both mids are essential to our style of play, the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front three and push on, look to receive a pass and drive on. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass they can make up the extra man further forward as Luiz stays and coversr. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Mahrez and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing our two more advanced mids to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into the opposite winger, mids and Haaland so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside(depends what side the attack is from) as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong or Mahrez
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Locatelli, into No.10 role and try and create something
75 Mins - Romero for Bissaka, into a 3 man defence, Robertson to LM, Mbappe up top with Haaland 3412
80 Mins - Grealish to the left, Daka on for Robertson 343 P.Daka - Haaland - Mbappe up top
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Locatelli, same role, fresh legs
85 Mins - N.Mendes for Mbappe more defensive on the left
Drawing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Mahrez, switch with Mbappe, Bellingham for Locatelli, fresh legs
75 Mins - P.Daka for Haaland fresh energy up top
Newcastle 3-4-2-1
——————- Mendy
——— Dias - Konate - Virgil
Porro - Casemiro - Llorente - Shaw
————— Salah - Son
——————— Silva
Subs: Kessie, Olmo, Pedro G (Pote), Naby, Madueke, Zaha, Diaz
Today is all about controlling midfield and playing off the front man, while maintaining defensive balance. Not particularly playing for possession or without just sort of go with the flow.
In our build up and attacking phases we will have our wing backs push very high up the pitch to create width in the first moments of the build up. This will force them to defend in a wider block to cover this threat which in turn will create space centrally for us to exploit and progress the ball. Central defenders will split wide with one of the two deepest central midfielders dropping deep to give a passing option to the man in possession. The use of a central midfielder in this manner is designed to provide a passing option beyond the first line of pressure from the opposition. It’ll allow us to move the ball at angles vertically through the press of the opposition and allowing one of our midfielders to escape the shadow of their midfielders to receive the ball in space.
We will always use a double pivot to act as the base of midfield. These two will provide security in the attacking phase but they will also screen the defensive unit when the opposition are attacking. In using two players in this pivot position we see the versatility to allow one to rotate into advanced positions when in possession while the other retains a deeper position. When in possession you will rarely see these players operating on the same line as one another. Instead, they will tend to be staggered with the ball near player deeper. This allows the ball to be played into the double pivot and then played forward to the second player in the pivot, remember the importance of verticality for each player in possession. Being staggered in their line also allows them to pull the opposition midfielders out of position allowing our attacking midfielders to profit from that.
Verticality is key to our system, it is of paramount importance. Our players will look for the vertical pass in the first instance. Obviously this is not always possible which means some lateral passing will come in, but this is designed only to move the opposition out of position to create vertical passing lanes that will allow the ball to be progressed forward. Our attacking players will play their natural game and take up positions between the lines of the opposition allowing vertical passes to be players into dangerous spaces.
In the final third, in particular, we will look to overload the centre of the field before playing quick vertical passes that bypass the opposition defensive block allowing us to create numerous opportunities on their goal. When the ball is played into our striker, the attacking midfielders are immediately on their bikes going beyond their already stretched defensive line, remembering the role of our wing backs. In moving so many players into high areas of the pitch when in possession of the ball we make it very difficult for the oppositions defensive block. By moving our players in between their defensive lines we create an advanced platform from which we can threaten them.
Defensively we press systematically. Front three as the first line of the press with the attacking midfielders focusing on their deeper centre midfielders. We shift as a block side to side to the side that the focus their play. Wings backs drop into a back five.
Subs
65 mins - Kessie on Casemiro off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Pote on Llorente off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them.
75 mins losing/drawing - Madueke on Silva off. Get behind their defence and move salah up front.
75 mins winning - Naby for Llorente. Calm things a bit.
BRENTFORD v Leeds United
--------------------Simón
Livramento, T. Silva, Guehi, Grimaldo
-------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------James------Sulemana
---------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Laimer, Baumgartner, Mertens, Immobile, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Valentino Livramento 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 Domenico Berardi, James Rodríguez and Kamaldeen Sulemana 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.
Livramento 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 Domenico Berardi and Kamaldeen Sulemana, 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 Berardi, Sulemana & 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 Berardi, James & Sulemana 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 Livramento, Baumgartner on for Sulemana and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Triple substitution - Searing pace from Lamptey, sublime dribbling from Baumgartner and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We play an attacking 4-3-3 with pace in attack and defence to play a high line push the opposition back and dominate possession. Best form of defence is attack and 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. We will play quick but 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, tire the opposition out. Fernandes 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 Pool defence and setting the side up perfectly for Bruno and Mount to find space to create. In front of the defence Rodri is the athletic dm protecting the high energy Cm duo ahead.
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 main man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Marquinhos 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 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 cms 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, the two cms support creating and linking, 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.
——————————— Schmeichel ———————————
Carvajal — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— D.Alaba
————————————— Rodri ————————————
—————— B.Fernandes —— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling —————— L.Martinez ————— S.Mane
Subs. Henderson, Theo.H, Thiago, 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 Pool 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 dm to circulate possession back to their defence.
The wide man on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pool 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 Pool.
When Pool 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 and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Mount. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen and Theo for Mount and Mane. Theo lm, Osimhen up top. 4-4-2. Attacking.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Goretzka box to box and offers a goal threat. Sterling and Theo on the wings, two men up top. Bruno behind.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Goretzka for Carvajal and Osimhen for Mount. Gung ho. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri. More creativity in Cm.
---------------------Neuer
Walker---Maguire---Hernandez---Digne
------------------Jorginho
-----------SMS-------------Foden
Chiesa-----------Kane------------Depay
Meslier
Carlos
Castagne
Adams
Pellegrini
Harrison
Isak
A new season, and a couple of new faces to accompany it. We are handing debuts to summer recruits Harry Maguire and Lucas Digne in defence, in the knowledge that they will strengthen us in their positions, and add good balance to the defensive areas, which were our weak points last season. I have opted for the tried and trusted 4-3-3 for today, though the possibility to transition into a 4-2-3-1 in attacking scenarios does present itself, with Foden pushing up and operating as a 10. In midfield, Jorginho starts, fresh off an impressive summer away with Italy, and will be hoping that some star performances for Leeds can snag him a Ballon d’Or, and even if not, we are at least guaranteed some penalty goals. I believe an attack of Chiesa, Kane, and Depay is amongst the best in the league, and hopefully that tells with goals today. I want us to play an attacking system, getting the ball deep and moving it forward as quickly as possible. In defence, I want to see three touches maximum, to restrain players from dallying on the ball. This quick movement of possession suits a number of our players, also.
We set up with a flat back four today, but I want to see dynamism provided by the FBs. In Digne and Walker we have players who want to get up and down the flanks, and so we will allow them. Jorginho will sit in front of the defence, so that we have an extra body back, allowing for our FBs to express themselves further forward. This is important, as both Chiesa and Depay will want to cut inside, so with the added support of Digne and Walker on the overlaps, we should have better width and balance to our attacking options. Covering these vacancies will be key, so I want to see Jorginho operating in a line across the defence, pushing into wide areas to support the press where necessary. Hernandez is a defender with a bit more pace, so hopefully this will allow us to cover for Maguire’s lack of pace. In dfeensive duels, I want to see Maguire marking the opposition striker, sticking close to them, and trying to dominate physically, whilst Hernandez will foil for him, operating as the sweeper defender, looking to mop up loose balls and covering the space in behind Maguire. Digne and Walker are also energetic options at FB, so will hopefully be able to swiftly back into position, aided by the time bought by our high press.
In attacking areas, we have many options for mixing up the approach play, which makes it difficult for Brentford to know exactly how to set-up to stop us. Naturally, Kane will be the focal point for the attacks, but in Depay and Chiesa we have players that are very dangerous in their own right. Both will primarily look to cut inside, allowing for us to triple-up on the opposition CBs, with Depay and Chiesa looking to use their pace and skill to get beyond Kane, who can operate as much as a creator as he can as a goalscorer. With Digne and Walker pushing out wide, we should still be able to peg their FBs out into the wide positions, with high intensity play, thus creating an overload on their defence. Foden should also push up, and can add his body into either wide scenario, or through the middle, wherever another option is needed, and this unpredictability allows for him to be difficult to mark and deal with. SMS will be operating as a more conventional B2B midfielder, and will push forward to contribute to attacks in central areas, but will largely stick to outside-the-box play, mopping up loose balls and helping us recycle the possession. Digne and Walker will be looking for Kane when they cross the ball into the box, but with Chiesa, Depay and Foden all potentially lurking, we should have plenty of players looking to pick up the second balls, which will probably be key to getting the goals.
When possession is lost in the advanced areas, a high press must be quickly engaged. Here we will operate as a 2-3-2-3, with Digne and Walker in a line with Jorginho, sticking to the opposition wide-men as soon as they can, and Foden and SMS operating as a pressing pivot in front of them. The first part of the press will be operated by the attacking trident, with Depay and Chiesa picking up the opposition FBs, using their pace and intensity to press these positions, whilst Kane targets the opposition CBs. Part of the aim here is to hold up the play long enough for us to get into our defensive shape, but if we force them into mistakes then that is also a plus. SMS and Foden will press their CDM and 8, switching who presses who so that we can try and maintain energy levels, and not allowing them time and space in the middle of the field. Jorginho, when in shape, will look to harry and harass their number 10. When the ball is won back, we quickly adopt our attacking shape, and use quick movement to get the ball back into attacking positions straight away.
Substitutions
Lorenzo Pellegrini on for Phil Foden 65 mins
Fresh legs in the middle, to prevent us being overrun in this area.
If winning
Carlos on for Chiesa 75 mins
Switch to a 3-5-2 formation, with Carlos playing CB, and Depay moving into a more central position to support Kane. This allows us to get more width from our WBs, but gives us the extra body defensively to cope with their attacking moves.
Castagne on for Walker 80 mins
Fresh legs in a key position.
If losing/drawing
Alexander Isak on for Jorginho 75 mins
Switch to a 4-2-4, with Pellegrini and SMS operating as the engine room, whilst Isak goes up top to support Kane.
------------------ R.Sanchez -----------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
L.Messi --------- S.Aguero ------- T.Werner
Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, P.Torres, R.Neves, L.Sane, J.Sancho, K.Havertz
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Messi
Penalties: Messi
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
Game day! After basking in the glory of last season's success the boys return revitalised and refreshed as we bid for more glory. Keen not to rest on our laurels we bring in a couple of new additions with Messi and Pogba straight into the starting line up as we look to get off to a flyer against a strong Chelsea side.
Tactically we make a slight tweak as we felt we were at times a bit too defensive last season. Central to our success will be our midfield as we go with the perfectly balanced trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho. We look to dominate this area of the field, allowing us to play on the front foot, retaining possession and dictating the play.
With a midfield bursting with creativity it is only right that we have an attack which can flourish from the world class service. In this regard step forward the man, the myth, the legend, the one and only Lionel Messi. Stationed at RF he has license to do what he does best, score, create and generally just run riot with the fans off their seat whenever he's on the ball. Centrally we have the predator Aguero ready to bury any chances that fall his way with the rapid Werner on the other flank giving us a triple threat attack.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence. Out go the marauding full backs that could potentially leave us exposed, instead we have a solid defensive structure. The French duo of Pavard and Mendy are two of the best defensive full backs around whilst De Ligt and Ramos form a watertight CB duo.
As always we retain a flexible tactical shape, attacking 4-3-3 in possession whilst out of possession De Bruyne and Pogba drop in sitting alongside Fabinho in a balanced three.
-------------- Sanchez
Pavard - De Ligt - Ramos - Mendy
De Bruyne - Fabinho - Pogba
L.Messi -- S.Aguero -- Werner
We sit deep taking away any space in behind our defence which will limit the pace of their attack. It will also draw the opposition onto us higher up the pitch creating plenty of space for us to exploit on our devastating counter attacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Ramos will mark. Master of the dark arts he's strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game with the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho 'the lighthouse' will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
De Bruyne and Pogba speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a world class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.
They'll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal.
Forwards:
The trio of Messi, Aguero and Werner is too unfair on the rest. We will have the best creator in the world, the best dribbler in the world and the best scorer in the world.
And ON TOP of that we'll still have Aguero and Werner!
All three bring different qualities to the table or should I say, countless problems for the opposition to contend with.
We want to create a fluidness in attack. A dynamic fluid interchanging frontline with players free to roam, when they do others will take up space they have vacated causing real difficulty for the opposition to employ any sort of man marking tactic.
