--------------------- E.Martinez ---------------------
------- Rudiger ----- S.deVrij ----- N'Dicka -------
S. Dest ------- Kante ------- Niguez ------ Gosens
------------------------ B.Silva -----------------------
-------------- Lukaku --------- Werner -------------

Hradecky, Kamara, Cash, Kroos, Zaniolo, Watkins, Gouiri

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

If they do get to our half then we have a strong back 3 and double pivot ahead to prevent play through the middle, meaning they will need to push wide, whichever side they attack from tho I want 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.

Big Emi is our sweeper keeper, one of the best in the World according to Messi, 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

Rudiger 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.

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.

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

Losing -
65 Mins - Watkins for Dest, B.Silva to RM, Watkins to RCF, 343 more attacking. Kroos for Niguez to create chances for front 3
75 Mins - Gouiri for Werner straight swap fresh legs

Drawing -
70 Mins - Kroos for Niguez, Gouiri for Werner
75 Mins - Zaniolo for Silva

Winning -
75 Mins - Kroos for Werner, slots into midfield 3511
80 Mins - Kamara for Niguez

-------------------------- Pope --------------------------

W-Bissaka ---- Bonucci ---- Bastoni ---- Robertson

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

--- Mahrez ----------- Grealish ---------- Mbappe ---

----------------------- E.Haaland -----------------------

Johnstone, Konsa, Bellingham, Locatelli, Nkunku, L.Bailey, 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 Bissouma and de Jong ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4. CBs up for set pieces.

Bastoni and Bonucci at the heart of our defence. Bastoni picks up the CF he is a powerful player so will stop the threat of their No.9 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 Bissouma stay back.

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

Our wingers are extremely quick, young and full of energy, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, Mahrez 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

Whatever the score
60 Mins - L.Bailey for Mahrez, switch with Mbappe, Bailey on the left cut in and driving at defenders

Losing -
65 Mins - Nkunku for Grealish, he goes right, Mbappe up top 424/442
75 Mins - Bellingham for De Jong, more drive in the middle

Winning -
75 Mins - Locatelli for Grealish, drop back one into midfield to secure that area of the pitch
83 Mins - Nkunku for Haaland, Mbappe up top, Nkunku to the right

Drawing -
75 Mins - Nkunku for Grealish, Bellingham for de Jong, more energy in the middle of the pitch

Watford: Week 10 (Home to Man Utd)
Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Moder

Team:
----------------Júnior
Ngakia--Felipe—Bremer---Angeliño
---------------Moder
------Svanberg---Damsgaard
Larsen--------------------------Paulinho
----------------Núñez

SUBS: Chapecó, Abner, Collins, Azate, Willock, 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: Moder 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. Svanberg and Damsgaard will play just in front of Moder. Svanberg will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Damsgaard 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 Larsen 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 Damsgaard, Svanberg and Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Damsgaard to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Svanberg, Paulinho or Larsen with Felipe, Bremer, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Damsgaard and Paulinho (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Collins for Bremer, Evanilson for Núñez and Willock for Svanberg, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 70 minutes) Veron for Svanberg and Evanilson for Larsen. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Evanilson and Veron offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

-------------Moder
Veron---Damsgaard---Paulinho
--------Núñez---Evanilson

ARSENAL (h) vs. Spurs

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

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

Spurs are obviously quality - but this is a North London Derby and we are at home and on form - there’s no reason we can’t win this game. Spurs like to play a similar shape to us, but traditionally they play a very attacking version of our system. Therefore we have selected players who are aggressive in the tackle to snatch the ball and players with pace and great in transition so that we can counter on Spurs and overload on the break.

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.

Stones - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three.

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. In his preferred LCB role.

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 Spurs 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 Spurs.

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 Spurs 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) - Paqueta for Barella - fresh legs in vital role.

If not winning
After 65 – Saka for Alba - more of a threat in final third and build up, fresh legs.

If winning
After 65 - Saka for Aubameyang - more ball retention midfielder rather than forward - but great in transitions still.

After 80 (all) B. Guimaeres for Partey - fresh legs in heart of midfield.

Balanced 4-3-3

We play a balanced 4-3-3 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Wolves. Lautaro starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates. A tough game where we’ll look to Bruno and the wingers to make the difference and open up Wolves.

We know they have a strong central midfield, so we start with two strong central midfielders giving the defence great cover. We let their central mids have the ball in deeper positions but what we think they lack is a number 10 to get between the lines and break us down - so we set up in a strong unit not pressing too high up the park instead focussing on pressing the space. Leaving no gaps defensively, narrowing to the side of play. As they get into middle third of park we then press.

Going forward Bruno is given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Wolves defence. Neymar is given freedom to come inside, find space and link with Lautaro as Theo provides the overlap. James on the other side will be more reserved but will offer a great outlet when a quick counter is on.

We have a great work rate throughout the team, Neymar the exception, so we keep him forward as we look to get best from him.

They have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide. Their attackers have older legs and will want to be closer to our goal - we look to force them back and wide where they can’t hurt us.

In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rodri stays deepest but the trio do not play so narrow. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a balanced line, helping us press as a unit.

Laporte the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Marquinhos to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.

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

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

As we move forward we get quick one twos in the opposition half. With this fluid front three, the two cms support creating and linking, looking for the final ball or shooting.

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

———————————— Alisson ———————————
R.James — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Theo.H
—————————— Rodri —— Goretzka ——————
——————————— B.Fernandes —————
—————————————————————————————
S.Gnabry —————- L.Martinez ————— Neymar


Subs. Henderson, Militao, Alaba, Mount, Felix, Benzema, Osimhen

Defence

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press the space in the middle 3rd of the park. In this formation we don’t press the ball, we conserve energy and seek to keep them deep. Stop them breaking and make them try and force the ball.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can hurt us, by leaving no space between the lines.

