ARSENAL (H) to face Leicester


---------------------- Maignan ----------------------
Hakimi ---- J.Kounde ---- J.Stones ---- Tierney
---- R.Sanches -- Guimaraes -- Tielemans ----
—------------------- P. Dybala ----------------------
-------- Aubameyang ---- Diogo Jota —----------

Subs: Onana, Pereira, Gabriel, Maddison, Paqueta, Saka, Morata

New shape today to try and get the best out of our players. A devastating dynamic attacking trio, with a base of technical and industrious middle three behind. Full backs to provide the width with the CMs dropping in when they attack / doubling up to defend to ensure we aren’t caught. Jota and Aubameyang will also have to play as wide strikers and wingers out of possession to help pressurise their full backs. We gone for some players who excel in transition and packed our spine with pace to help attack perhaps their vulnerabilities of a lack of pace through the spine of their team - we want to spoilt their title chances and with extra pace in these vital areas, we can take these extra inches and make the difference.

4 at the back today but shape shifts in different phases, Kounde has experience at RB so Hakimi has some license to do his thing, Tierney will balance that by staying back and the three CMs will keep the game ahead of them to help with balance.

Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Leicester throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic Sanches can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. Should look for the early cross for two predators in the box in Aubameyang and Jota.

Kounde and Stones – One of the best young central defenders around, Kounde has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Leicester today. Has made a great start in his Marseille loan. Stones is also a Premier League stalwart now with experience at the highest level for club and country. He and Kounde read the game really well and will be the platform from which we build.


Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Leicester can throw at us. On the left he can be a real outlet when crowded in central areas, can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack.

Guimaraes – Guimaraes has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking quartet ahead of him, Guimaraes will sit and marshall the midfield, allowing Hakimi, Dybala and the strikers the attacking freedom. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Leicester.

Tielemans - Youri will be the playmaker in deep areas, able to quickly turn defence to attack. He should look for our outlets - crossfield ball to Hakimi or long to the two strikers or combine with closer combinations with Dybala to mix it up.

Sanches - An industrious player that is fantastic in transition to help us make the most out of the possession we get in this game. He will be the shuttler in this midfield, with Tielemans and Guimaeres staying behind the ball for the most part, though he will quickly look to find Dybala, Aubameyang, Hakimi or Jota to do the final pass / shot.


Dybala – Dybala is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He is in his perfect role as he has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has a two of the most lethal finishers in Europe right now, so he will be relishing this.

Aubameyang and Jota – Two strikers who can help us break and finish chances in transition with devastating effect. Between them they can work hard to press Leicester’s defenders and pounce on any chances we create. Both are on fire right now and will be delighted to have two brilliant suppliers in Hakmi and Dybala in this side, whilst their ability to combine together is also a threat with the amazing amount of pace in this front duo.
SUBS
60 mins - Maddison for Tielemans
70 mins if winning - Saka for Aubameyang, Saka to RF, play more defensive
70 mins if not winning - Saka for Sanches
80 mins - Morata for Jota

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Mendy
Trent____Dias____VVD_____Cucurella
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Nkunku
Bernardo______Lewa________Son

SUBS: Llorente, Gundogan, Diaz, Andre Silva, Bowen, Matip, Christensen

Captain: VVD
Penalties: Lewa
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent


The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.

The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.

If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.

The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.

When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

70 mins: Gundogan comes on for Modric, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Llorente will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.

75 mins: Diaz comes on for Son, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.

If winning 80 mins: Llorente comes on for Nkunku to close out the game.

If losing/drawing 80 mins: Andre Silva comes on for Nkunku and play 2 up front.

BRENTFORD v Tottenham Hotspur

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Maatsen
--------------Ampadu, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Saint-Maximin
-----------------------Broja

Subs: van Sas, Salisu, Koopmeiners, Laimer, Djuricic, Baumgartner, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Berardi/Ødegaard
Penalties: Berardi

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Ian Maatsen 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, Martin Ødegaard and Allan Saint-Maximin as our band of three attacking midfielders with Armando Broja 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 Maatsen 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 Allan Saint-Maximin, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Martin Ødegaard, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Ødegaard 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 & Broja to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..

Upfront Broja is our classical style all round centre forward, a real number 9 who has the ability to be a bully, but also has the technical ability to be more than just a menace to our opponents defenders.

Whilst 6ft 3in tall he isn’t just about his height, he is a great ball player and has great positional awareness. He'll cause our opponents some big problems with his ability to play off the last man, draw defenders wide and drop in and link up with midfielders. But most of all, he is a lethal finisher and a natural goal poacher.

Subs on 75 mins
Baumgartner on for Saint-Maximin and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - pace, vision and creativity from Baumgartner, 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.