Messi has the greatest freedom to roam, if he drifts infield then KDB will operate on the right whipping balls in from the channel. If Messi pushes up top then Aguero will sit in the hole, KDB roaming in the right channel with Pogba and Fabinho covering central midfield. We have an abundance of options which the opposition will simply struggle to cover.
When up top we want Aguero to be the fox in the box, pouncing on any opportunity that falls his way. Werner will use his pace on the other flank, his runs in behind are one of his best strengths, stretching their defence and then looking for Aguero in the box, Messi coming in from the other flank or a cut back to De Bruyne or Pogba on the edge of the box. Goals, goals, goals will be the order of the day.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Pogba off off, Neves on. Dual DM's sitting in front of our defence with KDB as AM.
70 mins: Aguero off, P.Torres on. Tighten up defensively by moving to a back five. Messi playing off Werner as we pick them off on the break.
85 mins: Werner off, Havertz on. 5-4-1 as we see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Aguero & Werner off. Sancho & Sane off. Double trouble as we move Messi to CF with the rapid Sancho and Sane either side to exploit Chelsea's tiring legs.
85 mins: Pogba off, Havertz on. Messi & Havertz up top as push for the winner.
If losing:
60 mins: Werner off, Sancho on. Extra creativity.
70 mins: Aguero off, Havertz on.
80 mins: Ferland off, Sane off. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
ARSENAL vs. Watford
--------------------- Onana ------------------
Hakimi ---- Kounde --- Tapsoba ---- Chilwell
------------ T. Partey --- Paqueta --------------
B. Saka ----------- Dybala ------- Aubameyang
----------------- Calvert-Lewin -------------------
Subs: Maignan, Pereira, Gabriel, Ginter, Alba, Smith Rowe, N. Pepe
Onana – The Ajax stopper is one of the best in the world at playing out from the back. In possession he the back four and CMs to pass into, he also has some tall forwards to aim at if he goes long, the hold up of Calvert-Lewin or the pace of Saka and Aubameyang either side.
Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Watford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has Saka who likes to come inside with the ball ahead of him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. On overlap he has one of the best final balls around, capable of scoring himself or picking out three brilliant finishers in that box of Dybala, Calvert-Lewin and Aubameyang.
Kounde – One of the best young central defenders around, Kounde has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Watford today.
Tapsoba – Tapsoba has been brilliant when placed alongside calm defenders, so we have prepared the perfect environment for him today. Chilwell as an outlet ahead of him and Aubameyang as a longer outball. Equally he can carry the ball further himself, through the middle and work with the CMs. He’s also extremely strong and tall and will partner well with Kounde from a defensive point of view.
Chilwell - Finished last season as one of the best left backs on the planet. He will offer the outlet out of defence, an overlap to Aubameyang who will cut inside when in possession. Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Watford can throw at us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking quartet ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Hakimi the attacking freedom. Partey has played at right back before so this is well suited. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Watford.
Paqueta - Lucas has been a top quality player in the last 12 months, really developing at Lyon and becoming an influential part of the Brazil national team midfield. He’s a great box to box player, but for this game he should keep the ball ahead of him for the most part. When the opportunity presents he can play a 1-2 with Dybala or the wide players to work his way into the box to become an additional attacking threat. Crucially he has the legs to get back though and prioritise the defensive side of his game.
Dybala – One of the best players in Serie A, Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He will be our most forward thinking of our midfield trio, playing as a support striker if you like. He has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has a hold up striker he can play off and either side of him he has pace and wingers who want to cut in and full backs who want to overlap, he will be the conductor.
Saka – A player with a huge workrrate coupled with pace and a clinical edge, the perfect player to play in a final and to play on the break. Coupled with the others in our front three, we have a huge amount to handle for Watford. Saka should work well with Hakimi as he can defend too at times, allowing Hakimi that creative freedom. He’s also a teammate of Partey and between that trio we have a very well balanced right side.
Aubameyang – Quick in transition, deadly in this left zone when allowed to come inside. The threat of the Chilwell overlap and Aubameyang cutting in makes the left channel almost impossible to defend for Watford. Both players will then be looking for Dybala and Calvert-Lewin in the box – two lethal finishers.
Calvert-Lewin – With pace around him, DCL can be the target man, offering another dimension of attack. We’ve seen how strong he is and how well he can both hold it up and finish chances with his head. Chilwell and Hakimi will be overlapping and crossing lots, they can mix up the delivery, aerially to DCL and more of cutbacks with Dybala, Auba, Saka, Paqueta.
SUBS
If winning
After 60 – Smith Rowe for Aubameyang - more ball retention and fresh threat.
If drawing/losing
After 60 – Smith Rowe for Paqueta - more of a 433
After 80 (all scenarios) – Pepe for Saka
MAN UNITED vs city
----------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile-----------
-----------------------Tchoucameni------Valverde------------------------
Dest----------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------Raphinha----------Kean---------Lang--------------------
Subs - Gulasci, J Gomez, Curtis Jones, Kulusevski, Wirtz, Bailey, Martinelli
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - RAPHINHA
PENALTIES - KEAN
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 Badiashile will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. 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
Dest and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Fofana 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 use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to 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..
Defence Mids
Tchoucameni + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Tchoucameni will be the midfield destroyer. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. Valverde will be the b2b engine who will be given the freedom to attack. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. 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. When out of possession drop deep next to Tchoucameni and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Raphinha + Noa 'Clubber' Lang
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Lang will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Kean to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Moise Kean
The Italian Stallion will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Tchoucameni and Martinelli for Lang 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. Bailey on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Badiashile----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Dest----------------------------------------------------------------------Sesseg
--------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------------
-----------Bailey-----------------Kean------------Martinelli------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Lang and put on Curtis Jones in CM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Martinelli for Raphinha.
--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile--------
Dest------------------Valverde----------Tchou---------------------Sess
--------------------------------------Jones---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Martinelli--------------Kean----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Raphinha
Martinelli on for Kean
Wirtz on for Valverde
Community shield vs Spurs
In your face Possession 4-3-3
We play a high tempo 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is attack and 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. Importantly we have great pace in attack, with wingers that will provide width and stretching the game and giving the midfield ball players the space to dominate. 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. Felix 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.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Spurs defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play. In front of the defence Rice and Thiago are the perfect two for the possession, play with Felix playing as attacking Cm with freedom to drift. Everyone in their best position, in a formation and system that suits everyone playing their natural positions.
Spurs have the upper hand with player quality assuming Messi starts, but tactically this can hinder them trying to fit him in. Outwide he’s not at his best anymore, even when there at a younger age he had the swashbuckling Alves providing width and creating space for him. So they’ll lack width if he does play, we defend narrow. We also know from 15 years with Argentina he doesn’t link well with Aguero, deal with Messi with a narrow tight defence and Aguero is dealt with. Messi and KdB also play in very much the same spaces. So we know we will defend narrow, with a dm inside. So if they have Messi at 10, then we could be in trouble but we then defend in narrow tight formation and will worry about him, but at least KdB wouldn’t hurt us from deeper taking away a lot of his threat. Then there’s just the other handful of players TAB could play.
In defence Rice drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rice 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.
Marquinhos the man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Alaba 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 quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing, one twos 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.
——————————— Henderson ———————————
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Alaba — Gvardiol
———————— Thiago.A —— D.Rice—————————
————————————Joao Felix —————
—————————————————————————————
Gnabry ——————— Osimhen ————— S.Mane
Subs. Schmeichel, Carvajal, Agoume, Szoboszlai, K.Gordon, J.Pedro
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 Spurs 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 Rice 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.
Osimhen 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 Felix) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Spurs 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 Spurs.
When Spurs get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Szoboszlai for Felix.
After 75 mins bring on Carvajal for Vanderson. Fresh energy and experience.
After 80 mins bring on Kaide Gordon for Gnabry.
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We play an attacking 4-3-3 with pace in attack and defence to play a high line push the opposition back and dominate possession. Best form of defence is attack and 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. We will play quick but 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, tire the opposition out. Fernandes the exception as we give him freedom to play more direct balls from deeper areas.
We know they have a strong central defence, so we look to stretch them and get at them down the wings. Key to our gameplan is our high tempo, which will come naturally to the hard working players throughout the team.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Toon defence. We defend high up the pitch, if they past this we stick to the 433 shape, the 8 behind narrowing to the side of play. The front three stay high up the park, with the wingers staying high and wide. We don’t worry about their fbs attacking and let them worry about us winning the ball and attacking at pace. We have 8 strong defenders behind.
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 main man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Marquinhos 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 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 cms 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, the two cms support creating and linking, 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.
——————————— Alisson ———————————
R.James —— Militao —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————Rodri —— Goretzka ——————
——————————— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
R.Sterling ————L.Martinez ————— D.Jota
Subs. Stones, Palhinha, Bruno.F, Hudson-Odoi, Cunha
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 Pool 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 dm to circulate possession back to their defence.
The wide man on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pool 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 Pool.
When Pool 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 65 mins bring on Bruno for Mount.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Hudson Odoi for Jota. Move Sterling left.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Palhinha for Rodri.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Bruno for Goretzka.
If drawing or losing after 72 mins bring on Stones and Cunha for James and Theo. 3-5-2
Watford: Week 2 (Home to Newcastle)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
--------------Júnior
Dodô--Fuchs—Wilmot---Abner
--------------Assunção
---------Pyerre----Igor
Veron---------------------Paulinho
---------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Pereira, Collins, Danilo, De Paula, Ricardinho, 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. Pyerre and Igor will play just in front of Assunção. Pyerre will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Igor will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Paulinho 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 Igor, Pyerre 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 Pyerre may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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: Pyerre, Paulinho or Veron with Fuchs, Wilmot, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Wilmot, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for Pyerre, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Ricardinho for Pyerre and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Ricardinho offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Assunção
Ricardinho---Igor---Paulinho
--------Núñez---Evanilson
Watford: Week 3 (Home to Chelsea)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-------------Brenno
Dodô--Fuchs—Ruan---Abner
------------Assunção
------Matheus----Pyerre
Henrique---------------Paulinho
--------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Collins, 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: Brenno 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. Matheus and Pyerre will play just in front of Assunção. Matheus 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 Henrique and Paulinho 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, Matheus 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 Matheus 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: Matheus, Paulinho or Henrique with Fuchs, Ruan, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Ruan, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for Matheus, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Matheus and Evanilson for Henrique. 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---Paulinho
--------Núñez---Evanilson
Watford: Week 4 (Away to Man City)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice-Captain: Júnior
--------------Júnior
Dodô--Fuchs--Ruan---Abner
------Assunção--Matheus
----------------Igor
Henrique--------------Paulinho
---------------Núñez
SUBS: Brenno, Ngakia, Wilmot, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Ward-Prowse). In front of them Igor 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 Igor 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 Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Henrique and Paulinho 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 Igor, 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 Igor 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: Igor, Paulinho or Henrique with Fuchs, Ruan, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Wilmot for Fuchs, Danilo for Assunção and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Ward-Prowse with Evanilson and Henrique 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---Igor---Paulinho
----Evanilson --Núñez
Leeds vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injuries:
Stefano Turati
Owen Wijndal
Samuele Ricci
Francisco Trincao
Clocking up the miles in the opening stages of the season as we play the 2nd of our away games double-header. Narrow defeat last time out vs a top Newcastle side so whilst it’s hard to be pleased after a loss there are signs there to be encouraged with.
Slight change of system today as we go to a 4-3-3, Lubo likes to set-up generally with a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 so we’ll look to match him up in midfield and use our superior quality in that department to get a foothold in the game, boss the midfield and boss the game.
Football is a simple game, made difficult by it’s tacticians trying to over-complicate things and over-think things, we want to keep it simple, decent ball retention play the percentage passes and trust not only your own instincts but your team mates ability. So yes there will be short sharp one touch football, there will also be nice passing triangle where we keep the ball for longer spells taking the energy out of Leed’s legs and when the need or opportunity arises we’ll hit the long diagonals to stretch them out, it’s those bursts that will keep leeds on the back foot, “pass,pass,pass,pass, slow it down, slow them down and then bang go through the gears”
………………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Semedo…………………….Koulibaly…………Milenkovic…………Spinazzola
……………………………………………Busquets…………………………
………………………..Verratti……………………….Wijnaldum………………..
Bale……………………………………Ronaldo……………………………..Neymar
Subs: Pickford, Romagnoli, Soumare, Doku, Insigne, Griezmann, Vlahovic
We’ve picked a side that’s jam packed with players amongst the very best in their respective positions, we’ll hold the ball and dominate possession, take the sting out of the game and play at our pace, we have enough experience in that side to master the dark arts and game management as required.
