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

Walker----Maguire----Hernandez---Digne

--------------------Brozovic

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

Chiesa----------Depay--------------Zaha

Meslier
Castagne
White
Jorginho
Foden
Harrison
Bamford

A tough trip to Watford today, to take on Elton John’s Brazilian Boytoys, and its an injury hit week this time around. I have opted for Depay up top instead of either Kane or Isak, who are both out, with Chiesa and Zaha either side of him. This is a rapid front-three, capable of interlocking and interchanging to cause problems for the opposition defence. Elsewhere, I have brought Brozovic back into the base of the midfield, as I hope that his intricate skill will help us dominate the ball today. In front of him, SMS and Pellegrini provide the work ethic and quality to link our defence to attack, and the back four is probably at its strongest, with the ever-reliable Neuer in behind. I want to see us dominate the ball against Elsie’s unit, with quick movement to pull at their shape, and create space for the fluid front three to do their thing. We have a side packed with pace and power, so should be able to dominate in the key areas, both in midfield and out wide.

Defensively, we have reverted to the back four, with Maguire and Hernandez at the heart of it. The promise of this partnership is, for me, in how they compliment each other. Both are good on the ball, but off it, we can see the raw physicality of Maguire and the pacier class of Hernandez being a great combo. Maguire will take man-marking responsibilities for this game, picking up their main goal threat, and stopping any aerial balls into him, whilst Hernandez will serve as the old fashioned sweeper, looking to mop up any loose play in the spaces in behind. Brozovic will sit just in front of the back three, and this should allow for Walker and Digne to be ascribed some attacking license, with them pushing forward to support the attack. It just means that we shouldn’t be left overloaded on the counter, as we will always have men back. I want to see Digne and Walker holding the opposition attackers in the wide positions, pegging them back into areas where I don’t think they can be dangerous to our goal. A mid-high line should be fine for today, as Neuer is adept at covering the space in behind them, making it harder for the opposition to exploit.

When moving the ball out from the back, I want to see us playing two-touch, pass-and-move stuff, with the defenders not dallying on the ball, but being presented plenty of options. Mocement will be key for this, so both SMS and Pellegrini have the license to drop deep for the ball, before turning on it and breaking up the pitch. With Neuer and Brozovic also showing for the ball, we should never be short of retention passes, whilst both Fbs are also outlets for us breaking from the back. Transitioning from these areas is key, but that doesn’t mean we need to rush into making the attacking ball, and can instead just maintain posession, frustrating the opposition, forcing them to press high, and tiring their legs.

In the attacking areas, I have gone for a trident that I think can be pretty fluid, with all of the three possessing attributes that allow them to play through any of the three positions in the trident, meaning that rotation across the three of them would be preferable, as it makes it hard for the opposition to track, and means they are constantly placed under an array of different approaches. The main setup sees Zaha and Chiesa operting as inside forwards on right and left, with Depay working as a false nine, and the other two pushing past him, but this can change as the game passes. The attacking three will also have supporting runs from the Fbs, who will provide width with the outside players tending to make runs inside, and SMS and Pellegrini, who will push on and support the attacking players with dynamic midfield runs, one getting in the box to supplement our options here, and pick up loose second balls, giving us a man over, whilst Pellegrini sits on the outside, to kep momentum and pick up; on loos clearings.

The press should be engaged high whenever we lose possesion, and with the attacking three we are playing we feel that we should have the energy and press to maintain this. Depay will work the central defenders, whilst Zaha and Chiuesa will look to sit on their FBs, meaning that playing the ball around the back will be difficult. This should allow for us to quickly regain possession. Pellegrini will operate on their deepest lying midfielder, whilst SMS will quickly get back to operate as the energetic box-to-box player. This should buy time for Digne and Walker to get back into position, to avoid us being overly exposed.

Substitutions

If winning

Pellegrini off for White 75 mins

Switch to a 3-4-3, with White at RCB, and SMS operating alongside Brozovic.

Walker off for Castagne 80 mins

Fresh legs at RWB, and maybe a more natural player in that position.

Brozovic off for Jorginho 85 mins

Fresh legs at holding midfield, and quality replacement.

If losing/drawing.

Zaha and Pellegrini off for Bamford and Foden 70 minutes

Switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Bamford up top, and Foden at 10.

NEWCASTLE 3-5-2

———————-— Mendy
————— Dias - Matip - Christensen
Trent - Gundogan - Fabian - Casemiro - Shaw
—————— Salah - Lewa

Subs: Modric, Kessie, Tomori, Son, Silva, Llorente, Bowen

Captain: Lewy
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Salah



Today we line up with a three man defence to create a solid base. Point of this system is to create space for the deep lying midfielder to play and counter the press. Creating a system to make the deep lying midfielder press resistant by making a space for him to constantly drop in and receive the ball.

In possession, the wing backs are expected to keep the width for the team and progress with the team to their box. Our main method of direct progression is direct passes and layoffs through the lines and we do this all over the pitch. From centre half into the number 8 and the number 8 lays off to the number 6. The 6 then plays into the striker and again laying off to the 8. Crucial for that is the use of triangles between the players.

We have two excellent and complementary forwards who thrive on direct balls. They can hold up play or drop off. To complement their play we will play very vertically, especially if the centre backs can bring the ball out and then look to play the strikers in directly. When done well this could help create 3v4 or 3v3 situations.

Our centre centre back will be the one that breaks the line and passes into midfield, very occasionally galloping up the field to join the attack. He will be able to break the offense, midfield, and even the defensive line with just one pass. Of course this is not always the case, so if there is no direct way to get the forwards involved he will use his dribbling ability to pass the first defending line where he will then be able to play a line-breaking ball out of a midfield position. If the opposition have blocked the passing lanes to the strikers, the CCB will use his overview to switch the point of the game. He will then make a long-range pass out wide to one of the wing-backs who usually have a lot of space in front of them.

When one striker has the ball, the other will run forward centrally to open up spaces with midfielders exploiting the spaces providing passing and layoff options.

Attacking play style

We also look to width to create chances. We attack in a 3-3-4 formation with both wingbacks joining to become a front 4. At least one wingback looks to push high and isolate his opposite man. The inside midfielder will then push outwards to create overloads in wide areas, assisted by a striker dropping off - the other striker and midfielder are then able to make runs against the opposition CBs also making deeper runs into the box.

Defensive play style

Defensively we become a 5-3-2 when under periods of sustained pressure. We will create a compact defensive shape of 5 defenders and 3 midfielders very close to the backline. The forwards work defensively to help regain possession by reducing space for the opponents.

We look to press man for man higher up the pitch and try to shoo the opposition into wide areas by allowing the opposition fullbacks some space leaving them as the easiest pass options. This allows us to congest the middle making us hard to play through. When engaging the press out wide, there is often space behind the opposition wingbacks into which we can attack. Particularly effective against teams playing 433/4231 as we can go man for man across the pitch killing their possession play.

Defensive transitions

First and foremost get all men back into the defensive shape, return very very quickly into this shape and add more numbers than opponents have attackers. Make space tight. Most important are the two wingbacks as they have to drop back into the defensive line quickly very often during the game. A formidable and organized defence keeping things tight at the back, allowing an extremely solid foundation from which to attack.

Offensive transitions

We need to also be great on the counter. When the ball is won, the strikers look for out balls. On the break they are joined by a CM and one of the wingbacks.

Subs.

65 mins - Llorente on Gundogan off. Fresh legs.

70 mins losing/drawing - Son on Fabian off. Struggling to break them down so we need to stretch them. 3-4-3 Son left salah right Lewa central

75 mins losing/drawing - Silva on Matip off. Get behind their defence. 442

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

Attacking high tempo 4-4-2

At home and in form we go with an attacking team, playing with a high tempo in attack and pressing.

A fluid front four with real quality and pace. The front two have started the season on fire, and form the classic big man small one duo, with pace and power of Osimhen and technical and link up quality of Lautaro. Importantly both have ridiculously high work rates, and set the tone for the team from the front, pressing high and allowing us to press up the park as a unit.

Toon have a strong attack, but have weaknesses in defence, we’ll target the cb(s) next to Dias, and target Trent defensively. We don’t see any individual weaknesses in our back line and with our high pressing game, we look to dominate and keep Toon contained. Simply create more than they do, our defence have the pace to deal with them plus a sweeper keeper, so best to keep Lewa as far away from our goal as possible.

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 Toon. Get the front four in between the lines. Goretzka or Thiago up supporting and creating. This trio are all great on the ball, with great power and we expect them to win the midfield battle with our pace in attack stretching and pushing Toon back.

