GW 11
Brentford vs WOLVERHAMPTON
Injuries:
Ki-jana Hoever
Raul Jimenez
Dusan Vlahovic
Stefano Turati
Always an enjoyable game vs everyones favourite Welshman. Brentford have come a long way and with home advantage they’ll be formidable but these are the games we have to go and get points from if we’re ever getting back into the race for top-four. That said we’re gonna try something a little different.
……………………………………….Donnarumma………………………………….
Carvajal…………………………….Koulibaly……………………………..Spinazzola
…………………………………..Busquets……..Soucek…………………………….
Mane……………………………………Verratti………………………..Insigne
……………………………Ronaldo……………….Griezmann…………………………..
Subs: Pickford, M.Alonso, Konate, Soumare, Wijnaldum, Adama, Firmino
I know the formation looks a little weird, BUT as Welshy tends to play 433/4231 we’ve decided that 1 CB going man to man frees up a body elsewhere higher up the pitch. Risky as if Welshy goes with two up top and if that happens then Busquets slides in as an auxiliary centre-half, Verratti drop back to #6 and we go with a pure 442, jobs a good en.
We’re going for slick one touch passing today as we find a way to bed in a midfield triangle and get two wingers and 2 up top. There will always be passing lanes open to our man in possession so need for aimless punts downfield, that then make a turnover a 50/50. We want precision. The balls is ours and if the bees want it they’ll have to break shape to come and get it, and when they do bring the heavy press that’s then we go through the gears and hit them hard and fast.
Donna is arguably the best young keeper in the world, and massive frame that really fills the goal, that imposing figure charging off his line will play in the minds of onrushing attackers, so he’ll be the sweeper keeper today incase the Brentford attackers slip by our defence.
Carvajal and Spina are very capable defenders they’re also athletic specimens that can cover a lot of ground, with the midfield we have they have the freedom to get forwards, not gung-ho but move forward in phases, this is ball retention not kick and rush, they move parallel to the play.
Koulibaly is the last man, and none shall pass, he makes Gerard Butler look like a dandy. Big strong and athletic he’ll take man and ball with no qualms; it is a risky strategy but it gives us natural width and allows us more fire-power up top.
You may think we’re defensively light, and that we’ll be over-ran. BUT Busquets and Soucek as an insurance policy are about as good as you’re gonna get, they’re reading of the game is right up there, their short passing is crisp and sharp, and with them both sitting today (advance no further than half-way) they can block the balls from midfield into the Strikers feet, the sheer size of Soucek also allows us to cut out the route one stuff from Brentford, and of course and long kicks from their keeper should see us win the first ball as our twin-sixes both clear 6ft. So as you can see the risk of playing 1 CB is a calculated move, our midfield closes out the centre of the pitch as a defensive screen, allowing Kouli to marshall the strikers runs.
Verratti is a #10/B2B hybrid. He has such a great work ethic and always leaves a boot in so he can harry the Brentford #6’s making them rush passes, or get turnover ball in dangerous areas, BUT he then has the skill and vision to thread through killer balls either to our strikers or wide-men, playing them into the spaces as we look to put the bees to the sword.
Mane and Insigne bring pace and goals to the side, Mane a far harder worker for the team, but with top tier out-put we’ll look to play him in on Brentfords RB in as many 1v1’s as we can, Mane can take him inside and go from range, or go outside and whip some balls in for the strikers
Ronaldo and Griezzer are an interesting combo, Ronaldo is a top tier striker but we know hes on the decline, so needs some help around him. He has that in abundance today with 2 strikers and a #10 creating chances for him, plus of course Griezzer who has a great footballing mind and wonderful vision.
Playing the two together plus our wingers, enables to match up Brentford all over the park, we do leave gaps at the back, but as long as we win our share of the individual battles we have the quality over the pitch to get the job done.
Our front line (in my opinion) does a job on their back-six, and I expect us to hold the midfield battle
Subs 65 mins:
M.Alonso > Spinazzola – like for like
Firmino > Griezzer – like for like
Adama > Soucek – fresh legs from the wings against a tiring defence
formation post subs
……………………………………….Donnarumma………………………………….
Carvajal…………………………….Koulibaly……………………………..Alonso
…………………………………..Busquets……..Verratti…………………………….
Adama……………………………………Insigne………………………..Mane
……………………………Ronaldo……………….Firmino…………………………..
BRENTFORD v Wolverhampton Wanderers
----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi--------------Isco------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, 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
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.
MAN UNITED vs Chelsea
------------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------J Gomez-----------
-----------------------------Ndidi---------Valverde------------------------
Mukiele------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Raphinha------Greenwood---------Sulemana---------------
Subs - Gulasci, Gourma-Douath, Aouar, Wirtz, Kulusevski, Kean, Daka
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - RAPHINHA
PENALTIES - GREENWOOD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Gomez will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
WINGBACKS
Mukiele and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Gomez and Fofana will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter..
Defence Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Ndidi will be the midfield destroyer. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. Valverde will be the b2b engine who will be given the freedom to attack. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Ndidi and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Raphinha + Sulemana
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Sulemana will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Greenwood to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Mason Greenwood
The baby faced assassin will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. Be vary of crosses into the box and try and get in front of your marker. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Ndidi and Kulusevski for Raphinha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back. Daka on for Greenwood aswell to add more pace.
-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Gomez----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Mukiele----------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------------Wirtz----------------------------------------
----------Kulusevski-----------Daka----------Sulemana----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Sulemana and put on Gourma-Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Daka and Wirtz on for Greenwood and Raphinha aswell.
--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez--------
Mukiele-----Valverde------Ndidi---------Douath----Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Daka-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Raphinha
Daka on for Greenwood
Wirtz on for Sulemana
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Trubin, Vanderson, Gvardiol, Lokonga, Felix, CHO, Szoboslai. L.Thomas.
U19: Fabio Silva.
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Liverpool. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Lautaro starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Pool defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Bissouma who press the space ball side, but doesn’t get drawn out of shape, the electric tag helping him stay in the zone.
Marquinhos the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Alaba to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Alaba —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Bissouma ——————
——————————————————————————————
Szoboslai ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
———————————— L.Martinez —————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Mount, K.Gordon, Musiala, F.Silva, M.Tel
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 Pool advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Lautaro in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Mount for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Fabio Silva for Lautaro
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Bellingham, Ferran, Haaland, Adeyemi, Camavinga
U19 - Brobbey, A.Francés
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Lacroix ----- Bastoni ----- N.Mendes
------- Bellingham ---- D.Luiz ---- M.Locatelli -------
--- F.Torres ---------- Haaland ----------- Mbappe ---
Pope, A.Francés , Camavinga, Grealish, Nkunku, Adeyemi, Brobbey
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Luiz sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Douglas Luiz is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game 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 Luiz allows more time for Locatelli 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 & Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 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 Locatelli 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 Luiz 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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bellingham and Locatelli to pick their moments to move into space. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland and the rest that have made their way into the danger area so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers one of whom at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside depending which side we are attacking from, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - Locatelli
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Locatelli
Corners - Fullbacks
55 Mins, any score
Nkunku for Ferran
Losing -
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Bellingham he goes up top in a 442/424 lots of pace and power = goals
75 Mins - Grealish for Mendes, he goes to LM, Mbappe up top 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Bellingham
Drawing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Bellingham and to No.10
U21s - Bazanu, Schlotterbeck, N'Dicka, Gouiri, Kamara, Ramsey, Hlozek
U19 - Patino
----------------------- G.Bazanu ------------------------
------- Skriniar --- Schlotterbeck --- N'Dicka -------
----------------- N.Kante ---- Kovacic -----------------
--- Emerson ------------------------------ Mazraoui ---
------------------------- Havertz -------------------------
----------------- Lukaku ------- A.Gouiri ---------------
Travers, Kamara, J.Ramsey, Patino, Hlozek, Coman, Werner
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Havertz and Gouiri 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/Kovacic 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.
Rep Irelands No.1 already at a young age, Bazanu 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
N'Dicka 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 Mazraoui, 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 or cut inside, especially Mazraoui onto his stronger foot, 3 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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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 Gouiri goes left, in a more 541, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible
Gouiri I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with the midfield to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku and Gouiri the midfield will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line with Havertz on the right middle, Gouiri 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 - Skriniar
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Havertz/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Jacob Ramsey for Kovacic a bit more forward thinking, Werner for Gouiri, straight swap
75 Mins - Coman for Mazraoui, we just go 343 attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Gouiri he drops inbetween defence and midfield to give us an extra body and cover
83 Mins - Wingbacks become fullbacks, Havertz to the right, Coman for Kovacic and he goes left 541
Drawing -
65 Mins - Hlozek for Havertz, Werner for Gouiri, straight swaps
75 Mins - J.Ramsey for Kovacic
Watford: Carabao Cup Group A Round 1 (Away to Man Utd.)
Captain: Felipe
Vice-Captain: Júnior
U21: Júnior, Abner, Pavlovic, Veron, Damsgaard, Núñez, Sandry, Paulinho, Evanilson
U-19: Pitaluga
---------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe--Pavlovic---Abner
--------Moder--Svanberg
-------------Thorstvedt
Veron---------------------Damsgaard
----------------Núñez
SUBS: Pitaluga, Ngakia, Bremer, Sandry, Willock, Paulinho, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Svanberg). In front of them Thorstvedt 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’ Svanberg will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Thorstvedt and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Svanberg). 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 Thorstvedt 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 Veron and Damsgaard 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 Thorstvedt, Svanberg 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 Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Thorstvedt to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Thorstvedt, Damsgaard or Veron with Felipe, Pavlovic, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Thorstvedt and Damsgaard (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Bremer for Felipe, Sandry for Moder and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Evanilson and Veron with Paulinho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Moder
Paulinho---Thorstvedt---Damsgaard
-------Evanilson --Núñez
BRENTFORD v Manchester City
u21 = Livramento, Colwill, Ampadu, Gallagher, Broja
Both Livramento and Ampadu are playing the full 90 minutes 👍 + Gallagher on as sub on 75 mins
u19 = Maatsen
----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
---------------Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Berardi------------Zaniolo------------Djuricic
----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Colwill, Maatsen, Koopmeiners, Gallagher, Ibrahimovic, Broja
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi/Djuricic
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 Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Nicolò Zaniolo and Filip Djuricic 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Filip Djuricic, 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 1v1 dribbling skills are so good that they almost cause teams to game-plan against him.
His combination dribbling will force our opponents defenders to cover nearby teammates and close down the passing lanes, further opening up a dribbling path for Zaniolo.
Zaniolo’s left foot is something special. He’s able to generate a lot of force and accuracy in his shot.
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 & Djuricic to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Gallagher on for Zaniolo and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Double substitution - Dynamic midfield play from Gallagher 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.
5 U21s in Squad (7) Tapsoba, Saliba, Saka, Bard, Salah-Eddine, J. Alvarez, Smith Rowe
1 U19 in squad - Salah-Eddine
ARSENAL v Leeds - Cup
-------------------- Maignan -------------------
------ Kounde --- W. Saliba --- Tapsoba ---
Hakimi --- T. Partey -- Barella --- Tierney
------- Saka ------- Dybala ------ ESR --------
Subs: Raya, Stones, Bard, Bruno Guimaeres, Salah-Eddine, J. Alvarez, Aubameyang
We are going into this game with a more youthful injection, but lots of players who are used to being regulars, such is the nature of our youthful squad. We are sticking with the usual formation, so that these players are ready to break into the first team, if they are not there already. A tough game against Leeds, but one we feel that with the quality of player we have on show, we can win.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Leeds throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Saka 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 Dybala 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 Tierney / ESR - this will break the Leeds shape and create chaos.