High tempo total football 4-2-3-1

At home we go with an attacking team full of pace, and a ridiculous amount of energy (and Neymar since he obv doesn’t fall into that category). The Watford side is full of pace and trickery (if they’ve not sold all of those), so we don’t want to stand off them, they’re also usually a young team so we look to press them high put them under pressure. Force them to play in areas they don’t want to, and force them in to mistakes.

We look to dominate possession, so we obviously play a high line. This high line also allows us to press high up the park and retain possession. At home, and with the quality we have we look to dominate and simply create more chances, more chances more goals. This will leave space in behind when they do beat our press, this is why we have a defence full of pace and that are good on the ball. Round pegs in round holes. Our strength in attack is out wide so we look to switch the ball quickly from one end to the other looking for opportunities to play our wingers in and looking to create space for the fb and wingers to create. If not Barella and Mount have a mean cross from deep

We’re not exactly sure where the opposition weakness is given they seem to have had a fire sale, but we know LC likes young and skilful players, and usually young attacking fbs are weak defensively so targeting them out wide hopefully targets their weakness as well. Look to use the pace of Sterling and Neymar to get in between the fbs and cbs. The fbs both look to attack and over an overlap, giving us good numbers in the box.

Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and Cm duo while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.

Our usual game is this attacking style, playing with a high line and looking to work attacking overloads in certain areas of the park (wide today) and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference. This suits us perfectly, we deliberately have pacey ball playing cbs, the high line and their ability on the ball is key for us to dominate possession (as you expect and need for real possession football).

Up top Osimhen is the in form player in Italian football, his ridiculous work rate and pace sees him get the nod over the in form man in world football.

Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs offering cover in the midfield for both fbs to attack, Barella who presses the play.

Key to our attack is quick passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly. Pass and move. Getting the fbs and wingers doubling up on their fbs and getting balls into the box for the new Drogba.

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

————————————- Henderson
Vanderson — Marquinhos —— Laporte —— Alaba
——————————— Rodri —— Barella
Sterling —————————Mount ————— Neymar
————————————— Osimhen

Subs. Trubin, Goretzka, Thiago, B.Fernandes, Musiala, Felix, Benzema

Defending high

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

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

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

As Watford get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.


Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Musiala for Neymar. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Benzema for Osimhen. Fresh legs, and power up to bully tired legs.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Bruno for Mount, fresh energy.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Bruno for Barella.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Benzema for Vanderson. 3-5-2.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Mount.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Benzema for Vanderson.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Thiago for Rodri.
If losing after 80 mins bring on Fernandes for Mount.

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

J.Cancelo ----- Kalidou ------ Romero ----- Robertson

-------------- Declan Rice --- Bellingham ---------------

--- F.Torres ------------- Wirtz -------------- R. Leao ---

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

Johnstone, G.Inacio, Mendes, F. de Jong, Eriksen, Abraham, D.Malen

We play possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, we have the energy, aggression and athletiicism there allows us to do this, quick on the break and really pressurize the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, they have a good midfield so we need to be aggressive and press them quickly when they have possession, 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, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.

Romero picks up the CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Koulibaly spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, both top CBs 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 defense, 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.

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

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

Captain - Declan Rice
Free Kicks - Wirtz/Replacement
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland

Subs - Losing -
65 Mins - D.Malen for Leao fresh legs
75 Mins - Abraham for Robertson, he goes up top with Haaland, Cancelo to RCB 3412, de Jong for Bellingham

Winning
75 Mins - de Jong for Wirtz and into midfield
83 Mins - Mendes for Leao

Drawing
70 Mins - Eriksen for Wirtz, Malen for Leao, fresh legs

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

Matt Cash ----- Skriniar ----- Rudiger ----- B.Chilwell

---------- Verratti ------ Kante ------ H.Aouar ----------

--- G.Jesus ------------- Schick ----------- M.Terrier ---

Bazanu, Schlotterbeck, Niguez, Soucek, Gouiri, J.David, Coman

We defend we do so as a team with a solid back 4 and midfield 3, with Schick harassing their backline and really pressurizing them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Kante along with Verratti and Aouar we are solid in the middle & the front 3 further up the pitch in the center as we try to nullify their midfield and fullbacks who will have to come inside to cover Jesus and Terrier, leaving space for our fullbacks to exploit and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Cash and Chilwell have freedom to attack, both can fly at the same time as we have Kante and Verratti holding when they do, when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forward. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side, remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Skriniar will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Rudiger alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defense and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and Kante just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defense to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Kante's primary role in front of the defense is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defense where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward. Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat, very good in the air so can attack long/high balls before they get to our defenders. Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him. A very disciplined performance is a must from Kante today