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 Lautaro will drop deep to find pockets of space linking the play and creating, and pulling their defenders out of position creating space for our other attackers. Our youth and pace in attack vs their old legs in attack.

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.

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.

Thiago plays zonally in front of cbs, Goretzka who presses the play. In attack, Alaba plays deepest covering and creating from deep, allowing Thiago to advance. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a high line, we can deal with the pace of their attackers from deep with Alaba/Marquinhos/Militao, and better to press high as a unit and dominate.

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 cms 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.

Not enough is made of Set-pieces on here, they will be key game changers, we have giants in the air to get forward in Marquinhos, Militao, Laporte, Goretzka and Osimhen plus Lautaro who loves a header, and fantastic delivery where we can bully Toon’s midgets.

————————————— Allison
Militao —— Marquinhos —— Laporte —— D.Alaba
————————— Thiago —— Goretzka
Sterling ——————————————————— S.Mane
————————- Lautaro —— Osimhen

Subs. Schmeichel, R.James, Theo, Rodri, Mount, Gnabry, D.Jota

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 pressing them relatively high up the park. Osimhen and Lautaro set the tone from the front, they are natural pressing monsters.

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 Toon 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 Toon 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 Osimhen 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 Jota for Mane. Fresh pace in attack.

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

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

ARSENAL v Liverpool

--------------------- A. Onana --------------------
------- Kounde --- J. Stones --- Tapsoba ------
Pereira ---- T. Partey --- Barella ---- Tierney
-------------------- L. Paqueta -------------------
------------ P. Dybala ---- Aubameyang --------


Subs: Raya, Alba, Tielemans, Smith Rowe, M. Diaby, Saka, Calvert-Lewin

Liverpool lack experience and that is only worsened by missing Lloris, Trippier and Varane through injury. This, coupled with the fact we are at home, gives us the opportunity to dominate this game and really stamp our authority on it. Their forward players are raw, but quick - so we’ve gone with the back five today to close those spaces. The wide CBs combining with the wing backs to double up and stop their forwards. Shifted back to our narrower formation, but Aubameyang will still drift left, taking advantage of their weakness at right back. Stones will step into midfield with the ball, forming an almost diamond in midfield, this gives us a wealth of technical ability in our spine - and pace outside in our wing backs and Aubameyang - this should give us huge dominance in midfield as they have a bit of a weakness there too and tend to play with only two CMs.

Pereira – In a back five he has the freedom to do what he does best and attack. He has experience of playing as a winger too so feel this is a role well suited for him. We’ve put Kounde behind him today to feed him down that right channel. Between Partey and Kounde they can cover any space he leaves when attacking - but he also has great recovery pace to snatch the ball back quickly or get back.

Kounde - 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 Tierney / Aubameyang - this will break the Leeds shape and create chaos.

Tapsoba – Tierney as an outlet ahead of him and Aubameyang as a longer outball. Equally he can carry the ball further himself, through the middle and work with the CMs. He’s also extremely strong and tall and will partner well with Kounde and Stones from a defensive point of view. In his preferred LCB role.

Stones - the central CB - allowing him to play the quarterback role - he’s brilliant on the ball and reads the game exceptionally well and can step out of the defence. They have dangerous attackers and he is in the middle of that for his experience to help guide two of the best young CBs in world football alongside him.

Tierney - Whoever is on his side he will be able to combine with Tapsoba to stop. He’s been selected for that speed and experience today. He will also 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 Liverpool 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 quality 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 more 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 Liverpool.

Barella – Barella 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 has Partey to sit deepest and mop up and three CBs behind him, and he should be the conductor. He can combine with Tierney on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.

Paqueta - Paqueta has really excelled playing as an attacking midfielder or striker for Lyon in recent weeks scoring 4 in 6 games and 2 in 3 for Brazil - and we feel combining with Dybala and Aubameyang, he gives us different abilities that will make it really hard for Liverpool to read and defend. He has great technical and physical qualities, to win the first and second balls before feeding Dybala / Auba ahead of him.

When we attack, Dybala shifts to wide right forward, so can cut on left, Auba left forward to cut in on his right, the wing backs overlap - this provides us with a threat inside and out on both sides.

----- Kounde - Stones - Tapsoba -----
--------------- T. Partey ----------------
Pereira ------- Barella ------- Tierney
---- Dybala -- Paqueta --- Auba ------

Dybala – We expect to have possession so we’ve chosen a forward who consistently breaks deep blocks. A fantastic link man, he has pace either side in Tierney and Pereira and ahead in Aubameyang - Paqueta for that close combination play.

Aubameyang - Pressing forward: The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Liverpool defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Dybala, Paqueta and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best. The left half space is his and this is the area he excels in most.


SUBS

After 60 (all scenarios) - Tielemans for Barella - fresh legs in that crucial role.

If not winning
After 65 – Saka for Tapsoba - Tierney to LCB, Saka LM

After 80 (all) Smith Rowe for Paqueta

Watford: Week 8 (Home to Leeds)
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Assunção

Team:
----------------Júnior
Ngakia--Felipe—Pavlovic---Abner
--------------Assunção
------Matheus------Igor G
Henrique-------------------Paulinho
----------------Darwin

SUBS: Bursik, Lewis, Collins, Azate, De Paula, Veron, Evanilson

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

Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.

Midfield: Assunção will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. Matheus and Igor G 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. Igor G 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 Igor G, Matheus and Darwin 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 Igor G to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Darwin starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great 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, Pavlovic, Assunção and Darwin to offer an aerial threat. Igor G and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Darwin

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

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

-------------Assunção
Veron---Igor G---Paulinho
--------Darwin---Evanilson

BRENTFORD v Manchester City

Gallagher, Grimaldo, Ibrahimovic, Mertens

----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Maehle
--------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
Berardi--------------Isco-----Saint-Maximin
----------------------Suárez

Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Guehi, Laimer, Bernardeschi, Djuricic, Immobile

Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi (Bernardeschi)/Isco
Penalties: Suárez (Immobile)

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Joakim Maehle at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Kovacic can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Mateo Kovacic.

Kovacic is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Kovacic such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Isco and Allan Saint-Maximin as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

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

Isco, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Isco is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Berardi, Saint-Maximin & 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, Isco & Saint-Maximin 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
Bernardeschi on for Berardi and Immobile on for Suárez

Double substitution - Quick feet, a blistering change of pace and a precise shot to boot from Bernardeschi and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Immobile during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

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

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

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

--- Mbappe ------------ Haaland ----------- Grealish ---

Pope, Konsa, Bellingham, Musiala, D.Luiz, Mendes, Ferran

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 it is a class midfield from Wolves, but we have 3 guys of real quality in there too, 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 the mid 3 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. 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 get stuck into others who hold on to the ball too long, not allow them 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 and Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3/4 but also look for fullbacks as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto. They have freedom to move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Both are essential to our style of play, they are the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly they will look to set up our front three and push on, look to receive a pass and drive on. They will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to their dribbling capabilities to get them around players, and into the danger area to unleash a powerful drive. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. After the pass they can make up the extra man further forward as Bissouma stays and covers. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on. When defending this is a tight 3 man midfield.

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

Captain - Bonucci
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Locatelli(in direct), Grealish (direct)
Corners - Grealish

Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Ferran for de Jong, he goes RW, Mbappe up top, 442/424
75 Mins - Musiala for Grealish, Bellingham for Locatelli, add some pace and fresh legs

Winning -
75 Mins - D.Luiz for de Jong, add a little bite into midfield, Ferran for Haaland, Mbappe up top Ferran to RM

Drawing -
65 Mins - Ferran for de Jong, Grealish to No.10, Mbappe left, Ferran right 4231

Red
Oblak - Pope for de Jong 441
Cancelo - Konsa for de Jong 441
Robertson - Mendes for de Jong 441
CB - Konsa for de Jong 441
CM - nothing 441
Mbappe - Ferran for de Jong 441
Grealish - Mendes for de Jong 441
Haaland - Ferran for de Jong, Mbapp e up top 441

---------------------- Martinez ---------------------

------- Skriniar ---- S.de Vrij ---- N'Dicka -------

S. Dest -- T.Kroos -- Kante -- Niguez -- Gosens

---------------- Lukaku ----- A.Gouiri -------------

Remiro, Prowse, Gueye, B.Silva, Zaniolo, Watkins, Kean

When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Kroos and 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 Kroos/Niguez to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks.