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

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

Gnabry drops in line with the two cms (Goretzka and Fernandes) are the trio pressing the ball, and look to force Wolves backwards. With the two forwards left forward this is where we look to press the opposition into mistakes by giving no room to play through.

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


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro. Power and pace against tiring legs.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Mount for Bruno. Fresh legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Alaba for Theo.

If drawing or losing after 65 mins bring on Mount for Goretzka.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Alaba and Benzema for James and Theo. 3-5-2.

GW10
WOLVES vs lesta

Injuries:
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Neco Williams
Antoine Griezmann
Stefano Turati

Leicester are a top top side, but they’ve been hard today by injuries and with our home advantage we have to take the game to them, get in their faces from the offset, Our biggest weakness of late is at RB, a weakness that has now been rectified. We go for a fluid 4-3-3 everyone knows of the core strength of this side, and we’d hate to be predictable, so we bring in a little more width today partly to strengthen against the threat that Leicester pose in the wider areas but also to try and get at one of the strongest back-lines ever assembled in the history of Sports Gaming.

One slight tweak is with the injury to Griezzer, Marco “Tenacious V” Verratti moves further up the pitch into the #10, we’re blessed with solid enforcers so he gets to stay up-top and dictate the play from the danger zone, not only is his passing god-like accurate he also has phenomenal work-rate, so that hustle and bustle of style of his is perfect for us to press and harry Lesta deep in their own half, and the deeper to Lesta’s goal we get turn-over play, then the more damaging our front line will/can be.

……………………………………………...Pickford……………………………………
Carvajal………………………..Konate………Koulibaly……………Spinazzola
…………………………………….Busquets…….Soucek……………………………..
Mane…………………………………….. Veratti…………………………..Insigne
…………………………………………… .Ronaldo………………………………………..

Subs: Moulden (GK), Alonso, Romagnoli, Wijnaldum, Soumare, Firmino, Bale

We know that Rof likes to make mention of height in players in relation to set-piece danger, and of course in defence of his own size… so Konate,Koulobaly,Spinazzola,Busquets,Soucek and Ronaldo all cler 6ft too, so on that score we’ll fight fire with fire.

As mentioned above, we’re going for quite an aggressive game plan today, hard running and and harder yards, we press them all over the pitch, don’t let them settle on the ball, force the rushed pass, and hit them hard on “their touch” we don’t want to allow them any initiative.

because of the pure pace of their attack, we don’t defend as high as usual, we hold our back line 25 yards out, allowing 7 yards for their attackers to thread through the killer pass, Pickford is quick on his toes and will sweep, so there shouldn’t be too much shape to be exploited.

Naturally with the defence a little deeper, you’d expect the midfield to follow suit but it doesn’t we want that heavy press so it goes higher to meet Lesta’s midfield man for man. I know that leaves gaps for them to operate between the lines, but with Busquets in our engine, there’s no better reader of the game, he’ll know when to drop and when to step up. He has Soucek in today as an enforcer and will be the willing runner for our expert handler.

The Defence:
Carvajal is widely regarded as one of the very best RB’s in the world and he’s up against a top tier LW today, But Dani has been there and won/seen everything, not the most attacking of RB’s but that’s fine he’ll sit in and marshall his flank, keep the flouncy one on the outside and limit the damage.

Spinazzola is a real weapon down the left-flank, whilst Dani keeps his side nailed down, Spina will drive on, he showed at the euros how well he links with Insigne so we’ll play on that chemistry here at WV1. Will attack at will, look to run the RB and then either draw the foul or lay it off to our deadly attack. Defensively it’s standard fodder, show him the line, don’t dive in etc etc.

Konate and Koulibaly are our newest pairing, pure units these two, Kouli the master Konate the apprentice, Kouli is the sweeper and 2nd ball winner, Konate goes for the ball/man as the first port everytime, no zonal marking, just defined roles, cuts out any communication issues, with the ball both are good with ball to feet, so can either carry it out, or pass to the wings, or through the middle.

The Attack:
Mane is in great form (IRL) and we want him on his natural game, dropping deep, collecting the ball and driving forwards, he won’t get the over-laps from Carvajal he likes so he may have to run the line rather than cut inside, but with Verratti in the hole, he can certainly look at the cute 1-2’s to play himself in running towards the angles and keeping on his stronger foot.

Insigne back in the side after the sudden departure of Neymar. 2 goals and 3 assists in 8 Serie A games is a good return for the diminutive winger, as mentioned he has great chemistry with Spina, who we know will run the line, so he can look to come inside and either unleash one of his standard curlers or link with Verratti like Mane and play the give and go’s.

Verratti is the #10 you know whats expected offensively, and defensively he’ll be the ball chaser, not allowing Leicester time on the ball…. IF they do have sustained pressure he just drops back 15 yards and makes us a 3 man midfield.

Ronaldo has it all, that explosive pace and predatory instinct, plus unmatched aerial ability, make him the complete forward,

Leicester do have arguably the second best CB pairing going, but Marquinhos has it easy in Paris, he’s not battle hardened enough to withstand what Ronaldo and co will bring today.

