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

--------Carlos----Maguire----Hernandez

Castagne—-----Jorginho-------------Digne

----------------------SMS

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

Woodman
Walker
White
Brozovic
Foden
Zaha
Isak

So back to the grind today, against a side I am confident we can put in more of a shift against, returning to our more expansive style of football, after shifting to a more counter attacking focus for the last two games. I have opted for a 3-3-1-3 for today, in the vein of Bielsa, to counter the formation that I suspect Tino’s Liverpool will adopt. Hernandez comes into the team from last week’s draw with Newcastle, hopefully offering some balance to the back three. I want to see us playing the ball quickly, relying on two-touch, pass-and-move stuff, especially in the backline and midfield, which should keep our movement quick and crisp, with no dallying on the ball. In attacking areas, I want us to stretch their back line, so Jorginho is today operating as a more advanced box-to-box midfielder, looking to make runs off Kane, and provide another body in the attacking areas. The wide areas will be key for us today, so the WBs will hopefully allow for us to overload in these areas, providing overlapping runs whilst Chiesa and Depay operate as inside forwards.

The defensive set-up is pretty simple. We have opted for the back three, as Liverpool like to play with two up-top, which is unusual in these times of more modern tactics, with the energetic ten in behind. I want to see Maguire sticking to Belotti, as we consider him their danger man, and Maguire should have the strength and aerial prowess to provide him no time or opportunities to positively influence the game. Carlos should take the other straight attacker, using his own physicality to limit in the same regards. Hernandez has a bit more pace, so he will operate as the covering CB, mopping up the space in behind whenever it shows, and making it so that even if one of the opposition strikers wriggles away from their marker, then they will have another body in their way. Jorginho will shuttle just in front of their defence, sitting on their influential ten, and tracking him wherever he travels, whether that be through the middle or out wide. Liverpool don’t tend to play with wingers, so we believe that most of the creative work will be channelled through this player, and in Jorginho we have a bang in form CDM to try and harry them out of the game. Jorginho can operate in conjunction with the WBs to double up on their 10 if he does push into wide areas, but I want to see Castagne and Digne pushed up fairly high (not quite to the halfway line), to facilitate a quick break. They can drop deeper, obviously, to track the runs of the opposition WBs, should they try and bomb forward. SMS should track the midfield runs of any box-to-box midfielder that they employ.

Moving the ball out from the back should be done quickly, with us looking to get it into the wide areas and use these to facilitate attacks. Tino not operating with wingers allows for this to be an area where we can exploit large open spaces, especially if he gives his WBs license to get forward. In Neuer, we have a world class sweeper keeper, and Jorginho should be sat in front, as well as the WBs well placed for an out ball, so the defenders should never be short of options for moving the ball quickly.

Once we get the ball into the attacking areas, we know the key is going to be unpicking their three-man defence. To do this, we need to make sure the ball is moved quickly, and our attacking play does not become stagnant. I want to see the ball moved into the wide areas, where our wingers and WBs can double up on their FBs, drawing their wide CBs out into the fray, and creating spaces for the lung-busting midfield runs of SMS to get in and support Kane in the centre. I want to see Kane keeping his position between the goalposts, where he is most potent, and am more than happy with him going toe-to-toe with Raphael Varane. Kane has the physical presence to win that duel, and will be up for the battle with a top-class CB. On the day, he isn’t all about goals, however, and with him occupying the attentions of their best defender, it should create more space for Depay, Chiesa, and SMS to operate in. Depay and Chiesa will look to cut inside and run at the opposition defence, using their pace and trickery to get in behind and fashion chances, whilst SMS will play off Kane, using the spaces that he isn’t in to almost form a four-man attack. We also believe that set-pieces provide us a valuable goal outlet, as with Digne whipping balls into Carlos, Maguire, and Kane, we should have plenty of players capable of causing problems from these situations, so having tricky players likely to draw fouls is also a benefit.

When possession is lost in the attacking areas, it is important that it is retained as quickly as possible. Here, we should adopt a 3-3 shape, with Depay and Chiesa tucking inside to focus on their wide CBs, whilst Kane sits on the middle of the three (likely Varane). SMS will operate as a 10ish player, behind Kane, and looking to press and harass their midfield pivot, whilst Castagne and Digne should focus their attention on the opposition WBs. By doing this, I believe that we should be able to limit every short out-ball for them, causing them to either make mistakes at the back, or force them into long balls forward, which should be bread and butter for our big defenders at the back. Then we get the ball, and start attacking all over again.

Subs

If winning

Zaha on for Chiesa, Brozovic on for SMS 72 mins

Fresh legs in both attack and midfield. Brozovic will operate as a slightly deeper player than SMS, working in conjunction with Jorgy as a more conventional 8. What defender would want to see Wilfried Zaha coming off the bench in the 72ns minute? Especially when Tino will likely start to adopt a more attacking approach, creating more space to be exploited at the back.

Walker on for Castagne 80 mins

Fresh legs at RWB

If losing/drawing

Zaha on for Chiesa, Foden on for SMS 65 mins

Similar changes, but hopefully with different outputs. Foden will operate more as a conventional 10 than SMS, looking to get on the ball and influence the game from pockets of space, and is capable of drifting out into wide areas. Zaha again poses a pacy problem for their defenders.

Isak on for Carlos 78 mins

Switch to a 4-2-4, with Isak moving up top to support Kane, as we look to add more bodies to the attack. Isak is another pacy option coming on to provide a problem for their tiring legs.

ARSENAL / Leicester

---------------------- Maignan -----------------------
------ J. Kounde -- W. Saliba -- Tapsoba ---------
Hakimi ----- T. Partey -- Tielemans --- Chilwell
--------------------- N. Barella ----------------------
------------- P. Dybala ---- Aubameyang ----------

Subs: Okonkwo, Pereira, Ginter, Maddison, Saka, Benzema, Calvert-Lewin

We know Leicester have great technical possession based players and we have set up with a brilliant core strength and tactical shape to not just get the best out of all of our players, but to combat their strengths and pounce on their weaknesses. On the break our wing backs will combine with forward to create overloads against their full backs who aren’t usually well protected and not the best defensively. Through the mix of pace and power in our team we feel we can win this battle - by sitting strong and keeping a good structured shape, then using our special qualities in transition to hurt Leicester.

Maignan – The Milan stopper is one of the best in the world at the moment in his position. In possession he has the back three to pass into, or skip a player and clip it wide to the marauding wing backs.

Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, and certainly wing back. His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Leicester throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense. In this formation he has the freedom to do what he does better than any RWB in the world, provide width and make a difference in the final third.

Saliba – One of the best young central defenders around, Saliba has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Leicester today. Has made a great start in his Marseille loan and is brilliant in a back three.