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

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 N'Dicka, 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.
Dest 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 Kante's primary role in front of the defence is to control possession and then start an attacking phase, 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 and Niguez both have the responsibility throughout the pitch. They are expected to score goals and create chances for the front 2, 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. I want them 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, defending wise, I want them to harass who ever has the ball in that area, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible

Gouiri 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 the midfield to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku and Gouiri the midfield 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 - B.Silva for Dest, Watkins for Niguez, we go with an attacking 343
75 Mins M.Kean for Gouiri

Winning -
75 Mins - Gueye for Niguez, more battling qualities in midfield, B.Silva for Gouiri 3511

Drawing -
65 Mins - B.Silva for Niguez - 3412, Watkins for Gouiri
75 Mins - Prowse for Kroos

-------------------- Ederson ------------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- A.Sandro
------------------- Fabinho -------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
G.Jesus --------- S.Aguero --------- L.Sane

Subs:
Ramsdale, P.Torres, R.Neves, Havertz, Antony, Hazard, Dzeko

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

With our home faithful in full voice we look to take the game to our opponents in an attacking 4-3-3 set up. A solid defensive set up will ensure we don’t leave ourselves open to the pace they possess out wide. The duo of Pavard and A.Sandro are two of the best defensive full backs around whilst De Ligt and Ramos form a watertight CB duo.

We feel the midfield battle will be key and we are delighted that we can go with our powerhouse and perfectly balanced trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho. Fabinho shielding the defence is one of the best players around for ball recoveries. Going forward De Bruyne and Pogba are two of the best around, both capable of the sublime and giving us a midfield full of creativity. Out of possession we want them to work together to eliminate any space for the opposition to play in between the lines.

We give Leo a rest and go with a front three that have great chemistry and know each others game well. Jesus and Sane occupy the flanks with Aguero playing through the middle. Bags of pace to test their defence and give us a goal threat from every angle.

The opposition are likely to be relatively young which can lead to tactical naivety. We therefore want to play at a high tempo, short sharp passing as we move the ball at pace really testing their tactical IQ. Make them chase the ball, pulling them out of position and opening up space for us to exploit in the final third. Our front three will play between the lines with our playmakers capable of threading the ball through the eye of a needle.

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.

Our fullbacks will stick tight to their wingers, both with bags of pace we see them down the line and don’t let them cut infield. Both have quality on the ball and we want them to hit the channels early as we look to get Jesus and Sane in behind.

Midfield:

Midfield is where we possess the perfect trio to take the game to the opposition. Fabinho will be our anchor 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 getting the ball forward early.

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:

Movement, movement, movement. The key to breaking down the opposition will be the movement of our front three.

Aguero plays centrally, the Argentine may be getting on however his finishing is still second to none and he'll have a dream supply line around him. Play on the shoulder of the last man ready to be slipped in by those through balls from KDB & Pogba. When we're in the final third we want him in the box, ready to pounce on any chances that fall his way.

Jesus and Sane occupy the flanks and both are dangerous with the ball at their feet. We want them to go at the opposition, take on your man and whip the ball across the face of goal for Aguero to tap home. They also have license to make runs from out to in, cutting inside the fullback our AM's will be looking to play a sliderule ball in behind their defence with both Jesus and Sane both ice cold in front of goal.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: Pogba off, Neves on. Twin DM alongside Fabinho.
80 mins: Aguero off, Dzeko on.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Pogba off, Havertz on. 4-2-2-2 with Havertz & Sane out wide and Aguero & Jesus up top. Goals.
80 mins: Aguero off, Dzeko on.

MAN UNITED VS spurs

-----------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
Mukiele-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Reguilon
------------------------------Ndidi--------------Valverde-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raphinha--------------------------Wirtz-----------------------Sulemana
------------------------------------Greenwood--------------------------------

Subs - Gulácsi, J Gomez, Tchoucameni, Ismaila Sarr, Aouar, Pulisic, Daka

CAPTAIN - WIRTZ
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - WIRTZ
PENALTIES - GREENWOOD

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 defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Mukiele and Reguilon are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. 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. 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 fullbacks 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
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to Aouar. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Sulemana/Raphinha and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.

Wingers
Raphinha + Sulemana
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. Sulemana 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 fullbacks. 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. .

Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Greenwood and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.

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.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Daka for Valverde and Sarr for Raphinha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

----------------------------------Dragowski--------------------------------
Mukiele-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Reguilon
--------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr-----------------------------------------------------------------Sulemana
---------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
----------------------------Daka---------------Greenwood-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Gomez in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Tchoucameni on for Valverde aswell to offer more defensive protection. Aouar on at LW for Sulemana aswell.

------------------------------------------Drag--------------------------------
Mukiele-----Upamecano------Fofana----Gomez-----Reguilon
-----------------------------Ndidi--------------Tchou-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------Raphinha---------------Greenwood----------------Aouar-----------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Raphinha
Aouar on for Valverde
Pulisic on for Sulemana
Fresh legs to bring on.

WOLVES vs Chelsea
Injuries:
Jordan Pickford
Stefano Turati
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Samuele Ricci

Home against a side who are top-four fixtures, and a side we have aspirations of replacing in the top-four. Fresh off the back of a much needed win against Watford, and back in front of our fans, we look to build some momentum, We know all about Chelsea’s strengths and whilst we respect their attack, we’ll look to have a go at them, dominate the midfield area and try to get the job done. With this in mind we look again to the 4-4-2 Diamond. Whilst it doesn’t offer a huge amount of attacking width, it does give us the defensive rigidity to stop Chelsea 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 Chelsea defence occupied.
This formation and line-up ran Spurs close 3 or 4 weeks ago, so with slight tweaks should go atleast as close again

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

Subs :Moulden (GK), Wijndal, Milenkovic, Soumare, Insigne, Raul, Bale

Possession based football today, not possession for possession sakes but clever passing triangles to draw Chelsea 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 Chelsea’s full-backs. By pushing them inside whilst Fan will argue it creates over-loads, it actually doesn’t it creates even more congestion and slows down Chelseas attacks.

Kouli and Roma, the classical left foot/right foot combo, No man marking today, purely zonal, Chelsea 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.


The Diamond:

Busquets being the base, he’s the anchor and deep lying playmaker, Chelsea tend to play with a “ten” so Sergio will look to operate in the spaces that the most advanced midfield will be positioned in, 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 Chelsea’s 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 Chels 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 Chelsea, but the game-changer is the tip of diamond Neymar, who marks him from the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 an 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 Chelsea to keep defenders back if nothing else.
As we’ve discussed our midfield 3 match Chelsea up man for man, so Neymar and Griezzer will cover off a full-back each. Meaning Fans 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 – like for like
Raul > Griezmann – Raul is showing signs of being back to his best, great link up play, so no reason why he can’t play off Ronaldo

1 sub in the bank incase of a red card.
If it’s one of the 3 CM’s, no change made as we’ll go with a 2.

Anyone else, Take off Busquets and use the bench alternative, Verratti and Wij will then tuck in as a double pivot

Arsenal vs LIVERPOOL
Injuries:
Jens Cajuste
Hugo Lloris
Raphael Varane
Kieran Trippier

Arsenal are on a great run of form, we come in to this game fresh from a draw with Spurs, Jet has a good attacking layout and we can’t match them man for man right now, so we’re going to keep the same shape as last week and enjoy the use of a Libero, keep the game tight and maybe nick another point (or three)

………………………………Trubin………………………….
……………………………… Ake…………………………..
Dumfries……….Schuurs….…Botman…..Ait Nouri
Doku……………..Tonali………….Zinchenko………..Neto
………………………………..Leao……………………………

Subs: Vandevoordt, Johnson, Kabak, Willock, Belotti, Kelechi, James


Ake is the libero, he’s quick physically and mentally, can read the game better than most, but more importantly he’s comfortable in the possession and in true Libero style, will step out of defence and add extra weight into the midfield, allowing us to have 3 central midfielders (when we have the ball) and still maintaining a solid defensive line.

We know we can’t out-gun Arsenal, so the best way to defend against them is to keep the ball, we know that midfield unit can damage us (with the ball) but we also know they’re not necessarily the best with getting the ball back so we can with good game management slow the game down and disrupt their rhythm taking any momentum out of the game. If they get the overloads they’re looking for then do the right thing, take a man out 35+yards out, make sure the ref blows, I know it’s not the “Liverpool way” but the gunners are gonna have to earn the win.

The Defence:

Ake – Libero, will sit behind the back-line, fighting fires, bring the ball out of the back-line and join the midfield for retention, when we lose the ball or score, then he resets back to behind the line.