Subs 65 mins

Wijnaldum >Sucek (And then switch with Verratti)
Marcos Alonso > Spinazzola – like for like


1 sub banked for the redcard.
If it’s a defender take off Soucek and bring the obvs replacement from the bench.
If it’s Busquets/Verratti/Soucek leave it as is but go with just the double pivot, lose the #10
If its one of the 3 attackers, lose Soucek, again for the obvs bench option

GW 10
chelsea vs LIVERPOOL

Injuries:
Ben Johnson
Denzel Dumfries
Jeremy Doku
Oleksandr Zinchenko


Hard match this away against the former greats, we know that Fan will be itching to get some big wins on the board and will have this down as a “3 point banker”

we can’t go there and expect anything other than a loss in all honesty, but we know Fan, and we know how his side will line up (433/4231) with only ever one central threat to our side. So we pack the core/spine, and play to just stifle his side and stop his rhythm, max out the draw slots and bore him into submission.

……………………………………………………..Schmeichel………………………………
………………………………………………………..Varane……………………………..
………………………………….Ake………………Schuurs………..Botman………….
Trippier…………………………………………..Tonali……………………………. Ait Nouri
…………………………….Henderson……………………………Herrera………………………….
………………………………………………………Kelechi……………………………………………………

Subs: Sa, B.Williams, Kabak, Allan, Rabiot, Neto, Belotti

As you can see this set-up is catenaccio at it’s very finest, 4 solid centre-backs (with Libero), 2 flying full-backs, to add width to our game, a midfield three that will dominate the ball and a powerhouse striker.

We’re going to be playing deep today, keep the ball infront of us and not allow Chelsea the slide balls that they will rely on. They have a frighteningly good striker, but he’s only one man, and one man against so few can only do so much.

Kasper comes in for his debut, won some of the biggest prizes in football and at 34 still has good years ahead of him, a fantastic shot-stopper and as brave as something renown for bravery? No need to be quick off his line because we employ a sweeper, just keep it simple and we should come away with a point today.

The back four is just solid, Varane is the Libero, he can come out of the defensive line and give us the extra body in midfield to add to our numbers game, there is very little risk of the slipped thru ball this afternoon, so this shuts down a lot of Chelsea’s potency. The other of Varane’s duties is to step into the defensive line to replace either the RCB or LCB – the wider CB’s will shuffle to whichever side is under the pressure, so as they shuffle Varane steps up and we maintain the line of 3 centre-backs.

Ake and Botman, little and large, but both are good with the ball to feet, no long balls today, crisp short passing, we know that Fan will want to press us and that’s fine, we have overwhelming numbers in our favour, they can’t possibly cover them all off, so we just stroke the ball amongst ourselves, slow the game down and kill all momentum, the longer the ball stays “dead” for the better, so if you have to put it out, put it out, if you have to commit a niggly foul, then commit one. Defensively their primary job is to re-inforce the flanks, and as stated as they shuffle wide (only one at a time) Varane steps up to keep the block in situ.

Schuurs is our 3rd Dutch centre-back, big, strong and commanding will be used to man-mark the tap in merchant. Keep him playing with his back to goal, don’t allow him to roll you, if he lays it off for a give and go, just step into him and stop him reaching the return pass, get him frustrated and isolated.

Trippier and Ait-nouri are given the freedom to attack at will, they will be our widest and at times highest outlets, defensively they’re up against it today, but they are both backed up by a quality CB, so keep their man wide and just slow him down, offensively they link with our midfielders as they attack and go through the transitionals, not gung-ho marauding but measured progressive football as they’re prepared to tuck back in.

As you can see this defensive strategy is rock solid, there’s no way that a tap in merchant in Germany, and a French flat track bully can dominate against a regimented defence, won’t mention the other elements of Fan’s attack, mostly as I’m unsure who else plays other than Greasy.

Our Midfield:

The key to us holding onto the point we started with is dominating the midfield, Chelsea’s is strong with FDJ and Prison FC’s latest recruit, but god damn it’s boring, it’s so boring that it manages to make Ludy’s midfield look proactive. So what do we do? Well this is what we do,

Sandro T sits as the DM, he’ll man mark Greasy, not too close mind he’s a tendency of going doing down quicker than Fans Thai bird, once we’ve recycled possession and advance up the pitch, Varane moves through the lines and takes Sandro’s place (marking Greasy) this then gives us the overload we need as we have 4 bodies to their 3, we’ll just pass is about, and then put it out of play, slow the clock down and frustrate the west enders.

Henderson will do his B2B role, of breaking up play, moving it on, getting it back and hitting the balls into the box from 35 yards out, a truly under-rated player. Ander is still going strong and with 3 League goals, he’s actually PSG’s 2nd top scorer

The midfield defensively, will take a simple man for man tactic, we’re more energetic than they are so we should be able to out-run them, lets be honest their DM’s get nose bleeds crossing half way, in fact the half way line is the only line Bissouma won’t cross (allegedly)
Tonali man marks Greasy, Henderson and Herrera take FDJ and Bissouma respectively. Where doe this leave Chelsea’s possession football? Their entire midfield is tied up man for man, we have 2 WB’s to cover their 2 wingers, and 4 yes four CB’s marking the tap-in-king…. This game has draw written all over it.

Kelechi is the sacrificial lamb today, big strong and full of running he’ll be chasing shadows today harrying the back line as they pass it amongst themselves (they have no other outball)

Subs 65 mins:

Allan > Henderson – like for like
Rabiot > Tonali – like for like

Belotti > Kelechi – a proper old school #9 perfect role for him

MAN UNITED VS Watford

---------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
Mukiele-----------Upamecano-----------Fofana----------Reguilon
-------------------------------Ndidi----------------Aouar-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raphinha----------------------------Wirtz----------------------Rashford
------------------------------------------Vardy--------------------------------


Subs - Gulácsi, J Gomez, Tchoucameni, Ismaila Sarr, Ødegaard, Greenwood, Sulemana

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

I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The 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 + Aouar
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 Rashford/Raphinha and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Aouar 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 + Rashford
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Rashford will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Vardy 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
Jamie Vardy
The Vardy Party 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 Sulemana for Aouar and Greenwood for Raphinha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. 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---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenwood-------------------------------------------------------Sulemana
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------
-------------------Rashford------------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 Aouar aswell to offer more defensive protection.