Verratti and Aouar have responsibility throughout the pitch, create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do and he does a lot. Aouar will do a lot of running as the main box to box mid, whilst Verratti will attemt to run the show alongside Kante his vision is superb and will pick out the front three with some great passing to feet to set them on their way

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, I want Terrier to drive on the outside beating his man and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless he is supported by fullbacks, whereas Jesus can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power and linking up closely with Schick linking up with Cash and the CF, both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. Use the midfield to play around them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fullbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the front two to get into danger areas. Both wingers have fantastic forward to aim for in Schick so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack, we need goals, we need a win, he will get plenty chances and he is in very fine form, however he must put them away. I want him to bully the slower/weaker of the two/three. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. He can score from various angles/ranges even dropping back and from distance, with hopefully a few crosses coming in they can get up and above defenders for. Can both hold it up and look for runners, in particular the wingers and Verratti /Aouar will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side for each other if they cant go themselves.

We must defend as a team tho, 451 from the front, everyone hot on the tails of the opposition, we cant give away cheap goals, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Skriniar
Pens - Schick
Free Kicks - Verratti
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Aouar, A.Gouiri for terrier we go 442/424, with Davidd linking up top with Schick
72 Mins - Niguez for Verratti

Winning/drawing -
75 Mins - Soucek for Aouar, Gouiri for Terrier

Drawing
80 Mins - Coman for Schick he goes RW, G.Jesus up top

Watford (Away to Leicester) Week 16
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Porozo

-----------------Remiro
Mário-----Tuta---Porozo----Angeliño
------------Danilo---Otávio
---------------Marcelino
Veron-------------------------González
-------------------Núñez

SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Collins, Ugarte, Alzate, Henrique, López

Goalkeeper: Remiro is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. One goes forward and one stays back. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it into the stands. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Danilo). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our gameplan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Otávio). 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 Marcelino 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. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’, Otávio will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Marcelino and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easier for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both González and Veron 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 Marcelino, Otávio 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 Otávio may sit a bit deeper allowing Marcelino to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF.
As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his size and strength will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Marcelino, Veron or González with Tuta, Porozo and Otávio to offer an aerial threat. Marcelino, Otávio and González may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, González, Danilo
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Porozo, Henrique for Veron and López for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Otávio with Henrique and Veron with López. Fresh legs and 2 dangerous attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.

----------------------Danilo
Henrique------- Marcelino----------González
----------------López---Núñez

BRENTFORD v Arsenal

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Saint-Maximin
-----------------------Broja

Subs: Simón, Walker-Peters, Salisu, Laimer, Djuricic, Baumgartner, Lucca

Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Berardi/Ødegaard
Penalties: Berardi

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen Marc Guehi 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, Martin Ødegaard and Allan Saint-Maximin as our band of three attacking midfielders with Armando Broja 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.

Martin Ødegaard, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Ødegaard 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 & Broja to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..

Upfront Broja is our classical style all round centre forward, a real number 9 who has the ability to be a bully, but also has the technical ability to be more than just a menace to our opponents defenders.

Whilst 6ft 3in tall he isn’t just about his height, he is a great ball player and has great positional awareness. He'll cause our opponents some big problems with his ability to play off the last man, draw defenders wide and drop in and link up with midfielders. But most of all, he is a lethal finisher and a natural goal poacher.

Subs on 75 mins
Baumgartner on for Saint-Maximin and Lucca on for Broja

Double substitution - pace, vision and creativity from Baumgartner, and a real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Lucca during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Mendy
Llorente__Dias____VVD___Cucurella
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Nkunku
Salah________Lewa________Diaz

SUBS: Shaw, Gundogan, Nmecha, Bentancur, Bowen, Matip, Tomori

Captain: VVD
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent


The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.

The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.

If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.

The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.

When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

70 mins: Gundogan comes on for Modric, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Llorente will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.

75 mins: Bowen comes on for Salah, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.

If winning 80 mins: Bentancur comes on for Nkunku to close out the game.

If losing/drawing 80 mins: Nmecha comes on for Nkunku and play 2 up front.

-------------------- Ederson ------------------
B.Pavard -- De Ligt --- Ramos --- Ferland
-------------------- Fabinho ------------------
---------- De Bruyne --- P.Pogba -----------
L.Messi -------- K.Havertz ------- Dembele

Subs:
Ramsdale, Dest, Araujo, Tchouameni, Richarlison, Werner, Lukaku

In fine form we look to pick up another 3 points against a strong Wolves side. Tino has done a cracking job so we make our sure our boys are at the top of their game with home advantage likely to be a real factor in this one.