Dumfries/Ait Nouri, play their natural games today, Dumfires will push on and add numbers down the flank, Ait Nouri will be more restrained and not cross half-way, but he has great long passes so if the quick counter is on he can pick the long switch balls. Defensively they’re gonna be up against it today but they’re both pretty quick so can just jockey the man where possible, if he’s done you then wipe him out.

Botman is the muscle at a very decent 6ft3 anything coming into the box aerially he’s the first man. Good on the ball too so will look to join in the passing routes as we take the sting out of the game.
Schuurs also 6ft 3 but he’s the second ball winner, his main job will be to man mark the central striker.

Botman deals with balls into the box, Schurrs marks the central striker, and Ake fire fights by switching left to right and doubling up with our FB on whichever flank is most threatened, it’s easier with a designated sweeper as the central two have clear designated roles so there is no communication error.


Doku/Neto are lightening quick, they’ll stay wide to peg back Arsenals FB’s and stop them advancing too far up the pitch, as we’re possession based so our back four will go higher than usual, these two will also push up, Neto is a tricky little fecker and if he can get a 1v1 vs the RB then he can get some joy for us today, Doku is just a bull of a player, in a leg race the Arsenal LB is toast, so we want to manoeuvre the ball into that area of the pitch and create some overloads where possible. Arsenal won’t want to push too high as giving either of these two a head start kills them.


Tonali is the playmaker, he gets a hard time being labelled the second coming of Pirlo but he adds so much more steel to the side than the great Andrea ever could, another 6-footer will look to use that frame to shield the ball and keep us on the front foot, we know that whatever combination JET uses in the engine it’s a tall order, but this lad’s a pure baller, goals and assists already this season for Milan plus a solid worth ethic.

Zinchenko captains the Ukraine and plays Dm for them, so he comes in alongside Tonali, great passer of the ball with that sweet left peg, will help Tonali hold the midfield, we may be out numbered but we’re keen little fecks, KDB-lite will go B2B to support Leao

Leao – May be our 4th striker, but he gets the nod today, blistering pace, great technical ability and just over 6ft1” mean he has all the key skills to lead the line for us, 2 goals in 6 games for Milan so far, he can be the perfect springboard for our attacks, The pace that he,Doku and Neto bring mean that we can get men in behind that solid but sluggish defence, Spurs shouldn’t get this all their own way today.

Subs 65 mins:
Kelechi > Leao
James > Doku

Gameweek 9
Man city vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries:
Nelson Semedo
Jordan Pickford
Alessio Romagnoli
Nathaniel Phillips
David Brooks
Lorenzo Insigne
*2 extra injuries due to 32 players in squad


Tough game away, Fan dismantled the squad he inherited but has rebuilt a pretty decent unit. A strong defence, a solid midfield and in Lukaku a striker that can punish teams – unless of course it’s in a big game and we know he goes missing worse than Maddie.

Umming and ahing about the side today, But have decided with a vociferous away following coming with us to the council house, we owe it to them to put on a show and go all out for the win, City have employed a variant of a 3-5-2 to of late, so we’re going with a 3-3-3-1 yes I know it lacks defensive width, yes I know we may get over-run in the middle etc etc.

But it also gives us a rock solid platform at the back, it gives us a foundation in the midfield and we have a front-four that will peg back the entire City defence, whether they play a four or a five.

………………………………………Donnarumma…………………………….
………………………..Milenkovic…Koyulibaly…Soyuncu…………..
……………………………Verratti…Busquets…Wijnaldum………….
Adama……………………………….Griezmann……………………Neymar
…………………………………………..Ronaldo………………………………….

Subs: Turati (GK) Spinazzola, Wijndal, Soucek, Bale, Firmino, Vlahovic,

This system should in theory be a bit like a swiss army knife, has all the keys to be super useful in any situation. 3 centre-backs that are comfortable on the ball, and all clear 6foot, so if the Citizens try to bring the physical stuff at the back, we’ll stand them up and then knock down, we know that Fan likes a pretty active press but that’s just words, looking at previous squads his line-up doesn’t scream youthful energy, Lukaku is a lazy flat track bully so we won’t worry about his heavy press, so the defence can knock it about with relative comfort.

Koulibaly will be Rom’s man marker stay half a yard off him though, we know he couldn’t control a bag of cement much less a football so take a step back and when the ball bounces off, step in and take the ball away, Soyuncu and Milenkovic are the insurance and will play zonal style marking, so if the balls in their part of the area they go to, if its on the opposite side then they go into sentry mode and watch for any runners from the City Midfield.


We’ve kept our midfield trident, it’s right up there with the best in the league and each individual member has their clearly defined roles,

Busquets is the anchor man, his crab like style as he goes from side to side sweeping up City’s probing passes, relives much of the pressure on our defence, very comfortable on the ball, so he can combine the anchor man and conductor roles with aplomb, another member of the six-foot club, this City side won’t be out-muscling us.

Verratti is a box to box playmaker, this little bundle of energy will pass and move City’s midfield into submission but what I want from him most is to be vigilant of Kante, where he goes you follow, but with such a low centre of gravity and a great first touch, drop off into space when we have the ball and pass it around him, Again I don’t see the city side matching the heavy press instructions, Kroos has barely kicked a ball and Niguez doesn’t strike me as hard running either. Exploit this weakness and move the ball forwards.

Wijnaldum, Shows how strong a midfield we have when he’s considered potentially as the weakest link, will be the B2B, decent on the ball and an eye for goal, Gini will look to make those late runs into and around the box, taking a runner away and creating some space for his teammates.

The Fab Four, nah not John, Paul, George and Ringo, This is where we have to be at our explosive best, City are missing their main keeper through injury so we’ll have to test out the new guy coming in. fire in as many shots at him as possible and see what sticks.

Adama gets his first start, absolute beast of a player, no chance Gosens is gonna want a 1v1 with him, and even less chance that City will want to push their LB/LWB high up the pitch as giving Adama a head start is footballing suicide, The advantage of Adama isolating the LB is that whilst we don’t have FB’s you’d imagine the space to attack would hurt us, but because we’ll be defending in two banks of three there’s not much space to get in behind. City will have to pull a man across to help double on Adama, which suits us perfectly as it then makes more space for our better attackers.

Griezmann is the #10 today, with a solid platform in midfield he can drop off to let V and Gini over-lap him, he can also drift wide to allow Neymar to come in, A very very clever footballer who will sacrifice himself for the team, Allows Ronaldo to be the focus of City’s defence before making late surging runs into the box (mirroring Gini) and causing some severe mis-matches in our favour, Defensively he’ll drop off into where City’s DM will be, giving us the extra man in the engine room and cutting out any outball from the defence.

Neymar over on the left flank is a real game changer, whilst he may not be returning the kind of numbers a Ronaldo/messi/salah does, he has a lot of influence on the game, will look to be coming inside off that flank and attacking the gaps between RB and RCB, very quick and naturally two-footed can take his man inside or out, look to draw the fouls and put our side in dangerous territory from the set-pieces, This is all about creating overloads in our favour, City can’t afford to leave Neymar 1v1 with their RB, but in pulling more men over it leaves Adama unmarked or in a 1v1 in which case a quick switch ball kills the City defence.

Ronaldo, well what can you say? Give him the ball and he will score? He has a side geared towards feeding him chances, a midfield that takes the need away for him to defend, so he stays as high up the pitch as he can without being offside. The upside is that Their defence is under constant pressure and he will always be a viable out-ball, even if it’s a flick on to the flanks where Adama and Neymar will cash in.

Subs 65 mins:

Firmino > Griezmann, like for like
Bale > Adama, like for like
Soucek > Busquets, like for like

Watford: Week 9 (Away to Liverpool)
Captain: Felipe
Vice-Captain: Júnior

--------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe--Bremer---Ngakia
--------Moder--Svanberg
----------------Igor
Olsen------------------------Larsen
---------------Núñez

SUBS: Chapecó, Morato, Collins, Assunção, Willock, Paulinho, Evanilson


SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Ward-Prowse). In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Ward-Prowse will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Ward-Prowse). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Olsen and Larsen will be expected to go for the direct approach and use their power and speed to take on the opposition defence and beat them and bring Igor, Ward-Prowse and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Ward-Prowse may sit a bit deeper allowing Igor to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Igor, Larsen or Olsen with Felipe, Bremer, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Larsen (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Felipe, Assunção for Moder and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Evanilson and Olsen with Paulinho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
------------Moder
Paulinho---Igor---Larsen
-----Evanilson --Núñez

TAKE-TWO
Gameweek 9
Man city vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Injuries:
Nelson Semedo
Jordan Pickford
Alessio Romagnoli
Nathaniel Phillips
David Brooks
Lorenzo Insigne
*2 extra injuries due to 32 players in squad


Tough game away, Fan dismantled the squad he inherited but has rebuilt a pretty decent unit. A strong defence, a solid midfield and in Lukaku a striker that can punish teams – unless of course it’s in a big game and we know he goes missing worse than Maddie.