Saliba - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three. Saluba will sweep and be the one to ‘double up’ on their ST, with Tapsoba or Kounde being the aggressor on their ST depending on the side he drifts too.
Tapsoba – We have real competition for places at the back, so Tapsoba will want to take his chance. He’s physically immense, strong and fast and works well at LCB.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Leeds 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 their RB could be a real good source of chances for us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing 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 Leeds.
Barella – Barella is a baller and with three CBs and Partey, he has a bit more freedom in the CM role. He also has Smith Rowe ahead to interchange with! As we know, he has a bit of everything and Barella will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He should be the conductor. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.
Saka - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, we want to give Saka a bit more freedom in some games, particularly where we want to win midfield battles. With Barella 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 and now England. 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.
Dybala - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Leeds defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Smith Rowe, Saka and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best, dropping in to link the play at times, he creates the space for the quick duo of Saka and Smith Rowe to exploit and turn the pace in that final third.
SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Aubameyang for Dybala
After 70 (all scenarios) - Bard for Tierney
After 75 (all scenarios) - J. Alvarez for Saka - move to 3-4-1-2 with Alvarez and Aubameyang up front, with Smith Rowe in the number 10 role.
Newcastle 4-3-2-1 Christmas
——————— Mendy
Porro — Matip — Tomori — Wijndal
—— Fabian — Palhinha — Olmo
———— Bowen — Madueke
——————— Diaz
Subs. Scally, Modric, Salah, Bella-Kotchap, Lewandowski, Pedro G, Yeremy
Captain: Matip
Set pieces: Bowen
Penalty: Diaz
Today we line up with a set up that allows central combination play. Full of creative souls. This way we maintain balance but get the best quality out of our forwards.
Defensively
The obvious defensive advantage our set-up is that it’s very strong centrally with three central midfielders in front of the defence as well as two centrally positioned attacking midfielders in front of the other three. It automatically forces opponents wide and they will struggle to build any kind of possession play centrally. Therefore, the defending team can force their opponents to play in the spaces least desirable – the wing spaces. We have energetic full-backs who like to quickly sprint out to press and slow down opponents and that they’ll be covered by the ball-near central midfielder. If the full-back can’t press in the wide area, the ball-near central midfielder as well as the ball-near attacking midfielder have access to provide pressure on the ball-carrier.
If we are forced deeper, the two attacking midfielders can quickly slot in with the central midfielders, most often in a wide role, to create a midfield five and thus a 4-5-1 when defending deeper.
Upon loss of possession, we are also perfectly set up against teams who like to counter-press given the close proximity between the players in the attacking structure. Especially if the ball is lost in central areas, we would have at least five players who should be close enough to press intensively or at least delay any forward pass from the opponent’s ball-carrier.
Attacking
Going forward, we will position five players in central areas where we will create a numerical advantage against the opponent. Given the three central midfielders and the two attacking midfielders, the opponent would have to focus on denying space for the two attacking midfielders but that would in turn leave the central midfielders with too much time. If they go to press the central midfielders it will be easy to set the attacking midfielders up in threatening positions between the lines of the opposition. The central positioning of the midfielders and attackers will also lead to teams becoming very narrow to negate the central threat. This will then open up huge spaces down either wing for attacking full-backs to exploit, especially with the passing range of the regista.
Overload the opposition centrally to force them inside and then go and exploit the free wide spaces. Given the full-backs arrive from deeper positions they will be harder to defend as they will be running into space rather than standing in space.
The close proximity between the players will also means it’s easier to change positions which will allow fluid movement between the players both in midfield and in attack. The striker can drop deep only for a midfielder or attacking midfielder to attack the space just vacated behind the striker for example. If both full-backs bomb on the formation will no longer be exactly 4-3-2-1 but rather 2-3-4-1 at that particular moment but the team still plays out of the 4-3-2-1 formation. If the full-backs stand in high wide spaces they will be easier to defend, so the key will be to develop patterns of rotations centrally to unleash full-backs who can come with speed and attack the opponent.
There will be moments during the game where the opponent will go up a gear or two, when that happens the midfielders are not to venture too far ahead of the ball while we focus on the ball-near full-back to join the attack while the ball-far full-back stays in defence with his centre-backs. When the ball is then worked over the two full-backs switch responsibilities.
Subs.
65 mins - Modric for Olmo. Tired legs but play the same role.
75 mins - Pedro G for Madueke. Tired legs.
70 mins drawing/losing - Lewandowski for Bowen. Becomes 4-3-1-2.
80 mins winning - Bella Kotchap for Diaz. Shore up the defensive side and go 3-5-1-1, manage the game to its end.
WOLVES vs Chelsea (Cup game)
U21’s – Hoever, Elmas, Brahim, Vlahovic,Turati, N.Williams, Trincao
U19’s – Wisdom Amey,
……………………………Donnarumma…………………..
……………*Amey*………Koulibaly……Romagnoli……..
Carvajal……………*Elmas*……..Soumare……………..M.Alonso
………………………………..*Brahim*………………………………..
…………………….*Vlahovic*……..Griezmann……..
Subs: *Turati* (GK), *Neco Williams*, Konate, Busquets, Mane, Insigne, *Trincao*
Tough game to start the cup campaign against Fan’s Chelsea, we’ve gone pretty strong today, based solely on the expectation that he’ll also go strong as his league form is appalling and he desperately needs some silverware to appease the fans after amassing over 1bn pound sterling and signing no-one of note with it.
We’ve gone back to our 3-5-2 for this encounter, we expect Fan to continue with his 4-3-3 so this formation matches him man for man at the back, we’ll lose a body in the midfield but with 2 strikers and a number 10 centrally at the business end of the pitch we’ll be a handful for them.
We’re in no rush to force the play today so will be slightly more reactive than pro-active, let the Chels press us and then pass the ball around them, keep the ball and tire them out with our crisp passing.
Our midfield isn’t as strong as it normally is but they’re good enough to get on with the job at a hand and we all know, even stevie wonder can see it, that regardless of the combination he uses, Chelsea’s midfield is just dull and workmanlike.
The Defence:
Judas is one the elite goal-keepers, 268 games under his belt plus 40 full caps for Italy at the age of 22 is a huge amount of experience, big and strong, quick off his line, we want him coming out and dealing with deep crosses, fills the goal with his presence, beating him is no mean feat.
Wisdom Amey, made his Serie A debut at just 15, and became the youngest ever player in topflight Italian football, he plays comfortably at RB and CB so is perfect at RCB for us today, will have Koulibaly to his left and Carvajal to his right, guiding him through the game, and what better players to learn his trade from, will just follow their lead, jockey his man and try not to do anything too “Hollywood” will have to hold his man up and wait for support from team-mates.
Koulibaly is one of the best in the business, will take control of the defence, and be the voice at the back, cool calm and collected, will go man-2-man with the central striker, stay tight and really get under his skin.
Romagnoli comes back in at LCB, and will mirror Wisdom on the other flank, hold up the wider forward and back up Alonso giving us the numerical advantages on the flanks.
Carvajal/Alonso are given the freedom to get forward and provide the attacking width for the side, its much needed as it allows us to defend higher up the pitch (Fans FB’s will be far less likely to advance too far if we can peg them back with the diagonals)
The Midfield:
Whilst Elmas and Soumare are still pretty young they have great attributes that can make them a solid pairing,
Elmas whilst not poor defensively, isn’t a destroyer in the traditional sense, but he’s a good stand-in for Verratti, very comfortable on the ball, can dictate the play nicely and chips in with goals and assists, may well go on to become Macedonia’s greatest ever player. We want to use him in the same way Gattuso did in Naples, we want him in the half spaces, using that 6ft frame to win the second ball. He’s the perfect link man, to play the balls into Brahim and Griezzer, whilst having the range to hit Dusan and letting him lay it off to Griezzer-Diaz.
Soumare also clears 6ft but his skill set is markedly different, where has Elmas has the touches and intricacies, Soumare is more of a tank, great pace and strength we like him carrying the ball from the deep, breaking the Chelsea lines, drawing players to him and then offloading. Soumare defensively at Lille atleast was more about protecting the space behind than pressing the ball, today its much the same, as he and Elmas provide a shield for our defence, we just congest that space and don’t allow the Chels to play through us.
The Attack:
Dusan is one of the very best young strikers in the world, hard working, with an eye for a goal he’s very much the archetypal #9, 8 goals in 12 Serie A games already this season show what he can do. Will look to physically Bully chelsea’s centre-backs, win his aerial duels and look to prove he’s more than “just” Ronaldo’s stand in. That said there’s no value having a premier button man without feeding him ammunition, so with that in mind Brahim Diaz comes in as our #10, 4 goals and 2 assists for Milan this season show that he’s starting to show his potential on a more consistent basis, will look to play in the pockets and really occupy Fans DM, stops Chelsea from playing out from the back but also gives our front two a bit more time and space.
Griezmann starts alongside Dusan and plays the SS role perfectly, will just drop off a yard or two taking one of the CB’s away with him and create that bit of space for either Brahim or Dusan to run in to.
Dusan with back to goal has two very intelligent players to operate off, whether they go ball in to feet for a one-two or if the balls high and they chase down the flick on.
Subs 60 mins.
Mane > Griezmann
Insigne > Brahim
Busquets > Soumare
we switch to a 3-4-3
Mane RW
Insigne LW
Lesta vs LIVERPOOL
U21’s – B.Johnson, Botman, Nouri, Tonali, Neto, Williams, Kabak
U19 – Doku, Vandevoordt,
…………………………………………Kasper………………………
*B.Johnson*……………Varane……..*Botman*………..*Nouri*
……………………………………….*Tonali*…………………………..
…………………………Herrera………………….Allan……………….
**Doku**………………………..Leao………………………….*Neto*
Subs: *Vandevoordt*, *Williams*, *Kabak*, Rabiot, Gakpo, Stengs, Vardy
Difficult game away against Lesta, much like the Chelsea game, it’s a case of going strong as we’re unsure how strong they’ll go…Thankfully we have a pretty youthful squad anyway.
We all know Leicester are one of the elite so we’re up against it from the outset, they like the ball and can hurt teams from all over the pitch, but we have our share of ballers to, we’ll press them hard in their half forcing the tempo of the game to perhaps be a little quicker than Leicester would want it to be.
Liverpudlians are renowned for their humour and sharp wit, so we expect our travelling faithful to be ready to give Bissouma dogs abuse about his indiscretions and of course the possibility of him breaking his curfew should we get this to extra time.
Kasper returns to the club that made him a legend, well he was born the son of a legend so the analogy falls at the first, much like the nags Rof bets on. Been there, done that, will be a vocal presence in the back line. Commanding his defence and his box (no Bissouma joke this time)
Ben Johnson, better known as BeeJay is quicker than his Canadian namesake that won golds at world champs and Olympic games, Looking pretty decent for WestHam and gets a game today, will be your typical modern FB, in that we want him pushing on, stretching the compact Kapow pitch, defensively will keep it simple, show his man the line, before nipping in to steal the ball away.
Ait Nouri on the left has all the talent and potential to be top top class, full of pace and trickery will be a real handful for Leicesters RB. Defensively much the same as Johnson, keep it tight and simple (Much like Bissouma’s conquests)
Varane and Botman are our established 1st choice pairing, Left foot/right foot and all that jazz, both are good in the air and both can play the ball out from the back. Botman is the muscle and first ball, will look to man-2-man their main striker, with Varane using his experience to sweep up the loose/secondary balls.
Midfield was always our Achilles heel, we’ve tried to rectify that somewhat with the addition of some new faces so we now have a trident that I think can hold their own against Lesta’s bruisers but also give us some firepower.