Gigi is a pure beast and he fills the goal, a daunting prospect for anyone to face, and an opponent that Walker/maguire/Foden and Kane will remember for some reason that currently escapes me . Quick off his line and pretty agile for such a big man, anything that comes into the vicinity of his 6 yard box he’s claiming (not even el Diego could out-jump him) ball to feet just keep it simple, all of our side are comfortable with ball to feet.
The defensive unit has that blend of pace, power and experience, individually they may be missing that name or two, but in reality it’d work as they compliment each others strengths.
Semedo has his critics, but you don’t play 21 games for Portugal and over 120 times for Barcelona if you’re no good, defensively can switch off, but has bags of pace to help cover that weakness, will look to run the line and support the attack, he has Bale ahead of him, we all know Bales cuts inside so as he does that taking a FB with him, Nelson is given more freedom to operate in. defensively it’s the generic, don’t dive in, show him the line (if you can) etc etc.
Spinazzola announced himself on the world scene with a top, top quality European championships, Like Semedo he has bags of pace and a fantastic engine, he’ll be a B2B full-back, and like on the other flank, Neymar will come inside so Spina will have the freedom of that flank.
Koulibaly is the free man in the middle, a pure specimen, cool calm and collected. If the Am wriggles free then he’s Kouli’s man. Milenkovic at 6ft5 is the muscle, will be a second skin for Kane, hit him hard on his touch and just make him uncomfortable, Kanes a very hands on striker so be wary of him going down quicker than Lubo for a lollipop. Any crosses coming into the box, Milenkovic is first man, Kouli is 2nd ball.
The midfield trident is up for a battle today as I think this is Leeds strongest hand, but if they play like they did in week 1, then we can get right into them. Jorgy is a very good DLP but defensively he’s not always the strongest so with Wij playing as our B2B we want him running him, we’ve targeted this as a key 1v1 that we can win. Jorgy won’t be backed up much by SMS and Foden as neither have that discipline or work-rate so that becomes a 2v2 up against Busquets and Verratti and it’s a match-up we expect to come out on top of.
Wij – B2B, pass and move, make those late runs into the box/edge of the box – we all know he has goals in him.
Busquets – Anchor man/deep lying playmaker, one of the best in the world at both roles, recently dominated Jorgy in a midfield battle at the Euros, he has his number.
Verratti – A bit of a hybrid for us, can do it all, and so very often does, can collect from deep and drive it forwards, might only be a midget but he’s not shy of putting his boot in (and leaving it in)
as you can see that’s a solid midfield unit and it will nullify Leeds, might make the game a scrappy one as we both look to dominate, But scrappy suits us because…….
In a tight game, that can go either way you need that bit of magic on your side, Leeds carry magic out-wide but Kane needs to be fed and we can starve him. Our trident can all hurt either through individual brilliance or through nice inter-play
Bale and Neymar are inside forwards, coming in off the flank to cause carnage, I’ve already told you that Leeds midfields out-gunned so they don’t have the numbers to double up on these two without leaving someone else clear, and that’s where we hold the cards, you cant leave them free so you move a CB to “double-up” fine you then leave the man they call Ronaldo in a 1v1, Game set and match.
Subs 65 mins.
After a high energy leg sapping hour of football, we give Leeds a new problem.
Doku > Bale – bigger,faster,stronger and even more direct, Digne is in for a busy final 25
Insigne > Neymar – just being voted the best LW in the world, Lorenzo is on to torment Walker again
Griezmann > Ronaldo – More of a false 9 I guess, but the interplay between him and Insigne would be good to see
LIVERPOOL vs Brentford
Injuries:
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Rafael Leao
Denzel Dumfries
Adama Traore
Likely coming into this game after a loss to Leicester, and facing a buoyant Honeybees side that just saw off Leeds last week, makes for an interesting match-up. Both sides are hit with key injuries so fingers crossed home advantage gets us over the line today.
…………………………………………..Lloris………………………….
Dumfries……………Varane……………..Botman…………..Trippier
……………………………..Tonali………….McKennie…………………….
James……………………….Belotti…………..Icardi…………….Neto
Subs: Trubin, Ait Nouri, Ake, Willock, Cajuste, Kelechi, Leao
We’re going 4-2-4 and playing a very fast paced, direct passing game, no little interchanges from us today as we’re roared on from a partisan home crowd, get the ball down, hit it into the spaces, let our wingers stretch the honeybees defence and get the ball into the box at any given opportunity. I know that sounds easy, but it is, we have wide players with good delivery and two clinical strikers, what could possibly go wrong?
Lloris is a very good keeper and brings a wealth of experience to our side, tall and commanding will marshal the troops and his box ball to feet, look to hit it long whenever the pass is on, trust the front-four to bring it down…. If that’s not on then go shorter, don’t just give the ball back to brentford.
Our back-line is up there in my opinion with the better sides in the league,
Dumfries comes in as our flying RB, he’s an assist merchant and just earned a move to perhaps the most disliked side in Italy.. I’m now gonna have to stifle my boos every time he tees up a goal. Quick and strong will be a great asset for us today, running the overlaps and banging in crosses.
Trippier switches flank and will look to hit balls into the box from deeper positions, hes accurate from further out which gives us a variety of angles to hit Brentford from but it serves another purpose in that he doesn’t have to advance as high up the pitch, so our left flank is always pretty protected in that respect.
Varane and Botman give us the left/right combo that seems to be so desirable, both clear 6ft comfortably so any high balls into the mixer we can deal with, both are good with ball to feet as well as so we have that central area locked down. Varane is the brains and Botman the muscle… Sven is the first ball and Varane the 2nd.
Tonali and McKennie are the double pivot today. Sandro will be the anchor and ball player, our tactics and aim to hit hard and fast mean we only need him deep, has a great range of passes with both feet, so he can hit our various runners from differing angles, keep mixing it up like Tom Brady and keep Brentford guessing. Brentford have a high energy midfield so as they press he can dink it over them. If and when they learn and drop off then our intensity drops too as he and Weston stroke it about again, once Brentford resume to press (which they will) then we go back to the default set-up.
McKennie is the muscle in the B2B role today, strong athletic player with an eye for goal will be a good outlet for us today as he drives forwards with ball to feet trying to break the lines.
James is a pure pace merchant, that and his trickery in 1v1’s is crucial today as he looks to beat his man and put crosses into the box, he’s backed up nicely by Dumfries on that flank, so the cut inside is always an option, I know he plays LW and uses his right but we’re not going inside forwards here we want the play stretched out so he’s on this flank. From a standing start there’s not many quicker so if he’s being jockeyed by the FB and the overlaps not forthcoming then try the knock and run.
Pedro “future goat” Neto is on the left flank, quick and direct with a left peg that Messi would be proud of, is a pure winger today as well, he won’t have the same level of support from Trippier that James has but he’s got all the tricks in the book to work himself an angle to showcase his skills. More than capable of dismantling a defence on his own but today he has 2 of the best strikers going for him to play in and feed off.
Belotti and Icardi – The rooster and the party boy, sounds more like some kind of male stripping duo but they’re predatory skills are second to none. Belotti is the powerful hardworking target man, he’ll harass and harry the Brentford defence, not giving them a chance to settle on the ball. Icardi is the fox in the box, pretty quick and with good movement, we’ll bank on him just drifting off a step or two to find a pocket of space to operate in and then pull the trigger.
Subs 65 mins:
Cajuste > McKennie – a more physical presence in the engine room
Kelechi > Belotti – like for like
Leao > James – like for like
-------------------- Ederson ------------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
L.Messi --------- K.Havertz ------- J.Sancho
Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, P.Torres, Neves, L.Sane, Werner, Cavani
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Messi
Penalties: Messi
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
Cracking opening day win and we look to follow that up with another victory over the Mourinho of the sports gaming world aka Fan.
City are a decent side with some top players in a couple of positions, we sense that fan is yet to work out their best line up as they remain a work a progress albeit heading in the right direction. Spurs on the only hand have now become a well drilled winning machine. The winning formula remains the same however we make a couple of tweaks from the previous line up with young stars Havertz and Sancho making their first starts of the season.
Havertz goes up top, the German whizkid is really beginning to shine after being a stand out player for ze Germans at the Euro's and of course his match winning performance in the CL final. He offers the perfect outlet due to his size and technical ability, great at holding the ball up he also offers exquisite link up play which we will crucial in taking apart the opposition.
From past experience City have been known to play a back three and if they do so today they will be in big trouble as we play with a high front three. Messi and Sancho are both devastating in one on ones and with the pace, flair and finishing ability of our front three we could have them on toast.
The midfield trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho are of course the main protagonists of today's show. City pride themselves on having one of the best midfield doubles in the league, well we intend to show them what the leagues best trio look like.
We know already that if we can bypass the machine that is Kante we can cause them problems and we have the perfect men for the job. Whilst he's capable of covering two men, De Bruyne and Pogba are not any mere mortals. We look to bypass Kante with our range of passing, our forward push up high allowing plenty of space for KDB and Pogba to drift to the right and left of midfield respectively. Draw Kante onto one of them and a sprayed crossfield ball to the open man in space takes him out of the game, meaning that at all times we will have atleast one of KDB or Pogba free to play that killer final pass to our front trio.
Out of possession we sit deep, KDB and Pogba dropping in alongside Fabinho with our fullbacks sitting in alongside our CB's. We give them no space to get in behind our defence and set ourselves up perfectly to spring on the counter as soon as we win back possession.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We all know Lukaku is a flat track bully who rarely turns up in the big games so he'll likely spend most of the game in Ramos' pocket. Our other CB will act as cover in behind however if they play two up top then De Ligt will crucify Jesus.
Our fullbacks will sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
De Bruyne and Pogba speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a world class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.
As outlined above once we bypass Kante we feel we can have a lot of joy. Kroos doesn't really have the legs to cover space defensively and we feel we have too much for any other their other CM's.
Both KDB & Pogba possess a great strike from range so if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal. As always Messi will be buzzing around the final third looking for that slide rule ball to tuck home.
Forwards:
Slight tweak up top, we've already given Havertz his grand introduction whilst Sancho is a pure goal and assist machine. As good as Aguero and Werner are we feel the two youngsters fit much better in the possession game which is needed away from home, retain the ball, subdue the home crowd, move the opposition out of shape and score goals.
Playing with a false 9 also allows us to get the best out of Messi. Playing at RF he has freedom to roam, spellbinding their defence as he moves. He can push up into the dangerous CF role with Havertz dropping deeper alongside Pogba and De Bruyne drifting to the right and whipping in balls from the channel.
In attack we want to move the ball at pace, quick one two's in and around the box will open up the opposition to devastating affect. Sancho will look to use his pace and skill on the flank, taking on the opposition, stretching their defence and then looking for Havertz in the box, Messi coming in from the other flank or a cut back to De Bruyne or Pogba on the edge of the box. Goals, goals, goals will be the order of the day.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Pogba off off, Neves on. Dual DM's sitting in front of our defence with KDB as AM.
80 mins: Havertz off, Sane on. Tighten up defensively as we move to 4-5-1 to see out the win. Messi up top.
If drawing:
75 mins: Havertz & Sancho off. Cavani & Sane on. We push for the winner. Cavani offering a threat both aerially and on the ground as a proper number 9 with Sane offering blistering pace to exploit their tiring legs.
If losing:
60 mins: Havertz off, Cavani on.
75 mins: Ferland & Pogba off, Werner & Sane off. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Havertz will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
---------------- Ederson -------------------
Pavard -- De Ligt -- S.Ramos -- Ferland
Sancho - Fabinho -- De Bruyne - Pogba
------------------ Messi --------------------
GK – Ramsdale
FB – Reguilon
CB - P.Torres
CM - Neves
WG – Sane
CF - Cavani
----------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Lorenzo ------ Skriniar ------ S.deVrij ------ Tierney
-------------------------- Kante --------------------------
----------------- B.Silva ------- T.Kroos ----------------
Buendia --------------------------------------- A.Gouiri
------------------------- Lukaku --------------------------
Areola, Coady, Gosens, Prowse, Dembele, Watkins, G.Jesus
We have two powerful CBs that defend the lines with everything they have, their job is to stop the striker getting any chances or at least any easy chances, they stay as a pair, they stay solid, they let nothing passed, Skriniar man marks the striker, de Vrij supports him, clear everything, both clear first ask questions later, when in possession they can pass it out wide to fullbacks or to the midfielders ahead of them.