----------------------------------------Drag--------------------------------
Mukiele-----Upamecano------Fofana------Gomez-----Reguilon
-----------------------------Ndidi--------------Tchou-----------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------Raphinha------------------Vardy----------------Rashford----

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Greenwood on for Raphinha
Ødegaard on for Wirtz
Sulemana on for Rashford
Fresh legs to bring on.

Newcastle 4-2-3-1

——————— DDG
Trent —— Dias —— VVD —— Shaw
——— Casemiro — Gundogan
Salah ——— Llorente ———— Diaz
————— Lewandowski

SUBS: Matip, Fabian, Pedro Goncalves, Yeremy, Modric, Olmo, Andre Silva

Captain: VVD
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Salah


We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of creativity on the ball today in midfield with a double pivot. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. Our midfielders are very good at carrying the ball breaking the lines in the process. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch I have a chance of blowing them off the park with our players playing their natural game. The double pivot will be key today. I expect that when we have the ball we picks their head up and find a first time ball to our wide forwards. With the movement of my front four I hope to invite their defenders into making rash decisions. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places.

Defending

In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. Tino will get chances on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be dangerous on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third our DM will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Special mention to their striker, he'll take some handling, and we know that our CBs can take turns in handling him. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.

To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Only when they have all of our players pressed back in our third as they inevitably will do at some stage. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Our wide players will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.

The block of four of CBs and CM/DM will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Midfield will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line. AM will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball.

Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.

Attacking

We shift our shape as soon as we get on the ball. The full backs will charge up the field to create width and stretch defences. The DM will drop in with the CBs to help distribute the ball, who are also great ball distributors themselves. We aim to improve ball circulation from defence to attack and create stronger build up play. The CM will therefore need to help circulate the ball up and down the pitch. By charging the full backs forward it’ll allow us to bring the wide forwards closer to the centre of the pitch creating overloads, allowing my most important players to play their natural game. Another way to attack is to press the ball back from the opponents, the distance to their goal is much shorter.

Subs

Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Fabian for Llorente and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3.

75 - Salah’s legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Pedro Goncalves in his place to help chase down balls.

80 - Yeremy for Diaz, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Llorente and bring on Modric to provide more penetration in attacking mid

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Fabian for Casemiro, he'll sit at the base of midfield providing more driving force while being solid and holding the midfield together.

85 - We will bring on Andre Silva on for Gundogan and go 442.

If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.

BRENTFORD v Newcastle United


----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi--------------Isco--------Saint-Maximin
----------------------Suárez

Subs: Kelleher, Maehle, Ampadu, 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 Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners 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, Teun Koopmeiners.

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

Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners 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.

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

Subs:
Ramsdale, P.Torres, McTominay, Antony, J.Sancho, Hazard, Oyarzabal

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

We love a North London Derby and with bragging rights on the line we go with a team set to take the game to the opposition as we go for the win. Arsenal seem to have built their success on a 3-5-2 set up and we go with a side that can exploit this system perfectly.

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 and we want him to sit on their AM cutting up the supply line to their forwards. In attacking phases De Bruyne and Pogba are simply two of the best around, both capable of the sublime and giving us a midfield full of creativity. We note that Arsenal tend to play without an out and out DM and this is an area we feel we can exploit. 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 other’s 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.

If they go with their usual set up then from a tactical perspective they’ll be committing suicide leaving their back three exposed against our front three. We therefore want our front three to stay high, ready to pounce as we soon as win back possession and hit them on the counter. We want Jesus and Sane to play wide, really stretch the field forcing their CB’s to come out on the flanks which will leave them exposed in defence. We’ve got bags of pace on the flanks and with the vision of De Bruyne and Pogba we look to play diagonal balls in behind, using the speed of our wide forwards to get in behind their defend putting us clean through on goal.

In attacking phases we look to retain possession, in doing so their wingbacks will constantly be forced to track back meaning they’ll get penned into a 5-4-1. This will allow us to create pressure with wave after wave of attacking phases. KDB and Pogba are both capable of threading the ball through the eye of a needle in the final third, Sane has the pace and precision to create and finish a chance in the blink of an eye, Aguero requires you to have eyes in the back of your head with his incredible movement whilst Jesus has the pace and workrate to tire any defender into a mistake. We create countless problems, tire them out both physically and mentally creating a lapse in concentration to open the floodgates.

When they are on the attack KDB & Pogba will drop in alongside Fabinho, working together to eliminate any space for the opposition to play in between the lines.

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 or pick up their second CF. Both CB’s are strong and physically imposing as we look to bully their strikers when on the ball. Ederson also offers an additional line of protection with the Brazilian the perfect sweeper to cut out any balls over the top.

Our fullbacks will deal with any threat on the flanks, 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 Sane and Jesus 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 or go direct for goal. They also have license to make runs from out to in, cutting infield 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:
75 mins: Pogba off, McTominay on. Twin DM alongside Fabinho.
80 mins: Aguero off, Sancho on. Jesus plays CF with Sancho & Sane on the flanks as we look to pick them off on the break as they commit men forward.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Pogba off, Sancho on. 4-2-2-2 with Sancho & Sane out wide and Aguero & Jesus up top. Goals.
75 mins: Aguero off, Oyarzabal on. Spaniard in fine form as we go for the winner.