I know its somewhat backwards to have Tonali as the nominal base with Allan ahead of him, but Allan is key (I’ll get bored of that joke) to our midfield working. Tonali is the heartbeat of the side so it makes sense for him to sit where he can get the ball from the defence and bring it out, great range of passing will dictate the tempo of our side. Allan is a machine and with him higher up the pitch he can pressure Lesta’s midfielders closer to the foxes box, get turnover ball earlier and set us up for a counter from a more advantageous point. Ander Herrera is a quality player, it’s a travesty that he only has 2 caps to his name. There’s much talk of what United lack in midfield yet what they need most they threw away, great on the ball, with an eye for goal…plus his tenacity off the ball he’s a natural leader, making him the perfect candidate for our B2B.
Doku comes in on the RW, not just because he’s under 19 and will attract the attention of Bissouma..he’s rapid too and that pace will worry the left flank of the Lesta side, forcing their LB to stay deeper than perhaps he’d want to, by pegging their FB back, it relieves the pressure off our own defence and means we can get a foothold in the game.
Neto, without doubt will be a Balon D’or winner one day, pace,power and a bit of aggro go hand in hand with this lad, a proper left-pegger, it’s a sight to behold when he’s in full flight and we look to manipulate proceedings to get him to isolate their RB in as many 1v1’s as possible, these are the individual battles we have to get on top of.
Rafa leads the line, pace and trickery as he looks to wriggle free of Leicester’s impressive back-line, tall order for him today but 4 goals in 12 Serie A appearances this season, show he can be a decent trigger man, whilst not a traditional striker he has the pace to really get in behind the defence.
Subs 65 mins
Rabiot > Allan, like for like
Vandevoordt > Kasper (An U19 on)
Vardy > Doku (An U19 off)
Neto……………Vardy………….Leao
U21: Illan Meslier, Mitchell Bakker, Phil Foden, Mohamed Simakan, Michael Olise, Joe Gelhardt
U19: Aaron Hickey
-------------------Meslier
Walker---White----Hernandez---Bakker
------------Phillips---Jorginho
Chiesa------------Foden------------Depay
---------------------Kane
Woodman
Simakan
Hickey
Brozovic
Doucoure
Olise
Gelhardt
A start to the cups, then, and a chance for a couple of our younger players to impress. I’ve opted to give U21 starts to Meslier, one of the world’s best young goalkeepers, with plenty of senior minutes under his belt already, Phil Foden, a generational talent, and Mitchell Bakker, a talented young left back with experience at the highest level. We’ve also given an opportunity to White and Phillips to step in and put on a show. The two are good friends off the pitch, and I want to see that cohesion on it. White is in good form in real life, so should be good enough to step up, and I think a midfield pivot of Phillips and Jorgy will provide quality and tenacity in abandon, to best allow Foden to play to his creative best at 10. I have opted for the 4-2-3-1, a formation we haven’t played much in the league, as a bit of a change, and I think this allows us to play to Foden’s strengths in this competition. I want to see us trying to pick the ball up and playing quick transition passing football, with players looking to limit themselves to 2-3 touches, before moving it on. Off the ball, I want to see us playing the same high pressing game that we have utilised in the league, as has become our system.
Defensively, I think we have good ball players and ball carriers, capable on moving the ball around quickly and helping us keep the ball. Meslier may not be Neuer, but he’s still a sweeper keeper, and is used to playing in a system where he sees plenty of the ball with his feet. In Phillips and Jorgy we have two players screening the defence who are comfortable operating in deep areas, and so there should never be a shortage of options for the ball movement out of defence, both forwards and backwards. When the ball enters the midfield third, the next stage of the transition should be to look for Foden, who will be playing the strings for us today. We don’t want to rush the balls into him, however, so patient play at the back is allowed, as we force them into pressing, and open up spaces further up the pitch. Bakker and Walker will want to get up and down the line, but should do this singularly, with the other holding their run when their opposite number pushes forward to support, operating almost as part of a back three. Phillips will operate more as a combative box-to-box today, as he does for England, and I give him license to carry the ball into midfield areas, and he will be doing most of the legwork to support Jorgy, who will use his metronomic talent with the ball to keep us ticking over in key areas.
When the ball gets into the attacking third, I think we have a number of methods of approach that can hurt the opposition. As I said earlier, I really want to see the team playing around Foden’s talents, and so he will be the focal point of our attack. Foden is a nightmare for opposition players to mark, as he is capable of operating across the front four, which makes it hard for the opposition to know just where he will be. As such, I want him to adopt a fairly free role, dropping deep at times, to better facilitate picking up the ball, and drifting into wider areas on others, to support Depay and Chiesa, who will both want to come inside and flood the central areas. Kane is obviously a strong outlet, and I want to see him keeping his position between the goalposts today, but he can drop off at times, pulling defenders with him, to create that space for the three behind him to target. With Depay and Chiesa, we have two players who feel most comfortable operating as inside forwards, and this is what they will do, using their pace, trickery and flair to run at their opponents, with quick feet that will leave them utterly bamboozled.
When we lose possession, I want to see the high press engaged. Kane and Foden will press in the central areas, whilst the wider positions will be taken by Chiesa and Depay. In the midfield, Phillips will do much of the pressing, using his boundless energy to harass and harry their ball carriers, whilst Jorgy will screen the defence, only utilising his own tenacity when the opponent comes into his area of the pitch. By pressing high, we hope to force them into mistakes early in the move, that we can pounce upon, or force them into longer balls forward, which we are more likely to mop up, and less likely to suit their style and system. It also buys time for us to adopt our defensive shape, and get players back into their positions.
Substitutions
Phillips and Chiesa off for Doucoure and Olise 65 mins
Fresh legs in these positions, and further opportunities for squad players to prove their worth. Olise will operate at RW, and provides us some unpredictable flair, whilst Doucoure will replace Kalvin’s energy in midfield.
If losing/drawing
Bakker off for Gelhardt 70 mins
Change to a 3-3-1-3, with Walker slotting in at RCB, an Foden dropping into a midfield three with Doucoure and Jorginho, whilst Gelhardt, an unpredictable flair player, will operate from the right, and Olise will come inside as the one at ten.
If winning
Depay off for Brozovic 70 mins
Switch to a 4-3-3, with Brozovic joining Jorgy and Douc in midfield, and Foden moving out to RW.
ARSENAL to face Man City [CUP]
-------------------- Maignan -------------------
------ Kounde --- W. Saliba --- Tapsoba ---
Hakimi --- T. Partey -- Barella --- Tierney
------- Saka ------- Dybala ------ ESR --------
Subs: Raya, Stones, Bruno Guimaeres, Salah-Eddine, Diaby, J. Alvarez, Calvert-Lewin
We are going into this game with a more youthful injection, but lots of players who are used to being regulars, such is the nature of our youthful squad. We are sticking with the usual formation, so that these players are ready to break into the first team, if they are not there already. A tough game against Man City, but one we feel that with the quality of player we have on show, we can win.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Man City throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Saka 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 Dybala 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 Tierney / ESR - this will break the Man City shape and create chaos.
Saliba - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three. Saluba will sweep and be the one to ‘double up’ on their ST, with Tapsoba or Kounde being the aggressor on their ST depending on the side he drifts too.
Tapsoba – We have real competition for places at the back, so Tapsoba will want to take his chance. He’s physically immense, strong and fast and works well at LCB.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Man City 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 their RB could be a real good source of chances for us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Hakimi more attacking freedom. Partey has played at right back before so this is well suited. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Man City.
Barella – Barella is a baller and with three CBs and Partey, he has a bit more freedom in the CM role. He also has Smith Rowe ahead to interchange with! As we know, he has a bit of everything and Barella will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He should be the conductor. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.
Saka - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, we want to give Saka a bit more freedom in some games, particularly where we want to win midfield battles. With Barella 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 and now England. 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.
Dybala - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Man City defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Smith Rowe, Saka and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best, dropping in to link the play at times, he creates the space for the quick duo of Saka and Smith Rowe to exploit and turn the pace in that final third.
SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Julian Alvarez for Dybala
After 75 (all scenarios) - Bruno G for Partey
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Bellingham, Camavinga, Haaland, Lamptey, Adeyemi
U19 - A.Frances
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Lacroix ----- Bastoni ----- N.Mendes
------- Bellingham ---- D.Rice ---- Camavinga -------
---- Nkunku ---------- Haaland ---------- Mbappe ----
Pope, Lamptey, A.Frances, de Jong, Adeyemi, Mahrez, Malen
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Rice sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Rice 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, having a player like Rice allows more time for Camavinga 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 & Camavinga 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 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 Camavinga 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 Rice 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 Nkunku and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bellingham and Camavinga 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 - D.Rice
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe
Corners - Fullbacks
Losing -
55 Mins - Mahrez for Nkunku straight swap
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Camavinga, he goes up top 4-4-2/4-2-4
70 Mins - Lamptey for Cancelo, more attacking, alot of balls into the front 2/3
Winning -
65 Mins - Mahrez for Nkunku, de Jong for Bellingham
Drawing -
65 Mins - Lamptey for Cancelo, Mahrez for Camavinga, Nkunku to No.10, Mahrez to RW 4231
75 Mins - Nkunku to LW, Mbappe up top 4-4-2
82 Mins - Adeyemi for Haaland
U21 - Zabarnyi, Schlotterbeck, Kamara, Hlozek, Gouiri
U19 - Patterson
-------------------------- Martinez -------------------------
-------- Zabarnyi --- Schlotterbeck --- Rudiger --------
------------------ Kovacic ------- Kamara -----------------
Emerson ------------------------------------------ Chilwell
--------------------------- Hlozek ---------------------------
---------------- Lukaku ----------- Werner ----------------
M.Travers, Patterson, de Vrij, Ramsey, Havertz, Watkins, Gouiri
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Hlozek 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 Kamara/Kovacic 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.
Emi 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 Zabarnyi, both 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 or cut inside, 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 Kamara'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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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.
Hlozek 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, in a more 541, 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 Hlozek on the right middle, Werner goes Left, they are great going forward but today, pretty slow 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 - Rudiger
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Hlozek/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Losing
65 Mins - N.Patterson for Emerson, pace and power, good cross in him, Havertz for Hlozek go to RCF in a 343, Watkins for Werner
Winning -
75 mins - Havertz for Hlozek, Jacob Ramsey for Werner and into midifeld 3511
83 Mins - Watkins for Lukaku, fresh legs to run it down
Drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz for Hlozek, Watkins for Werner
75 Mins J.Ramsey for Kovacic
Watford: Carabao Cup Group A Round 2 (Away to Chelsea)
Captain: Felipe
Vice-Captain: Júnior
U21: Júnior, Abner, Pavlovic, Veron, Damsgaard, Núñez, Sandry, Paulinho, Evanilson
U-19: Pitaluga
---------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe--Pavlovic---Abner
--------Moder--Svanberg
-------------Thorstvedt
Veron---------------------Damsgaard
----------------Núñez
SUBS: Pitaluga, Ngakia, Morato, Sandry, Willock, Paulinho, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Svanberg). In front of them Thorstvedt 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’ Svanberg will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Thorstvedt and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Svanberg). 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 Thorstvedt 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 Veron and Damsgaard 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 Thorstvedt, Svanberg 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 Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Thorstvedt to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Thorstvedt, Damsgaard or Veron with Felipe, Pavlovic, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Thorstvedt and Damsgaard (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Morato for Felipe, Sandry for Moder and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Evanilson and Veron with Paulinho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Moder
Paulinho---Thorstvedt---Damsgaard
-------Evanilson --Núñez
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Trubin, Vanderson, Gvardiol, Lokonga, Felix, CHO. L.Thomas.