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 Saliba from a defensive point of view. Again in his perfect role at LCB.

Chilwell - Finished last season as one of the best left wing 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 Leicester 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 players 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 Leicester.

Tielemans – Tielemans will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He can combine with Chilwell on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.

Barella - Barella is one of the best midfielders in Serie A and has just won Euro 2020. In this game we’ve given him more freedom to get forward and create - he has two CMs and three CBs behind him, so we want him to use his technical ability to combine with Dybala and the wing backs to create attacking overloads.

Dybala – Another one of the best players in Serie A, Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He will link the midfield and attack, 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 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.

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 Leicester. Both players will then be looking for Dybala and Calvert-Lewin in the box – two lethal finishers. Played his best football in a back 5 system where he had the freedom to exploit this left attacking channel.


SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Benzema for Dybala

If winning
After 60 – Maddison for Barella

If drawing/losing
After 60 – Saka for Chilwell

After 80 (all scenarios) – Calvert-Lewin for Aubameyang
I
F RED CARD SUBS
To GK - Okonkwo for Barella
To WBs - slide across to form back 4, make midfield more compact - if leading, sub on Pereira or Ginter depending on position for Barella
To CBs - create back 4 with a more compact midfield - if leading, sub on Pereira or Ginter depending on position for Barella
To CMs - Whichever two left forms a 5211 shape (Dybala dropping into AM role)
To STs - No change

comment by JET (U22613)
posted 0 seconds ago
ARSENAL / Leicester

---------------------- Maignan -----------------------
------ J. Kounde -- W. Saliba -- Tapsoba ---------
Hakimi ----- T. Partey -- Tielemans --- Chilwell
--------------------- N. Barella ----------------------
------------- P. Dybala ---- Aubameyang ----------

Subs: Okonkwo, Pereira, Ginter, Maddison, Saka, Benzema, Calvert-Lewin

We know Leicester have great technical possession based players and we have set up with a brilliant core strength and tactical shape to not just get the best out of all of our players, but to combat their strengths and pounce on their weaknesses. On the break our wing backs will combine with forward to create overloads against their full backs who aren’t usually well protected and not the best defensively. Through the mix of pace and power in our team we feel we can win this battle - by sitting strong and keeping a good structured shape, then using our special qualities in transition to hurt Leicester.

Maignan – The Milan stopper is one of the best in the world at the moment in his position. In possession he has the back three to pass into, or skip a player and clip it wide to the marauding wing backs.

Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, and certainly wing back. His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Leicester throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense. In this formation he has the freedom to do what he does better than any RWB in the world, provide width and make a difference in the final third.

Saliba – One of the best young central defenders around, Saliba has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Leicester today. Has made a great start in his Marseille loan and is brilliant in a back three.

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 Saliba from a defensive point of view. Again in his perfect role at LCB.

Chilwell - Finished last season as one of the best left wing 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 Leicester 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 players 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 Leicester.

Tielemans – Tielemans will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He can combine with Chilwell on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.

Barella - Barella is one of the best midfielders in Serie A and has just won Euro 2020. In this game we’ve given him more freedom to get forward and create - he has two CMs and three CBs behind him, so we want him to use his technical ability to combine with Dybala and the wing backs to create attacking overloads.

Dybala – Another one of the best players in Serie A, Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He will link the midfield and attack, 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 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.

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 Leicester. Both players will then be looking for Dybala and Calvert-Lewin in the box – two lethal finishers. Played his best football in a back 5 system where he had the freedom to exploit this left attacking channel.


SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Benzema for Dybala

If winning
After 60 – Maddison for Barella

If drawing/losing
After 60 – Saka for Chilwell

After 80 (all scenarios) – Calvert-Lewin for Aubameyang
I
F RED CARD SUBS
To GK - Okonkwo for Barella
To WBs - slide across to form back 4, make midfield more compact - if leading, sub on Pereira or Ginter depending on position for Barella
To CBs - create back 4 with a more compact midfield - if leading, sub on Pereira or Ginter depending on position for Barella
To CMs - Whichever two left forms a 5211 shape (Dybala dropping into AM role)
To STs - No change
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Forgot to add Kounde's bit

Jules Kounde - One of the best in this role. Reads the game incredibly well. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Hakimi that protection needed to get forward. His techincal ability on the ball will be a real asset to spring tactical diagonal balls to Chillwell /Aubameyang - this will break the Leicester shape and create chaos.

-------------------- Ederson ------------------
Emerson -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- A.Sandro
------------------- Fabinho -------------------
--------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba ------------
L.Messi --------- G.Jesus -------- J.Sancho

Subs:
Ramsdale, Ferland, P.Torres, R.Neves, Havertz, Hazard, Cavani

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

Tactics:

With confidence sky high we look to continue our fine start to the season as we go in search of another 3 points.

Tactically we continue to play on the front foot as we go for goals. 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 lively Jesus ready to bury any chances that fall his way with the dangerous Sancho 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 and rely on our watertight CB duo of Ramos & De Ligt. Very much the master and the apprentice with both natural born leaders.

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.

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 get forward and overlap our wingers when on the attack. When the opposition are on the attack we want them to tuck in, see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside. Both strong physically and full of bags of pace they match up well with any winger.

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:

Pace, flair, creativity and goals, this front three really does have it all.

Messi will undoubtably attract the most attention, pretty much everyone he has come against have tried and failed to limit the Argentine maestro. Playing on the right is where we feel he can cause the most damage. His ability to drift ensures it is impossible for him to be man marked and he is simply devastating when cutting inside on his left foot. Quick one two’s in and around their box are his bread and butter with the magician able to get create space and get a snapshot off in the blink of an eye.

Jesus plays centrally, bags of pace and energy we want him to stretch their defence with his runs in behind. KDB, Pogba & Messi can all thread the ball through the eye of the needle with the Brazilian a great finisher when through on goal. He’ll also drift wide and interchange with Leo in a dynamic fluid frontline causing real difficulty for their defence to employ any sort of man marking tactic. When Messi moves centrally he’ll look to drive at their CB’s skipping past them and slotting home.

Sancho will look to use his pace and skill on the left, taking on the opposition, stretching their defence and then looking for Jesus 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, Neves on. Dual DM's sitting in front of our defence with KDB as AM.
80 mins: Jesus & Sancho off, Havertz & Hazard on. No let off in the last 10, Havertz gives us a focal point whilst Hazard gives us freshness to run ragged their tired legs.

If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Jesus off, Cavani on.
75 mins: Pogba off, Hazard on. We move to 4-2-2-2, Sancho & Hazard on the flanks supplying Messi & Cavani up top, goals.