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

Walker----Maguire---Struijk----Digne

------------Jorginho----SMS

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

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

Meslier
White
Castagne
Pellegrini
Brozovic
Isak
Zaha

A change of formation for today’s clash with Fan, a second time in two weeks, bizarrely. I’ve opted for the 4-2-3-1 for today, as I think tactical surprises can provide an edge on an opposition who think they know how you will intend to set-up, and also to try and put ourselves on the front foot, in what I expect to be a pretty even game, between two strong teams. No Hernandez, for injury reasons, not legal ones, so Struijk comes in at LCB again, to keep us balanced in the back-line, and I have opted for Depay playing in the 10, operating something as a shadow striker, so that we can commit men against Fan’s preffered three at the back shape, with Foden coming in at LW. Fan likes to play a midfield three, so we have mirrored him in this regard, but going man-for-man here may be difficult, as he does have quality. Instead, we want to try and get it into our attacking four as quickly as possible, as we believe he struggles for quality at the back, and the use of WBs to provide both attacking and defensive width is likely to leave him exposed.

Defensively, I expect to see us operate very much as we usually do, with quick movement of the ball across the back line, and relying on short, incisive balls forward to try and break their lines and transition the play onto the attack. We will be looking for 2-3 touch stuff, which should be simple enough, given that Jorgy and Neuer will both be easy options forward or backward, whilst SMS will also make runs deeper to provide another outlet to find. If City have commited their FBs forward, and we pick up the ball, moving into those channels quickly is imperative, as we wish to exploit these areas. Chiesa and Foden may have dropped off to help us defend, but Depay has the ability to spin-off down either flank, so this is also a possible outlet to exploit, and in this circumstance I don’t mind them utilising longer balls out from the back. In terms of the defensive shape, we are aware that City like to play with an attacking two, so we won’t go man for man today, an instead I want to see Struijk and Maguire both getting tight and bullying their opponents. Should they look to operate in the channels, then Walker and Digne will take over and look to hold them there. Jorginho should sit on their 10 at all times when out of possession, tracking him across the pitch, whilst SMS looks to go toe-to-toe with their attacking runners from deep. In Jorgy and SMS I think we have a very nice combination of energy, enthusiasm, drive, and quality, meaning that they should compliment each other pretty well. Foden and Chiesa will drop off slightly, tracking their WBs into defensive areas, meaning that our own FBs are likely not to get overwhelmed.

When in the attacking third, I want to see us attacking that space outwide, whilst Kane will sit in the middle, between the goalposts, pouncing on opportunities that come his way. I want to see the wingers and FBs ganging up in the wide positions, with the FBs wider, and the wingers allowed to come inside, whilst Depay will operate freely, moving into the wide areas to create overloads, or pushing up to support Kane as a more conventional striker. This should make him difficult to mark, and create more problems for the opposition when it comes to controlling him. We also want to get SMS forward to contribute in attacking areas, and are looking for him to take up spaces around the edge of the D, where he may be able to benefit from ranged shots on loose balls, but also provides a different approach for our wide-players to get the ball into dangerous areas. The press out of possession needs to be quick. The FBs will push back to the halfway line, meaning that they can press on outlet runs by the FBs, whilst Kane and Depay will work as a duo in pressing the opposition CBs, Foden and Chiesa will drop deeper, and press the flat out ball to the FBs, and can even tuck inside and target the out ball into midfield, especially if the opposition WBs push high up enough that Walker and Digne can focus on them.

Substitutions

If winning

Foden off for Brozovic 70 mins

Switch to a 4-2-1-3, with Brozovic and Jorginho sat in front of the defence, and Depay moving into a wide left position, SMS will operate as an attack minded 8.

Chiesa off for Zaha 77 mins

Fresh legs on at RW. A tiring defence are unlikely to want to deal with pace of Zaha, especially if City decide to commit more bodies forward.

If losing/drawing

Walker off for Castagne, Jorginho off for Pellegrini 65 mins

More attacking options in positions, but adopt the same shape as through the game

Foden off for Isak 75 mins

4-4-2, with Isak up top with Kane, and Depay almost operating as a third striker at LW.

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

W-Bissaka ----- Bonucci ----- Bastoni ----- Robertson

-------- F. de Jong -- Camavinga -- Bellingham -------

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

Johnstone, Mendes, D.Luiz, Ferran, Nkunku, Abraham, Mahrez

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

Bastoni picks up the CF he wont let much passed him, Bonucci spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both powerful boys so keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, look to intercept quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get to our midfield quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass to those in front to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks. Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, only one at a time!!, Driving passed the wingers(mostly Robertson, AWB creating a back 3) to gain that extra body in the opp half, If either get caught up field I want the midfielders to help them out by filling the gaps so we don't get exposed, this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. CBs to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Camavinga sitting back.

We have a classy young midfield trio that has the lot. Camavinga is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game he is relentless and wont give him the time of day, they have undoubted quality in there midfield and I want him to be quick to the challenge, having a player like Camavinga allows more time for de Jong and Bellingham to control the game and get moving forward, he is a cool head, he must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, he will drop in between the two CBS to pick up the ball and start from the back, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Bellingham & 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. Bellingham and Cde Jong 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 Camavinga 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 youngsters Bellingham and de Jong 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 - Grealish
Corners - Grealish

Losing -
65 Mins - Mahrez for Bellingham 442/424 he goes RW, Mbappe up top to create a helluva lot of problems
70 Mins - Nkunku for Grealish frsh legs, goal threat
80 Mins - Abraham for Haaland

Drawing -
65 Mins - Mahrez for Bellingham, Grealish to No.10, Mahrez RW, Mbappe LW 4231 more attacking

Winning -
75 Mins - Douglas Luiz for Bellingham, more grit in midfield
85 Mins - Mendes for Grealish helps out down our left

----------------------- Hradecky -----------------------

-------- Skriniar ----- S.deVrij ----- Rudiger --------

Emerson ------ Kante ------- Niguez ------ Chilwell

------------------------ Havertz ------------------------

--------------- Lukaku --------- Werner ---------------

Bazanu, Kroos, Loftus-Cheek, Gosens, Kamara, Gouiri, Coman

A big Chelsea contingent today so hope that will work well, When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Havertz and Werner will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to the other two in front, We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 3 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.