U19: Fabio Silva, Kaide Gordon
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Newcastle. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Lautaro starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Toon defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Bissouma who press the space ball side, but doesn’t get drawn out of shape, the electric tag helping him stay in the zone.
Militao the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Alaba to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson ——- E.Militao —— Alaba —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Bissouma ——————
——————————————————————————————
K.Gordon ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
———————————— L.Martinez —————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Thiago, Mount, Neymar, F.Silva, 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 Toon advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Lautaro in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Mount for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Neymar for Gordon. Switch CHO to the right.
U21: Ilan Meslier, Gabriel Menino, Mohamed Simakan, Pascal Struijk, Mitchell Bakker, Phil Foden, Aaron Hickey, Michael Olise, Joe Gelhardt (9)
U19: Aaron Hickey, Joe Gelhardt
--------------------Meslier
Menino---Simakan---Struijk---Bakker
-------------------Jorginho
-------------De Paul-----Foden
Chiesa------------Kane----------Zaha
Woodman
Hickey
White
Milinkovic-Savic
Olise
Depay
Gelhardt
A pretty young side for today, as we look to experiment with personnel. Our defence is young, but that is no bad thing, and we have plenty of experienced and proven quality elsewhere in the team to compensate. I have opted for a return to the standard 4-3-3 for us today, with Jorginho sat deepest in a midfield three with Rodrigo de Paul (making his full debut) and Phil Foden. Mohamed Simakan and Pascal Struijk gives us a well balanced defensive pairing, and in Menino and Bakker we have FBs capable of blockbuster performances up and down the line. The attack is full of quality, with Chiesa and Kane amongst world leaders in their positions, and Zaha a bag full of energy and unpredictability operating down the left hand side. I want to see us adopt the same way of playing as usual, with a high tempo possession/press approach. Movement of the ball should be quick and zingy, no more than three touches in the defensive third, four in the middle, and more leniency up top, to allow for driving runs from our attackers. Off the ball, I want us to press high, forcing Brentford into mistakes, and getting ourselves back in possession as quickly as possible.
I have opted for a back four for today, with Jorginho screening just in front of them. Meslier is in behind, a sweeper keeper adept with his feet, and we will operate a medium line, not too deep, but not so far forward as to leave ourselves exposed, operating midway through our half when in possession. In Jorgy and Meslier we should have easy options to keep the ball moving, and De Paul and Foden can also alternate in spinning off their man and dropping deeper to help provide options. Each of my defenders are comfortable on the ball, so keeping hold of possession in key areas shoud be simple. Bakker and Menino will both have the license to attack and support their winger, with Jorginho keeping himself deep in midfield, effectively meaning we should always have at least three players operating in either the deep middle third, or the defensive third. In Foden and De Paul, we have two skilled technicians that are also capable runners of the ball in midfield, meaning that we should be able to break through these areas, and using these players to transition from defence into attack will be the preferred route, as it will mean that Zaha and Chiesa can keep themselves pushed up, to keep their FBs anchored deep. Although, I would like to see the two wingers drop off when the ball enters the middle third, to better facilitate them turning and running at the opposition back line. When it comes to individual defending at the back, I want to see Struijk sticking to their main attacker, using his physical presence to prevent them from having time or space to operate in, whilst Simakan will operate as the covering defender, due to him having slightly more pace.
When on the ball in the attacking areas, I want to see Kane operating as the focal point to the attack. He can drop off, on occasion, to facilitate runs in beyond him, in space that this might create. Primarily, however, I want him between the goalposts, causing a hassle for their defence, and looking to get on the end of dangerous balls in behind, or crosses into the books (which will be primarily stood up by the overlapping WBs). Chiesa and Zaha will tuck inside, whilst the FBs attack the wide spaces on the overlap, where we are hoping to overload them. RDP and Foden will also push forward, and one or the other can alternate in making attacking runs into the penalty area, whilst the other sits deeper, hoping to pick up on loose balls out, so that we can recycle possession loss into a persistent attacking machine. I want to see Zaha and Chiesa carrying the ball, and running at the opposition, tying them in knots. The two are so tricky, that the simplicity of Harry Kane dispatching the ball past the Brentford keeper will be a blessed relief for their defenders.
In terms of engaging the press, I want to see it high and intense. Kane will take their CBs, whilst Zaha and Chiesa will operate on their FBs, not allowing them to utilis these as an out ball. Foden will sit on their deepest midfielder, whilst RDP will shuttle in the midfield, going box-to-box against any ball carriers in this area. This will hopefully buy time for our FBs to get back in shape, or, in the best scenario, win ourselves possession back high up the pitch.
Substitutions
Rodrigo De Paul and Federico Chiesa off for Milinkovic Savic and Michael Olise 70 mins
Fresh legs in the middle, and a chance for the delightfully unpredictable Olise to shine, causing problems for their defenders with his wide array of attacking talents.
If winning
Phil Foden off for Ben White 77 mins
Switch to a 3-4-3, with White slotting in at CB, with Struijk and Simakan either side of him.
If losing/drawing
Jorginho off for Joe Gelhardt 77 mins
Switch to a 4-1-3-2, with a midfield pivot of SMS and Foden, whilst Gelhardt will play up top with Kane, looking to use his quick feet and trickery to buy us a chance.
BRENTFORD TACTICS!
------------------------- U.Simon --------------------------
Livramento ---- T. Silva ---- M.Guehi ---- A.Grimaldo
---------------- Hojbjerg ----- E.Ampadu ----------------
Berardi ---------------- Zaniolo ---------------- Maximin
------------------------- L.Suarez --------------------------
van Sas, Mbuyamba , Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Djuricic, Immobile, Zlatan
U21 - Livramento, Guehi, Gallacher, Gallacher, van Sas
U19 - Mbuyamba
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Guehi and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Nicolò Zaniolo and Maximim 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Maximim, 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 1v1 dribbling skills are so good that they almost cause teams to game-plan against him.
His combination dribbling will force our opponents defenders to cover nearby teammates and close down the passing lanes, further opening up a dribbling path for Zaniolo.
Zaniolo’s left foot is something special. He’s able to generate a lot of force and accuracy in his shot.
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 & Maximim to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Gallagher on for Zaniolo and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Double substitution - Dynamic midfield play from Gallagher 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.
80 Mins - Immobile for Zaniolo 442
------------------------ Oblak ------------------------
J.Cancelo --- Lacroix ---- Bastoni --- N.Mendes
-------- F.de Jong -- D.Rice -- Locatelli ---------
-- F.Torres --------- Haaland -------- Grealish --
Pope, A.Frances, Iroegbunam, Camavinga, Philogence-Bidace, Nkunku, Adeyemi
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Ferran, Haaland, Camavinga, Adeyemi
U19 - Frances, Iroegbunam, Philogence-Bidace
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Rice sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Rice 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, having a player like Rice allows more time for de Jong and Locatelli 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. de Jong and Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 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. de Jong and Locatelli 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 Rice 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 Ferran and Grealish will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing the CM's 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 - D.Rice
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Fullbacks
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Locatelli, he goes up top to add pace and goals 442/424
75 Mins - Nkunku for Ferran, Philogence-Bidace for Grealish, a burst of energy down the flanks
Winning
75 Mins - Iroegbunam for Locatelli, a solid youngster, strong in the tackle and calm on the ball
83 Mins - Adeyemi for Haaland lots of pace to close things down in the final third
85 Mins - Philogence-Bidace for Grealish
------------------------- Martinez -------------------------
------- Rudiger ---- Schlotterbeck ---- N'Dicka -------
----------------- Kovacic ------ N.Kante -----------------
Emerson ----------------------------------------- Chilwell
-------------------------- Hlozek ---------------------------
---------------- Havertz -------- Werner -----------------
Bazanu, Patterson, Kamara, J.Ramsey, Gouiri, Pulisic, Watkins
U21 - Schlotterbeck, N'Dicka, Hlozek, Kamara, Bazanu, Ramsey, Gouiri
U19 - Patterson
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Hlozek 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/Kovacic 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.
Emi 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 N'Dicka, both 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 or cut inside, 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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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.
Hlozek 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, in a more 541, 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 Havertz away on goal, he and Havertz both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Havertz 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 Hlozek on the right middle, Werner goes Left, they are great going forward but today, pretty slow at the back
Havertz, 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,be it wide or dropping back allowing Hlozek and Werner more time and space, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.
Captain - Rudiger
Pens - Havertz
Free Kicks - Hlozek/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Patterson for Emerson, will drive forward, Gouiri for Werner
75 Mins - Watkins for Hlozek 343 more attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Hlozek, he drops in and becomes the DM behind Kante and Kovacic
82 Mins - Ramsey for Werner, 3511 and he will float just in front of the midfield closing things down just in front of the midfield, Wingbacks become fullbacks and we will see this out in a 5311
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Everyone
U19: Fabio Silva, Kaide Gordon
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Spurs. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Silva starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Toon defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Musiala who press the space ball side.
Mengi the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Kouassi to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson —— T. Kouassi —— Mengi —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Musiala ——————
——————————————————————————————
K.Gordon ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
-————————————— F.Silva ————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Kozlowski, L.Romero, J.Pedro, Kamari Doyle, M.Tel
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 Spurs advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Silva in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Romero for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Tel for Gordon.
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Tactics
Page 43 of 84
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posted on 26/10/21
GW 11
Brentford vs WOLVERHAMPTON
Injuries:
Ki-jana Hoever
Raul Jimenez
Dusan Vlahovic
Stefano Turati
Always an enjoyable game vs everyones favourite Welshman. Brentford have come a long way and with home advantage they’ll be formidable but these are the games we have to go and get points from if we’re ever getting back into the race for top-four. That said we’re gonna try something a little different.
……………………………………….Donnarumma………………………………….
Carvajal…………………………….Koulibaly……………………………..Spinazzola
…………………………………..Busquets……..Soucek…………………………….
Mane……………………………………Verratti………………………..Insigne
……………………………Ronaldo……………….Griezmann…………………………..
Subs: Pickford, M.Alonso, Konate, Soumare, Wijnaldum, Adama, Firmino
I know the formation looks a little weird, BUT as Welshy tends to play 433/4231 we’ve decided that 1 CB going man to man frees up a body elsewhere higher up the pitch. Risky as if Welshy goes with two up top and if that happens then Busquets slides in as an auxiliary centre-half, Verratti drop back to #6 and we go with a pure 442, jobs a good en.
We’re going for slick one touch passing today as we find a way to bed in a midfield triangle and get two wingers and 2 up top. There will always be passing lanes open to our man in possession so need for aimless punts downfield, that then make a turnover a 50/50. We want precision. The balls is ours and if the bees want it they’ll have to break shape to come and get it, and when they do bring the heavy press that’s then we go through the gears and hit them hard and fast.
Donna is arguably the best young keeper in the world, and massive frame that really fills the goal, that imposing figure charging off his line will play in the minds of onrushing attackers, so he’ll be the sweeper keeper today incase the Brentford attackers slip by our defence.
Carvajal and Spina are very capable defenders they’re also athletic specimens that can cover a lot of ground, with the midfield we have they have the freedom to get forwards, not gung-ho but move forward in phases, this is ball retention not kick and rush, they move parallel to the play.
Koulibaly is the last man, and none shall pass, he makes Gerard Butler look like a dandy. Big strong and athletic he’ll take man and ball with no qualms; it is a risky strategy but it gives us natural width and allows us more fire-power up top.