As the home side we play on the front foot and take the game to the opposition. Such games can often be tight and therefore we go with a lineup that possesses plenty of matchwinners. Central to our success will be our midfield as we go with the perfectly balanced trio of De Bruyne, Pogba & Fabinho. We look to dominate this area of the field, allowing us to play on the front foot, retaining possession and dictating the play.

With a midfield bursting with creativity it is only right that we have an attack which can flourish from the world class service. Messi will will be in his element with the quality of players around him and a style of football that suits him to a tee. Stationed on the right he has license to cut inside, when he does KDB will drift to the right opening up space for Messi in the middle of the field whilst a switch pass back to KDB on the flank allows the Belgian to whip in a delicious ball for Havertz to attack. Dembele gives us electric pace down the left with the Frenchman in incredible form.

Due to the abundance of attacking quality it's important that have a solid defence and rely on our watertight CB duo of De Ligt & Ramos, flanked by two of the best defensive fullbacks around in Pavard & Ferland.

We sit deep taking away any space in behind our defence which will limit the pace of their attack. It will also draw the opposition onto us higher up the pitch creating plenty of space for us to exploit on our devastating counter attacks.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. Wolves have a strong attack so we look to stifle them at source. If they go with Vlahovic up top then De Ligt will mark, the Dutchman having all the tools to deal with a player he trains with daily. If they go with the Ronaldo then we want Ramos to pick him up, strong, aggressive and a mastery of the dark arts he has the experience to shut down the marksman. If they go with both then they’ll pick up one each, this will also likely mean we’ll outnumber them with an extra man in midfield which would give us a clear edge in that department and ensure we starve their forwards of service.

Our fullbacks play steady, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field. Instead we want them to focus on their defensive duties, give the wingers no room to operate. When they're in possession see them down the line, keep them on their weaker foot and don't let them cut inside.

Midfield:

Midfield is where we feel the game can be won. Fabinho will be our key holding player in the middle operating as a DM. A fantastic reader of the game we want him to sit in front of our defence, breaking up the opposition play and also cutting out the passing lane to their CF, taking away one of their biggest weapons.

De Bruyne and Pogba speak for themselves. When on it they are truly a top class pairing. Their range of passing is sublime and they'll be spraying round the ball round majestically all afternoon.

They’ll be our chief creators, picking apart the opposition and playing that killer pass in the final third. Both also possess a great strike from range, if the opposition drop off then both have license to go for goal. De Bruyne in particular is borderline unstoppable at present as we look to get the Belgian on the ball as much as possible.

Forwards:

Fun fact – only 1 player in Europe’s top 5 leagues has as many assists as Ousmane Dembele in 2022, that man is… Lionel Messi! What this tells you is that we have two of the best creators in the business this year either side of the incredibly talented Havertz. Combined with the creativity we have from KDB and Pogba in midfield we have an attack that this capable of carving open any opposition.

We want Messi to do what he does best, go at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as he sees fit. Taking opponents on at will as he cuts in from the right and utilises that wand of a left foot. Quick one two’s with KDB and Havertz in the final third should open things up in the opposition box. On the other flank we have the rapid Dembele. He gives us the speed to attack in behind with the through balls from midfield, one on one he is deadly and one of the few players at the top level that is genuinely two footed. On his left or right he can either way and his end product is up their with the very best this year.

With a dream supply line around him we expect Havertz to thrive through the middle. A player that is really beginning to justify the hype and another in top class form in his best position. He has fantastic link up play, if he drops deep he pulls a CB with him which opens up a hole for Messi or Dembele to exploit. In the final third he’s the perfect target man, deadly in the air with a Bergkampesque first touch he will thrive on the service around him and has shown how deadly he is in front of goal.

Subs:

If winning:
70 mins: Pogba off, Tchouaméni on. Twin DM next to Fabinho with KDB at AM.
80 mins: Havertz off, Lukaku on. Big target man to hold the ball up and the raw power to punish a tired Wolves defence.
85 mins: Dembele off, Araujo on. Extra CB as we tighten up defensively to see out the win.

If drawing/losing:
60 mins: Dembele off & Werner on.
70 mins: Pogba off, Lukaku on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Werner on the flanks and Lukaku & Havertz & up top. Goals.

Red card scenario:

In all scenario’s we revert to a 4-4-1 formation. Pogba will be replaced with one of the below whilst our wingers drop back in a 4 man midfield. Little change from a tactical perspective as we form a tight unit and pick off the opposition on the break as they commit men forward.