Hradecky 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

Rudiger and Skriniar, bothpowerful 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.

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.
Emerson and Chilwell, 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.

Havertz 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 unnoticed maybe 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 and to the right as Werner goes left, 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 with Havertz on the right middle, Werner goes Left, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back

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

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

Losing
65 Mins - Havertz to RCF, Gouiri on for Werner 343, Kroos for Niguez at the same time

Winning -
75 Mins - Kroos for Werner, into midfield 3511
83 Mins - Gouiri for Lukaku, Loftus-Cheek for Niguez

Drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Werner, Kroos for Niguez
75 Mins - Gosens for Chilwell

Red Card for City

GK - Bazanu for Werner 3411
FB - Gosens for Werner 3411
CB - Kamara for Werner 3411 Kamara to LCB
Niguez - Kroos for Werner
Kante - Kamara for Werner
Havertz - Werner become the 'free' player
Lukaku - nothing

Watford (Away to Spurs) Week 11

Captain: Svanberg
Vice Captain: Bremer

---------------- Júnior
Dodô---Felipe---Bremer---Angeliño
-------Svanberg---Thorstvedt
-------------------Igor
Olsen-----------------------Damsgaard
-----------------Núñez
SUBS: Chapecó, Abner, Collins, Assunção, Willock, Paulinho, Wind

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

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

Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Svanberg). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Thorstvedt). He has a more conservative role this week and while being a little more constrained than normal he will still have the opportunity to bomb forward when the time is right. They will both have to put a defensive shift in and both are very strong in the tackle. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition. In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Thorstvedt will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Igor and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary. In front of them Igor will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Damsgaard and Olsen 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, Thorstvedt 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 Thorstvedt 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 size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.

Free Kicks/Corners: Igor, Olsen or Damsgaard with Felipe, Bremer and Thorstvedt to offer an aerial threat. Igor and Thorstvedt Damsgaard may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, Damsgaard, Svanberg
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Bremer, Paulinho for Olsen and Wind for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Thorstvedt with Paulinho and Olsen with Wind. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.

----------------Svanberg
Paulinho------- Igor----------Damsgaard
-------------Wind---Núñez

Possession 4-3-3

In form and at home we play an attacking 4-3-3 to dominate possession, best form of defence is attack and them not having the ball.

We look to control the game and exploit the space in between the lines, Leeds don’t play a natural dm and so we feel we can get Bruno and Thiago in between the lines. Theo plays his usual attacking game, providing width, allowing Neymar freedom to roam. Militao on other side is reserved offering cover, with Gnabry providing the width. Playing with great width to stretch the game and Leeds, creating space for our midfielders to dominate.

Possession always starts at the back and so we go with possibly the two best ball playing cbs out and with great pace to allow us to play the high line needed to play real possession football. As you’d expect with a possession gameplan we will be patient in the first two thirds of the park, this means we will move the ball quickly and at pace but will not force the play, let them chase us tiring them physically and mentally. Thiago and Fernandes are the exception as we give him freedom to play more direct balls from deeper areas.

In the final third we give all players freedom to use their quality to create and produce magic to open up the opposition. Look to get the wide players running at and in behind the space between their cbs and fbs.

In front of the defence Rodri and Thiago are the perfect two for the possession play with Fernandes playing an attacking role with freedom to drift. In defence Rodri drops behind the other two cms who press the play as the trio narrow, similarly in attack Rodri stays deepest but the trio do not play so narrow. We have a defence full of pace and great energy in front so play a reasonably high line, helping us press in high areas, and aiding distribution out from the back.

Laporte the man marker as he looks to pocket Kane, Marquinhos who is free to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the trio narrow in front with the cm opposite play dropping behind, allowing the other two to press with cover. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play. Their main threat will come from left side with Chiesa out so Militao will be well placed here.

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

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

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

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

————————————— Allison ———————————
Militao —— Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Theo.H
————————————— Rodri ————————————
———————— Thiago.A —— B.Fernandes —————
—————————————————————————————
S.Gnabry ——————- Benzema ————— Neymar


Subs. Henderson, Vanderson, Goretzka, Mount, Felix, Lautaro, Osimhen


Defending high

When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.

In a narrow, rigid formation, we will look to press the space, not allowing them options. Keep them from advancing to positions where they can’t hurt us, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.

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

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

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

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


Subs.


If winning after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Benzema. More pace and power up top.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Fernandes. Strong defensively and hard working, fresh energy in Cm.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Felix for Gnabry.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Vanderson for Militao. Attacking rb on. Two fbs playing very attacking.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro and Osimhen for Gnabry and Benzema.

If losing after 65 mins bring on Mount for Rodri. Thiago to dm. High energy in Cm as box to box role.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Lautaro for Gnabry.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Felix for Theo.

BRENTFORD v Wolverhampton Wanderers


----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi------------Zaniolo------Saint-Maximin
----------------------Suárez

Subs: van Sas, Maehle, Ampadu, Laimer, Djuricic, Mertens, Ibrahimovic

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

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

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners 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, Teun Koopmeiners.