MAN UNITRD vs Wolves

------------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
------------J Gomez--------Upamecano--------Fofana-----------
----------------------------Ndidi------Valverde------------------------
Dest--------------------------------------------------------------------Reguilon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Bailey-----------Greenwood---------Rashford---------------

Subs - Gulasci, Tchoucameni, Sulemana, Wirtz, Ismaila Sarr, Fabio Silva, Martinelli

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - BAILEY
FK'S - BAILEY
PENALTIES - GREENWOOD

This week we are facing a strong Wolves side managed by Don Tino and his mafioso run club.

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. Gomez and Fofana 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 Reguilon 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. Gomez and Fofana 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
Ndidi + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Ndidi 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 Ndidi and try and intercept the ball.

Wingers
Bailey + Rashford
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. Rashford will be looking to cut in from the left and Bailey 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 Greenwood 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
Mason Greenwood
The baby faced assassin 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. I want Greenwood and Rashford to interchange positions with each other from time to confuse the oppo defence.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Ndidi and Sulemana for Rashford 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. Sarr on for Bailey aswell.

-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Gomez---------Upamecano--------Fofana----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Dest-------------------------------------------------------------------Reguilon
--------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------------
--------------Sarr-------------Greenwood------------Sulemana----------

Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Rashford and put on Tchoucameni 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 Fabio Silva for Bailey.

--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
----------------Gomez--------Upamecano--------Fofana--------
Dest------------------Valverde----------Ndidi------------------Reguilon
--------------------------------------Tchou.---------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------Greenwood--------------F Silva----------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Bailey
Martinelli on for Greenwood
Wirtz on for Valverde

WOLVES vs Spurs (week 5)
Injuries:
Nathaniel Phillips
David Brooks
Neco Williams
Dusan Vlahovic

Tall order keeping Spurs at bay today, they have quality all over the pitch, but we can take the game to them in the key areas. Slightly more refined style than usual, we’ll still look to control the game and impose ourselves on it, but with maybe a less gung-ho approach than our draw away at United.

Trying to strike the right balance in a side isn’t easy but we’ve opted for a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond shape, borrowed from Don Carlo Ancelotti’s all conquering Milan sides. Whilst it doesn’t offer a huge amount of attacking width, it does give us the defensive rigidity to stop Spurs playing through the lines, the 4 central midfielders will give us a lot of control in the midfield and I’m guessing an extra body, and an explosive front-two will keep the Spurs defence occupied.

………………………………………………Donnarumma………………………….
Semedo…………………..Koulibaly………….Romagnoli……………..Spinazzola
……………………………………………….Busquets…………………………………….
…………………………..Verratti………………………….Wijnaldum……………
……………………………………………….Neymar…………………………………..
………………………………Ronaldo……………….Griezmann………..

Subs: Pickford, Wijndal, Milenkovic, Soumare, Insigne, Raul, Bale

Possession based football today, not possession for possession sakes but clever passing triangles to draw spurs into positions they don’t want to be in, and turning the game, get them chasing back towards their own goal and hurt them that way.

The Defence:

Donna – is just a quality keeper, no need to waste words, big strong physical presence that dominates “his” box, 6ft5 of solid rock coming off his line and clearing house if needs be. Ball to feet can go short to the defence, or hit the longer pass if the press is too hard, too fast.

Semedo and Spina are given the freedom to attack at will, they need to get up the pitch and stretch the spurs defence, yes its gung-ho having 2 flying full-backs both are rapid and with our midfield covering they won’t leave us exposed. Defensively they’ll shepherd their man inside and pass him over to our midfield, this is risky, but it then free’s them up to cover late runs from Spurs’ full-backs. By pushing them inside whilst Tab will argue it creates over-loads, it actually doesn’t it creates even more congestion and slows down Spurs attacks.


Kouli and Roma, the classical left foot/right foot combo, No man marking today, purely zonal, Spurs have a lot of movement in their front line so owning a man will be confusing, These two are well experienced and battle hardened from graduating from the best defensive school in the world, Communication is key to this, as they talk constantly, one watches the man on the ball the other watches the runner. Our one saving grace is that Spurs offence whilst super-talented isn’t physically strong or intimidating so we can more than hold our own in that department.

The Diamond:

This gives us the best shot at being the first team to take points off the juggernaut this season, Busquets being the base, he’s the anchor and deep lying playmaker, will operate in the spaces, Spurs normally play a ten but last time out played 2 AM’s with a holder, either way Busquets will sit, mop it up and cover for our marauding full-backs. Just ahead of him as the wider points of the diamond are Verratti and Wijnaldum – hard working players with a lot of drive to them they’ll cover off Tabs other 2 midfielders in whichever system he plays. Verratti is a top quality playmaker and his link up play with Busquets will see us navigate around the press that sours will bring with them, Wij will be a pure B2B, a lot of goals in this lad so we’ll try and get him pushing on and taking a man away with him.

Those 3 alone will be an intriguing match-up for Spurs, but the game-changer is the tip of diamond Neymar, who marks him from the spurs side? They’re (likely) matched 3v3 already, so that’ll just leave another of our mids in space. He cant move a CB out because that leaves a 2v1 in our favour uptop,

Neymar is given the freedom to wreak havoc as he sees fit, we have 2 very good ballers infront of him, and a solid foundation behind, so he can drift about pitch, lending numbers where needed, offensively we’d like him running at the heart of the defence (primary) and drifting wide attacking the spaces between Spurs CB and RB (secondary)

The front-two:

Ronaldo on his own is a nightmare to keep quiet and nullify, when you give him Neymar just behind to be his link-man, the task is tenfold more difficult, So we decided to add Griezmann to the mixer who is playing as the second striker (not a #10) Ronaldo is the focal point, big strong, deadly in front of goal and a ice cold killer, will take most of the attention but Griezzer is fantastic at finding those pockets of space to operate in, as Neymar alters his trajectory and goes toward the RB, Griezzer mirrors this and goes towards the LB, this A) allows our Fb’s a little more space to either get balls into the box or B) gives them the option of a link up, drag back ball to our front-line.

Defensively:

Ronaldo will push on to the 2 CB’s, we’re not gonna waste that explosive energy making him chase shadows, so we’ll leave him up-top, it forces Spurs to keep defenders back if nothing else.
As we’ve discussed our midfield 3 match Spurs up man for man, so Neymar and Griezzer will cover off a full-back each. Meaning Spurs hopes of being able to play out from the back and dictate the game will be met fire, with fire.

Subs 65 mins:

Insigne > Neymar, after chasing Neymar for over an hour, tiring legs now chasing this guy, are gonna be burning.