------------------ Ederson ----------------
Pavard --- De Ligt -- Ramos -- Ferland
L.Messi -- Fabinho -- KDB -- Dembele
------------------ Havertz ---------------

GK – Ramsdale
FB – Dest
CB - Araujo
CM - Tchouaméni
WG – Werner
CF - Lukaku

ARSENAL to face Brentford


---------------------- Maignan ----------------------
Hakimi ---- J.Kounde ---- J.Stones ---- Tierney
----- Tielemans —- T.Partey —-- Guimaraes ----
—------------------- L.Paqueta ---------------------
-------- Aubameyang ---- Diogo Jota —----------

Subs: Onana, Alba, Gabriel, Maddison, Alvarez, Saka, Morata

Continuing with the 4-3-1-2 - A devastating dynamic attacking trio, with a base of technical and industrious middle three behind. Full backs to provide the width with the CMs dropping in when they attack / doubling up to defend to ensure we aren’t caught. Jota and Aubameyang will also have to play as wide strikers and wingers out of possession to help pressurise their full backs. We gone for some players who excel in transition and packed our spine with pace to help attack perhaps their vulnerabilities of a lack of pace through the spine of their team - our quick and athletic XI can take these extra inches and make the difference.

Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Brentford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out. Should look for the early cross for two predators in the box in Aubameyang and Jota.

Kounde and Stones – One of the best young central defenders around, Kounde has top level experience despite being young and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Brentford today. Has made a great start in his Marseille loan. Stones is also a Premier League stalwart now with experience at the highest level for club and country. He and Kounde read the game really well and will be the platform from which we build.


Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Brentford can throw at us. On the left he can be a real outlet when crowded in central areas, can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack.

Guimaraes – Guimaraes 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. Guimaraes will be the box to box shuttler today, he’s shown he has the quality going forward recently in the Premier League.

Tielemans - Youri will be the playmaker in deep areas, able to quickly turn defence to attack. He should look for our outlets - crossfield ball to Hakimi or long to the two strikers or combine with closer combinations with Paqueta to mix it up.

Partey - An industrious player that is fantastic in transition to help us make the most out of the possession we get in this game. He will be the sitter in this midfield, with Tielemans and Guimaeres utilising their attacking qualities as well, Partey will concentrate on being the Octopus and sweeping up infront of the defence, though he will quickly look to find his CM partners, Paqueta, Aubameyang, Hakimi / Tierney or Jota to do the final pass / shot.


Paqueta – Paqueta is going to take this game by the scruff of the neck. He is in his perfect role as he has the defensive security behind him to play a bit more of a free role, ahead of him he has a two of the most lethal finishers in Europe right now, so he will be relishing this.

Aubameyang and Jota – Two strikers who can help us break and finish chances in transition with devastating effect. Between them they can work hard to press Brentford’s defenders and pounce on any chances we create. Both are on fire right now and will be delighted to have two brilliant suppliers in Hakmi and Paqueta in this side, whilst their ability to combine together is also a threat with the amazing amount of pace in this front duo.

SUBS
60 mins - Maddison for Tielemans
70 mins if winning - Saka for Aubameyang, Saka to RF, play more defensive
70 mins if not winning - Saka for Partey
80 mins - Morata for Jota

Liverpool vs Newcstle

Injuries:
Rayan Ait Nouri
Leonardo Bonucci
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Kieran Trippier

The injury fairy, has decimated our defence, well not decimated as that’s a throwback to Roman times where 1 in 10 legionaries were killed by their own colleagues for desertion, what a waste of 36 words.

Ludy’s side are far better than their league position suggests so we’ve gotta be on it from the start, in your face, attacking 4-3-3 to a man he has the better side but we have quality of our own, plus the home fans to give us a nudge.

……………………………………………Jose Sa……………………………….
Mukiele…………..Joe Gomez……………Botman………………B Williams
……………………………………….Busquets……………………………
…………………………..Tonali…………………..Ward-Prowse……….
Neto…………………………………Scamacca……………………….Grealish
Subs: Kasper, B Johnson, Ake, Henderson, Coutinho, Doku, Raspadori


I know the thing that stands out is that this side isn’t the most imposing physically, but they have pure footballing ability, speed of mind and of movement is key to unlocking Ludy’s cloggers, once touch pass and go, keep the ball moving and slow newcastles pensioners down, before we use the blistering pace of our front men to run at his sluggish cumbersome centre-halves

Jose Sa is statistically the best keeper in the prem this season, fast off his line and always with an eye on a counter attacking opportunity, this speed of thought allows us to push our defensive line that bit higher as the gap behind is filled instantly.


Mukiele comes in at RB, a highly rated FB in the modern style, fast and athletic, will look to get up and down giving us much needed width down that flank, defensively just play his natural game, don’t dive in show the man the line.

Brandon Williams comes in on the left, had a tricky start to his loan at Norwich but he’s cemented himself a starting role now, will look to use Mukiele on the right as his guide, push when he pushes, sit in when he sits.