You may think we’re defensively light, and that we’ll be over-ran. BUT Busquets and Soucek as an insurance policy are about as good as you’re gonna get, they’re reading of the game is right up there, their short passing is crisp and sharp, and with them both sitting today (advance no further than half-way) they can block the balls from midfield into the Strikers feet, the sheer size of Soucek also allows us to cut out the route one stuff from Brentford, and of course and long kicks from their keeper should see us win the first ball as our twin-sixes both clear 6ft. So as you can see the risk of playing 1 CB is a calculated move, our midfield closes out the centre of the pitch as a defensive screen, allowing Kouli to marshall the strikers runs.
Verratti is a #10/B2B hybrid. He has such a great work ethic and always leaves a boot in so he can harry the Brentford #6’s making them rush passes, or get turnover ball in dangerous areas, BUT he then has the skill and vision to thread through killer balls either to our strikers or wide-men, playing them into the spaces as we look to put the bees to the sword.
Mane and Insigne bring pace and goals to the side, Mane a far harder worker for the team, but with top tier out-put we’ll look to play him in on Brentfords RB in as many 1v1’s as we can, Mane can take him inside and go from range, or go outside and whip some balls in for the strikers
Ronaldo and Griezzer are an interesting combo, Ronaldo is a top tier striker but we know hes on the decline, so needs some help around him. He has that in abundance today with 2 strikers and a #10 creating chances for him, plus of course Griezzer who has a great footballing mind and wonderful vision.
Playing the two together plus our wingers, enables to match up Brentford all over the park, we do leave gaps at the back, but as long as we win our share of the individual battles we have the quality over the pitch to get the job done.
Our front line (in my opinion) does a job on their back-six, and I expect us to hold the midfield battle
Subs 65 mins:
M.Alonso > Spinazzola – like for like
Firmino > Griezzer – like for like
Adama > Soucek – fresh legs from the wings against a tiring defence
formation post subs
……………………………………….Donnarumma………………………………….
Carvajal…………………………….Koulibaly……………………………..Alonso
…………………………………..Busquets……..Verratti…………………………….
Adama……………………………………Insigne………………………..Mane
……………………………Ronaldo……………….Firmino…………………………..
posted on 26/10/21
BRENTFORD v Wolverhampton Wanderers
----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi--------------Isco------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, 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
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.
posted on 27/10/21
MAN UNITED vs Chelsea
------------------------------------Dragowski---------------------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------J Gomez-----------
-----------------------------Ndidi---------Valverde------------------------
Mukiele------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Raphinha------Greenwood---------Sulemana---------------
Subs - Gulasci, Gourma-Douath, Aouar, Wirtz, Kulusevski, Kean, Daka
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - RAPHINHA
FK'S - RAPHINHA
PENALTIES - GREENWOOD
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Gomez will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
WINGBACKS
Mukiele and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Gomez and Fofana will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter..
Defence Mids
Ndidi + Valverde
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Ndidi will be the midfield destroyer. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. Valverde will be the b2b engine who will be given the freedom to attack. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Ndidi and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Raphinha + Sulemana
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Sulemana will be looking to cut in from the left and Raphinha likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Greenwood to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Mason Greenwood
The baby faced assassin will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. Be vary of crosses into the box and try and get in front of your marker. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Wirtz for Ndidi and Kulusevski for Raphinha to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back. Daka on for Greenwood aswell to add more pace.
-------------------------------------Dragowski-----------------------
---------------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Gomez----------
-------------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Mukiele----------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------------Wirtz----------------------------------------
----------Kulusevski-----------Daka----------Sulemana----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Sulemana and put on Gourma-Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Daka and Wirtz on for Greenwood and Raphinha aswell.
--------------------------------------Drag-----------------------
--------------Fofana--------Upamecano--------Gomez--------
Mukiele-----Valverde------Ndidi---------Douath----Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Daka-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Kulusevski on for Raphinha
Daka on for Greenwood
Wirtz on for Sulemana
posted on 12/11/21
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Trubin, Vanderson, Gvardiol, Lokonga, Felix, CHO, Szoboslai. L.Thomas.
U19: Fabio Silva.
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Liverpool. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Lautaro starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Pool defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Bissouma who press the space ball side, but doesn’t get drawn out of shape, the electric tag helping him stay in the zone.
Marquinhos the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Alaba to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Alaba —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Bissouma ——————
——————————————————————————————
Szoboslai ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
———————————— L.Martinez —————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Mount, K.Gordon, Musiala, F.Silva, M.Tel
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 Pool advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Lautaro in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Mount for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Fabio Silva for Lautaro
posted on 13/11/21
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Bellingham, Ferran, Haaland, Adeyemi, Camavinga
U19 - Brobbey, A.Francés
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Lacroix ----- Bastoni ----- N.Mendes
------- Bellingham ---- D.Luiz ---- M.Locatelli -------
--- F.Torres ---------- Haaland ----------- Mbappe ---
Pope, A.Francés , Camavinga, Grealish, Nkunku, Adeyemi, Brobbey
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Luiz sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Douglas Luiz is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's, he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game 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 Luiz allows more time for Locatelli 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 & Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 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 Locatelli 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 Luiz 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 Ferran and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bellingham and Locatelli to pick their moments to move into space. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Haaland who can beat any defender with power/pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Haaland and the rest that have made their way into the danger area so they can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality at times, , we must always make sure Haaland is well supported, especially wingers one of whom at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside depending which side we are attacking from, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.
Captain - Locatelli
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Locatelli
Corners - Fullbacks
55 Mins, any score
Nkunku for Ferran
Losing -
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Bellingham he goes up top in a 442/424 lots of pace and power = goals
75 Mins - Grealish for Mendes, he goes to LM, Mbappe up top 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Camavinga for Bellingham
Drawing -
65 Mins - Grealish for Bellingham and to No.10
posted on 15/11/21
U21s - Bazanu, Schlotterbeck, N'Dicka, Gouiri, Kamara, Ramsey, Hlozek
U19 - Patino
----------------------- G.Bazanu ------------------------
------- Skriniar --- Schlotterbeck --- N'Dicka -------
----------------- N.Kante ---- Kovacic -----------------
--- Emerson ------------------------------ Mazraoui ---
------------------------- Havertz -------------------------
----------------- Lukaku ------- A.Gouiri ---------------
Travers, Kamara, J.Ramsey, Patino, Hlozek, Coman, Werner
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Havertz and Gouiri 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/Kovacic 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.
Rep Irelands No.1 already at a young age, Bazanu 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
N'Dicka 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 Mazraoui, 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 or cut inside, especially Mazraoui onto his stronger foot, 3 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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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 Gouiri goes left, in a more 541, get it and move it forward as quickly as possible
Gouiri I want to be making all the runs behind the defence, a tirless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillfull, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with the midfield to get Lukaku away on goal, he and Lukaku both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Lukaku and Gouiri the midfield will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line with Havertz on the right middle, Gouiri 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 - Skriniar
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Havertz/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Jacob Ramsey for Kovacic a bit more forward thinking, Werner for Gouiri, straight swap
75 Mins - Coman for Mazraoui, we just go 343 attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Gouiri he drops inbetween defence and midfield to give us an extra body and cover
83 Mins - Wingbacks become fullbacks, Havertz to the right, Coman for Kovacic and he goes left 541
Drawing -
65 Mins - Hlozek for Havertz, Werner for Gouiri, straight swaps
75 Mins - J.Ramsey for Kovacic
posted on 15/11/21
Watford: Carabao Cup Group A Round 1 (Away to Man Utd.)
Captain: Felipe
Vice-Captain: Júnior
U21: Júnior, Abner, Pavlovic, Veron, Damsgaard, Núñez, Sandry, Paulinho, Evanilson
U-19: Pitaluga
---------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe--Pavlovic---Abner
--------Moder--Svanberg
-------------Thorstvedt
Veron---------------------Damsgaard
----------------Núñez
SUBS: Pitaluga, Ngakia, Bremer, Sandry, Willock, Paulinho, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Svanberg). In front of them Thorstvedt 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’ Svanberg will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Thorstvedt and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Svanberg). 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 Thorstvedt 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 Veron and Damsgaard 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 Thorstvedt, Svanberg 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 Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Thorstvedt to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Thorstvedt, Damsgaard or Veron with Felipe, Pavlovic, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Thorstvedt and Damsgaard (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Bremer for Felipe, Sandry for Moder and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Evanilson and Veron with Paulinho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Moder
Paulinho---Thorstvedt---Damsgaard
-------Evanilson --Núñez
posted on 15/11/21
BRENTFORD v Manchester City
u21 = Livramento, Colwill, Ampadu, Gallagher, Broja
Both Livramento and Ampadu are playing the full 90 minutes 👍 + Gallagher on as sub on 75 mins
u19 = Maatsen
----------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, T Silva, Grimaldo
---------------Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Berardi------------Zaniolo------------Djuricic
----------------------Suárez
Subs: Kelleher, Colwill, Maatsen, Koopmeiners, Gallagher, Ibrahimovic, Broja
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi/Djuricic
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 Ethan Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Nicolò Zaniolo and Filip Djuricic 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Filip Djuricic, 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 1v1 dribbling skills are so good that they almost cause teams to game-plan against him.
His combination dribbling will force our opponents defenders to cover nearby teammates and close down the passing lanes, further opening up a dribbling path for Zaniolo.
Zaniolo’s left foot is something special. He’s able to generate a lot of force and accuracy in his shot.
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 & Djuricic to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Gallagher on for Zaniolo and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Double substitution - Dynamic midfield play from Gallagher 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.
posted on 15/11/21
5 U21s in Squad (7) Tapsoba, Saliba, Saka, Bard, Salah-Eddine, J. Alvarez, Smith Rowe
1 U19 in squad - Salah-Eddine
ARSENAL v Leeds - Cup
-------------------- Maignan -------------------
------ Kounde --- W. Saliba --- Tapsoba ---
Hakimi --- T. Partey -- Barella --- Tierney
------- Saka ------- Dybala ------ ESR --------
Subs: Raya, Stones, Bard, Bruno Guimaeres, Salah-Eddine, J. Alvarez, Aubameyang
We are going into this game with a more youthful injection, but lots of players who are used to being regulars, such is the nature of our youthful squad. We are sticking with the usual formation, so that these players are ready to break into the first team, if they are not there already. A tough game against Leeds, but one we feel that with the quality of player we have on show, we can win.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Leeds throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Saka 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 Dybala 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 Tierney / ESR - this will break the Leeds shape and create chaos.
Saliba - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three. Saluba will sweep and be the one to ‘double up’ on their ST, with Tapsoba or Kounde being the aggressor on their ST depending on the side he drifts too.
Tapsoba – We have real competition for places at the back, so Tapsoba will want to take his chance. He’s physically immense, strong and fast and works well at LCB.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Leeds 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 their RB could be a real good source of chances for us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing 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 Leeds.
Barella – Barella is a baller and with three CBs and Partey, he has a bit more freedom in the CM role. He also has Smith Rowe ahead to interchange with! As we know, he has a bit of everything and Barella will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He should be the conductor. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.
Saka - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, we want to give Saka a bit more freedom in some games, particularly where we want to win midfield battles. With Barella 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 and now England. 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.
Dybala - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Leeds defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Smith Rowe, Saka and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best, dropping in to link the play at times, he creates the space for the quick duo of Saka and Smith Rowe to exploit and turn the pace in that final third.
SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Aubameyang for Dybala
After 70 (all scenarios) - Bard for Tierney
After 75 (all scenarios) - J. Alvarez for Saka - move to 3-4-1-2 with Alvarez and Aubameyang up front, with Smith Rowe in the number 10 role.
posted on 16/11/21
Newcastle 4-3-2-1 Christmas
——————— Mendy
Porro — Matip — Tomori — Wijndal
—— Fabian — Palhinha — Olmo
———— Bowen — Madueke
——————— Diaz
Subs. Scally, Modric, Salah, Bella-Kotchap, Lewandowski, Pedro G, Yeremy
Captain: Matip
Set pieces: Bowen
Penalty: Diaz
Today we line up with a set up that allows central combination play. Full of creative souls. This way we maintain balance but get the best quality out of our forwards.