Koopmeiners 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 Koopmeiners such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Nicolò Zaniolo 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 Koopmeiners or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners 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.

Nicolò Zaniolo, 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, Zaniolo & 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
Mertens on for Saint-Maximin and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez

Double substitution - Quick feet, a blistering change of pace and a precise shot to boot from Mertens 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.

Sorry made one typo above. Where Isco is mentioned it's meant to say Zaniolo

Zaniolo is injured

Oh my bad! Could you delete my tactics pal?

ARSENAL vs. Newcastle

---------------------- Maignan -----------------------
------- Kounde ---- J. Stones --- Gabriel ---------
Hakimi ---- T. Partey --- Tielemans --- Tierney
--------- N. Barella ------------ Smith Rowe ------
-------------------- Aubameyang --------------------

Subs: Onana, Tapsoba, Pereira, B. Guimaeres, Paqueta, Saka, Antonio

We are the in-form team in the league but face a tough trip today - Salah is injured, thank the lord, but they still have lots of quality. Therefore we want to tweak the formation slightly, giving us more control in the centre, but also overloads inside and out on both flanks, with Aubameyang doing his pressing and brilliant positioning up top. He scored 2 goals last week off of saves from the keeper, showing his predatory instinct - we want him in this mood again. Smith Rowe comes in as he has shown to combine so well with him. The shape has two CDMs and then two CAMs, with wing backs. ESR and Barella are great shuttlers in transition and so will ensure Auba isn't isolated in attack.

Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Newcastle throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Barella as the RAM 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 Auba in that box and Smith Rowe.

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.

Stones - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three. Stones will sweep and be the one to ‘double up’ on Lewandowski, with Gabriel or Kounde being the aggressor on Lewandowski depending on the side he drifts too.

Gabriel – We have real competition for places at the back, so Gabriel will want to take his chance. Been in top form for Arsenal who haven’t lost in a long time when he plays. He has that relationship with Tierney and Smith Rowe on the left side, giving some chemistry on the pitch. Inside him he has Stones, who is a more polished Ben White, with whom Gabriel performs very well alongside.

Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Newcastle can throw at us. In possession, the presence of the back three behind him, allowing him to push on and combine with Smith Rowe to cause serious damage and overloads on the left. Combining with Smith Rowe to get past Trent could be a real good source of chances for us, given Trent defensive deficiencies.

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 Newcastle.

Tielemans – Youri is in goalscoring mood! As we know, he has a bit of everything and 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. In this game he can drift wide right to combine with Hakimi to create overloads.

Smith Rowe - The Englishman has been excellent this season for Arsenal. He’s brilliant in transition, running with the ball at pace and is now finding that final pass and shot to take him to the next level. Big chance for him today, and we’ve created familiarity around him to ensure he can deliver his best.

Aubameyang - Pressing forward: The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Newcastle defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Smith Rowe, Barella and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best.

SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Saka for Barella - fresh legs in vital role, Saka cuts in well on his left and will combine excellently with Hakimi overlapping.

If losing
After 65 – Antonio for Smith Rowe (Auba to LF) - Antonio is red hot and physical so can come on and make the difference.

If winning
After 65 - Paqueta for Smith Rowe - fresh legs, more physical to help us win those battles as we look to retain our lead.

After 80 (all) B. Guimaeres for Partey - fresh legs in heart of midfield.

Newcastle 4-2-3-1

——————— DDG
Trent —— Dias —— VVD —— Shaw
——— Casemiro — Llorente
Yeremy ——— Modric ———— Son
————— Lewandowski

SUBS: Kessie, Fabian, Pedro Goncalves, Madueke, Diaz, Olmo, Andre Silva

Captain: VVD
Set piece: Trent
Penalties: Lewa


We have to dominate the middle. We will have a lot of creativity on the ball today in midfield with a double pivot. It is up to us to dominate the ball and create the amount of chances needed to win the game by playing on the front foot. Our midfielders are very good at carrying the ball breaking the lines in the process. I reckon if I can gain control of the middle of the pitch I have a chance of blowing them off the park with our players playing their natural game. The double pivot will be key today. I expect that when we have the ball we picks their head up and find a first time ball to our wide forwards. With the movement of my front four I hope to invite their defenders into making rash decisions. All my front three players have goals in them. We need the win today to give us the momentum needed to help power us into the champions league places.

Defending

In terms of defending, it is important that we are aware of the threats posed by my team having the lions share of possession. Tino will get chances on the counter, and while I believe that my team will pin them back for most of the match there are still going to be windows of opportunity of them when they have a spell of possession and on the counter. His attack can be dangerous on the counter which can present an immense danger if not careful. In our case it is important that we are always aware of the possibility of that counter. I consider strikers and wingers the biggest threats, so when we are attacking in their third our DM will sit close to our centre halves making sure we are not too exposed. Special mention to their striker, he'll take some handling, and we know that our CBs can take turns in handling him. We will also have our full backs closely watch wide players, making sure not to get sucked into the middle and let the midfielders deal with anyone cutting inside. His wide players will likely be back defending anyway but their pace will carry them forwards very quickly. Once they show signs of counter attacking our full backs will fly back to stop them.

To win the ball back, we will sit off them mostly and only press them around our box. Only when they have all of our players pressed back in our third as they inevitably will do at some stage. Giving them lots of time on the ball. I will expect everyone in the back six to be involved in that. Our wide players will get up and down the pitch all match if they need to. If we happen to get pressured back into our own third we will stop the pressuring but go very compact instead, and only squeeze spaced out wide to prevent crosses being thrown in. We wait it out and attack again.