Umming and ahing about the side today, But have decided with a vociferous away following coming with us to the council house, we owe it to them to put on a show and go all out for the win, City have employed a variant of a 3-5-2 to of late, so we’re going with a 3-3-3-1 yes I know it lacks defensive width, yes I know we may get over-run in the middle etc etc.

But it also gives us a rock solid platform at the back, it gives us a foundation in the midfield and we have a front-four that will peg back the entire City defence, whether they play a four or a five.

………………………………………Donnarumma…………………………….
………………………..Tomiyasu…Koyulibaly…Soyuncu…………..
……………………………Verratti…Busquets…Wijnaldum………….
Mane……………………………….Griezmann……………………Insigne
…………………………………………..Ronaldo………………………………….

Subs: Turati (GK) Spinazzola, Carvajal, Soucek, Bale, Firmino, Vlahovic,

This system should in theory be a bit like a swiss army knife, has all the keys to be super useful in any situation. 3 centre-backs that are comfortable on the ball, and all clear 6foot, so if the Citizens try to bring the physical stuff at the back, we’ll stand them up and then knock down, we know that Fan likes a pretty active press but that’s just words, looking at previous squads his line-up doesn’t scream youthful energy, Lukaku is a lazy flat track bully so we won’t worry about his heavy press, so the defence can knock it about with relative comfort.

Koulibaly will be Rom’s man marker stay half a yard off him though, we know he couldn’t control a bag of cement much less a football so take a step back and when the ball bounces off, step in and take the ball away, Soyuncu and Tomiyasu are the insurance and will play zonal style marking, so if the balls in their part of the area they go to, if it’s on the opposite side then they go into sentry mode and watch for any runners from the City Midfield.


We’ve kept our midfield trident, it’s right up there with the best in the league and each individual member has their clearly defined roles,

Busquets is the anchor man, his crab like style as he goes from side to side sweeping up City’s probing passes, relives much of the pressure on our defence, very comfortable on the ball, so he can combine the anchor man and conductor roles with aplomb, another member of the six-foot club, this City side won’t be out-muscling us.

Verratti is a box to box playmaker, this little bundle of energy will pass and move City’s midfield into submission but what I want from him most is to be vigilant of Kante, where he goes you follow, but with such a low centre of gravity and a great first touch, drop off into space when we have the ball and pass it around him, Again I don’t see the city side matching the heavy press instructions, Kroos has barely kicked a ball and Niguez doesn’t strike me as hard running either. Exploit this weakness and move the ball forwards.

Wijnaldum, Shows how strong a midfield we have when he’s considered potentially as the weakest link, will be the B2B, decent on the ball and an eye for goal, Gini will look to make those late runs into and around the box, taking a runner away and creating some space for his teammates.


The Fab Four, nah not John, Paul, George and Ringo, This is where we have to be at our explosive best, City are missing their main keeper through injury so we’ll have to test out the new guy coming in. fire in as many shots at him as possible and see what sticks.

Mane gets his first start, absolute beast of a player, no chance Gosens is gonna want a 1v1 with him, and even less chance that City will want to push their LB/LWB high up the pitch as giving Mane a head start is footballing suicide, The advantage of Mane isolating the LB is that whilst we don’t have FB’s you’d imagine the space to attack would hurt us, but because we’ll be defending in two banks of three there’s not much space to get in behind. City will have to pull a man across to help double on him, which suits us perfectly as it then makes more space for our other attackers.

Griezmann is the #10 today, with a solid platform in midfield he can drop off to let V and Gini over-lap him, he can also drift wide to allow Insigne to come in, A very very clever footballer who will sacrifice himself for the team, Allows Ronaldo to be the focus of City’s defence before making late surging runs into the box (mirroring Gini) and causing some severe mis-matches in our favour, Defensively he’ll drop off into where City’s DM will be, giving us the extra man in the engine room and cutting out any outball from the defence.

Insigne over on the left flank is a real game changer, whilst he may not be returning the kind of numbers a Ronaldo/messi/salah does, he has a lot of influence on the game, will look to be coming inside off that flank and attacking the gaps between RB and RCB, very quick and naturally two-footed can take his man inside or out, look to draw the fouls and put our side in dangerous territory from the set-pieces, This is all about creating overloads in our favour, City can’t afford to leave Insigne 1v1 with their RB, but in pulling more men over it leaves Mane unmarked or in a 1v1 in which case a quick switch ball kills the City defence.

Ronaldo, well what can you say? Give him the ball and he will score? He has a side geared towards feeding him chances, a midfield that takes the need away for him to defend, so he stays as high up the pitch as he can without being offside. The upside is that Their defence is under constant pressure and he will always be a viable out-ball, even if it’s a flick on to the flanks where Mane and Insigne will cash in.

Subs 65 mins:

Firmino > Griezmann, like for like
Bale > Insigne, like for like
Soucek > Busquets, like for like

Attacking 4-4-2

At home 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, who is possibly the best player in the world right now, and Neymar to do some fancy tricks while Benz does the business. Both are excellent dropping deep to get on the ball and creating which is hugely important for our formation.

We deliberately go with strong defensive fb on the right, in possession we look for Theo to bomb forward down the wing and Militao to narrow to form a back 3. In midfield Bruno then has freedom to come inside, and gives us a 3-5-2 formation in possession ensuring we are not outnumbered in midfield and can take the game to Brentford township team. Get the attackers in between the lines. Goretzka up supporting and creating. Rodri dictating from deep and covering.

The fluidity to our team will be a key tactic in pulling opposition players out of possession. Neymar is given freedom as we look to get the best out of him. We’ll target their fbs.

We aim to gain control by overloading their defence, our attackers pushing them back, we’ll have Bruno giving us a third man in Cm pushing our forwards on to their defence. Importantly we have two forwards who will drop deep to find pockets of space linking the play and creating. We have great pace at the back so play a high line, take the game to them.

In form 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, Rodri dictating the tempo and spreading the play with Goretzka playing box to box and linking the play. Up top Neymar has the pace to play off 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 behind. Bruno with freedom will be the spark looking to create something, he is fantastic at coming inside and crossing from the left and with two forwards to find today.

Theo 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. Theo bombs forward down the wing.

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.

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, Rodri and Benzema, and fantastic delivery from Bruno where we can bully any midgets.

———————————— Henderson
Militao —— Marquinhos —— Laporte —— T.Hernandez
———————— Goretzka —— Rodri
Sterling —————————————————— B.Fernandes
———————— Benzema —— Neymar

Subs. Trubin, Alaba, Rice, Mount, Gnabry, Jota, Lautaro

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 by forming a solid formation with no space between the lines, we press them when they get into middle 3rd (not as high as usual as Neymar is lazy so getting in shape more important).

Laporte the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Goretzka ball side. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Brentford 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 Brentford 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. Neymar drops behind Benzema simply sitting on their deepest Cm.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Benzema. Fresh energy and pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Jota for Neymar. Fresh legs, and move to 4-3-3,
If winning after 80 mins bring on Rice for Goretzka. Fresh energy in Cm.

If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Theo. Neymar to Lw, Bruno to AM. 352.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Mount for Goretzka.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Jota for Neymar. Fresh pace and energy.

Leicester City v BRENTFORD

Grimaldo, Guehi, Maehle, Mertens



----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Cambiaso
--------------Kovacic, Höjbjerg
Berardi--------------Isco--------Saint-Maximin
----------------------Suárez

Subs: Kelleher, Lamptey, Koopmeiners, Laimer, Bernardeschi, Immobile, Ibrahimovic

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

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Andrea Cambiaso at left-back, with Mateo Kovacic and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Kovacic and Höjbjerg we have a perfect pairing to initiate attacks by distributing the ball in an intelligent fashion, to be key players in circulation and to prevent dangerous opposition attacks, being disciplined in positioning and limiting space in between the lines.

The strength of our double pivot is that Höjbjerg can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Kovacic can maintain a good position to react if the initial press is bypassed. Our double pivot will offer huge defensive stability and will ensure that a structured shape is maintained.

Having two defensive midfielders centrally prevents others being dragged out of position to press.