When we attack, All action Kante is a very important part of this formation, he sits in front of the two CBs, sometimes right in between them forming a 3 man back line, this allows Di Lorenzo and Tierney to attack, they can both go at the same time, we want to really have a go and if this means we have numbers going forward then so be it, we want to hit them with numbers and plenty of pace, The fullbacks drive down the line, which ever side it is use Kroos/B.Silva to get round defenders, quick one/twos, play the triangles to get up and beyond them, then they have Beundia and Gouiri as well the further afield they get, this is quick football, no messing today, once they are in space look to play it into Buendia and Gouiri or fire in a cross which will see plenty of numbers in the danger area to aim for as Kroos/Silva, opposite winger and Fullback will be their waiting and obvs the main man Lukaku will be there to do what he does best, Kroos and B.Silva are the heart beat of the team, most will go through them, fullbacks will use them to go round players as will wingers, their job is to make sure the run these players make isn't gone to waste as they play the ball into space for them to drive into, always available for the pass and will make the dangerous runs into the box to get on the end of the cross coming in.They both have great shots from distance as wlell so don't be afraid to have a pop at goal. Lukaku always stays as No.9, he is a beast in the nicest of ways, he can be played in, he will shrug defenders off, can take them on, also, as crosses come in a very good chance he will win the header. If he cannot go for goal, hold it up, there will be players driving in from all angles, he just has to pick the right one out. For corners and set pieces lets pile pressure on them, we have plenty of power and heght with the CBs, Kroos in the danger area.
When defending Kante's primary role in front of the defence or in the heart of it, he is there to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. We do go 4141 when defending our attacking fullbacks become proper fullbacks as they flit back into defence, again plenty numbers and easy transition from our attacking formation, the four more attacking midfielders make a bank of 4, they make this line and keep focussed on the job ahead then it should be fine, harass them when they have the ball, look to make them play stupid misplaced passes so we can gather the ball and break with pace. Lukaku harasses and bullies the back line of the opposition and defends from the front, we give them little time all over the park and hopefully win the ball back to start our attacking transition
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Free Kicks - Kroos
Pens - Lukaku
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Watkins and G.Jesus for Buendia and Gouiri, we go more direct playing a 4213 formation and fcus on driving through the middle instead of wide
75 Mins - Prowse for Kroos a bit more energy and drive in the centre
Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for B.Silva, slot in and more defensive cover
85 Mins - Gosens for Gouiri
Drawing -
65 Mins - G.Jesus for Gouiri, Dembele for Buendia new legs
75 Mins - Watkins for B.Silva 424
Red Card
Martinez - Areola on Buendia off
Di Lorenzo - Gosens for Buendia, switch with Tierney
Tierney - Gosens for Buendia,
CB - Coady on for Buendia
Kante/Kroos - Prowse on for Buendia
Silva - nothing
Buendia/Gouiri - Silva move across
Lukaku - G.Jesus for Buendia
When Buendia comes off, B.Silva move to the right 4-4-1
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Tactics
Page 37 of 70
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posted on 13/6/21
Newcastle 4-3-3 / 2-3-5
_____________Navas
Trent_____Dias______VVD_____Kostic
____________Casemiro
_______Llorente_____Gundogan
Salah_________Andre___________Son
Subs: Koke, Tomori, Fabian, Eriksen, Olmo, Coman, 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_____Kostic
Salah__Llorente___Gundogan____Son
_______________Andre______________
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 - Koke on Gundogan off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Eriksen on Llorente off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.
75 mins losing/drawing - Raul on Andre off. Better presence up top.
75 mins winning - Fabian on Llorente off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.
posted on 13/6/21
All action 4-3-3
We play a 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is attack and them not having the ball. We know they’ve dangerous front men, but their work shy and so we look to play attacking, with a high line, and press high up the park. Exploit the space behind their front 3 with our pace and high energy to get at their defence, we have some of the best defenders out to deal with their threat. Limit their chances on the ball and when they do get on the ball they’ll more often be far from goal and have it all to do.
We have a great mix of physicality and technical ability in midfield, but more importantly we’ve got ball playing defenders which is critical for a possession game, that and pace up top to stretch the opposition. The wingers stay high and wide in the first two thirds of the park.
Tino likes to mix it up, so we focus on our own all action possession game, an all signing all dancing energy approach fit for a final to entertain. Frustrate Portsmouth by keeping the ball, we know Tino will love an excuse to shout at Busquets and Neymar who are sure to play.
As you’d expect possession always starts with the defence and 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. One fb gets forward at a time.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Pompey’s defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play.
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 Pompey quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing and moving to find space in between the opposition lines. Using the pace of our wingers and fbs (one forward at a time) to create space in attack.
We have 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. Mount supports creating and linking the play, Fernandes gets in and around the box looking for the final ball or shooting.
Positional structure and technical ability 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 —— Alaba
————————————— Rodri ————————————
—————— B.Fernandes —— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling —————— L.Martinez ————— Gnabry
Subs. Henderson, Theo, R.James, Thiago, Felix, Bale, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose possession 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 and where they can’t hurt us. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
As Pompey advance into higher areas 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 (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, force Pompey backwards. With two forwards left up this is where we look to press the opposition into mistakes and win the ball in high areas.
When Tino’s boys 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 and power up top. And height for defending and attacking set pieces.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Thiago for Mount. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Bale for Sterling, fresh pace and big game player. More height to defend and attack set pieces.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Theo for Alaba. More attacking lb and fresh pace.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Mount.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Bale for Sterling.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri. Thiago to dm. More attacking and control.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Bale for Carvajal. 3 at back with Alaba 3rd cb. Bale plays left wing, Sterling right.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Sterling. Gnabry to right wing.
pens:
1. Bruno Fernandes - pk king
2. Marquinhos - big game player and leader
3. Lautaro - our talisman
4. Gnabry - big game player and German
5. Bale - big game player
6. Alaba - big game player and as good as German
7. Osimhen / Felix / Theo
posted on 10/8/21
Watford (Away to Arsenal) Week 1
Captain: Assunção
Vice Captain: Ruan
---------------- Júnior
Khellven---Fuchs---Ruan---Abner
-------Assunção---Pyerre
------------------Igor
Henrique------------------Paulinho
----------------Darwin
SUBS: Brenno, Lewis, Kaique, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very agile. 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. One goes forward and one stays back. 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 into the stands. 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 gameplan 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 (Pyerre). 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 Igor 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’, Pyerre will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor 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 easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Paulinho 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 Igor, Pyerre and Darwin 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 Pyerre may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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.
Darwin 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 size and strength 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: Igor, Henrique or Paulinho with Fuchs, Ruan and Pyerre to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Pyerre (with his thunderbolt) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Darwin, Paulinho, Assunção
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Kaique for Ruan, Veron for Henrique and Evanilson for Darwin.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Pyerre with Veron and Henrique with Evanilson. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
-------------Assunção
Veron------- Igor----------Paulinho
------Evanilson---Darwin
posted on 11/8/21
Newcastle vs WOLVES
Injuries:
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Leonardo Spinazzola
Josh Doig
Ki-jana However
……………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Semedo……………..Koulibaly……….Romagnoli………..Wijndal
…………………………….Busquets…………….Verratti………………
Neymar……………………………Griezmann……………….Insigne
………………………………………….Ronaldo………………………………
Subs: Pickford, Soyuncu, Vranckx, Doku, Soumare Vlahovic, Phillips
You don’t get a much tougher start than away at title contenders Newcastle. Been a bit of an overhaul in the squad over the summer as we target 5th place and the tag of best of the rest.
At first glance my side seems unbalanced in that I have two left wingers, but I’m playing traditional inside forwards rather than out and out wingers, our attacking width will be supplied by our full-backs, allowing Neymar and Insigne to come inside when the spaces are there. Lorenzo has a magic right boot so that cut in and curl one out to the far stick is the option ball there. Neymar is genuinely comfortable playing off either foot so the option to cut in and drive on is balanced against going past his man on the outside, to have that option in his armoury adds a real threat to our side and makes us much less predictable – this fluidity is then added to by the addition of Griezmann a genuine left-pegger sitting in the nominal #10 position but this trident will be expected to “shuffle” and switch their on-field positions, Stretch out Ludy’s defence and try and add some confusion to proceedings.
Donnarumma comes in this season and at almost 6ft5 fills not only the goal with his presence but fills his defence with confidence, A strong athletic specimen is quick off his line to close the angles down for the strikers whilst cutting an imposing figure, not as comfortable on the ball as his predecessor Ederson was but that’s ok we have other very good ball players so as long as he does his basics right, we’re in business.
Our defence is in a transition again (is it transition if it changes yearly) but in Wijndal and Semedo with have a lot of pace in the full-back areas and up against Newcastles front-line that’ll be needed, they’ll both show their respective men down the line and try and force the cross, don’t dive in just make sure you stay goal-side, Ludy has assembled a great side but they lack that physicality up top, so with our full-backs forcing the wingers to run the line and put crosses into the box, that’s bread and butter for Koulibaly and Romagnoli to deal with, they have the makings of a very solid pairing, they have the left foot right foot pairing that’s so invaluable plus brains and brawn… Kouli is the power and Roma is the glory (welshy if you’re on results I want a slot for old school WWF references)
Busquets and Verratti as a pivot is about as good as you can expect for a side that are just about mid-table in this league, Tenacious V had a stellar euro’s for Italy after returning from injury, he was part of a midfield that dominated 5 out of 6 games, the only game they were on the back foot for was against Spain and the main protagonist in that Spanish midfield that bossed Italy was… yep you guessed it Busquets. These two are intelligent players they know when to press and when to be passive, always willing to step in and put a foot in where needed, but they’re more than just win the ball and recycle it, they’re incisive in possession and pick the best pass with such regularity that they’re actually playing 3/4/5 passes further along in the move, to have one such deep lying technician is special to have two in there makes us genuinely privileged, They may only be 2 men but they can hold a midfield against sides that line up with a 3, and when you add whichever of our fluid attacking midfielders that’s dropped into the ”10” we have a very creative midfield trident.
A creative midfield however, is redundant without willing runners that can create spaces, and with Semedo and Wijndal surging forwards, both go to the half-way line but only one fully commits to the attack by going further, depending on who’s side the attack is advancing, as the ball is moved about the other side moves forward as he goes back, kind of like a pulley and counterweight system, as they advance and our inside forwards come in-field bringing their markers with them, we have some magic players that can do some very good one touch interchanges and blind reverse passes that will tie up newcastles man markers, Neymar,Griezzer,Insigne,Verratti passing triangles will certainly draw out the Newcastle back-line.
The forgotten man in my tactics after almost 800 words is Cristiano Ronaldo….. I could end this paragraph there and it’d be fine, we all know what he brings to the side as a pure #9. We don’t need huge work rate, we don’t need running the channels and we don’t need him dropping deep getting in the way of Griezzer – what we need is him pinning the centre-backs in their spot, not going wide to double-up on our world class wingers, we need to get Newcastle in one-vs-ones out-wide (Neymar vs Shaw and Insigne vs TAA) which then allows Griezzer to operate further forwards and make it two-on-two vs VVD/Dias. No small order to crack that nut but when you need an ice cold finisher, you’d do a lot, lot worse than Ronaldo.
Subs 65 mins.
Doku > Insigne – Neymar goes LW, Doku plays RW, Griezzer a pure #10.. This kid played against Italy and gave them (and me nightmares) 25 mins to run at a tiring Gary Barlow could be carnage.
Soumare > Busquets – fresh legs, 6ft2 midfield powerhouse comes into add some physicality in the engine room, will go B2B and allow Verratti to sit and play “quarter-back”
Sub 75 mins.
Vlahovic > Ronaldo – The heir replaces the king, scored a lot of serie A goals last year, a real physical specimen will be a proper handful for a tiring defence
posted on 12/8/21
Leicester vs LIVERPOOL
Injuries:
Nathan Ake
Hugo Lloris
Weston McKennie
Rafael Leao
………………………………Trubin………………
……………...Kabak……..Varane……..Botman
Trippier………..Tonali……….Zinchenko……….Ait-Nouri
…………………………………Neto…………………………..
…………………….Icardi…………..Belotti
Subs: Vandevoordt, Dumfries, Schuurs, Willock, Ihattaren, Kelechi, D.James
The biggest criticism of Liverpool last season was they were too inexperienced so we’ve worked hard to rectify that this season, tough start though away at the foxes, so a slightly more negative system (partly due to injury and partly due to the opposition) keep it tight through the middle and try to set up some counters where we can break at pace and fashion out some chances for our hitmen.