Bale > Griezzer, Bigger, Faster, Stronger and much more of a direct player

Sub 75 mins:
Raul > Ronaldo, like for like

Watford: Week 5 (Home to Leicester)
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Assunção

Team:
--------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe—Fuchs---Abner
-------------Assunção
------Matheus----Pyerre
Henrique---------------Paulinho
-------------Evanilson

SUBS: Brenno, Lewis, Collins, Danilo, De Paula, Veron, Kaio

We want to play a neat crisp passing game at high tempo using our obvious pace to punish the opponent. Our formation will be a 4-3-3 that will allow our full backs to join in the attack when necessary and also offer us the flexibility to fall back into a more standard 4-4-2 when under pressure. We need to boss the midfield from the start and control the game with our own tempo. When in possession use the ball well and try and bring our wide men in to play. When chasing the ball press the opponent with urgency and all over the park. Don’t take too many risks and hold onto the ball. With our creativity and pace we will be able to open teams up. Wait for the chances to arise and take them when they come.

Goalkeeper: 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. 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 Evanilson 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.

Evanilson 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 Felipe, Fuchs, Assunção and Evanilson to offer an aerial threat. Pyerre and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Evanilson

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Fuchs, Kaio for Evanilson and De Paula for Matheus, 3 like for like substitutions.

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

-------------Assunção
Veron---Pyerre---Paulinho
--------Evanilson---Kaio

------------------------- Oblak --------------------------

J.Cancelo ---- Bonucci ---- Bastoni ---- Robertson

--------------- Bissouma ---- F.de Jong --------------

-- F.Torres ---------- Grealish ----------- Musiala --

------------------------ Mbappe ------------------------

Pope, Konsa, Locatelli, Camavinga, Mahrez, Malen, Moreno


Playing from the back and quick on the break ie passing the ball quickly from the back, not racing up the pitch from centre back! Pressurise the opposition with a dominate performance, we don't allow their midfield to dominate, I want our front three play quite a high line to force the wingbacks back from an attacking threat, put pressure on the defence, force them into mistakes and misplaced passes so we can gain control again, Wingers will be able get in behind quite easily as their wingbacks like to push forward, we want to hit them quickly, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Bissouma and de Jong ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4. CBs up for set pieces.

Bastoni and Bonucci at the heart of our defence. Bastoni picks up the CF he is a powerful player so will stop the threat of their No.9, he must look a few seconds ahead so he can intercept any ball coming through to stop the striker in his tracks early, Bonucci is spare and will use his experience to pick up the AM or any other player that's roams into the danger area, if they get away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both CBs comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time the other forming a back 3, we cant afford be exposed,they will drive up and down the pitch for 90+ mins, they support the wingers on the outside making an extra man. If either get caught up field I want others to help out defensively and to cover spaces made by our fullbacks, this gives our fullbacks more freedom to make their way to midfield to cover. Grealish also covers by dropping back to fill in the midfield even just to follow any defender that moves up field or to fill the gap either CM has made by moving to pick up men. CBs up for corners, FBs and Bissouma stay back.

Bissouma is is tenacious, energetic and feisty, just what we need in our midfield, he is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in, he will also look for piercing balls for the front 3 to drive onto and go for goal. Grealish is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack he controls the pace of the game, as we break quickly he will look to set up our front three, also, he will drop back at times to pick it up then look to his dribbling and passing capabilities to get him around player and if their is space he will into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark gaining cheap freekicks, When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he draws players in, so as he does this he will pass the ball away sometimes taking 2/3 players out of the game leaving a lot more room for others to make something dangerous, he will pass and move to always make himself available. After the pass he can push wide or central to make that extra man When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the front 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, young and full of energy, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, Ferran and Musiala will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Grealish more time and space to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to Mbappe 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 their defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks to mids and Mbappe, we must always make sure Mbappe is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.

Captain - Bonucci
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Grealish
Penalties - Mbappe

Losing -
60 Mins - D.Malen for Musiala, he goes up top, Grealish to the left 4-4-2, force their back 3 apart with lots of pace
70 Mins - Locatelli for de Jong, fresh legs and look to get the ball rolling to the front 4
80 Mins - Mahrez for Robertson, Cancelo to RCB Mahrez RW, Ferran up top 3-4-3

Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Musiala, Grealish left, Locatelli into midfield
83 Mins - Camavinga for de Jong

Drawing -
70 Mins - Mahrez for Ferran, Malen for Musiala

---------------------- E.Martinez -----------------------
-------- Skriniar ----- S.deVrij ----- C.Coady --------
Aarons ------- T.Kroos ------ Oneyka ------- Gosens
------------------------- Niguez -------------------------
--------------- Lukaku ---------- Werner --------------

Bazanu, Kamara, Tierney, Prowse, Buendia, Watkins, Gouiri

When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Niguez will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.

If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want Niguez to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.

When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.

Martinez is our sweeper keeper, he always makes himself big, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack

Skriniar and Coady, Cover the wingbacks when they have pushed forward and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.

de Vrij - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Aarons and Gosens, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.

Although Oneyka's primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Kroos has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running he is expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks..

Niguez is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, therefore winning a lot of free kicks

Werner I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Niguez to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku, Werner & Niguez will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back

Lukaku, is our out an out No.9, fox in the box, a bully and powerful striker, he is there to finish off chances created by other, I want him always on the last man, no defending required from him, always ready to pounce, if however he cant get in on goal he has plenty round him to lay it off to, or just a quick pass and look to get into space where he can get his shot off, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.

Captain de Vrij
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Kroos
Corners - Kroos

Losing -
65 Mins - Watkins for Coady, Tierney for Gosens, go with a back 4, a flat midfield 3 Watkins to the right of Lukaku 4-3-3
75 Mins - Gouiri for Werner fresh legs

Winning -
75 Mins - Prowse for Werner and slot into a midfield 3, Tierney for Gosens, better defensively 3511
83 Mins - Buendia for Niguez, fresh legs to harass their midfield

Drawing -
70 Mins - Watkins for Werner, Buendia for Oneyka, Niguez drops back beside Kroos, Buendia to No.10, Watkins up top, same formation fresh legs
75 Mins - Tierney for Gosens

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 Watford 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.

———————————— Alisson ———————————
Carvajal — Marquinhos —— Laporte — D.Alaba
————————————— Rodri ————————————
—————— B.Fernandes —— M.Mount —————
—————————————————————————————
Sterling ——————— Osimhen ————— S.Mane


Subs. Henderson, Theo.H, Thiago, Goretzka, Felix, Gnabry, 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 Watford 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.

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


Subs.


If winning after 70 mins bring on Cunha. Fresh pace and energy 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 Felix and Theo for Mount and Mane. Theo lm, Felix 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 Felix for Mount. Gung ho. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri. More creativity in Cm.