Our midfield three, are hard working technically gifted players, pure ballers, Ludy has a strong midfield but we can out-work them… Busquets is the perfect shield for our defence, will sit and mop up the loose balls, get his foot on it and keep us ticking over, Tonali is more B2B now, another that can get us down field with a clever pass and with JWP alongside him, pinging those dangerous diagonals from the halfway line we can certainly hold our own in the middle, whether it be short and crisp or long and flat we’ll be peppering Newcastle’s box from 30 yards out.

Grealish and Neto start off high and wide, great ball control, and very quick feet, will look to have freedom to roam, come inside if our FB’s run the “laps” or drop deep showing for the ball, we have another new striker that can hold the ball up nicely, so their link up play should be pretty fluid.

Scamacca comes in as our long awaited Vlahovic replacement, big and strong but he’s much more than just a target man, good with the ball on the deck and a goal in just over every other game isn’t a bad record. Back to goal can be the springboard for our midfielders to play off before spinning into the box to put the chances away


Subs 60 mins:
Coutinho > JWP – goes to a #10 as we switch to a 4-2-3-1
Raspadori > Neto – more of an inside forward than an out and out winger

Spurs vs WOLVES

Injuries:
Eljif Elmas
Stefan de Vrij
Jordan Pickford
Max Kilman



…………………………….Donnarumma………………………….
Carvajal……Konate.………..Bastoni………spinazzola
………………………Bissouma………Neves……………….
Asensio…………………………………………………………Mane
………………………..Ronaldo………..Vlahovic……

Subs: Green (GK),Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Kroos, , Brahim, Locatelli, Firmino

Away at Spurs is the tallest of tall orders, can’t even rely on a spursy wobble these days, not sure how best to play it, could have filled the midfield I guess and tried to stifle Spurs, but we decided to go and play footy, take a chance and buy a ticket.


We know that TAB will wanna start off quickly and hit us hard before we grow into the game, That’s fine by us as that strategy will leave wholes in there for us to pick at and our strike-force is as big a handful for their defence as theirs is for ours so with that in mind we’re going to be front foot, in your face attacking football. Asensio and Mane will be more like inside forwards than wingers, we want them pushing up into the spaces and then driving infield, we have 2 attacking FB’s so they’ll take the wider spaces and obvs take a defensive player away with them. We have no natural AM in this side today, but with these 2 drifting in, it doesn’t matter as much, as they’d have just crowded that half-space.

at the top of the pitch we have 2 of the very best in the business, arguably the greatest goalscorer of all time, and his successor. Marking one of these is a real head-ache for defences so to have to mark both, plus keep an eye on our wingers is a massive ask.
Ronaldo even at his age in a poor (relatively) united side has still managed 15 league goals in 25 appearances, so it shows he still has it in him, we don’t expect him to run marathons but he will be the man playing off the shoulder, looking to get through on goal, defensively he’ll harry Spurs back line, force them into rushing passes and going long.

Dusan is top scorer in Serie A with an impressive 21 goals (1 goal every 119 mins) he gives us a nice balance, the complete forward really, big and strong but with good very feet, and the deadliest of left pegs, will use his physicality to bully the Spurs defence pushes them about and creating some spaces for himself and CR7.

Both strikers are top predators but I think they have enough about them to be able to form a solid pairing.

The key to winning any game of football (deservedly not smash and grab) is controlling the middle of the park, now with FB’s bombing on, and our wingers coming inside we have good passing lines for us to hit from deep, but the risk is being over-run on the counter, to add ballast to this we employ 2 midfielders that will just sit, break up the play and then move it along.

Bissouma is the pure DM, not the tallest but physically strong with a lower centre of gravity, can cover a lot of the hard yards snapping at the heels of Spurs runners from midfield, when we have the ball he can advance, but no further than half-way, will keep up watertight at the back.
Neves comes in alongside him, they’ll mirror each other in style of play, both go both drop, they’re going to work in tandem, pressing the ball and not letting Spurs settle into any rhythm, take the little fouls if needs be just to kill off their momentum.

As already discussed, our FB’s will give us the attacking over-laps, in the hope of getting us some overloads against a solid Tottenham defensive unit, our own defensive unit isn’t poor
Konate big strong and uncompromising, is joined by ‘Sandro Bastoni, a much vaunted Left-foot/right-foot combo.
no zonal marking here, they pick a man each and he’s their responsibility, if TAB goes one up top, then he’s Bastoni’s man, 6ft4 and strong as an ox, Sandro will look to dominate him, thus allowing Konate to then sweep up. Both men are good in possession so can look to play it out, the L/R advantage being that we can play slick switch balls without having to open up our bodies and telegraphing it.