Fast paced counter-attacking football is the order of the day, so we don’t push high up where we can be caught out by Rof’s blistering pace, we’re a bit more passive in their half, the front two will close down the centre-backs but Neto will drop off to half-way, yes it gifts them possession but they can’t hurt us 50/60/70 yards out. When they cross into our half we spring the trap as Belotti runs back towards the ball, but Icardi stays high – he forces their defence to stay back deep and it opens up the pitch. Neto runs towards the man in possession and everyone else steps forwards taking a man each. Varane stays on the edge of the “D” as the sweeper/insurance policy but the rest are picked up or “covered off”.
When we get the ball our wing-backs on their bikes, Nouri is rapid and Trippier’s no slouch and our front 3 are quick enough to get in and about Leicester’s defence
Trubin plays ahead of Lloris, all 6ft6 of him, only just turned 20 but already has 2 full caps for the Ukraine and 29 league games under his belt, we expect him to be able to command his box when coming for crosses, at that height he shouldn’t be beaten easily, no need to play sweeper keeper with a back-five so just do the basics right.
The back-three, Varane was the big signing of the summer and he comes in as the sweeper, experienced at the very highest level, will be a great addition to our side, he’ll sit off a step or two, Marshall the troops and just calm them down, step in and deal with the danger, rinse and repeat.
Botman and Kabak are the two more aggressive, ball chasing defenders, they’ll come out and try and get at Rof’s AM to snuff out the danger before he can thread through the killer ball.
Ait-Nouri had a good season last year and the hope is he can kick on further, we’re taking the handbrake off and letting him have the freedom to attack at will, we have a solid defence and DM so he can push and stretch the Leicester back-line. Over on the other side whilst not as dynamic a player, Trippier is a real weapon with his set-piece deliveries and crosses from deep in open play, with the movement of Icardi and Belotti he can cause some carnage in the Leicester box.
Tonali and Zinchenko in the engine room have the skillset to be a great combo, Zinchenko captains the Ukraine national side playing there, sweet left peg and a high work-rate, will go B2B for us today. Tonali plays as the deep-lying playmaker, he links the defence to the attack, great range of passing as he shifts us through the gears in an attempt to turn Leicester’s defence and getting them in no-mans land.
Neto whilst we see him operating on the wings thanks to “Nuno-Ball” he has that very direct running style that reminds me of prime Kaka, we want him in the hole, getting on the ball as often as possible and driving forward drawing the Leicester defensive block out to him, either drawing fouls in dangerous areas or releasing the ball to our front-two.
Belotti and Icardi are a great pairing, Belotti as well as being deadly in front of goal, is a big hard working target-man, he’ll harry the Leicester back line, trying to bully them and be a platform for Neto and Icardi to work, Whilst Belotti is a grafter up top, Mauro is an ice cold finisher, we want him playing off the shoulder of the last man, he’s got decent pace but very very good movement, we trust him to find those little pockets of space to occupy and pull the trigger.
Subs 65 mins:
Dumfries > Nouri (Trippier goes LWB) fresh legs
Willock > Zinchenko – like for like but an added goal threat
Kelechi > Belotti
posted on 14/8/21
------------------------ Martinez -----------------------
M.Aarons ----- Skriniar ----- Manolas ----- Tierney
----------------- T.Kroos ----- N.Kante ---------------
B.Silva ----------------------------------------- Gosens
------------------------- Zaniolo ------------------------
------------------------- Lukaku ------------------------
Areola, M.Cash, Oneyka, Prowse, Buendia, G.Jesus, J.Alvarez
Big opener away in a Manc derby, but we go in confident, retaining the mighty Lukaku was huge for us, so we have a massive goal threat up top also adding B.Silva and Kante amongst others which improves us 10 fold..
Emi top class keeper, great vocal presence behind the defence, distribution he knows when to go short or long, can easy get an assist or two this season
Back four, Manolas and Skriniar are two no nonsense defenders, Skriniar man marks the main CF, be onto him quickly and do not allow him any time to turn and get inot dangerous areas, Manolas spare so if they play two up top he will pick up the second striker, if not he will support Skriniar and the defensive mid to stop any others coming through.
Fullbacks very quick, strong defenders, can attack and defend, Aarons on the right will bomb down the right hand side, get outside Silva to allow him to cut inside to support the forwards, give and go and quite one twos will allow Aarons to bypass the Utd defenders and whip in a dangerous cross to the front two and whoever else is coming in from the left, Tierney will work with Gosens down the left, Gosens will allow Tierney to drive passed him, a little like Silva however I want both to stick to the touchline area to double up on the utd defenders, whever is in possession will get the cross in or even if one does eventually cut in, get a shot away, both dangerous from distance., defending whoever is nearest the defence and we lose the ball will drive back and they will simply change positions.
Kante and Kroos, is there any better? They have everything, Kante has the work rate of two players, very dymanic, his ball winning abilities are top drawer, mnot many players will get passed him, as he wins the ball just a simple ball to those around him. Kroos has exceptional vision, so as he picks up the ball in midfield, he will look to set others away, wether its the fullbacks driving forward or up to the front two, he will always pick out his man, once hhe has passed he will always move into space to make himself available for a return ball.
Silva and Gosens wider, gives us a solid 4, both good in defensive situations as will help out, there work rate is top notch, however as we have two guys in the middle who are great in the air its always good to have guys that can pin point their crosses right onto the two, which is exactly what Silva and Gosens do.Get themselves into positons with Aarons and Tierney, get passed the Utd defenders, cross, football is a simple game when played with freedom and joy which we will aim to do.
Zaniolo is in a free/No.10 role behind Lukaku, he will pick up from Kroos/Kante and drive forward, along with Lukaku these two provide us with a serious goal threat, bith on the deck with power and poise and in the air as the crosses keep getting whipped in, Lukaku can hold it up for him so look to bully trhe Utd defenders who aren't the strongest and get the shot away. As I said, crosses will be getting whipped in, so rise early get above the defenders and boom it really should be a goal.
Defend as a team, attack as a team, no passengers today as we look to get off to a flying start.
Captain - Skriniar
Penalties - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Kroos
Corners - Silva
Subs
Losing -
65 Mins - G.Jesus for Aarons - 3 at the back, Jesus up top with Lukaku 3412
75 Mins - Buendia for Zaniolo, B.Silva into the No.10 role, Buendia to RW
Winning -
75 Mins - Onyeka for Zaniolo and into midfield to beef it up 451, M.Cash for Aarons
Drawing -
70 Mins - Buendia for Zaniolo, he goes right, Silva to No.10, CAsh for Aarons, new legs down the right to cause problems
75 Mins - Jesus for Silva go with two up top
posted on 14/8/21
--------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
W-Bissaka ----- Bonucci ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson
--------------------------- D.Luiz --------------------------
---------------- F.de Jong ----- Locatelli ----------------
-- Mahrez ------------------------------------- Mbappe --
-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------
N.Pope, Romero, N.Mendes, Bellingham, Grealish, Camavinga, P.Daka
Away to Spurtz on the opening day, cant get much tougher than that!, Neymar gone and a few changes around the xi, but nothing will change in the way we play, our game is based solely on possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate the opposition, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Douglas Luiz 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, 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 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Bastoni and Bonucci, one of the great Italian Centre Backs and his young protégé at the back, Bastoni picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Bonucci their to guide will be spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks. Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time!!, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man or to allow he wingers to sit beside the sriker. If either get caught up field I want Locatelli OR de Jong to drift on their side only, to the side (depending on which FB is attacking) and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Luiz sitting back.
We have a powerful midfield trio that has the lot. Luiz is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick and aggressive to the challenge, this is why he is in as we cant allow them to dictate play, having a player like Luiz allows more time for Locatelli and de Jong, he must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong & 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 and attacking fullbacks but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple,they have 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. Both mids are essential to our style of play, the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front three and push on, look to receive a pass and drive on. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front.After the pass they can make up the extra man further forward as Luiz stays and coversr. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks, however, the movement up front between Mahrez and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing our two more advanced mids to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into the opposite winger, mids and Haaland so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside(depends what side the attack is from) as he is allowed freedom of the park when we attack, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - de Jong or Mahrez
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Locatelli, into No.10 role and try and create something
75 Mins - Romero for Bissaka, into a 3 man defence, Robertson to LM, Mbappe up top with Haaland 3412
80 Mins - Grealish to the left, Daka on for Robertson 343 P.Daka - Haaland - Mbappe up top
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Locatelli, same role, fresh legs
85 Mins - N.Mendes for Mbappe more defensive on the left
Drawing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Mahrez, switch with Mbappe, Bellingham for Locatelli, fresh legs
75 Mins - P.Daka for Haaland fresh energy up top
posted on 14/8/21
Newcastle 3-4-2-1
——————- Mendy
——— Dias - Konate - Virgil
Porro - Casemiro - Llorente - Shaw
————— Salah - Son
——————— Silva
Subs: Kessie, Olmo, Pedro G (Pote), Naby, Madueke, Zaha, Diaz
Today is all about controlling midfield and playing off the front man, while maintaining defensive balance. Not particularly playing for possession or without just sort of go with the flow.
In our build up and attacking phases we will have our wing backs push very high up the pitch to create width in the first moments of the build up. This will force them to defend in a wider block to cover this threat which in turn will create space centrally for us to exploit and progress the ball. Central defenders will split wide with one of the two deepest central midfielders dropping deep to give a passing option to the man in possession. The use of a central midfielder in this manner is designed to provide a passing option beyond the first line of pressure from the opposition. It’ll allow us to move the ball at angles vertically through the press of the opposition and allowing one of our midfielders to escape the shadow of their midfielders to receive the ball in space.
We will always use a double pivot to act as the base of midfield. These two will provide security in the attacking phase but they will also screen the defensive unit when the opposition are attacking. In using two players in this pivot position we see the versatility to allow one to rotate into advanced positions when in possession while the other retains a deeper position. When in possession you will rarely see these players operating on the same line as one another. Instead, they will tend to be staggered with the ball near player deeper. This allows the ball to be played into the double pivot and then played forward to the second player in the pivot, remember the importance of verticality for each player in possession. Being staggered in their line also allows them to pull the opposition midfielders out of position allowing our attacking midfielders to profit from that.
Verticality is key to our system, it is of paramount importance. Our players will look for the vertical pass in the first instance. Obviously this is not always possible which means some lateral passing will come in, but this is designed only to move the opposition out of position to create vertical passing lanes that will allow the ball to be progressed forward. Our attacking players will play their natural game and take up positions between the lines of the opposition allowing vertical passes to be players into dangerous spaces.
In the final third, in particular, we will look to overload the centre of the field before playing quick vertical passes that bypass the opposition defensive block allowing us to create numerous opportunities on their goal. When the ball is played into our striker, the attacking midfielders are immediately on their bikes going beyond their already stretched defensive line, remembering the role of our wing backs. In moving so many players into high areas of the pitch when in possession of the ball we make it very difficult for the oppositions defensive block. By moving our players in between their defensive lines we create an advanced platform from which we can threaten them.
Defensively we press systematically. Front three as the first line of the press with the attacking midfielders focusing on their deeper centre midfielders. We shift as a block side to side to the side that the focus their play. Wings backs drop into a back five.
Subs
65 mins - Kessie on Casemiro off. Fresh legs.
70 mins losing/drawing - Pote on Llorente off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them.
75 mins losing/drawing - Madueke on Silva off. Get behind their defence and move salah up front.
75 mins winning - Naby for Llorente. Calm things a bit.
posted on 14/8/21
BRENTFORD v Leeds United
--------------------Simón
Livramento, T. Silva, Guehi, Grimaldo
-------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------James------Sulemana
---------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Laimer, Baumgartner, Mertens, Immobile, Ibrahimovic
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: James
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Thiago Silva and Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Valentino Livramento 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 Domenico Berardi, James Rodríguez and Kamaldeen Sulemana 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.
Livramento 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 Domenico Berardi and Kamaldeen Sulemana, 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 Berardi, Sulemana & 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 Berardi, James & Sulemana 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 Livramento, Baumgartner on for Sulemana and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Triple substitution - Searing pace from Lamptey, sublime dribbling from Baumgartner and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 16/8/21
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We play an attacking 4-3-3 with pace in attack and defence to play a high line push the opposition back and dominate possession. Best form of defence is attack and 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. We will play quick but 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, tire the opposition out. Fernandes 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 Pool defence and setting the side up perfectly for Bruno and Mount to find space to create. In front of the defence Rodri is the athletic dm protecting the high energy Cm duo ahead.