ARSENAL vs. Brentford

---------------------- Maignan ----------------------
Pereira --- J. Kounde --- Tapsoba --- Chilwell
--------------------- T. Partey ---------------------
------------ N. Barella --- Tielemans ------------
B. Saka ---------- K. Benzema -------- M. Diaby

Subs: Onana, Saliba, Alba, Paqueta, Aubameyang, Maddison, Calvert-Lewin

We need a win today after an unlucky start - Brentford are in good form but we feel we have the better quality all across the park and the home advantage to ensure we can win. Expecting to face a deeper block, we have packed the team with creative quality that will enable us to dominate the ball high up the pitch and unlock the Brentford defence. We have great pace in the back four to ensure we can protect ourselves defensively too.

We've picked attackers on great form, Benzema fresh off goals for France and a hatrick at the weekend for Madrid - Diaby, one of the best wingers in Europe so far this season and Saka, young but excelling for club and country.

Maignan – The Milan stopper is one of the best in the world at the moment in his position. In possession he has the back three to pass into, or skip a player and clip it wide to the marauding wing backs.

Pereira – Back fit for Leicester he is firing and has a great partner ahead in Saka. He has qualities to ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Brentford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense. In this formation he has the freedom to do what he does best, with Saka coming inside onto his stronger left. Partey will help cover any space left behind.

Jules Kounde - One of the best in this role. Reads the game incredibly well. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Pereira that protection needed to get forward. His technical ability on the ball will be a real asset to spring tactical diagonal balls to Chillwell / Diaby - this will break the Brentford shape and create chaos.

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 Diaby 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. Again in his perfect role at LCB.

Chilwell - Finished last season as one of the best left wing 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 Brentford 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 players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Pereira 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 Brentford.

Tielemans – Tielemans will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He can combine with Chilwell on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.

Barella - Barella is one of the best midfielders in Serie A and has just won Euro 2020. In this game we’ve given him more freedom to get forward and create - he has two CMs and three CBs behind him, so we want him to use his technical ability to combine with Dybala and the wing backs to create attacking overloads.

Diaby – Diaby is in incredible form for Leverkusen and called up for France. He’s a player we know can make the difference with his pace and end product. He will look to get high up and beyond Benzema in this game, as he does so well with Schick as the ST for Leverkusen.

Saka - Saka is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and combine with the overlapping Pereira on the right, he will also look to combine well with Benzema, playing one-twos and getting in advance of the Frenchman.

Benzema – An elegant striker, we expect to dictate possession so we’ve chosen a forward who consistently breaks deep blocks for club and country. A fantastic link man, he has pace either side in Saka and Diaby and the full backs to ensure we have multiple channels of attacking threat. Benzema almost forms the tip of a midfield diamond for us, with Diaby and Saka then acting as wide forwards.


SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Aubameyang for Saka (Diaby RW)

If winning
After 60 – Paqueta for Tielemans (more B2B and fresh legs)

If not winning
After 60 – Maddison for Tielemans

After 80 (if not winning) – Calvert-Lewin for Barella (442)

MAN UNITED vs Leeds

------------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile-----------
-----------------------------Ndidi---------Valverde------------------------
Dest--------------------------------------------------------------------Reguilon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Raphinha-----------Daka---------Rashford---------------

Subs - Gulasci, Tchoucameni, Aouar, Wirtz, Kulusevski, Fabio Silva, Martinelli

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - RAPHINHA
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

This week we are facing a Dirty Leeds side managed by the thuggish Lubo, managing the most hated club in world football today!

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 Reguilon 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. Badiashile and Fofana 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
Ndidi + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Ndidi 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 Ndidi and try and intercept the ball.

Wingers
Raphinha + Rashford
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. Rashford 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 Daka 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
Patson Daka
Daka 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. Be vary of loose balls in the box so you can use your quick reactions to get to the ball before the oppo defenders.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Ndidi and Kulusevski for Raphinha 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.

-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Badiashile----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Dest-------------------------------------------------------------------Reguilon
--------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------------
--------------Kulusevski--------Daka--------Rashford----------

Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Rashford and put on Tchoucameni in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Wirtz for Raphinha.

--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Badiashile--------
Dest--------Valverde----------Ndidi----------Tchou---------Reguilon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------Wirtz------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Daka-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Raphinha
Wirtz on for Rashford
Aouar on for Valverde

Newcastle 3-4-2-1

—————— Mendy
——— Dias - Andreas C - Virgil
Trent - Llorente - Modric - Shaw
————— Salah - Son
——————— Lewa

Subs: Fabian, Olmo, Pedro Goncalves, Naby, tanganga, Gollini, Bowen

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 - Naby on Modric off. Fresh legs.

70 mins losing/drawing - Goncalves on Llorente off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them.

75 mins losing/drawing - Olmo on Son off. Need to gain creative edge.

75 mins winning - Fabian for Llorente. Calm things a bit.

Red
Switch to 4-4-1 and take off Christensen
Keeper red - Gollini
Cb - no change
Wing backs - tanganga
Cm - Naby
Am - olmo
Striker - Olmo

Arsenal v BRENTFORD


----------------------Simón
Maehle, Andersen, T. Silva, Cucurella
---------------Kovacic, Laimer
Berardi-----------James--------Mertens
----------------------Suárez

Subs: Kelleher, Livramento, Guehi, Koopmeiners, Saint-Maximin, Immobile, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi/James
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Joakim Maehle at right-back and Marc Cucurella at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

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

With Laimer 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 Dries Mertens as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

Maehle and Cucurella can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dries Mertens, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.

James Rodríguez, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. James is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Berardi, Mertens & Suárez to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other.

Upfront, Suárez will be utilised to “bind” our oppositions defenders in place by occupying them with his positioning, to the point of blocking their defenders in order to create space for Berardi, James & Mertens to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.

Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.

All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.

Subs on 75 mins
Saint-Maximin on for Mertens and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez

Double substitution - pace, dribbling and unpredictable play from Saint-Maximin 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.

----------------- Ederson -----------------
--- B.Pavard --- Ramos --- Ferland ---
--------- Fabinho ------ Pogba ----------
Sancho -------- Havertz -------- L.Sane
---------- L.Messi ------ Aguero --------

Subs:
Ramsdale, A.Sandro, De Ligt, Sabitzer, Hazard, Cavani, Jesus

Tactics:

The boys are flying and confidence is high as we look forward to what is sure to be a fun game.

Slight tactical tweak this week as we revert to our lively 3-2-3-2 formation, a set up which saw us reach the CL semi-finals last season and a testament to the strength and quality of the Wolves side Tino has put together.