Defensively
The obvious defensive advantage our set-up is that it’s very strong centrally with three central midfielders in front of the defence as well as two centrally positioned attacking midfielders in front of the other three. It automatically forces opponents wide and they will struggle to build any kind of possession play centrally. Therefore, the defending team can force their opponents to play in the spaces least desirable – the wing spaces. We have energetic full-backs who like to quickly sprint out to press and slow down opponents and that they’ll be covered by the ball-near central midfielder. If the full-back can’t press in the wide area, the ball-near central midfielder as well as the ball-near attacking midfielder have access to provide pressure on the ball-carrier.
If we are forced deeper, the two attacking midfielders can quickly slot in with the central midfielders, most often in a wide role, to create a midfield five and thus a 4-5-1 when defending deeper.
Upon loss of possession, we are also perfectly set up against teams who like to counter-press given the close proximity between the players in the attacking structure. Especially if the ball is lost in central areas, we would have at least five players who should be close enough to press intensively or at least delay any forward pass from the opponent’s ball-carrier.
Attacking
Going forward, we will position five players in central areas where we will create a numerical advantage against the opponent. Given the three central midfielders and the two attacking midfielders, the opponent would have to focus on denying space for the two attacking midfielders but that would in turn leave the central midfielders with too much time. If they go to press the central midfielders it will be easy to set the attacking midfielders up in threatening positions between the lines of the opposition. The central positioning of the midfielders and attackers will also lead to teams becoming very narrow to negate the central threat. This will then open up huge spaces down either wing for attacking full-backs to exploit, especially with the passing range of the regista.
Overload the opposition centrally to force them inside and then go and exploit the free wide spaces. Given the full-backs arrive from deeper positions they will be harder to defend as they will be running into space rather than standing in space.
The close proximity between the players will also means it’s easier to change positions which will allow fluid movement between the players both in midfield and in attack. The striker can drop deep only for a midfielder or attacking midfielder to attack the space just vacated behind the striker for example. If both full-backs bomb on the formation will no longer be exactly 4-3-2-1 but rather 2-3-4-1 at that particular moment but the team still plays out of the 4-3-2-1 formation. If the full-backs stand in high wide spaces they will be easier to defend, so the key will be to develop patterns of rotations centrally to unleash full-backs who can come with speed and attack the opponent.
There will be moments during the game where the opponent will go up a gear or two, when that happens the midfielders are not to venture too far ahead of the ball while we focus on the ball-near full-back to join the attack while the ball-far full-back stays in defence with his centre-backs. When the ball is then worked over the two full-backs switch responsibilities.
Subs.
65 mins - Modric for Olmo. Tired legs but play the same role.
75 mins - Pedro G for Madueke. Tired legs.
70 mins drawing/losing - Lewandowski for Bowen. Becomes 4-3-1-2.
80 mins winning - Bella Kotchap for Diaz. Shore up the defensive side and go 3-5-1-1, manage the game to its end.
posted on 16/11/21
WOLVES vs Chelsea (Cup game)
U21’s – Hoever, Elmas, Brahim, Vlahovic,Turati, N.Williams, Trincao
U19’s – Wisdom Amey,
……………………………Donnarumma…………………..
……………*Amey*………Koulibaly……Romagnoli……..
Carvajal……………*Elmas*……..Soumare……………..M.Alonso
………………………………..*Brahim*………………………………..
…………………….*Vlahovic*……..Griezmann……..
Subs: *Turati* (GK), *Neco Williams*, Konate, Busquets, Mane, Insigne, *Trincao*
Tough game to start the cup campaign against Fan’s Chelsea, we’ve gone pretty strong today, based solely on the expectation that he’ll also go strong as his league form is appalling and he desperately needs some silverware to appease the fans after amassing over 1bn pound sterling and signing no-one of note with it.
We’ve gone back to our 3-5-2 for this encounter, we expect Fan to continue with his 4-3-3 so this formation matches him man for man at the back, we’ll lose a body in the midfield but with 2 strikers and a number 10 centrally at the business end of the pitch we’ll be a handful for them.
We’re in no rush to force the play today so will be slightly more reactive than pro-active, let the Chels press us and then pass the ball around them, keep the ball and tire them out with our crisp passing.
Our midfield isn’t as strong as it normally is but they’re good enough to get on with the job at a hand and we all know, even stevie wonder can see it, that regardless of the combination he uses, Chelsea’s midfield is just dull and workmanlike.
The Defence:
Judas is one the elite goal-keepers, 268 games under his belt plus 40 full caps for Italy at the age of 22 is a huge amount of experience, big and strong, quick off his line, we want him coming out and dealing with deep crosses, fills the goal with his presence, beating him is no mean feat.
Wisdom Amey, made his Serie A debut at just 15, and became the youngest ever player in topflight Italian football, he plays comfortably at RB and CB so is perfect at RCB for us today, will have Koulibaly to his left and Carvajal to his right, guiding him through the game, and what better players to learn his trade from, will just follow their lead, jockey his man and try not to do anything too “Hollywood” will have to hold his man up and wait for support from team-mates.
Koulibaly is one of the best in the business, will take control of the defence, and be the voice at the back, cool calm and collected, will go man-2-man with the central striker, stay tight and really get under his skin.
Romagnoli comes back in at LCB, and will mirror Wisdom on the other flank, hold up the wider forward and back up Alonso giving us the numerical advantages on the flanks.
Carvajal/Alonso are given the freedom to get forward and provide the attacking width for the side, its much needed as it allows us to defend higher up the pitch (Fans FB’s will be far less likely to advance too far if we can peg them back with the diagonals)
The Midfield:
Whilst Elmas and Soumare are still pretty young they have great attributes that can make them a solid pairing,
Elmas whilst not poor defensively, isn’t a destroyer in the traditional sense, but he’s a good stand-in for Verratti, very comfortable on the ball, can dictate the play nicely and chips in with goals and assists, may well go on to become Macedonia’s greatest ever player. We want to use him in the same way Gattuso did in Naples, we want him in the half spaces, using that 6ft frame to win the second ball. He’s the perfect link man, to play the balls into Brahim and Griezzer, whilst having the range to hit Dusan and letting him lay it off to Griezzer-Diaz.
Soumare also clears 6ft but his skill set is markedly different, where has Elmas has the touches and intricacies, Soumare is more of a tank, great pace and strength we like him carrying the ball from the deep, breaking the Chelsea lines, drawing players to him and then offloading. Soumare defensively at Lille atleast was more about protecting the space behind than pressing the ball, today its much the same, as he and Elmas provide a shield for our defence, we just congest that space and don’t allow the Chels to play through us.
The Attack:
Dusan is one of the very best young strikers in the world, hard working, with an eye for a goal he’s very much the archetypal #9, 8 goals in 12 Serie A games already this season show what he can do. Will look to physically Bully chelsea’s centre-backs, win his aerial duels and look to prove he’s more than “just” Ronaldo’s stand in. That said there’s no value having a premier button man without feeding him ammunition, so with that in mind Brahim Diaz comes in as our #10, 4 goals and 2 assists for Milan this season show that he’s starting to show his potential on a more consistent basis, will look to play in the pockets and really occupy Fans DM, stops Chelsea from playing out from the back but also gives our front two a bit more time and space.
Griezmann starts alongside Dusan and plays the SS role perfectly, will just drop off a yard or two taking one of the CB’s away with him and create that bit of space for either Brahim or Dusan to run in to.
Dusan with back to goal has two very intelligent players to operate off, whether they go ball in to feet for a one-two or if the balls high and they chase down the flick on.
Subs 60 mins.
Mane > Griezmann
Insigne > Brahim
Busquets > Soumare
we switch to a 3-4-3
Mane RW
Insigne LW
posted on 16/11/21
Lesta vs LIVERPOOL
U21’s – B.Johnson, Botman, Nouri, Tonali, Neto, Williams, Kabak
U19 – Doku, Vandevoordt,
…………………………………………Kasper………………………
*B.Johnson*……………Varane……..*Botman*………..*Nouri*
……………………………………….*Tonali*…………………………..
…………………………Herrera………………….Allan……………….
**Doku**………………………..Leao………………………….*Neto*
Subs: *Vandevoordt*, *Williams*, *Kabak*, Rabiot, Gakpo, Stengs, Vardy
Difficult game away against Lesta, much like the Chelsea game, it’s a case of going strong as we’re unsure how strong they’ll go…Thankfully we have a pretty youthful squad anyway.
We all know Leicester are one of the elite so we’re up against it from the outset, they like the ball and can hurt teams from all over the pitch, but we have our share of ballers to, we’ll press them hard in their half forcing the tempo of the game to perhaps be a little quicker than Leicester would want it to be.
Liverpudlians are renowned for their humour and sharp wit, so we expect our travelling faithful to be ready to give Bissouma dogs abuse about his indiscretions and of course the possibility of him breaking his curfew should we get this to extra time.
Kasper returns to the club that made him a legend, well he was born the son of a legend so the analogy falls at the first, much like the nags Rof bets on. Been there, done that, will be a vocal presence in the back line. Commanding his defence and his box (no Bissouma joke this time)
Ben Johnson, better known as BeeJay is quicker than his Canadian namesake that won golds at world champs and Olympic games, Looking pretty decent for WestHam and gets a game today, will be your typical modern FB, in that we want him pushing on, stretching the compact Kapow pitch, defensively will keep it simple, show his man the line, before nipping in to steal the ball away.
Ait Nouri on the left has all the talent and potential to be top top class, full of pace and trickery will be a real handful for Leicesters RB. Defensively much the same as Johnson, keep it tight and simple (Much like Bissouma’s conquests)
Varane and Botman are our established 1st choice pairing, Left foot/right foot and all that jazz, both are good in the air and both can play the ball out from the back. Botman is the muscle and first ball, will look to man-2-man their main striker, with Varane using his experience to sweep up the loose/secondary balls.
Midfield was always our Achilles heel, we’ve tried to rectify that somewhat with the addition of some new faces so we now have a trident that I think can hold their own against Lesta’s bruisers but also give us some firepower.
I know its somewhat backwards to have Tonali as the nominal base with Allan ahead of him, but Allan is key (I’ll get bored of that joke) to our midfield working. Tonali is the heartbeat of the side so it makes sense for him to sit where he can get the ball from the defence and bring it out, great range of passing will dictate the tempo of our side. Allan is a machine and with him higher up the pitch he can pressure Lesta’s midfielders closer to the foxes box, get turnover ball earlier and set us up for a counter from a more advantageous point. Ander Herrera is a quality player, it’s a travesty that he only has 2 caps to his name. There’s much talk of what United lack in midfield yet what they need most they threw away, great on the ball, with an eye for goal…plus his tenacity off the ball he’s a natural leader, making him the perfect candidate for our B2B.
Doku comes in on the RW, not just because he’s under 19 and will attract the attention of Bissouma..he’s rapid too and that pace will worry the left flank of the Lesta side, forcing their LB to stay deeper than perhaps he’d want to, by pegging their FB back, it relieves the pressure off our own defence and means we can get a foothold in the game.
Neto, without doubt will be a Balon D’or winner one day, pace,power and a bit of aggro go hand in hand with this lad, a proper left-pegger, it’s a sight to behold when he’s in full flight and we look to manipulate proceedings to get him to isolate their RB in as many 1v1’s as possible, these are the individual battles we have to get on top of.