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 main man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Marquinhos 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 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 cms 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, the two cms support creating and linking, 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.
——————————— Schmeichel ———————————
Carvajal — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— D.Alaba
————————————— Rodri ————————————
—————— B.Fernandes —— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling —————— L.Martinez ————— S.Mane
Subs. Henderson, Theo.H, Thiago, 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 Pool 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 dm to circulate possession back to their defence.
The wide man on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pool 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 Pool.
When Pool 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 and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Mount. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Mane.
If drawing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen and Theo for Mount and Mane. Theo lm, Osimhen up top. 4-4-2. Attacking.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Carvajal. 3-5-2. Goretzka box to box and offers a goal threat. Sterling and Theo on the wings, two men up top. Bruno behind.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Goretzka for Carvajal and Osimhen for Mount. Gung ho. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri. More creativity in Cm.
posted on 16/8/21
---------------------Neuer
Walker---Maguire---Hernandez---Digne
------------------Jorginho
-----------SMS-------------Foden
Chiesa-----------Kane------------Depay
Meslier
Carlos
Castagne
Adams
Pellegrini
Harrison
Isak
A new season, and a couple of new faces to accompany it. We are handing debuts to summer recruits Harry Maguire and Lucas Digne in defence, in the knowledge that they will strengthen us in their positions, and add good balance to the defensive areas, which were our weak points last season. I have opted for the tried and trusted 4-3-3 for today, though the possibility to transition into a 4-2-3-1 in attacking scenarios does present itself, with Foden pushing up and operating as a 10. In midfield, Jorginho starts, fresh off an impressive summer away with Italy, and will be hoping that some star performances for Leeds can snag him a Ballon d’Or, and even if not, we are at least guaranteed some penalty goals. I believe an attack of Chiesa, Kane, and Depay is amongst the best in the league, and hopefully that tells with goals today. I want us to play an attacking system, getting the ball deep and moving it forward as quickly as possible. In defence, I want to see three touches maximum, to restrain players from dallying on the ball. This quick movement of possession suits a number of our players, also.
We set up with a flat back four today, but I want to see dynamism provided by the FBs. In Digne and Walker we have players who want to get up and down the flanks, and so we will allow them. Jorginho will sit in front of the defence, so that we have an extra body back, allowing for our FBs to express themselves further forward. This is important, as both Chiesa and Depay will want to cut inside, so with the added support of Digne and Walker on the overlaps, we should have better width and balance to our attacking options. Covering these vacancies will be key, so I want to see Jorginho operating in a line across the defence, pushing into wide areas to support the press where necessary. Hernandez is a defender with a bit more pace, so hopefully this will allow us to cover for Maguire’s lack of pace. In dfeensive duels, I want to see Maguire marking the opposition striker, sticking close to them, and trying to dominate physically, whilst Hernandez will foil for him, operating as the sweeper defender, looking to mop up loose balls and covering the space in behind Maguire. Digne and Walker are also energetic options at FB, so will hopefully be able to swiftly back into position, aided by the time bought by our high press.
In attacking areas, we have many options for mixing up the approach play, which makes it difficult for Brentford to know exactly how to set-up to stop us. Naturally, Kane will be the focal point for the attacks, but in Depay and Chiesa we have players that are very dangerous in their own right. Both will primarily look to cut inside, allowing for us to triple-up on the opposition CBs, with Depay and Chiesa looking to use their pace and skill to get beyond Kane, who can operate as much as a creator as he can as a goalscorer. With Digne and Walker pushing out wide, we should still be able to peg their FBs out into the wide positions, with high intensity play, thus creating an overload on their defence. Foden should also push up, and can add his body into either wide scenario, or through the middle, wherever another option is needed, and this unpredictability allows for him to be difficult to mark and deal with. SMS will be operating as a more conventional B2B midfielder, and will push forward to contribute to attacks in central areas, but will largely stick to outside-the-box play, mopping up loose balls and helping us recycle the possession. Digne and Walker will be looking for Kane when they cross the ball into the box, but with Chiesa, Depay and Foden all potentially lurking, we should have plenty of players looking to pick up the second balls, which will probably be key to getting the goals.
When possession is lost in the advanced areas, a high press must be quickly engaged. Here we will operate as a 2-3-2-3, with Digne and Walker in a line with Jorginho, sticking to the opposition wide-men as soon as they can, and Foden and SMS operating as a pressing pivot in front of them. The first part of the press will be operated by the attacking trident, with Depay and Chiesa picking up the opposition FBs, using their pace and intensity to press these positions, whilst Kane targets the opposition CBs. Part of the aim here is to hold up the play long enough for us to get into our defensive shape, but if we force them into mistakes then that is also a plus. SMS and Foden will press their CDM and 8, switching who presses who so that we can try and maintain energy levels, and not allowing them time and space in the middle of the field. Jorginho, when in shape, will look to harry and harass their number 10. When the ball is won back, we quickly adopt our attacking shape, and use quick movement to get the ball back into attacking positions straight away.
Substitutions
Lorenzo Pellegrini on for Phil Foden 65 mins
Fresh legs in the middle, to prevent us being overrun in this area.
If winning
Carlos on for Chiesa 75 mins
Switch to a 3-5-2 formation, with Carlos playing CB, and Depay moving into a more central position to support Kane. This allows us to get more width from our WBs, but gives us the extra body defensively to cope with their attacking moves.
Castagne on for Walker 80 mins
Fresh legs in a key position.
If losing/drawing
Alexander Isak on for Jorginho 75 mins
Switch to a 4-2-4, with Pellegrini and SMS operating as the engine room, whilst Isak goes up top to support Kane.
posted on 16/8/21
------------------ R.Sanchez -----------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
L.Messi --------- S.Aguero ------- T.Werner
Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, P.Torres, R.Neves, L.Sane, J.Sancho, K.Havertz
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Messi
Penalties: Messi
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
Game day! After basking in the glory of last season's success the boys return revitalised and refreshed as we bid for more glory. Keen not to rest on our laurels we bring in a couple of new additions with Messi and Pogba straight into the starting line up as we look to get off to a flyer against a strong Chelsea side.
Tactically we make a slight tweak as we felt we were at times a bit too defensive last season. Central to our success will be our midfield as we go with the perfectly balanced trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho. We look to dominate this area of the field, allowing us to play on the front foot, retaining possession and dictating the play.
With a midfield bursting with creativity it is only right that we have an attack which can flourish from the world class service. In this regard step forward the man, the myth, the legend, the one and only Lionel Messi. Stationed at RF he has license to do what he does best, score, create and generally just run riot with the fans off their seat whenever he's on the ball. Centrally we have the predator Aguero ready to bury any chances that fall his way with the rapid Werner on the other flank giving us a triple threat attack.
Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence. Out go the marauding full backs that could potentially leave us exposed, instead we have a solid defensive structure. The French duo of Pavard and Mendy are two of the best defensive full backs around whilst De Ligt and Ramos form a watertight CB duo.
As always we retain a flexible tactical shape, attacking 4-3-3 in possession whilst out of possession De Bruyne and Pogba drop in sitting alongside Fabinho in a balanced three.
-------------- Sanchez
Pavard - De Ligt - Ramos - Mendy
De Bruyne - Fabinho - Pogba
L.Messi -- S.Aguero -- Werner
We sit deep taking away any space in behind our defence which will limit the pace of their attack. It will also draw the opposition onto us higher up the pitch creating plenty of space for us to exploit on our devastating counter attacks.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Ramos will mark. Master of the dark arts he's strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game with the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
Our fullbacks will sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho 'the lighthouse' will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
De Bruyne and Pogba speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a world class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.
They'll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal.
Forwards:
The trio of Messi, Aguero and Werner is too unfair on the rest. We will have the best creator in the world, the best dribbler in the world and the best scorer in the world.
And ON TOP of that we'll still have Aguero and Werner!
All three bring different qualities to the table or should I say, countless problems for the opposition to contend with.
We want to create a fluidness in attack. A dynamic fluid interchanging frontline with players free to roam, when they do others will take up space they have vacated causing real difficulty for the opposition to employ any sort of man marking tactic.
Messi has the greatest freedom to roam, if he drifts infield then KDB will operate on the right whipping balls in from the channel. If Messi pushes up top then Aguero will sit in the hole, KDB roaming in the right channel with Pogba and Fabinho covering central midfield. We have an abundance of options which the opposition will simply struggle to cover.
When up top we want Aguero to be the fox in the box, pouncing on any opportunity that falls his way. Werner will use his pace on the other flank, his runs in behind are one of his best strengths, stretching their defence and then looking for Aguero in the box, Messi coming in from the other flank or a cut back to De Bruyne or Pogba on the edge of the box. Goals, goals, goals will be the order of the day.
Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Pogba off off, Neves on. Dual DM's sitting in front of our defence with KDB as AM.
70 mins: Aguero off, P.Torres on. Tighten up defensively by moving to a back five. Messi playing off Werner as we pick them off on the break.
85 mins: Werner off, Havertz on. 5-4-1 as we see out the win.
If drawing:
75 mins: Aguero & Werner off. Sancho & Sane off. Double trouble as we move Messi to CF with the rapid Sancho and Sane either side to exploit Chelsea's tiring legs.
85 mins: Pogba off, Havertz on. Messi & Havertz up top as push for the winner.
If losing:
60 mins: Werner off, Sancho on. Extra creativity.
70 mins: Aguero off, Havertz on.
80 mins: Ferland off, Sane off. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
posted on 16/8/21
ARSENAL vs. Watford
--------------------- Onana ------------------
Hakimi ---- Kounde --- Tapsoba ---- Chilwell
------------ T. Partey --- Paqueta --------------
B. Saka ----------- Dybala ------- Aubameyang
----------------- Calvert-Lewin -------------------
Subs: Maignan, Pereira, Gabriel, Ginter, Alba, Smith Rowe, N. Pepe
Onana – The Ajax stopper is one of the best in the world at playing out from the back. In possession he the back four and CMs to pass into, he also has some tall forwards to aim at if he goes long, the hold up of Calvert-Lewin or the pace of Saka and Aubameyang either side.
Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Watford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has Saka who likes to come inside with the ball ahead of him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. On overlap he has one of the best final balls around, capable of scoring himself or picking out three brilliant finishers in that box of Dybala, Calvert-Lewin and Aubameyang.
Kounde – One of the best young central defenders around, Kounde has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Watford today.
Tapsoba – Tapsoba has been brilliant when placed alongside calm defenders, so we have prepared the perfect environment for him today. Chilwell as an outlet ahead of him and Aubameyang as a longer outball. Equally he can carry the ball further himself, through the middle and work with the CMs. He’s also extremely strong and tall and will partner well with Kounde from a defensive point of view.
Chilwell - Finished last season as one of the best left backs on the planet. He will offer the outlet out of defence, an overlap to Aubameyang who will cut inside when in possession. Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Watford can throw at us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking quartet ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Hakimi the attacking freedom. Partey has played at right back before so this is well suited. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Watford.
Paqueta - Lucas has been a top quality player in the last 12 months, really developing at Lyon and becoming an influential part of the Brazil national team midfield. He’s a great box to box player, but for this game he should keep the ball ahead of him for the most part. When the opportunity presents he can play a 1-2 with Dybala or the wide players to work his way into the box to become an additional attacking threat. Crucially he has the legs to get back though and prioritise the defensive side of his game.
Dybala – One of the best players in Serie A, Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He will be our most forward thinking of our midfield trio, playing as a support striker if you like. He has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has a hold up striker he can play off and either side of him he has pace and wingers who want to cut in and full backs who want to overlap, he will be the conductor.
Saka – A player with a huge workrrate coupled with pace and a clinical edge, the perfect player to play in a final and to play on the break. Coupled with the others in our front three, we have a huge amount to handle for Watford. Saka should work well with Hakimi as he can defend too at times, allowing Hakimi that creative freedom. He’s also a teammate of Partey and between that trio we have a very well balanced right side.
Aubameyang – Quick in transition, deadly in this left zone when allowed to come inside. The threat of the Chilwell overlap and Aubameyang cutting in makes the left channel almost impossible to defend for Watford. Both players will then be looking for Dybala and Calvert-Lewin in the box – two lethal finishers.