Helping the defenders maintain solid positioning is a key part of Höjbjerg's role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Höjbjerg running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will be dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Mateo Kovacic.

Kovacic is not just your “win the ball and pass it on to the closest player” – there is a real creative mind in his locker, but it’s his ability to be the shield of the back four and then be creative once he gets the ball that makes Kovacic such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Isco and Allan Saint-Maximin as our band of three attacking midfielders with Luis Suárez as our lone central striker.

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

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

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

Livramento and Cambiaso can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Kovacic and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Allan Saint-Maximin, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Isco, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Isco is blessed with an instant first touch and can dribble with the ball at such a close proximity to his feet that it makes him almost impossible to tackle this creative passer with his quick flicks and one-touch passing, will combine exceptionally well with Berardi, Saint-Maximin & 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, Isco & Saint-Maximin 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
Bernardeschi on for Berardi and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez

Double substitution - Quick feet, a blistering change of pace and a precise shot to boot from Bernardeschi and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

ARSENAL Man Utd

---------------------- Maignan -----------------------
------- Kounde ---- Tapsoba ---- Tierney --------
Hakimi ---- T. Partey --- Tielemans ---- J. Alba
--------------------- N. Barella ---------------------
------------ P. Dybala ---- Aubameyang ----------

Subs: Onana, Saliba, Pereira, Maddison, B. Guimaeres, Saka, Calvert-Lewin

Man Utd have some nice young talent in their CM trio, so we are opting for our narrower formation today in order to cut off their engine room, win that battle and then impose our dominance on the game. We accept being the away side we may not always be the dominant side, so we’ve selected lots of players who have great pace and play well in transitions to help spring quick counter attacks where appropriate. Feel Man Utd have some weaknesses in defence that we can exploit with our attack as we explain in our tactics.

Hakimi – The Moroccan is one of the worlds best right backs, His qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Wolves throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Dybala as the RS who likes to come inside with the ball ahead of him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. On overlap he has one of the best final balls around, capable of scoring himself or picking out two brilliant finishers in that box of Dybala and Aubameyang.

Kounde - 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 technical ability on the ball will be a real asset to spring tactical diagonal balls to Alba / Aubameyang - this will break the Leeds shape and create chaos.

Tapsoba – Ball playing CB, he can carry the ball, through the middle and work with the CMs. He’s also extremely strong and tall and will partner well with Kounde and Tierney from a defensive point of view.

Tierney - Tierney is a warrior and comes in to play LCB today as he does for Scotland. He reads the game incredibly well and is aggressive and winning everything. We know Raphinha loves to cut in so Tierney’s presence should really help counter that threat.

Alba - Whoever is on his side he will be able to combine with Tierney to stop. He’s been selected for that speed and experience today. He will also 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 Man Utd can throw at us. In possession, the presence of Tierney behind him provides Alba with the freedom to push forward and influence technically.

Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality 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 more 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 Man Utd.

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 has Partey to sit deepest and mop up and three CBs behind him, and he should be the conductor. He can combine with Alba on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.

Barella - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, we want to give Barella a bit more freedom in some games, particularly where we want to win midfield battles. With Tielemans and Partey behind him, this trio have a bit of everything to help us take control of the game and transition really well. He can drift wide to combine with the wing backs and forward to create overloads too.

When we attack, Dybala shifts to wide right forward, so can cut on left, Auba left forward to cut in on his right, the wing backs overlap - this provides us with a threat inside and out on both sides.

----- Kounde - Stones - Tapsoba -----
--------------- T. Partey ----------------
Hakimi ------- Tielemans ------- Alba
---- Dybala --- Barella --- Auba ------

Dybala – We expect to have possession so we’ve chosen a forward who consistently breaks deep blocks. A fantastic link man, he has pace either side in Alba and Hakimi and ahead in Aubameyang - Barella for that close combination play.

Aubameyang - Pressing forward: The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Man Utd defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Dybala, Barella and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best. The left half space is his and this is the area he excels in most.

SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Bukayo Saka for Barella - Saka RW, Dybala CF, Auba LW - changes it up and gives opposition something to think about.

If not winning
After 65 – Maddison for Tielemans

If winning
After 65 - Bruno Guimaeres for Tielemans

After 80 (all) Calvert-Lewin for Aubameyang

------------------------ A.Remiro ------------------------
-------- St Juste ------ Skriniar ------ N'Dicka --------
S. Dest ------- N.Kante ------ Niguez -------- Gosens
------------------------ N.Zaniolo -----------------------
---------------- Lukaku -------- Werner ----------------

Bazanu, de Vrij, Kroos, Prowse, Buendia, Gouiri, Watkins

We go with a young(ish), fit, quick side as we all know the qualities Wolves now have throughout their team/squad. When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, and Zaniolo will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defence hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurise them all the time.

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

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

Remiro 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

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

Skriniar - He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, but he has the experience to do this, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Dest 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 Kante's primary role in front of the defence is to control possession and then start an attacking phase, 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.

Niguez has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 2/3, 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. Zaniolo I want him to dictate proceedings in the final third, either playing the through ball to the front two or use the wingbacks 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, 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

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 the midfield to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku and Werner the midfield 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 - Skriniar
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Zaniolo/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks

Losing -
65 Mins - Buendia for Dest, Kroos for Niguez, more attack minded down the right, Kroos will create chances
70 Mins - Watkins for Zaniolo 343 - Watkins to the right of Lukaku

Winning -
75 Mins - Kroos for Werner and into midfield
83 Mins - Prowse for Niguez

Drawing -
65 Mins - Watkins for Werner, Buendia for Dest
75 Mins - Kroos for Niguez

-------------------------- N.Pope --------------------------

J.Cancelo ----- Bonucci ----- Romero ----- Robertson

--------------- Doug Luiz ------ F. de Jong --------------

-- F.Torres ------------ Grealish ------------ Mbappe --

-------------------------- Haaland -------------------------

Johnstone, Mendes, Alvarez, Bellingham, L.Bailey, Nkunku, Abraham


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 Douglas Luiz 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.

Romero and Bonucci at the heart of our defence. Romero picks up the CF he is a powerful player so will stop the threat of their No.9 always snapping at his heels, 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 Luiz stay back.

Luiz 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 Mbappe are extremely quick and will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks and driving into the danger area becoming a huge goal threat, thus allowing Grealish more time and space to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if 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 Haaland, we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.

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

Subs
Whatever
65 Mins - L.Bailey for Ferran, swap with Mbappe, loads of pace to hurt tiring RB

Losing -
70 Mins - Abraham for Grealish, 424/442, can use th high ball up to the big lads up top, who will win a lot of balls, for flick ons, knock downs etc for others to drive onto
78 Mins - Nkunku for Robertson, he goes to RW, Mbappe up top 343 and go for it very attacking

Drawing -
65 Mins - Nkunku for Grealish
75 Mins - Bellingham for de Jong try and create something

Winning -
80 Mins - E.Alvarez for Grealish, he goes between defence and midfield and takes over the DM role and just sits protecting the defence

------------------ Ederson -----------------
--- B.Pavard --- Ramos --- Ferland ----
--------- Fabinho ------ R.Neves --------
Sancho ------- De Bruyne ------- L.Sane
---------- L.Messi ------ G.Jesus --------

Subs:
Ramsdale, De Ligt, Sabitzer, Pogba, Antony, Hazard, Aguero

We go with one of our favourite set ups, a 3-2-3-2 which offers an abundance of attacking strength whilst also having the flexibility to providing a solid defensive structure when out of possession. Organised chaos would be an accurate description of our attacking set up as we look to hit them from every angle, making it impossible for them to cover all bases and opens up opportunities for us create a plethora of chances in front of goal.

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. De Bruyne in the hole is the perfect link up player but can also push forward if Messi drops deep, pulling them out of position and making it impossible to man mark. Jesus plays on the last man and tucks away anything that comes his way in the box.

We add a bit of tactical analysis as to why we feel this set up will be particularly advantageous against todays opponents.

1. Neutralises their biggest weapon. In Lewandowski they possess one of the best players in the world and this set up helps us limit his impact. A back three ensures that he doesn’t get room to breathe. We use Ramos to man mark him, Lewa 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 world’s 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 Lewa to take him out of the game. We’ll also have two CB’s either side which allows us to double ensuring he has zero space to operate.