After receiving criticism that our tactics simply read ‘defenders defend and attackers attack’ *cough cough* we add a bit of tactical analysis as to why we feel this set up will be particularly advantageous against todays opponents.

Pros:

1. Neutralises their biggest weapon. In Ronaldo Wolves possess one of the best players in the world and this set up helps us limit his impact. A back three ensures that Ronaldo doesn’t get room to breathe. We use Ramos to man mark him, Ronaldo doesn’t possess the lightening speed to break in behind anymore however his movement in and around the box is sublime. Fortunately we have one of the worlds best CB’s in our armoury who is undoubtedly one of the best readers of the game. Using his mastery of the dark arts we want him to shadow Ronaldo to take him out of the game. We’ll also have two CB’s either side which allows us to double up on the Ronaldo ensuring he has zero space to operate.

2. Neutralise their second biggest weapon. Not to be outdone Neymar certainly deserves the title of a ‘weapon’. Nevertheless the Brazilian deserves the upmost respect and again we go with a set up that can help shut him down. Primarily situated on the LW he’s a player that will look to cut inside however in doing so he’ll be running straight into trouble. With a strong back three the middle of the field will be compact so he’ll be running straight into traffic. He also has the ability to play centrally and if he does even better, this area of the field will be very congested and with Fabinho sitting at DM Neymar will have no space to operate with the rangy Brazilian a defensive beast with the athleticism to shut down any opponent. Get physical and put him off his game.

3. Utilise our biggest weapon. Enough talking about Wolves this set up allows us to free up Messi to cause havoc. With two wingers and two strikers we’ll essentially be lining up 4 v 4 when on the attack (assuming they play a back 4) even better Messi will be up against their LCB who’s likely to be the weaker of the two and one v one the Argentine is simply unplayable.

4. Width. Possibly the only chink in the Wolves armour is their full backs. We want our wingers to get at them. Sancho and Sane offering blistering pace and trickery and up against two full backs who are better going forward than they are defensively means we can have a lot of joy on the flanks. Playing on their ‘correct’ sides also means that they don’t need to cut infield and can square the ball early for our strikers to tap home.

5. Pogba. The Frenchman is in sublime form this season and could be heading for an assist record with an incredible 7 assists in 4 games. Whilst he started the season on the left he’s now back playing back in the middle and has dismissed any nonsense that he can’t play in a midfield two. When he’s on it he can simply play anywhere. His range of passing is out of this world and with him playing a quarterback role we want him to look early for the runs of Sancho and Sane as we really look to hurt them out wide.

6. Attack is the best form of defence. Make no mistake this Wolves team is borderline Galacticos. Ronaldo, Neymar, Bale, Griezmann, Insigne they are packed with quality attackers. However this does make them susceptible defensively and Griezzy aside none of them are known for their workrate or tracking back. By going on the offense we are posing them a serious question. Either track back and lose their attacking edge or stay forward and leave their defence exposed as we push forward in numbers giving us a numerical edge as we get into their final third.

Cons:

Having to travel to the midlands and more specifically Wolves

On paper it’s a set up that can look crazily attacking however there is very much a method to the madness and when broken down offers the perfect balance of attack and defence. A solid back 3 provides a strong defensive unit allowing us to bring in an extra CB to combat their firepower. We defend narrow making it impossible for them to play between the lines and we play a relatively high line to pin them back.

Let them have it out wide where they can’t hurt us and when it comes into the box we have 3 powerhouse CB’s to deal with the aerial threat. If they play two up top one of our other CB's picks him up meaning we'll also have a spare man at the back to deal with trouble.

Offensively we have a plethora of options. Quick passing to cut through their shape as we look to play between the lines. Sane and Sancho using their pace to get up and down the lines. Havertz in the hole is the perfect link up but can also push up top if Messi drops deep, pulling them out of position and making it impossible to man mark. Aguero plays on the last man and tucks away anything that comes his way in the box.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: Aguero off, De Ligt on. Move to an orthodox 4-2-3-1. Stronger defensively whilst still maintaining a strong attack.
75 mins: Havertz off, Sabitzer. Sits in as a third CM.
85 mins: Sancho off, Jesus on. Messi moves to RW. Fresh legs up top to pick them off on the break.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Aguero & Sane off, Jesus & Hazard on. Extra injection of speed & quality as we bring on two players capable of unlocking any defence.

Newcastle vs LIVERPOOL
Injuries:
Adama Traore
Rafael Leao
Cody Gakpo
Hugo Lloris

Tough game away at the magpies, but a liver bird is bigger. Ludy is playing a back 7 lately, so based on this, we go into this game looking to use some attacking width and stretch the geordies out.
This Newcastle squad is right up there with the very best in the league and they have to be aiming at top-four, home advantage and form goes against us, so taking this as a free hit in many respects.

………………………………………Trubin………………………………..
Dumfries……………..Varane………….Botman…………..Nouri
………………………………………Tonali…………………..
………………………….Zinchenko……Willock……………..
Stengs………………………………Icardi………………….Neto

Subs: Vabdevoordt, Trippier, Ake, Cajuste, McKennie, James, Belotti

It’s very difficult to put a side out when the Welsh hatchet man knobbles 3 wingers

Trubin comes into goals this week, our 6ft5 man mountain fills the goals, and will look to dominate his area today, quick off his line to sweep up any through balls, a player full of real potential this one.

Dumfries and Nouri are absolute pace merchants, they’ll use that to keep Newcastle at bay down our flanks, and then to good effect, going forwards as we look to get some over-laps on our wingers, create the overloads on liverpools defence and starve their attack of supply.

Varane and Botman may be playing for a bottle of the table team, but they’re a top of the table pairing, brains and strength, both have won league titles playing for shiete teams so….. Varane is the free man, using that footballing intelligence to read each scenario and take the right course of action. Botman is the muscle, so he’ll man mark the central stiker – if it’s two up top then Botman goes to the ball, whilst Varane covers the pass.

Tonali has started this season like a house on fire, we’ve added a 3rd body to the engine so he’s got less leg work to do, will sit in as a QB, spraying the ball around and bypassing the Newcastle press, The Geordies are quality from 1-11 but they’re not quick at CM so we should be able to counter-press.

Zinchenko captains the Ukraine national side, and slides into our engine room, great touch, great range of passes and a physical presence in the middle. KDB-lite as he affectionately known will go B2B, linking the transitions and trying to break the lines in the Newcastle side, He and Sandro T should give us a great platform.

The 3rd cog in the wheel is Joe Willock, he’ll also go B2B today and as shown last season he can score goals from midfield on a regular basis… with him and Zinch going toe-to-toe with Newcastles Cm’s and Sandro T, tilting it in our favour we can get a good foothold in this game.