Calvert-Lewin – With pace around him, DCL can be the target man, offering another dimension of attack. We’ve seen how strong he is and how well he can both hold it up and finish chances with his head. Chilwell and Hakimi will be overlapping and crossing lots, they can mix up the delivery, aerially to DCL and more of cutbacks with Dybala, Auba, Saka, Paqueta.
SUBS
If winning
After 60 – Smith Rowe for Aubameyang - more ball retention and fresh threat.
If drawing/losing
After 60 – Smith Rowe for Paqueta - more of a 433
After 80 (all scenarios) – Pepe for Saka
posted on 16/8/21
MAN UNITED vs city
----------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile-----------
-----------------------Tchoucameni------Valverde------------------------
Dest----------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------Raphinha----------Kean---------Lang--------------------
Subs - Gulasci, J Gomez, Curtis Jones, Kulusevski, Wirtz, Bailey, Martinelli
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - RAPHINHA
PENALTIES - KEAN
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 Badiashile will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. 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
Dest and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Fofana 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 use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to 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..
Defence Mids
Tchoucameni + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Tchoucameni will be the midfield destroyer. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. Valverde will be the b2b engine who will be given the freedom to attack. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. 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. When out of possession drop deep next to Tchoucameni and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Raphinha + Noa 'Clubber' Lang
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Lang will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Kean to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Moise Kean
The Italian Stallion will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. 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.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Tchoucameni and Martinelli for Lang 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. Bailey on for Raphinha aswell.
-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Badiashile----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Dest----------------------------------------------------------------------Sesseg
--------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------------
-----------Bailey-----------------Kean------------Martinelli------------------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Lang and put on Curtis Jones in CM. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Martinelli for Raphinha.
--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
----------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile--------
Dest------------------Valverde----------Tchou---------------------Sess
--------------------------------------Jones---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Martinelli--------------Kean----------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Bailey on for Raphinha
Martinelli on for Kean
Wirtz on for Valverde
posted on 17/8/21
Community shield vs Spurs
In your face Possession 4-3-3
We play a high tempo 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is attack and 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. Importantly we have great pace in attack, with wingers that will provide width and stretching the game and giving the midfield ball players the space to dominate. 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. Felix 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.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Spurs defence and setting the side up perfectly for the possession play. In front of the defence Rice and Thiago are the perfect two for the possession, play with Felix playing as attacking Cm with freedom to drift. Everyone in their best position, in a formation and system that suits everyone playing their natural positions.
Spurs have the upper hand with player quality assuming Messi starts, but tactically this can hinder them trying to fit him in. Outwide he’s not at his best anymore, even when there at a younger age he had the swashbuckling Alves providing width and creating space for him. So they’ll lack width if he does play, we defend narrow. We also know from 15 years with Argentina he doesn’t link well with Aguero, deal with Messi with a narrow tight defence and Aguero is dealt with. Messi and KdB also play in very much the same spaces. So we know we will defend narrow, with a dm inside. So if they have Messi at 10, then we could be in trouble but we then defend in narrow tight formation and will worry about him, but at least KdB wouldn’t hurt us from deeper taking away a lot of his threat. Then there’s just the other handful of players TAB could play.
In defence Rice drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rice 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.
Marquinhos the man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Alaba 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 quickly before they can get anywhere.
Quick passing, one twos 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.
——————————— Henderson ———————————
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Alaba — Gvardiol
———————— Thiago.A —— D.Rice—————————
————————————Joao Felix —————
—————————————————————————————
Gnabry ——————— Osimhen ————— S.Mane
Subs. Schmeichel, Carvajal, Agoume, Szoboszlai, K.Gordon, J.Pedro
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 Spurs 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 Rice 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.
Osimhen 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 Felix) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Spurs 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 Spurs.
When Spurs get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation. Our fb’s have fantastic pace up against their wide forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Szoboszlai for Felix.
After 75 mins bring on Carvajal for Vanderson. Fresh energy and experience.
After 80 mins bring on Kaide Gordon for Gnabry.
posted on 17/8/21
High tempo attacking 4-3-3
We play an attacking 4-3-3 with pace in attack and defence to play a high line push the opposition back and dominate possession. Best form of defence is attack and 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. We will play quick but 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, tire the opposition out. Fernandes the exception as we give him freedom to play more direct balls from deeper areas.
We know they have a strong central defence, so we look to stretch them and get at them down the wings. Key to our gameplan is our high tempo, which will come naturally to the hard working players throughout the team.
Up top we go with a front 3 full of pace, the wingers stay high and wide in possession, stretching Toon defence. We defend high up the pitch, if they past this we stick to the 433 shape, the 8 behind narrowing to the side of play. The front three stay high up the park, with the wingers staying high and wide. We don’t worry about their fbs attacking and let them worry about us winning the ball and attacking at pace. We have 8 strong defenders behind.
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 main man marker as he is the stronger physically and can dominate in the air next to Marquinhos 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 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 cms 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, the two cms support creating and linking, 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.
——————————— Alisson ———————————
R.James —— Militao —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————Rodri —— Goretzka ——————
——————————— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
R.Sterling ————L.Martinez ————— D.Jota
Subs. Stones, Palhinha, Bruno.F, Hudson-Odoi, Cunha
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 Pool 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 dm to circulate possession back to their defence.
The wide man on the side of play that drops and the two cms (Mount and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Pool 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 Pool.
When Pool 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 65 mins bring on Bruno for Mount.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Hudson Odoi for Jota. Move Sterling left.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Palhinha for Rodri.
If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Bruno for Goretzka.
If drawing or losing after 72 mins bring on Stones and Cunha for James and Theo. 3-5-2
posted on 18/8/21
Watford: Week 2 (Home to Newcastle)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
--------------Júnior
Dodô--Fuchs—Wilmot---Abner
--------------Assunção
---------Pyerre----Igor
Veron---------------------Paulinho
---------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Pereira, Collins, Danilo, De Paula, Ricardinho, 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. Pyerre and Igor will play just in front of Assunção. Pyerre will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Igor will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Veron and Paulinho 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 Igor, Pyerre 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 Pyerre may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor 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: Pyerre, Paulinho or Veron with Fuchs, Wilmot, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Wilmot, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for Pyerre, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Ricardinho for Pyerre and Evanilson for Veron. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Ricardinho offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
-------------Assunção
Ricardinho---Igor---Paulinho
--------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 18/8/21
Watford: Week 3 (Home to Chelsea)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice Captain: Assunção
Team:
-------------Brenno
Dodô--Fuchs—Ruan---Abner
------------Assunção
------Matheus----Pyerre
Henrique---------------Paulinho
--------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Collins, 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: Brenno 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. Matheus and Pyerre will play just in front of Assunção. Matheus 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 Henrique and Paulinho 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, Matheus 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 Matheus 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: Matheus, Paulinho or Henrique with Fuchs, Ruan, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Ruan, Evanilson for Núñez and De Paula for Matheus, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 80 minutes) Veron for Matheus and Evanilson for Henrique. 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---Paulinho
--------Núñez---Evanilson
posted on 18/8/21
Watford: Week 4 (Away to Man City)
Captain: Fuchs
Vice-Captain: Júnior
--------------Júnior
Dodô--Fuchs--Ruan---Abner
------Assunção--Matheus
----------------Igor
Henrique--------------Paulinho
---------------Núñez
SUBS: Brenno, Ngakia, Wilmot, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Assunção) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Ward-Prowse). In front of them Igor 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 Igor 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 Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Henrique and Paulinho 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 Igor, 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 Igor 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: Igor, Paulinho or Henrique with Fuchs, Ruan, Assunção and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Wilmot for Fuchs, Danilo for Assunção and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Ward-Prowse with Evanilson and Henrique 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---Igor---Paulinho
----Evanilson --Núñez
posted on 20/8/21
Leeds vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Injuries:
Stefano Turati
Owen Wijndal
Samuele Ricci
Francisco Trincao
Clocking up the miles in the opening stages of the season as we play the 2nd of our away games double-header. Narrow defeat last time out vs a top Newcastle side so whilst it’s hard to be pleased after a loss there are signs there to be encouraged with.
Slight change of system today as we go to a 4-3-3, Lubo likes to set-up generally with a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 so we’ll look to match him up in midfield and use our superior quality in that department to get a foothold in the game, boss the midfield and boss the game.
Football is a simple game, made difficult by it’s tacticians trying to over-complicate things and over-think things, we want to keep it simple, decent ball retention play the percentage passes and trust not only your own instincts but your team mates ability. So yes there will be short sharp one touch football, there will also be nice passing triangle where we keep the ball for longer spells taking the energy out of Leed’s legs and when the need or opportunity arises we’ll hit the long diagonals to stretch them out, it’s those bursts that will keep leeds on the back foot, “pass,pass,pass,pass, slow it down, slow them down and then bang go through the gears”
………………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Semedo…………………….Koulibaly…………Milenkovic…………Spinazzola
……………………………………………Busquets…………………………
………………………..Verratti……………………….Wijnaldum………………..
Bale……………………………………Ronaldo……………………………..Neymar
Subs: Pickford, Romagnoli, Soumare, Doku, Insigne, Griezmann, Vlahovic
We’ve picked a side that’s jam packed with players amongst the very best in their respective positions, we’ll hold the ball and dominate possession, take the sting out of the game and play at our pace, we have enough experience in that side to master the dark arts and game management as required.
Gigi is a pure beast and he fills the goal, a daunting prospect for anyone to face, and an opponent that Walker/maguire/Foden and Kane will remember for some reason that currently escapes me . Quick off his line and pretty agile for such a big man, anything that comes into the vicinity of his 6 yard box he’s claiming (not even el Diego could out-jump him) ball to feet just keep it simple, all of our side are comfortable with ball to feet.
The defensive unit has that blend of pace, power and experience, individually they may be missing that name or two, but in reality it’d work as they compliment each others strengths.
Semedo has his critics, but you don’t play 21 games for Portugal and over 120 times for Barcelona if you’re no good, defensively can switch off, but has bags of pace to help cover that weakness, will look to run the line and support the attack, he has Bale ahead of him, we all know Bales cuts inside so as he does that taking a FB with him, Nelson is given more freedom to operate in. defensively it’s the generic, don’t dive in, show him the line (if you can) etc etc.
Spinazzola announced himself on the world scene with a top, top quality European championships, Like Semedo he has bags of pace and a fantastic engine, he’ll be a B2B full-back, and like on the other flank, Neymar will come inside so Spina will have the freedom of that flank.
Koulibaly is the free man in the middle, a pure specimen, cool calm and collected. If the Am wriggles free then he’s Kouli’s man. Milenkovic at 6ft5 is the muscle, will be a second skin for Kane, hit him hard on his touch and just make him uncomfortable, Kanes a very hands on striker so be wary of him going down quicker than Lubo for a lollipop. Any crosses coming into the box, Milenkovic is first man, Kouli is 2nd ball.
The midfield trident is up for a battle today as I think this is Leeds strongest hand, but if they play like they did in week 1, then we can get right into them. Jorgy is a very good DLP but defensively he’s not always the strongest so with Wij playing as our B2B we want him running him, we’ve targeted this as a key 1v1 that we can win. Jorgy won’t be backed up much by SMS and Foden as neither have that discipline or work-rate so that becomes a 2v2 up against Busquets and Verratti and it’s a match-up we expect to come out on top of.
Wij – B2B, pass and move, make those late runs into the box/edge of the box – we all know he has goals in him.
Busquets – Anchor man/deep lying playmaker, one of the best in the world at both roles, recently dominated Jorgy in a midfield battle at the Euros, he has his number.
Verratti – A bit of a hybrid for us, can do it all, and so very often does, can collect from deep and drive it forwards, might only be a midget but he’s not shy of putting his boot in (and leaving it in)
as you can see that’s a solid midfield unit and it will nullify Leeds, might make the game a scrappy one as we both look to dominate, But scrappy suits us because…….
In a tight game, that can go either way you need that bit of magic on your side, Leeds carry magic out-wide but Kane needs to be fed and we can starve him. Our trident can all hurt either through individual brilliance or through nice inter-play
Bale and Neymar are inside forwards, coming in off the flank to cause carnage, I’ve already told you that Leeds midfields out-gunned so they don’t have the numbers to double up on these two without leaving someone else clear, and that’s where we hold the cards, you cant leave them free so you move a CB to “double-up” fine you then leave the man they call Ronaldo in a 1v1, Game set and match.
Subs 65 mins.
After a high energy leg sapping hour of football, we give Leeds a new problem.