The block of four of CBs and CM/DM will form a four man block around their striker(s) when out of possession. Midfield will help cut the passing lanes to their forward line. AM will come back in the defending phase to help win the ball back with the two midfielders or receive the ball to launch a quick attack when they lose the ball.

Set piece defending is man to man, his centre halves will need to be watched carefully by our centre halves.

Attacking

We shift our shape as soon as we get on the ball. The full backs will charge up the field to create width and stretch defences. The DM will drop in with the CBs to help distribute the ball, who are also great ball distributors themselves. We aim to improve ball circulation from defence to attack and create stronger build up play. The CM will therefore need to help circulate the ball up and down the pitch. By charging the full backs forward it’ll allow us to bring the wide forwards closer to the centre of the pitch creating overloads, allowing my most important players to play their natural game. Another way to attack is to press the ball back from the opponents, the distance to their goal is much shorter.

Subs

Winning
75 - We will need to lock the game down and close it off while giving the midfield some energy. We will bring on Fabian for Modric and have him in midfield in a 4-3-3.

75 - Yeremy’s legs may tire towards the end of the game so we bring on Pedro Goncalves in his place to help chase down balls.

80 - Diaz for Son, same reason as above.

Drawing/Losing
65 - Clearly we need to change it up a bit, therefore we take off Llorente and bring on Olmo to provide more penetration in attacking mid

75 - If we're still not winning, we bring on Fabian for Casemiro, he'll sit at the base of midfield providing more driving force while being solid and holding the midfield together.

85 - We will bring on Andre Silva on for Modric and go 442.

If we get into a winning position after any of the drawing/losing subs, we go 4-4-2 to make sure that we have two banks of four to effectively defend the lead, while playing on the counter attack.

------------------ R.Sanchez ----------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos -- F.Mendy
------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
G.Jesus -------- S.Aguero --------- L.Sane

Subs:
Whiteman, P.Torres, R.Neves, B.Silva, Sancho, Hazard, Oyarzabal

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

More dropped points last time out so fingers crossed fan isn't on our result and we can get our season back on track.

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 Ferland 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.

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 fresh off opening his Barca account in El Clasico showing that in front of goal he remains as clinical as ever. 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, Sancho on. Jesus moves to CF.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Pogba off, B.Silva on.
80 mins: Jesus off, Oyarzabal on.

GW 11
Man City vs LIVERPOOL

Injuries:
Weston McKennie
Rayan Ait Nouri
Rhys Williams
Kasper Schmeichel

……………………………………………Sa……………………………………….
Trippier…………….Varane…………..Botman…………………Zinchenko
……………………………….Allan………Tonali………………………………..
Doku………………………Belotti…….Vardy…………………..Neto

Subs: Vandevoordt, Dumfries, Kabak, Henderson, Rabiot, Icardi, Leao

Tough play to go and pay is the council house, we know from our reading of tactics (results not lubo/fan hiding in bushes techniques) that Fan likes his City side to set up in a 3-5-2, this is pretty common knowledge in fact Stevie Wonder called me to say that although he loves me, he just wanted to say to expect a 3-5-2.

The best and probably easiest way to get a result against that phalanx of a formation is to hit it hard and fast in the areas, stretch them out and destroy on the flanks. We will give way in the centre ground, not out of weakness but to allow them onto us, we’re not pressing heavy today, we draw them into about 35 yards from our goal, so their wing-backs have properly kicked on, it’s at this moment that our full-backs and midfield step forwards to engage them, steal the ball and smash them hard and fast on the counter attack.

Counter-attacking football can only really be effective if you have pure pace in the side, players capable of the killer delivery and of course Ice-cold finishers… we’ve have gone to great lengths improving our squad of late, we now have the midfield capable of being a solid defensive screen, allowing our attacking talents to shine, and plugging the gaps for our full-backs to get forwards.

Trippier and Zinchenko from full back can ping delightful 50 yard cross field balls, they can also play them accurately down the line, They are both key to our counter hitting style as they can be the catalyst from deep, without breaking the defensive shape of the team.

When you talk about pace, Doku and Neto on the flanks are about as quick a combo as you’ll find anywhere, strong and direct Doku will bully the LWB or LCB, keep turning him and run the line before banging in crosses. Neto whilst not as blisteringly quick is no slouch, BUT he is a tricky player and that coupled with his close control makes him a defenders nightmare, where Doku runs the line we want him cutting inside and getting us some overloads.

We’ve gone with a front two today that can match-up his 3 CB’s. Vardy comes in for his debut, still carries that explosive pace over short distances and even now still in amongst the goals, will play off the shoulder of the last man, looking for the spaces to exploit.
Belotti is never the kind man you want running in behind but as a focal point for our players to hit, and make it stick there are few players better, will look to impose himself physically on the City defence, making gaps for Steptoe to run into.

The defence:
As we’ve already ascertained they’re going to be 3-5-2 so we go man for man, Varane will take the quicker Striker and Botman will take the muscle, no zonal as it adds confusion, pick a man and deal with the threat, job done. Trippier and Zinchenko will hold the line of 4, the real threat from the wing backs as discussed earlier is dealt with 35 yards out. Don’t go too high and leave us out numbered.

The midfield:
Tonali gets a new buddy. This buddy is Allan and he is key to our success, Sandro will sit and dictate the tempo, pick up the ball and spread it about, we’re not playing possession footy today, so just get it and hit the spaces, use that footballing intelligence to damage City. Allan is a terrier and will chase the ball carrier, when we get it back he’ll sit and catch his breath ready to go again.

Subs 65 mins:

Henderson > Allan

Leao > Doku

1 sub in the bank for the redcard.
Belotti will make way, so if he’s off no changes needed. If not take him off for the obvious replacement from the bench