Rafa leads the line, pace and trickery as he looks to wriggle free of Leicester’s impressive back-line, tall order for him today but 4 goals in 12 Serie A appearances this season, show he can be a decent trigger man, whilst not a traditional striker he has the pace to really get in behind the defence.
Subs 65 mins
Rabiot > Allan, like for like
Vandevoordt > Kasper (An U19 on)
Vardy > Doku (An U19 off)
Neto……………Vardy………….Leao
posted on 17/11/21
U21: Illan Meslier, Mitchell Bakker, Phil Foden, Mohamed Simakan, Michael Olise, Joe Gelhardt
U19: Aaron Hickey
-------------------Meslier
Walker---White----Hernandez---Bakker
------------Phillips---Jorginho
Chiesa------------Foden------------Depay
---------------------Kane
Woodman
Simakan
Hickey
Brozovic
Doucoure
Olise
Gelhardt
A start to the cups, then, and a chance for a couple of our younger players to impress. I’ve opted to give U21 starts to Meslier, one of the world’s best young goalkeepers, with plenty of senior minutes under his belt already, Phil Foden, a generational talent, and Mitchell Bakker, a talented young left back with experience at the highest level. We’ve also given an opportunity to White and Phillips to step in and put on a show. The two are good friends off the pitch, and I want to see that cohesion on it. White is in good form in real life, so should be good enough to step up, and I think a midfield pivot of Phillips and Jorgy will provide quality and tenacity in abandon, to best allow Foden to play to his creative best at 10. I have opted for the 4-2-3-1, a formation we haven’t played much in the league, as a bit of a change, and I think this allows us to play to Foden’s strengths in this competition. I want to see us trying to pick the ball up and playing quick transition passing football, with players looking to limit themselves to 2-3 touches, before moving it on. Off the ball, I want to see us playing the same high pressing game that we have utilised in the league, as has become our system.
Defensively, I think we have good ball players and ball carriers, capable on moving the ball around quickly and helping us keep the ball. Meslier may not be Neuer, but he’s still a sweeper keeper, and is used to playing in a system where he sees plenty of the ball with his feet. In Phillips and Jorgy we have two players screening the defence who are comfortable operating in deep areas, and so there should never be a shortage of options for the ball movement out of defence, both forwards and backwards. When the ball enters the midfield third, the next stage of the transition should be to look for Foden, who will be playing the strings for us today. We don’t want to rush the balls into him, however, so patient play at the back is allowed, as we force them into pressing, and open up spaces further up the pitch. Bakker and Walker will want to get up and down the line, but should do this singularly, with the other holding their run when their opposite number pushes forward to support, operating almost as part of a back three. Phillips will operate more as a combative box-to-box today, as he does for England, and I give him license to carry the ball into midfield areas, and he will be doing most of the legwork to support Jorgy, who will use his metronomic talent with the ball to keep us ticking over in key areas.
When the ball gets into the attacking third, I think we have a number of methods of approach that can hurt the opposition. As I said earlier, I really want to see the team playing around Foden’s talents, and so he will be the focal point of our attack. Foden is a nightmare for opposition players to mark, as he is capable of operating across the front four, which makes it hard for the opposition to know just where he will be. As such, I want him to adopt a fairly free role, dropping deep at times, to better facilitate picking up the ball, and drifting into wider areas on others, to support Depay and Chiesa, who will both want to come inside and flood the central areas. Kane is obviously a strong outlet, and I want to see him keeping his position between the goalposts today, but he can drop off at times, pulling defenders with him, to create that space for the three behind him to target. With Depay and Chiesa, we have two players who feel most comfortable operating as inside forwards, and this is what they will do, using their pace, trickery and flair to run at their opponents, with quick feet that will leave them utterly bamboozled.
When we lose possession, I want to see the high press engaged. Kane and Foden will press in the central areas, whilst the wider positions will be taken by Chiesa and Depay. In the midfield, Phillips will do much of the pressing, using his boundless energy to harass and harry their ball carriers, whilst Jorgy will screen the defence, only utilising his own tenacity when the opponent comes into his area of the pitch. By pressing high, we hope to force them into mistakes early in the move, that we can pounce upon, or force them into longer balls forward, which we are more likely to mop up, and less likely to suit their style and system. It also buys time for us to adopt our defensive shape, and get players back into their positions.
Substitutions
Phillips and Chiesa off for Doucoure and Olise 65 mins
Fresh legs in these positions, and further opportunities for squad players to prove their worth. Olise will operate at RW, and provides us some unpredictable flair, whilst Doucoure will replace Kalvin’s energy in midfield.
If losing/drawing
Bakker off for Gelhardt 70 mins
Change to a 3-3-1-3, with Walker slotting in at RCB, an Foden dropping into a midfield three with Doucoure and Jorginho, whilst Gelhardt, an unpredictable flair player, will operate from the right, and Olise will come inside as the one at ten.
If winning
Depay off for Brozovic 70 mins
Switch to a 4-3-3, with Brozovic joining Jorgy and Douc in midfield, and Foden moving out to RW.
posted on 29/11/21
ARSENAL to face Man City [CUP]
-------------------- Maignan -------------------
------ Kounde --- W. Saliba --- Tapsoba ---
Hakimi --- T. Partey -- Barella --- Tierney
------- Saka ------- Dybala ------ ESR --------
Subs: Raya, Stones, Bruno Guimaeres, Salah-Eddine, Diaby, J. Alvarez, Calvert-Lewin
We are going into this game with a more youthful injection, but lots of players who are used to being regulars, such is the nature of our youthful squad. We are sticking with the usual formation, so that these players are ready to break into the first team, if they are not there already. A tough game against Man City, but one we feel that with the quality of player we have on show, we can win.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Man City throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the freedom of that wing, with Saka 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 Dybala 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 Tierney / ESR - this will break the Man City shape and create chaos.
Saliba - Leader and ball playing CB at the heart of the defensive three. Saluba will sweep and be the one to ‘double up’ on their ST, with Tapsoba or Kounde being the aggressor on their ST depending on the side he drifts too.
Tapsoba – We have real competition for places at the back, so Tapsoba will want to take his chance. He’s physically immense, strong and fast and works well at LCB.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Man City 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 their RB could be a real good source of chances for us.
Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Hakimi more attacking freedom. Partey has played at right back before so this is well suited. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Man City.
Barella – Barella is a baller and with three CBs and Partey, he has a bit more freedom in the CM role. He also has Smith Rowe ahead to interchange with! As we know, he has a bit of everything and Barella will dictate that left side of the midfield. Very calm on the ball, looking to progress and carry the ball through the lines when received from the central defenders. He should be the conductor. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game. Will look to play the deep lying playmaker role today.
Saka - Scoring and assisting goals regularly for club and country this season, we want to give Saka a bit more freedom in some games, particularly where we want to win midfield battles. With Barella 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 and now England. 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.
Dybala - The furthest forward of our team, he will use his energy to pressure the ponderous Man City defenders and look to snap up mistakes. He will sniff out chances that Smith Rowe, Saka and the wing backs create / cross for him to do what he does best, dropping in to link the play at times, he creates the space for the quick duo of Saka and Smith Rowe to exploit and turn the pace in that final third.
SUBS
After 60 (all scenarios) - Julian Alvarez for Dybala
After 75 (all scenarios) - Bruno G for Partey
posted on 30/11/21
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Bellingham, Camavinga, Haaland, Lamptey, Adeyemi
U19 - A.Frances
-------------------------- Oblak ---------------------------
J.Cancelo ----- Lacroix ----- Bastoni ----- N.Mendes
------- Bellingham ---- D.Rice ---- Camavinga -------
---- Nkunku ---------- Haaland ---------- Mbappe ----
Pope, Lamptey, A.Frances, de Jong, Adeyemi, Mahrez, Malen
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Rice sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Rice 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, having a player like Rice allows more time for Camavinga 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 & Camavinga 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 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 Camavinga 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 Rice 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 Nkunku and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Bellingham and Camavinga 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 - D.Rice
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Mbappe
Corners - Fullbacks
Losing -
55 Mins - Mahrez for Nkunku straight swap
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Camavinga, he goes up top 4-4-2/4-2-4
70 Mins - Lamptey for Cancelo, more attacking, alot of balls into the front 2/3
Winning -
65 Mins - Mahrez for Nkunku, de Jong for Bellingham
Drawing -
65 Mins - Lamptey for Cancelo, Mahrez for Camavinga, Nkunku to No.10, Mahrez to RW 4231
75 Mins - Nkunku to LW, Mbappe up top 4-4-2
82 Mins - Adeyemi for Haaland
posted on 30/11/21
U21 - Zabarnyi, Schlotterbeck, Kamara, Hlozek, Gouiri
U19 - Patterson
-------------------------- Martinez -------------------------
-------- Zabarnyi --- Schlotterbeck --- Rudiger --------
------------------ Kovacic ------- Kamara -----------------
Emerson ------------------------------------------ Chilwell
--------------------------- Hlozek ---------------------------
---------------- Lukaku ----------- Werner ----------------
M.Travers, Patterson, de Vrij, Ramsey, Havertz, Watkins, Gouiri
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Hlozek 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 Kamara/Kovacic 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.
Emi 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 Zabarnyi, both 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 or cut inside, 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 Kamara'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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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.
Hlozek 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, in a more 541, 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 Hlozek on the right middle, Werner goes Left, they are great going forward but today, pretty slow 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 - Rudiger
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Hlozek/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Losing
65 Mins - N.Patterson for Emerson, pace and power, good cross in him, Havertz for Hlozek go to RCF in a 343, Watkins for Werner
Winning -
75 mins - Havertz for Hlozek, Jacob Ramsey for Werner and into midifeld 3511
83 Mins - Watkins for Lukaku, fresh legs to run it down
Drawing -
65 Mins - Havertz for Hlozek, Watkins for Werner
75 Mins J.Ramsey for Kovacic
posted on 30/11/21
Zabarnyi u19 as well
posted on 30/11/21
and Ramsey U21 too
posted on 2/12/21
Watford: Carabao Cup Group A Round 2 (Away to Chelsea)
Captain: Felipe
Vice-Captain: Júnior
U21: Júnior, Abner, Pavlovic, Veron, Damsgaard, Núñez, Sandry, Paulinho, Evanilson
U-19: Pitaluga
---------------Júnior
Dodô--Felipe--Pavlovic---Abner
--------Moder--Svanberg
-------------Thorstvedt
Veron---------------------Damsgaard
----------------Núñez
SUBS: Pitaluga, Ngakia, Morato, Sandry, Willock, Paulinho, Evanilson
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Svanberg). In front of them Thorstvedt 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’ Svanberg will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Thorstvedt and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Júnior is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Moder). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Svanberg). 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 Thorstvedt 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 Veron and Damsgaard 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 Thorstvedt, Svanberg 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 Svanberg may sit a bit deeper allowing Thorstvedt to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Thorstvedt, Damsgaard or Veron with Felipe, Pavlovic, Moder and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Thorstvedt and Damsgaard (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Morato for Felipe, Sandry for Moder and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Svanberg with Evanilson and Veron with Paulinho. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
----------------Moder
Paulinho---Thorstvedt---Damsgaard
-------Evanilson --Núñez
posted on 2/12/21
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Trubin, Vanderson, Gvardiol, Lokonga, Felix, CHO. L.Thomas.
U19: Fabio Silva, Kaide Gordon
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Newcastle. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Lautaro starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Toon defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Bissouma who press the space ball side, but doesn’t get drawn out of shape, the electric tag helping him stay in the zone.