Doku > Bale – bigger,faster,stronger and even more direct, Digne is in for a busy final 25
Insigne > Neymar – just being voted the best LW in the world, Lorenzo is on to torment Walker again
Griezmann > Ronaldo – More of a false 9 I guess, but the interplay between him and Insigne would be good to see
posted on 20/8/21
LIVERPOOL vs Brentford
Injuries:
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Rafael Leao
Denzel Dumfries
Adama Traore
Likely coming into this game after a loss to Leicester, and facing a buoyant Honeybees side that just saw off Leeds last week, makes for an interesting match-up. Both sides are hit with key injuries so fingers crossed home advantage gets us over the line today.
…………………………………………..Lloris………………………….
Dumfries……………Varane……………..Botman…………..Trippier
……………………………..Tonali………….McKennie…………………….
James……………………….Belotti…………..Icardi…………….Neto
Subs: Trubin, Ait Nouri, Ake, Willock, Cajuste, Kelechi, Leao
We’re going 4-2-4 and playing a very fast paced, direct passing game, no little interchanges from us today as we’re roared on from a partisan home crowd, get the ball down, hit it into the spaces, let our wingers stretch the honeybees defence and get the ball into the box at any given opportunity. I know that sounds easy, but it is, we have wide players with good delivery and two clinical strikers, what could possibly go wrong?
Lloris is a very good keeper and brings a wealth of experience to our side, tall and commanding will marshal the troops and his box ball to feet, look to hit it long whenever the pass is on, trust the front-four to bring it down…. If that’s not on then go shorter, don’t just give the ball back to brentford.
Our back-line is up there in my opinion with the better sides in the league,
Dumfries comes in as our flying RB, he’s an assist merchant and just earned a move to perhaps the most disliked side in Italy.. I’m now gonna have to stifle my boos every time he tees up a goal. Quick and strong will be a great asset for us today, running the overlaps and banging in crosses.
Trippier switches flank and will look to hit balls into the box from deeper positions, hes accurate from further out which gives us a variety of angles to hit Brentford from but it serves another purpose in that he doesn’t have to advance as high up the pitch, so our left flank is always pretty protected in that respect.
Varane and Botman give us the left/right combo that seems to be so desirable, both clear 6ft comfortably so any high balls into the mixer we can deal with, both are good with ball to feet as well as so we have that central area locked down. Varane is the brains and Botman the muscle… Sven is the first ball and Varane the 2nd.
Tonali and McKennie are the double pivot today. Sandro will be the anchor and ball player, our tactics and aim to hit hard and fast mean we only need him deep, has a great range of passes with both feet, so he can hit our various runners from differing angles, keep mixing it up like Tom Brady and keep Brentford guessing. Brentford have a high energy midfield so as they press he can dink it over them. If and when they learn and drop off then our intensity drops too as he and Weston stroke it about again, once Brentford resume to press (which they will) then we go back to the default set-up.
McKennie is the muscle in the B2B role today, strong athletic player with an eye for goal will be a good outlet for us today as he drives forwards with ball to feet trying to break the lines.
James is a pure pace merchant, that and his trickery in 1v1’s is crucial today as he looks to beat his man and put crosses into the box, he’s backed up nicely by Dumfries on that flank, so the cut inside is always an option, I know he plays LW and uses his right but we’re not going inside forwards here we want the play stretched out so he’s on this flank. From a standing start there’s not many quicker so if he’s being jockeyed by the FB and the overlaps not forthcoming then try the knock and run.
Pedro “future goat” Neto is on the left flank, quick and direct with a left peg that Messi would be proud of, is a pure winger today as well, he won’t have the same level of support from Trippier that James has but he’s got all the tricks in the book to work himself an angle to showcase his skills. More than capable of dismantling a defence on his own but today he has 2 of the best strikers going for him to play in and feed off.
Belotti and Icardi – The rooster and the party boy, sounds more like some kind of male stripping duo but they’re predatory skills are second to none. Belotti is the powerful hardworking target man, he’ll harass and harry the Brentford defence, not giving them a chance to settle on the ball. Icardi is the fox in the box, pretty quick and with good movement, we’ll bank on him just drifting off a step or two to find a pocket of space to operate in and then pull the trigger.
Subs 65 mins:
Cajuste > McKennie – a more physical presence in the engine room
Kelechi > Belotti – like for like
Leao > James – like for like
posted on 20/8/21
-------------------- Ederson ------------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
L.Messi --------- K.Havertz ------- J.Sancho
Subs:
Ramsdale, Reguilon, P.Torres, Neves, L.Sane, Werner, Cavani
Captain: Ramos
Free Kicks: Messi
Penalties: Messi
Corners: De Bruyne
Tactics:
Cracking opening day win and we look to follow that up with another victory over the Mourinho of the sports gaming world aka Fan.
City are a decent side with some top players in a couple of positions, we sense that fan is yet to work out their best line up as they remain a work a progress albeit heading in the right direction. Spurs on the only hand have now become a well drilled winning machine. The winning formula remains the same however we make a couple of tweaks from the previous line up with young stars Havertz and Sancho making their first starts of the season.
Havertz goes up top, the German whizkid is really beginning to shine after being a stand out player for ze Germans at the Euro's and of course his match winning performance in the CL final. He offers the perfect outlet due to his size and technical ability, great at holding the ball up he also offers exquisite link up play which we will crucial in taking apart the opposition.
From past experience City have been known to play a back three and if they do so today they will be in big trouble as we play with a high front three. Messi and Sancho are both devastating in one on ones and with the pace, flair and finishing ability of our front three we could have them on toast.
The midfield trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho are of course the main protagonists of today's show. City pride themselves on having one of the best midfield doubles in the league, well we intend to show them what the leagues best trio look like.
We know already that if we can bypass the machine that is Kante we can cause them problems and we have the perfect men for the job. Whilst he's capable of covering two men, De Bruyne and Pogba are not any mere mortals. We look to bypass Kante with our range of passing, our forward push up high allowing plenty of space for KDB and Pogba to drift to the right and left of midfield respectively. Draw Kante onto one of them and a sprayed crossfield ball to the open man in space takes him out of the game, meaning that at all times we will have atleast one of KDB or Pogba free to play that killer final pass to our front trio.
Out of possession we sit deep, KDB and Pogba dropping in alongside Fabinho with our fullbacks sitting in alongside our CB's. We give them no space to get in behind our defence and set ourselves up perfectly to spring on the counter as soon as we win back possession.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We all know Lukaku is a flat track bully who rarely turns up in the big games so he'll likely spend most of the game in Ramos' pocket. Our other CB will act as cover in behind however if they play two up top then De Ligt will crucify Jesus.
Our fullbacks will sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.
Midfield:
Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.
De Bruyne and Pogba speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a world class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.
As outlined above once we bypass Kante we feel we can have a lot of joy. Kroos doesn't really have the legs to cover space defensively and we feel we have too much for any other their other CM's.
Both KDB & Pogba possess a great strike from range so if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal. As always Messi will be buzzing around the final third looking for that slide rule ball to tuck home.
Forwards:
Slight tweak up top, we've already given Havertz his grand introduction whilst Sancho is a pure goal and assist machine. As good as Aguero and Werner are we feel the two youngsters fit much better in the possession game which is needed away from home, retain the ball, subdue the home crowd, move the opposition out of shape and score goals.
Playing with a false 9 also allows us to get the best out of Messi. Playing at RF he has freedom to roam, spellbinding their defence as he moves. He can push up into the dangerous CF role with Havertz dropping deeper alongside Pogba and De Bruyne drifting to the right and whipping in balls from the channel.
In attack we want to move the ball at pace, quick one two's in and around the box will open up the opposition to devastating affect. Sancho will look to use his pace and skill on the flank, taking on the opposition, stretching their defence and then looking for Havertz in the box, Messi coming in from the other flank or a cut back to De Bruyne or Pogba on the edge of the box. Goals, goals, goals will be the order of the day.
Subs;
If winning:
70 mins: Pogba off off, Neves on. Dual DM's sitting in front of our defence with KDB as AM.
80 mins: Havertz off, Sane on. Tighten up defensively as we move to 4-5-1 to see out the win. Messi up top.
If drawing:
75 mins: Havertz & Sancho off. Cavani & Sane on. We push for the winner. Cavani offering a threat both aerially and on the ground as a proper number 9 with Sane offering blistering pace to exploit their tiring legs.
If losing:
60 mins: Havertz off, Cavani on.
75 mins: Ferland & Pogba off, Werner & Sane off. 3-4-3 all out attack as we go for goals.
posted on 20/8/21
Red card scenario:
In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Havertz will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.
---------------- Ederson -------------------
Pavard -- De Ligt -- S.Ramos -- Ferland
Sancho - Fabinho -- De Bruyne - Pogba
------------------ Messi --------------------
GK – Ramsdale
FB – Reguilon
CB - P.Torres
CM - Neves
WG – Sane
CF - Cavani
posted on 20/8/21
----------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
Lorenzo ------ Skriniar ------ S.deVrij ------ Tierney
-------------------------- Kante --------------------------
----------------- B.Silva ------- T.Kroos ----------------
Buendia --------------------------------------- A.Gouiri
------------------------- Lukaku --------------------------
Areola, Coady, Gosens, Prowse, Dembele, Watkins, G.Jesus
We have two powerful CBs that defend the lines with everything they have, their job is to stop the striker getting any chances or at least any easy chances, they stay as a pair, they stay solid, they let nothing passed, Skriniar man marks the striker, de Vrij supports him, clear everything, both clear first ask questions later, when in possession they can pass it out wide to fullbacks or to the midfielders ahead of them.
When we attack, All action Kante is a very important part of this formation, he sits in front of the two CBs, sometimes right in between them forming a 3 man back line, this allows Di Lorenzo and Tierney to attack, they can both go at the same time, we want to really have a go and if this means we have numbers going forward then so be it, we want to hit them with numbers and plenty of pace, The fullbacks drive down the line, which ever side it is use Kroos/B.Silva to get round defenders, quick one/twos, play the triangles to get up and beyond them, then they have Beundia and Gouiri as well the further afield they get, this is quick football, no messing today, once they are in space look to play it into Buendia and Gouiri or fire in a cross which will see plenty of numbers in the danger area to aim for as Kroos/Silva, opposite winger and Fullback will be their waiting and obvs the main man Lukaku will be there to do what he does best, Kroos and B.Silva are the heart beat of the team, most will go through them, fullbacks will use them to go round players as will wingers, their job is to make sure the run these players make isn't gone to waste as they play the ball into space for them to drive into, always available for the pass and will make the dangerous runs into the box to get on the end of the cross coming in.They both have great shots from distance as wlell so don't be afraid to have a pop at goal. Lukaku always stays as No.9, he is a beast in the nicest of ways, he can be played in, he will shrug defenders off, can take them on, also, as crosses come in a very good chance he will win the header. If he cannot go for goal, hold it up, there will be players driving in from all angles, he just has to pick the right one out. For corners and set pieces lets pile pressure on them, we have plenty of power and heght with the CBs, Kroos in the danger area.
When defending Kante's primary role in front of the defence or in the heart of it, he is there to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. We do go 4141 when defending our attacking fullbacks become proper fullbacks as they flit back into defence, again plenty numbers and easy transition from our attacking formation, the four more attacking midfielders make a bank of 4, they make this line and keep focussed on the job ahead then it should be fine, harass them when they have the ball, look to make them play stupid misplaced passes so we can gather the ball and break with pace. Lukaku harasses and bullies the back line of the opposition and defends from the front, we give them little time all over the park and hopefully win the ball back to start our attacking transition
We must defend as a team tho, from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals,so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes
Captain - Skriniar
Free Kicks - Kroos
Pens - Lukaku
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - Watkins and G.Jesus for Buendia and Gouiri, we go more direct playing a 4213 formation and fcus on driving through the middle instead of wide
75 Mins - Prowse for Kroos a bit more energy and drive in the centre
Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for B.Silva, slot in and more defensive cover
85 Mins - Gosens for Gouiri
Drawing -
65 Mins - G.Jesus for Gouiri, Dembele for Buendia new legs
75 Mins - Watkins for B.Silva 424
posted on 20/8/21
Red Card
Martinez - Areola on Buendia off
Di Lorenzo - Gosens for Buendia, switch with Tierney
Tierney - Gosens for Buendia,
CB - Coady on for Buendia
Kante/Kroos - Prowse on for Buendia
Silva - nothing
Buendia/Gouiri - Silva move across
Lukaku - G.Jesus for Buendia
When Buendia comes off, B.Silva move to the right 4-4-1
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