2. The double pivot – In Fabinho and Neves we have the perfect double pivot to shield our defence. They are missing Salah which is a huge plus however in addition to Lewa they also possess another top forward in Son. They’ll likely go with either a front two or possibly a three, Fabinho will therefore be crucial with his ability to drop in as a CB offering a huge edge in this battle. If they push forward in numbers Fabinho can drop in alongside Ramos at CB with Pavard and Ferland moving to their natural fullback position. Neves sits in as DM with KDB dropping in alongside at CM and Messi in the hole behind Jesus. Voila, we’ve transformed from a back three which leaves us exposed on the flanks to a solid 4-2-3-1 (highlighted below) giving them no room in the final third. As soon as we win back possession we spring back into our 3-2-3-2 set up, with them having committed men forward they’ll be exposed defensively allowing us to carve them apart in the final third.

Pavard – Fabinho – Ramos – Ferland
----------- Neves --- De Bruyne ------
Sancho -------- Messi ----------- Sane
----------------- Jesus -----------------

3. Utilising our biggest weapons. This set up really allows us to free up our attacking players to cause havoc. Their go to set up has been a back 5, we therefore want to go man for man as we’ll essentially be lining up man for man when on the attack (if they go with a back 4 they’re in real trouble) allowing the likes of Messi, De Bruyne, Sane etc to find themselves in one on one positions means that when we beat a man they are forced to bring someone across to cover, vacating whichever player they were marking and causing an overload with a free attacker in their final third. We therefore want to go at them on the ball, take them on, commit their defenders and then play in the open man to slot home.

4. Width. Possibly the only chink in the Newcastle armour is their full backs. We therefore want our wingers play on the front and 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 strongest sides also means that they don’t need to waste time cutting infield, instead they go play the ball early in stride meaning we can whip the ball across the face of goal before their defenders have a chance to set themselves. Messi and Jesus will both be on their toes ready to tap home as we hit them with pace and precision.

5. Strength in depth. In tough games like these the teams can be separated by only the finest of margins and gamechangers off the bench could prove the difference. In Aguero, Pogba, Hazard etc we have some real gamechangers who have established themselves as real difference makers on the big stage. With tired legs and tired minds we feel the ability to bring these guys off the bench could prove the difference in sealing the 3 points.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: Jesus off, De Ligt on. Extra defensive cover as we switch to a back four in a 4-2-3-1 set up.
80 mins: Sancho off, Hazard on. Fresh legs.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Neves off, Pogba on. Extra creativity.
80 mins: KDB off, Aguero. 3-4-3 with Messi and Jesus either side of Kun in a deadly front three.

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


______________DDG
Porro______Dias____VVD____Shaw
____________Casemiro
_______Llorente_____Gundogan
Olmo_________Lewa________Son

Subs: Fabian, Christensen, Yeremy, Modric, Kessie, Silva, Pedro Goncalves

Today I’d like to take complete control of midfield, holding possession and stretch their back line while outnumbering every area of the middle third and final third of the pitch. Our full backs will play as inverted fullbacks assuming the role as box to box and pivoting midfielders, thereby pushing our midfielders further forwards creating a 5 man attack.

______________DDG
__________Dias_____VVD_______
____Porro_____Casemiro____Shaw
Olmo____Llorente___Gundo______Son
_______________Lewa______________

By doing so I will always have an extra man in midfield, including wide passing options, creating overloads. It will also help us stretch the field wider as I would expect opposition players to drift in-field to try and mitigate the presence of the extra bodies in midfield leaving wide areas for our wide players to exploit. As such the wide players will be given instruction so hug the touchline when waiting to receive the ball, then they can cut in and play their natural game but providing pass options initially is a must.

I fully expect us to create difficulty for the opposition in assessing exactly how and where to cover space and how to effectively pressure the ball. Create pass options to drag players out of position when they struggle to cope with the extra man in midfield exploiting gaps between the lines.

Our attacks will be taking a very vertical approach which allows the attacking midfielders to receive the ball in space allowing us to hurt them. Our version of a vertical approach is passing the ball up and down the field, with players inviting pressure as they receive and release the ball thereby creating a gap for another player to move into to receive a recycled pass. Eventually a path to goal will appear and it’ll be up to the players to exploit that playing their natural games. The whole point of this system is about opening greater space in between the lines for the attacking midfielders to receive. The attacking midfielders will also be expected to break the lines and make runs beyond the striker to find space higher up the pitch creating goal-scoring opportunities. The fullbacks therefore have many options to pass to, the 9, the 10s, and out wide depending on the natural movements of the players.

Defensive stability is very important to the way we want to play. One of the rules ultimately in football is you cannot score if you don’t have the ball, so we aim to keep the ball as much as possible with the ongoing ball recycling process of trying to drag players out of position finding space to exploit. When the opposition do gain possession they immediately face a block of five in the middle and our third of the pitch, quickly changing back to a standard 4-5-1 in two flat lines (plus the striker up top). Doing so will allow us to effectively defend our wide areas stopping any crosses coming in while congesting the middle enough for minimal gaps to appear between the lines. We press less to minimise the risk of gaps appearing but instead rely on cutting passing lanes and options. Once possession is regained, we immediately progress up the pitch and revert back to 2-3-5. The central defensive triangle of both CBs and the DM are good in the air capable of winning plenty of duels in the air as well as on the ground, in addition of course to their exceptional passing ability. It is important to have players that occupy those three positions that have on-the-ball intelligence, astute awareness of how to cover space in transition, and an aerial presence.

Subs.

65 mins - Modric on Gundogan off. Fresh legs.

70 mins losing/drawing - Pedro G on Llorente off. Better finisher in the box from midfield.

75 mins losing/drawing - Silva on Casemiro off. Better presence up top in a 4-4-2.

75 mins winning - Fabian on Llorente off. Fresh legs while not losing creative quality.

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

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

Walker----SMS-----Jorginho------Digne

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

Woodman
White
Castagne
Pellegrini
Foden
De Paul
Bamford

Left tactics late this week, not out of computer troubles, but instead so we can avoid Fan taking a sneaky peak. There’ll be no spying here, nosiree. In an attempt to bamboozle the Scotsman, we have opted to change back to a 3-4-3, reverting to the standard back three that we have used throughout the season, starting to build a bit of cohesion by now. We could do with ammending our sticky recent form, but Chelsea is a less than ideal game for us to do so. Still, he’s currently arguing with Rof and Tino on the main thread, so hopefully he throws a hissyfit and I get a walkover. That would be nice. He favours the 4-3-3, so if the game does go ahead, we need to be prepared for that. Naturally, there is likely to be quality in every position, so it will be almost impossible for us to keep every one of his players quiet throughout, so we need to find the right balance between defensive stability and attacking threat, which is why I opted for this formation. When we have possession, I want to see it moved quickly, transitioned from defense to attack along the deck, utilising the wide areas in particular, but more on that later.

The defensive setup is imperative, as coming up against Haaland will be a tough task. Maguire has the job of handling him physically, whilst Carlos and Hernandez will look to play on the deck, sweeping up danger both in behind and in front. Carlos will track Haaland, so if he drops deep, then Carlos can follow him, which means that Maguire is less likely to be drawn out into a position that his lack of pace can be exploited in. When on the defensive, the WBs will very much sit back, as Chelsea possess wide players capable of hurting us. We want to keep them out in those wide positions as much as possible, as Fan will probably want to get them central. If we hold them out wide then they will have less possibility of causing an impact. Still, the WBs will need to track these players if they do come inside, and make sure they have no time or space on the ball to play. I expect Fan’s midfield to be dynamic, but he doesn’t tend to play with a conventional ten, so Jorgy will have a different role this week. He and SMS will operate as the pivot, with Jorgy still sitting deeper, but working alongside SMS to press their two more dynamic midfieders, and keep them at arm’s reach from their attackers.

When we look to transition the ball into attack, we will primarily look to use the WBs. I think the key weakness in Fan’s system is in the wide areas. He tends to play wingers who dislike tracking back, and FBs who spend most of their time up the pitch. This creates both space and players that we can double up on. Digne and Walker both have license to drive forward with the ball, and are both dynamic and attacking enough as FBs to accommodate that. SMS will also have the license to attack, but we are aware that Fan does like to congest the midfield, hence our desire to bypass this area, without being drawn into long ball. Therefore, SMS’ primary attacking output will be to operate as a third man in the channels, helping us maintain and recycle possession just inside from the more conventional wide players, so we can make neat triangles and truly outnumber them in these positions.