Militao the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Alaba to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson ——- E.Militao —— Alaba —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Bissouma ——————
——————————————————————————————
K.Gordon ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
———————————— L.Martinez —————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Thiago, Mount, Neymar, F.Silva, 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 Toon advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Lautaro in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Mount for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Neymar for Gordon. Switch CHO to the right.
posted on 7/12/21
U21: Ilan Meslier, Gabriel Menino, Mohamed Simakan, Pascal Struijk, Mitchell Bakker, Phil Foden, Aaron Hickey, Michael Olise, Joe Gelhardt (9)
U19: Aaron Hickey, Joe Gelhardt
--------------------Meslier
Menino---Simakan---Struijk---Bakker
-------------------Jorginho
-------------De Paul-----Foden
Chiesa------------Kane----------Zaha
Woodman
Hickey
White
Milinkovic-Savic
Olise
Depay
Gelhardt
A pretty young side for today, as we look to experiment with personnel. Our defence is young, but that is no bad thing, and we have plenty of experienced and proven quality elsewhere in the team to compensate. I have opted for a return to the standard 4-3-3 for us today, with Jorginho sat deepest in a midfield three with Rodrigo de Paul (making his full debut) and Phil Foden. Mohamed Simakan and Pascal Struijk gives us a well balanced defensive pairing, and in Menino and Bakker we have FBs capable of blockbuster performances up and down the line. The attack is full of quality, with Chiesa and Kane amongst world leaders in their positions, and Zaha a bag full of energy and unpredictability operating down the left hand side. I want to see us adopt the same way of playing as usual, with a high tempo possession/press approach. Movement of the ball should be quick and zingy, no more than three touches in the defensive third, four in the middle, and more leniency up top, to allow for driving runs from our attackers. Off the ball, I want us to press high, forcing Brentford into mistakes, and getting ourselves back in possession as quickly as possible.
I have opted for a back four for today, with Jorginho screening just in front of them. Meslier is in behind, a sweeper keeper adept with his feet, and we will operate a medium line, not too deep, but not so far forward as to leave ourselves exposed, operating midway through our half when in possession. In Jorgy and Meslier we should have easy options to keep the ball moving, and De Paul and Foden can also alternate in spinning off their man and dropping deeper to help provide options. Each of my defenders are comfortable on the ball, so keeping hold of possession in key areas shoud be simple. Bakker and Menino will both have the license to attack and support their winger, with Jorginho keeping himself deep in midfield, effectively meaning we should always have at least three players operating in either the deep middle third, or the defensive third. In Foden and De Paul, we have two skilled technicians that are also capable runners of the ball in midfield, meaning that we should be able to break through these areas, and using these players to transition from defence into attack will be the preferred route, as it will mean that Zaha and Chiesa can keep themselves pushed up, to keep their FBs anchored deep. Although, I would like to see the two wingers drop off when the ball enters the middle third, to better facilitate them turning and running at the opposition back line. When it comes to individual defending at the back, I want to see Struijk sticking to their main attacker, using his physical presence to prevent them from having time or space to operate in, whilst Simakan will operate as the covering defender, due to him having slightly more pace.
When on the ball in the attacking areas, I want to see Kane operating as the focal point to the attack. He can drop off, on occasion, to facilitate runs in beyond him, in space that this might create. Primarily, however, I want him between the goalposts, causing a hassle for their defence, and looking to get on the end of dangerous balls in behind, or crosses into the books (which will be primarily stood up by the overlapping WBs). Chiesa and Zaha will tuck inside, whilst the FBs attack the wide spaces on the overlap, where we are hoping to overload them. RDP and Foden will also push forward, and one or the other can alternate in making attacking runs into the penalty area, whilst the other sits deeper, hoping to pick up on loose balls out, so that we can recycle possession loss into a persistent attacking machine. I want to see Zaha and Chiesa carrying the ball, and running at the opposition, tying them in knots. The two are so tricky, that the simplicity of Harry Kane dispatching the ball past the Brentford keeper will be a blessed relief for their defenders.
In terms of engaging the press, I want to see it high and intense. Kane will take their CBs, whilst Zaha and Chiesa will operate on their FBs, not allowing them to utilis these as an out ball. Foden will sit on their deepest midfielder, whilst RDP will shuttle in the midfield, going box-to-box against any ball carriers in this area. This will hopefully buy time for our FBs to get back in shape, or, in the best scenario, win ourselves possession back high up the pitch.
Substitutions
Rodrigo De Paul and Federico Chiesa off for Milinkovic Savic and Michael Olise 70 mins
Fresh legs in the middle, and a chance for the delightfully unpredictable Olise to shine, causing problems for their defenders with his wide array of attacking talents.
If winning
Phil Foden off for Ben White 77 mins
Switch to a 3-4-3, with White slotting in at CB, with Struijk and Simakan either side of him.
If losing/drawing
Jorginho off for Joe Gelhardt 77 mins
Switch to a 4-1-3-2, with a midfield pivot of SMS and Foden, whilst Gelhardt will play up top with Kane, looking to use his quick feet and trickery to buy us a chance.
posted on 9/12/21
BRENTFORD TACTICS!
------------------------- U.Simon --------------------------
Livramento ---- T. Silva ---- M.Guehi ---- A.Grimaldo
---------------- Hojbjerg ----- E.Ampadu ----------------
Berardi ---------------- Zaniolo ---------------- Maximin
------------------------- L.Suarez --------------------------
van Sas, Mbuyamba , Ampadu, Koopmeiners, Djuricic, Immobile, Zlatan
U21 - Livramento, Guehi, Gallacher, Gallacher, van Sas
U19 - Mbuyamba
Captain: Thiago Silva
Free Kicks: Berardi
Penalties: Suárez (Ibrahimovic)
Our defensive unit consists of Guehi and Thiago Silva paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Ampadu and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Ampadu 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 Ampadu 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, Ethan Ampadu.
Ampadu 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 Ampadu such a talent.
The attacking unit consists of Domenico Berardi, Nicolò Zaniolo and Maximim 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 Ampadu or Höjbjerg, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Livramento and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Ampadu and Höjbjerg can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Maximim, 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 1v1 dribbling skills are so good that they almost cause teams to game-plan against him.
His combination dribbling will force our opponents defenders to cover nearby teammates and close down the passing lanes, further opening up a dribbling path for Zaniolo.
Zaniolo’s left foot is something special. He’s able to generate a lot of force and accuracy in his shot.
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 & Maximim to exploit between the lines as this trio look to profit from Suárez’s off-the-ball actions.
Suárez will act as a focal point around which our team will build our attacks, using his strength to hold off their defenders. Suárez is proven adept at one-touch passing and quick flicks in combination play and of course Suárez’s stock in trade when the occasion calls for it – intelligent dummies to fool their defenders.
All 4 of our most advanced players are equally gifted in terms of assisting and scoring goals, and as thus we will not be purely reliant on Suárez on this front, although I expect of course for him to find the back of the net on a number of occasions.
Subs on 75 mins
Gallagher on for Zaniolo and Ibrahimovic on for Suárez
Double substitution - Dynamic midfield play from Gallagher 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.
80 Mins - Immobile for Zaniolo 442
posted on 12/12/21
------------------------ Oblak ------------------------
J.Cancelo --- Lacroix ---- Bastoni --- N.Mendes
-------- F.de Jong -- D.Rice -- Locatelli ---------
-- F.Torres --------- Haaland -------- Grealish --
Pope, A.Frances, Iroegbunam, Camavinga, Philogence-Bidace, Nkunku, Adeyemi
U21 - Lacroix, Mendes, Ferran, Haaland, Camavinga, Adeyemi
U19 - Frances, Iroegbunam, Philogence-Bidace
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, Lacroix 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, with the midfield 3 we have, then both can go at the same time to make extra numbers as we drive on, we look to gain that extra body(ies) 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 Rice sitting back.
We have a midfield trio that has the lot. Rice 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, having a player like Rice allows more time for de Jong and Locatelli 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. de Jong and Locatelli will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 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. de Jong and Locatelli 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 Rice 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 Ferran and Grealish will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing the CM's 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 - D.Rice
Penalties - Haaland
Free Kicks - Grealish
Corners - Fullbacks
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Adeyemi for Locatelli, he goes up top to add pace and goals 442/424
75 Mins - Nkunku for Ferran, Philogence-Bidace for Grealish, a burst of energy down the flanks
Winning
75 Mins - Iroegbunam for Locatelli, a solid youngster, strong in the tackle and calm on the ball
83 Mins - Adeyemi for Haaland lots of pace to close things down in the final third
85 Mins - Philogence-Bidace for Grealish
posted on 12/12/21
------------------------- Martinez -------------------------
------- Rudiger ---- Schlotterbeck ---- N'Dicka -------
----------------- Kovacic ------ N.Kante -----------------
Emerson ----------------------------------------- Chilwell
-------------------------- Hlozek ---------------------------
---------------- Havertz -------- Werner -----------------
Bazanu, Patterson, Kamara, J.Ramsey, Gouiri, Pulisic, Watkins
U21 - Schlotterbeck, N'Dicka, Hlozek, Kamara, Bazanu, Ramsey, Gouiri
U19 - Patterson
When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Hlozek 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/Kovacic 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.
Emi 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 N'Dicka, both 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.
Schlotterbeck 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 or cut inside, 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.
Kovacic has the responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. Also he must use the wingbacks to create problems when they double up.
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.
Hlozek 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, in a more 541, 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 Havertz away on goal, he and Havertz both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Havertz 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 Hlozek on the right middle, Werner goes Left, they are great going forward but today, pretty slow at the back
Havertz, 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,be it wide or dropping back allowing Hlozek and Werner more time and space, end of, he is in to score goals and that is what he shall do.
Captain - Rudiger
Pens - Havertz
Free Kicks - Hlozek/replacement
Corners - Wingbacks
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Patterson for Emerson, will drive forward, Gouiri for Werner
75 Mins - Watkins for Hlozek 343 more attacking
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Hlozek, he drops in and becomes the DM behind Kante and Kovacic
82 Mins - Ramsey for Werner, 3511 and he will float just in front of the midfield closing things down just in front of the midfield, Wingbacks become fullbacks and we will see this out in a 5311
posted on 12/12/21
Balanced 4-2-3-1
U21: Everyone
U19: Fabio Silva, Kaide Gordon
We play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with pace and athleticism throughout the side as we look to take the game to Spurs. Attacking down the wings with fbs providing width, and a strong double pivot in front of the defence. The width from the fbs, and protection of the double pivot giving our attacking midfield trio freedom in attack.
Attack starts at the back with two of the best ball playing cbs in the world, with the double pivot in front offering a solid spine. Silva starts up top for his high energy in attack and defence, with the pace of our wingers to exploit space he creates.
In behind is the new Rui Costa, given freedom to drift wide or central to find space, link with the wingers and fbs to cut open the Toon defence.
In defence Lokonga remains zonally, Musiala who press the space ball side.
Mengi the main man marker as he is a strong marker and allows Kouassi to use his reading of the game and pace to sweep up. In midfield, the attacking mid trio narrow in front of the double pivot. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
The fbs play high in attack, and as they have strong wingers so we look to force them to go deep in order to get the ball or push them wide.
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 attacking mid 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.
—————————————- Trubin ———————————
Vanderson —— T. Kouassi —— Mengi —— Gvardiol
—————————- Lokonga —— Musiala ——————
——————————————————————————————
K.Gordon ——————— J.Felix ————— Hudson-Odoi
-————————————— F.Silva ————————
Subs. Henderson, L.Thomas, Kozlowski, L.Romero, J.Pedro, Kamari Doyle, M.Tel
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 Spurs advance into higher areas of the park and into our half, our shape remains rigid and narrows to side of play.
Silva in the space in between the opposition defence on the side of play.
When they 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.
Bring on Romero for Felix and Luke Thomas for Gvardiol after 70 minutes.
After 75 mins bring on Tel for Gordon.
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