The trident:

Not as strong as we could be through injuries but we have a lot of pace out-wide and in Icardi we have an ice cold button man to put the chances away.

Stengs is an absolute assist and goals machine, got his move to Nice which will be a good test for him, left-footed right winger, will look to cut inside and reap havoc. 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 games last year show he can be a good outlet, and with fellow dutchman Dumfries (4 goals and 9 assists in 40) backing him up that right flank up against Luke “Gary Barlow” Shaw will be an interesting battle.

Neto the future Ballon D’or is in at left-wing, fast and direct and as tenacious as a terrier, he can change a game on his own, goals and assists and with fellow wulf, Ait-Nouri backing him up, both our flanks are well balanced, wingers coming in, full-backs running the line – we will carve out those opportunities

Icardi, lets be honest is a if El Diego thinks you’re one, then it must be pretty bad…. But all top sides have that in their ranks, but there is no doubt this lad can finish, and that’s all that counts, whilst not conceding guarantees a point, it’s goals that gets you 3, and 11 in 33 for Samp, 124 in 219 for Inter and 35 in 67 for PSG show this man can put up numbers with the very best.

Subs 65 mins
McKennie > Willock, like for like

James > Stengs, like for like

Belotti > Icardi, like for like

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

Walker—Carlos----Maguire---Hernandez

------------Phillips----SMS

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

Meslier
White
Castagne
Brozovic
Foden
Bamford
Olise

A grudge match for us, as we travel across the Pennines to take on media darlings Manchester United, our travelling faithful coming in numbers, and we will seek to entertain them at the Theatre of Wet Dreams. A change of formation, that may look like madness written down, but Nadz plays his own way, and we want to counter and address that. I’ve opted for the 4-2-4 (or 4-4-2, they both work), to give us an extra man in the attack, to come up against their back three. Nadz likes to push his wing-backs high up the pitch, so I have opted for wide-men that provide both industry to track, and the flair to provide a variety of options in behind. In Phillips and SMS, we believe we have a midfield that matches theirs for industry and tenacity, whilst the back four provides a good balance of pace in the wide areas, and bruising strength in the middle. I want to see us move the ball quickly, and dominate in possession, utilising a two-touch system to keep the ball constantly moving. A fluidity of movement across the attack should make it difficult for Nadz’ defence to keep on top of everyone, and allow for us to target the space in behind their WBs, thusdrawing men out from their defence, and creating the space for Kane in the middle.

In defence, I have opted for the bruising presences of Carlos and Maguire as the CB partnership. Maguire will man-mark their number nine, using his indomitable aerial presence to bully them in the middle, whilst Carlos operates as the sweeper in their duo, using his surprising turn of pace to cover the spaces in behind. In Hernandez and Walker we have pacier options out wide, who are liable to face a torrid time against their wide players. That being said, both have the tools to assert authority in these areas, and will sit on the opponents through the whole game, not allowing them the space or time to operate, whether that be on the counter, or through possession. These players are key outlets for the wrong united, so limiting their effectiveness will be key. The FBs will also be supported by Kalvin, who will shuttle across in front of the back four, allowing us to double up on the tricksy wide players. Because Nadz operates with a two man pivot of his own, we can trust that Ndidi will likely sit deep, allowing for us to operate a similar style of midfield player. Phillips excells in this role, breaking up the play and moving the ball on simply and quickly. SMS will have his own defensive duty, going man-for-man with their second midfielder, who will likely operate more as a link between defense and attack. As a result, cutting off the ability of this player to orchestrate transitions will be key, so, when out of possessions, SMS will sit and track this player. Contrary to our usual approach, Chiesa and Harrison will also have defensive duties, tracking the opposition WBs, to counter any chance they have of doubling up on us in the wide areas, and overloading in these positions.

In terms of moving the ball out from the back, we should have options. In Neuer, we have a fantastic sweeper, so the ball backwards to go forwards will, more often than not, be a viable option. Phillips and SMS will both be willing ball-players in the middle, and I want to see Chiesa and Harrison drop deep to pick up the ball, as the FBs will only have limited opportunities to join the attack. We should look to eschew long balls, preferring short-to-middle range passing, and preferring to attack in the space down the channels, instead of through the middle.

Our attacking four provide a wide variety of attacking approach for today. As previously stated, we believe that Nadz’ system creates a large space in behind his attacking WBs, both of whom are preferred for their attacking output than their defensive. We especially believe their left side to be weak in this area, so will target our approach here, through the mercurial Chiesa. By shifting Depay into more of a support striker, we should create more jobs for their three man defense to do, and it will likely serve them as some sort of surprise, as we traditionally utitlise only one central attacker. Depay will occupy a fluid role, however, capable of both playing off Kane in the middle, or pushing out wide to help create overloads in the wide areas. SMS can also push forward to contribute in attacking areas, too, looking to operate in the spaces in between their pivot. I want to see Kane operating through the middle, between the goalposts, to keep him at his most potent.

The high press may be key today, as Nadz will likely look to transition quickly on the counter, due to the efficacy of his wingers. Kane and Depay will harry in the central areas, alternating who pushes higher, as a tactic to conserve energy, whilst the previously mentioned defensive roles will also come into effect, ie wingers tracking WBs, and SMS tracking B2B.

Substitutions

If winning

Harrison off for Brozovic 65 mins

Switch to a more conventional 4-3-3 shape, with Depay moving out to the left. This provides us the extra body in midfield, to help us win this battle, and also a ball-playing player, to help us control possession for the last 25.

Walker off for Castagne; Chiesa off for Foden 75 mins

Fresh legs down the right hand side, which is the side that we particularly want to target and exploit.

If losing/drawing

Harrison off for Foden 65 mins

A change in personnel that gives them a different kind of threat to worry about out wide.

Walker off for Castagne 72 mins

Switch to a 3-3-3-1 formation, wit Phillips dropping in as a third CB, and Castagne pushing forward as a RWB, looking to contribute more attacking bodies, and peg back their wingers, by forcing them to either track back or leave their defense exposed.

Chiesa off for Olise 80 mins

Flair player who has the potential to change the game, plus fresh attacking legs, and Welshy bugg ered my wide options.

Attacking 4-4-2

We go with an attacking team, playing with a high tempo in attack. A fluid front four with real quality and pace. We apparently lacked goals (even though Lautaro would’ve outscored Lukaku if he’d taken pens) so add Benzema to play with rather than replace Lautaro. Both are excellent dropping deep to get on the ball and creating which is hugely important for our formation.

Chelsea have a great attack, but have weaknesses in defence and behind their midfield, particularly at fb with their injuries and a cb pairing we think we can get at. So we look to target their weakest fb, and/or if no fbs with our formation overload their back 3/4.