Naturally, we have built our attack around Harry Kane MBE, and I want to see him operate between the goalposts, with none of this dropping off malarkey this week. Depay and Chiesa playing off him give us pace, trickery, and plenty of direct running. These two will largely operate as inside forwards, looking to use the width of the overlapping WBs to put the pressure on the wide areas, before coming inside and exploiting the space in and around Kane. In these areas, SMS will operate around the edges of the D, looking to pick up possession and either cotinue holding it in this area, or lining up a shot of goal himself. No Obak for Chelsea today, and his understudy is probably a bit rusty, so give him plenty to do, and hopefully take advantage of the enforced change.

Should we lose possession in these advanced areas, then the usual high press will be engaged. As per, Kane will target the CBs, and the two wide men will pick up the WBs, whilst SMS will sit on the holding midfielder, and thus we won’t allow them the space to play the ball around the back. Depay and Chiesa will both have the brief of tracking their opposing FB to the halfway line, before then handing over to the shuttling midfielders to help support the WBs, as we will, ideally, look to peg back their attacking FBs, and exploit the space in behind to quickly recycle possession.

Substitutions

If winning

Chiesa off for Pellegrini 75 mins

Switch to a 5-3-2, with Pellegrini helping us go man-to-man in midfield, and the WBs dropping to more conservative FB options. Depay slips in field to play off Kane.

SMS off for De Paul, Depay off for Foden 83 mins

Fresh legs on the pitch to give us a positive injection.

If losing/drawing

Carlos off for Foden 67 mins

Switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Foden moving to 10. Gives us another attacking body in key areas as we push to get three points.

Chiesa off for De Paul 75 mins

De Paul will operate as 10 for us, and Foden pushes out to RW.

Liverpool vs Watford

Injuries:
Adrien Rabiot
Kasper Schmeichel
Calvin Stengs
Allan
Rafael Leao

Busy week at Anfield as we sign a few players to give us a little more experience, and the Welsh assassin goes and nobbles them the Libero gave us a decent result vs Spurs, but with home advantage today against our wooden spoon rivals we’re going for a more attacking approach to this game, get our foot on the ball and take the game to them.

………………………………………………Sa…………………………………
Trippier………………….Varane……………..Botman……………….Zinchenko
………………………………….Tonali……….Henderson…………………………….
Doku………………………………………………………………………………….Neto
………………………………….Belotti………….Icardi………………………………
Subs: Vandevoordt, Dumfries, Schurrs, Mckennie, Ihattaren, Gakpo, Kelechi

We want fast paced, slick football today, we’re likely out numbered in the middle of the park but it’s a calculated risk as we should get 1v1’s all across the Watford defence, kind of like having to take a hit to land a hit.

Jose Sa, has had a decent start to the prem, looks to be comfortable with ball to feet, and very quick ff his line closing down the angles, this is perfect for us in this set-up as he’ll play sweeper keeper, the whole of our side is comfortable on the ball, so he has options all over the pitch (long or short)

Trippier and Zinchenko aren’t your stereotypical swashbuckling fullbacks, but that’s ok we don’t need them to be, today they’re defence first and attack second, we have whippet quick wingers, so the over-laps are never going to be an option anyway, but these two have great long range passing abilities, so they can hit our strikers with crosses from 35-40 yards out, this can be an advantage in it’s own rights because we can ping those balls in before Watford get too many men in behind the ball, defensively it helps to, because they won’t be so high up the pitch they can get back into shape faster than Watford can punish us.

Varane and Botman are a very capable pairing, one of the very best in the business and a man who could well become the best, left foot, right combo, pace and power, plus footballing IQ. Watford have some great players but are lacking a bit of physical up-top, so with the combination of Varane’s vast experience and Botman’s muscle we should be able to keep a tight ship.

Our backline has 164 full international caps between them, and it’s that experience that build the platform for our side, they exude confidence and this allows us to take a foothold in the game.

Tonali is given a new partner in Jordan Henderson, this combo gives us a bit of everything, Tonali sitting deep and linking the phases of play, his blind reverse passes will be a nice feature, he doesn’t need to worry too much about conducting a million passes, but quick decisive balls, he knows when he gets the ball our wingers will be on their bikes, so those little dinks over the Watford press will be key.
Henderson does so much of the donkey work that goes otherwise unnoticed, a massively under-rated player that’s spent his career at Liverpool sacrificing himself to enable his more Illustrious team-mates a platform to shine, he does that job for us now, will go B2B but as our play advances he’ll allow our runners the freedom to push and then just sit in the spaces they “should” be occupying. He puts so many crosses into the opponenets boxes from the “half space” and that’s what we want today, hit wtford from deep, so with our full-backs, and JH hitting them into the box from 40-20 yards out it keeps them on their toes.


So as discussed, we have the solid defensive platform, we have the deep lying playmaker and a great runner in the midfield, these occupy the first two-thirds of the pitch and keep Watford honest, but in doing so it also pegs them back and allows them to get into defensive shape, so then we need another way of breaking them down.

Our front-four will go as high and wide as is possible (staying onside) Neto and Doku will hog the touch line, this then forces Watfords full-backs to go out wide to engage them. That’s the plan anyway, and once we can isolate the FB’s outside we have to fancy ourselves in a 1v1 foot-race. Doku I saw absolutely terrorise a battle hardened Italy at the Euro’s so that raw pace and power should really unsettle Watofrds high ceilinged full of potential but lacking in top level experienced defence. Neto is a pure baller, (Rof will deffo agree) there are few better sights than seeing a fleet-footed left footer in full flow, he’ll run his man inside out, get the crowd on their feet and see us utilise that home advantage.

You can enjoy all the play in the world, you can have the most intricate build up play, and the fastest wingers in world football, but none of it counts if you can’t put the ball in the net. This Liverpool side is a work in progress but we have a solid defensive partnership in VarMan, and our front-two can be a deadly combination that floors Watford gap.

Belotti plays as the nominal 9.5 – he’s not a playmaker so he wont be a 10, but he’s a great hold man, in that old fashioned big English #9 sense, will look to bully Watfords defence, and attack the balls from deep, or launch at the crosses from Neto/Doku. There’s much more to his game than just being the muscle though and he’s a very good trigger man. Hard working and strong, won’t give Watford a minute to settle on the ball.

Icardi is the #9, our fox in the box, deceptively quick, but that’s because he has a pure killer instinct in front of goal, his anticipation is up there with Cavani’s and it’s that movement, coupled with being asked to play on the shoulder of the last man that gives him the half-chances in front of goal that he’s put away so many times.


Subs 65 mins:

Kelechi > Belotti
Gakpo > Doku
McKennie > Henderson

MAN UNITED VS Arsenal

-----------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
Mukiele-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Reguilon
------------------------------Ndidi--------------Valverde-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raphinha--------------------------Wirtz-----------------------Sulemana
------------------------------------Greenwood--------------------------------

Subs - Gulácsi, J Gomez, Ndombele, Ismaila Sarr, Aouar, Pulisic, Daka

CAPTAIN - WIRTZ
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - WIRTZ
PENALTIES - GREENWOOD

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 defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Fofana bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Upamecano will marshal the defence and Fofana will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. Ndidi will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Mukiele and Reguilon are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. 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. 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 fullbacks 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
Ndidi will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings or to Valverde. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Sulemana/Raphinha and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as a b2b CM today. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. Play 1 2 quick passes with your teammates and make penetrating runs from deep. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.

Wingers
Raphinha + Sulemana
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. Sulemana 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 fullbacks. 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. .

Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Greenwood and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.

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.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Daka for Valverde and Sarr for Raphinha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Change formation to 41212 and play the below formation. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.

----------------------------------Dragowski--------------------------------
Mukiele-------Upamecano-------------Fofana---------Reguilon
--------------------------------------Ndidi---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sarr-----------------------------------------------------------------Sulemana
---------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
----------------------------Daka---------------Greenwood-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Gomez in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Aouar on at LW for Sulemana aswell as Aouar is better at tracking back and helping in defensive duties.

------------------------------------------Drag--------------------------------
Mukiele-----Upamecano------Fofana----Gomez-----Reguilon
-----------------------------Ndidi------------Valverde-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------Raphinha---------------Greenwood----------------Aouar----------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Raphinha
Aouar on for Valverde
Pulisic on for Sulemana
Fresh legs to bring on.

RED CARD SCENARIO

If we get the red card I want us to change the formation to a 441. Wirtz will be the player ritually sacrificed to make sure we don't get overwhelmed in defence etc.

If the GK is sent off we bring on Gulasci.
If any of the defenders get sent off we bring on Joe Gomez to play in that position.
If any of the DM's get sent off we bring on Ndombele to play in that position.
If any of our wingers get sent off we move Wirtz over to the wings.
If the striker gets sent off we put on Daka in strike.