Subs 60 mins

Kroos > Neves

Firmino > Ronaldo

Keep one sub back incase I get the Red…. Will go with 1 striker, sub off Ronaldo for whichever bench option makes most sense

MAN UNITED VS leeds

----------------------------------Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------Upamecano-----------Hincapie
---------------------------------- Douath ------------------------------------
----------------- Valverde -------------- C Jones ----------------------
------------------------------- Kulusevski -----------------------------------
-------------- De Ketelaere -------- Martinelli -----------------

Subs - Dragowski, P Matar Sarr, Palmer, Raphinha, Gakpo, Rashford

CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KULU
FK'S - KULU
PENALTIES - KULU

When we don't have possession of the ball in our half I want the whole team except the strikers to get in our half and defend. Play a deep defensive line so that oppo can't use their pacy forwards to beat the offside trap. When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
Gulasci in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Upamecano and Fofana bring experience to the backline. Upa will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Fofana will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
Aarons + Hincapie
Aarons and Hincapie will look to help both in attack and defence. Hincapie is a CB by trade but has played LB for Leverkusen this season so he's pretty good at defending. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. We are not playing any wingers so the onus will be on these 2 to bring the width. Get some crosses into the box as De Ket is very good in the air. Douath will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mid
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Douath will be tasked with protecting the defence. Only job today is to protect the defence and win the ball off of the oppo when they are attacking. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either CM's.

Centre Mids
Valverde + Curtis Jones
Valverde will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and look to open up the oppo with your dribbling ability. Your one of the quickest CM's in the world and I want you to unleash that inner beast and drive from deep into the heart of the oppo defence . Play quick passes with your teammates to work some space in the middle or long balls forward for our strikers to run into. We're not playing any wingers so you have freedom to dribble down the wings from time to time to mix up our play a bit. Help out in tracking back when we don't have the ball and use your putbull like tenacity to try and win the ball in the centre of the pitch.
Jones will play as an attacking CM. He. He's an energetic lad so I want him to get up and down the pitch whenever possible. Use your quick agility and ball control to create space for yourself in the centre of the pitch. Then use your eagle eyed vision to spot the runs of our attacking players and thread dangerous balls to them. Play quick one two passes with your teammates and stay on the move to find little pickets of space in the midfield.

Attack Mid
Kulusevski
Kulu will be playing as the AM today. A RW by trade he has played some of his best games in his career as an AM. He has started life with a bang for Spurs in the prem so bang in form as well. I want him to use his dribbling and passing ability to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Use your strength to shrug off the oppo markers and look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
De ketelaere + Martinelli
The big man little man combo will look to combine and play off one another to try and score goals. De Ket isn't your typical big man in strike. This guy has technique for days. Not only is he adapt at doing things big guys are known for like holding the ball up, De Ket is even comfortable with dribbling with the ball and not being afraid to take players on. I want to utilise both of these strengths today and hopefully it will give the oppo CB's summat else to think about aswell. I want him to be on the lookout for crosses into the penalty area and attack all the crosses wholeheartedly. Remember accuracy over power when it comes to headers. You will have the little Brazilian magician Martinelli next to you in strike so if you see him making a run or if he's free pass the ball to him.
Martinelli will look to use his pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with your teammates to penetrate the oppo defence.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 451. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Kulu and put on Sarr in DM to give the defence even more protection. Raphinha on for Jones aswell to play RM and Sessegnon on for Martinelli at LM to offer more defensive stability.. De Ket will be the lone target man and it might be tough for him up top by himself but if he can somehow hold the ball up for a bit then Raphinha/Sess will make lung busting runs from deep to offer support.

---------------------------------- Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------ Upamecani ----------- Hincapie
----------------- Sarr ----- Douath -------Valverde---------------------
Raphinha---------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- De Ket -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 85 MINS
Go to a 3 atb formation and go all out to try and score a goal. Take off both fullbacks and put 2 wingers on for them. Put in Palmer for Jones as well. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure on the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

---------------------------------- Gulasci-------------------------------------------
--------------Valverde--------Fofana----------Upamecano----------
------------------------------------Douath------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Kulu ------------ Palmer ---------------------
Raphinha--------------De Ket--------Martinelli----------------Gakpo

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Sarr on for Jones
Palmer on for Kulu
Fresh legs.

Attacking 3-4-1-2

At home we go with an attacking team designed to control the tempo of the game, dominate possession and target Liverpool in between the cbs and fbs , and in between the lines. With the attacking strength of our wing backs and forwards, to outnumber them in attack, dragging players out of position and creating space.