We deliberately go with strong defensive fbs, in possession we look for Alaba to move forward to cm and Militao to narrow to form a back 3, this gives us a 3-5-2 formation in possession ensuring we are not outnumbered in midfield and can take the game to Chelsea. Get the front four in between the lines. Goretzka or Thiago up supporting and creating.

We aim to gain control by overloading their defence, our attackers pushing them back, we’ll have Alaba giving us a third man in Cm pushing our front four forward on to their defence. Importantly we have two forwards who will drop deep to find pockets of space linking the play and creating.

At home so no hanging about we look to attack, getting in behind and target them out wide, get balls in the box, getting down the outside for a cut back/cross or coming inside to space to shoot/cut back.

Two intelligent cms key to our plan, Thiago dictating the tempo and spreading the play with Goretzka playing box to box and linking the play - the same winning pair worked for Bayern. Up top Lautaro has the pace and energy to buzz around Benzema who has the quality and intelligence to link with him, they drop deep looking to drag defenders out of position creating space for the other striker or wingers to get in. Imports both have goals in them.

Alaba the only fb that gets forward, Militao plays at rb for his pace and defensive strength, while adding a set piece threat, he always stays back as 3rd cb. Alaba gets forward to Cm to aid building possession and creating.

We direct our attacks out wide in final 3rd and play quickly and direct. We have a front four full of pace, looking to stretch the opposition and create space for other attackers to exploit.

Jota comes in to offer high defensive work rate on the left, and because he’s used to attacking from deeper positions under Nuno (difference being we are attacking not counter attacking!). Sterling on the right for width and direct running into the box.

Thiago plays zonally in front of cbs, Goretzka who presses the play. Similar in attack, Thiago plays deepest covering and creating from deep, moving forward when Alaba sits in. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a balanced/middle line (not as high as usual due to pace of Mbappe).

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Tire the opposition out physically and mentally with our high tempo play.

We have a cm duo who can both drop deep to offer an option and collect the ball from defence. Likewise a fluid front four, who can switch positions or drop deep to collect the ball from midfield. This fluidity will help the players to get away from their markers, catch the opposition out and create space. As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half.

Set-pieces will be important we have giants in the air to get forward in Marquinhos, Militao, Laporte, Goretzka and Benzema plus Lautaro and Jota who love a header, and fantastic delivery where we can bully Chelsea’s midgets. For corners Goretzka/Jota take turns outside box so we’ve not too many forward (for deeper free-kicks Thiago will take and also be deep so no worry).

————————————— Allison
Militao —— Marquinhos —— Laporte —— D.Alaba
————————— Thiago —— Goretzka
Sterling ——————————————————— D.Jota
————————- Lautaro —— Benzema

Subs. Henderson, Carvajal, Rodri, Mount, Gnabry, S.Mane, Osimhen

Defending

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 as soon as they get into middle 3rd. Stop them breaking and press them relatively high up the park (not as high as usual since back line is slightly deeper, ensuring no space between the lines).

Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Thiago plays zonally in front of cbs, with Goretzka ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Chelsea are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, put them under pressure to force a mistake. Then break quickly when we do win the ball.

As Chelsea get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Lautaro drops behind Benzema sitting on their deepest Cm.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Mount for Lautaro. More control and energy in midfield, 4-2-3-1.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rodri for Goretzka. Fresh legs, and control to see game out.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mane for Jota. Fresh pace in attack.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Mount and Carvajal for Lautaro and Militao. More control and creativity, Carvajal on as we look to attack wings and double up on their fbs.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Gnabry for Goretzka. Jota central, Gnabry left. 4231.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Carvajal and Mane for Militao and Lautaro. 4-2-3-1. Sterling behind Benz, more pace and width.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Osimhen for Alaba.

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Comment deleted by Article Creator

Comment deleted by Article Creator

This is stupidity

------------------------- E.Martinez --------------------------
--------- Skriniar ------- S.deVrij ------- Kamara ---------
M.Aarons ------- T.Kroos ------ Niguez ------- R.Gosens
---------------------------- B.Silva ---------------------------
------------------ Lukaku --------- Werner -----------------

Okoye, Tierney, Di Lorenzo, Tolisso, Zaniolo, M.Kean, Watkins

When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, B.Silva will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.

If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want B.Silva to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.

When we have the ball it starts from the back moving the ball around between defence and centre midfield until the moment arrives when a pass can be made through to the front line, , there is no rush, if they come pressing we simply move it to the wide areas for them to bomb down the line and look to either cut it back or get a pass into the front three.

Martinez is our sweeper keeper, he always makes himself big, I want him involved with the defence playing out, if he has the ball I want him to find players especially the wingbacks when we are ready to attack

Skriniar and Kamara, Cover the wingbacks when they have pushed forward and take the ball out of defence, use there positional sense well as they may be out paced., must do this with confidence, if they lose the ball then all numbers back to cover, if they are being pressurised then a simple pass even back to the keeper and start again, stay wide (depending on what side) to cover wingbacks if they are forward.

de Vrij - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Aarons and Gosens, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about whats behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defence duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.

Although Niguez primary role in front of the defence is to control possession and then start an attacking phase, although not a DM he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he will 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.

Kroos has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running he is expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks..

B.Silva is in a free role I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingers, pass in between the lines and give them something to run onto as the drive passed the defender, making late runs into the box and look for any loose ball to have a pop at goal, he, Silva is a great finisher so look to make late runs into the area and latching onto crosses from wide areas, defending wise, I want him to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible, also can draw players into him, therefore winning a lot of free kicks

Werner I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with B.Silva to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku, Werner & Silva will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back

Lukaku, is our out an out No.9, fox in the box, a bully and powerful striker, he is there to finish off chances created by other, I want him always on the last man, no defending required from him, always ready to pounce, if however he cant get in on goal he has plenty round him to lay it off to, or just a quick pass and look to get into space where he can get his shot off, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.

Captain - de Vrij
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - B.Silva
Corners - B.Silva

Losing -
65 Mins - Zaniolo for Aarons, M.Kean for Gosens, Zaniolo RW, Werner to the left, Kean up top 424

Winning
75 Mins - Tierney and Di Lorenzo for Gosens and Aarons, fresh legs v any new attacking threat
78 Mins - Tolisso for Werner 3511

Drawing -
65 Mins - M.Kean for Werner, Di Lorenzo for Aarons
75 Mins - Zaniolo for B.Silva

**No Newcastle tactics were seen during the timing of me posting

65 Mins - Zaniolo for Aarons, M.Kean for Gosens, Zaniolo RW, Werner to the left, Kean up top 424

Should be 3232