Two playmakers at cm to make us play better. Thiago the deep playmaker, at home there is no need for a dm since we have 3 cbs. Vitinha get nod as b2b playmaker because he’s fun to watch, and gets stuck in(plays cm in a 442).

Our cbs are all quick and top ball players, playi a high and line and we control possession. The 3 cbs stretched when in possession and narrow in defence. The wbs stretch the game wide, creating as much space as possible for our cms, to come deep for the ball. Importantly we let one of the cbs to get forward into midfield at a time. Our formation is fluid, with a cb moving to be 3rd cm or alternatively overlapping the wb. The two remaining cbs then narrow.

With our cms and am looking to dominate on the ball, they will narrow to the side of play as we look to get our cms, and am linking with our wbs. Thiago will always remain in a more central position offering an option and dictating play from behind the rest of midfield, deeper than them but still advancing high when we are around their box. Pace to stretch them down the wings and in behind is key for possession. Both wing backs will have freedom to attack.

Vanderson gets the nod over James as he’s your typical Brazilian fb, Reece James with skills, and the next Cafu. On other side, Luke Thomas is the latest star to come through from academy.

We pile the pressure on, this gives us a huge advantage in seeking to create chances. Creating attacking overloads in certain areas of the park (in between cbs and fbs, and outside the dm today) and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference. At home, this suits us perfectly, we deliberately have pacey ball playing cbs, the high line and their ability on the ball is key for us to dominate.

They have pave on the break out wide. but we’ve done the maths and our cbs will get back quicker, and statistically we’ll get more chances by controlling possession properly (with a high line).

In control, we make the ball do the work, spreading the play from side to side, looking to move their defenders/mids out of position and create half spaces for our quality to tell. This will lead to more chances, as simply we’re getting more balls around the box so statistically it’s just more likely. Secondly, and importantly with us working the ball to move their defensive shape (players) this will knacker them, leading to more defensive mistakes and less effective counters.

Defending in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Liverpool to play in. In a rigid defensive structure we make sure there is no space in between the lines, and with wingers that like to come inside they will run in to two deep defensive lines. The wingback on the opposite side of play will drop back into defence forming a back four. The wb on the side of play helps the cb on the side of play defend against the attacking winger and fb. Two strong defensive players to stop their wide men.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Liverpool’s cms. When defending, Thiago plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area, Vitinha plays ball side of Thiago and pressing the passing lanes. Felix drops on to their dm, take him out the game.

————————————- Alisson —————————————
———— Kalulu —— Marquinhos —— Alaba —————
Vanderson ——- Thiago —— Vitinha —— L.Thomas
——————————— Joao Felix ———————
———————— Lautaro —— Neymar—————————

Subs. Henderson, Rodri, Goretzka, Mount, Sterling, Musiala, Osimhen

Defence

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, we don’t even know if they play a high or deep defensive line, either way we press. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind 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’t hurt us.

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

Attack - all out attack. Play keep ball, with end product.


Subs.
If winning after 67 mins bring on Goretzka for Vitinha. Fresh legs, power and energy for attack and defence. What we’d have started with if we’d been boring.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Osimhen for Lautaro.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Musiala for Felix

If drawing after 65 mins bring on Sterling for Thomas, and Osimhen for Lautaro. Switch to 4-2-3-1. Alaba to lb.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Goretzka for Vitinha. Power and goal threat.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Goretzka and Osimhen for Vitinha and Felix big boys on for the we boys.
If losing after 65 mins bring on Sterling for Vanderson.

ARSENAL v Brentford

------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi --- Kounde --- Gabriel --- Tierney
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------- Guimaraes --- F. Ruiz --------------
B. Saka -------- P. Dybala ---------- D. Jota

Subs: Onana, Saliba, Alba, Sanches, Mahrez, Abraham, Aubameyang

Brentford are a good team, but we feel we have the better quality all across the park and we can win this big cup tie. Expecting to face a deeper block, we have packed the team with creative quality that will enable us to dominate the ball high up the pitch and unlock the Brentford defence. We have great pace in the back four to ensure we can protect ourselves defensively too.

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

Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession and a strong defensive unit to combat what Brentford throw at us. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.

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

Gabriel – Gabriel in his ideal LCB role - has become a strong and important player for Arsenal in the league, the fact he is left footed also opens up the pitch for us.

Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Brentford can throw at us. On the left he can be a real outlet when crowded in central areas, can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack.

Partey – Partey has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the qualtity and experience to add to our midfield. With the attacking players ahead of him, Partey will sit and marshall the right half space, allowing Hakimi the attacking freedom. Partey has played at right back before so this is well suited. He will sit at the heart of midfield both in and out of possession, offering a shield to the defence and helping to nullify Brentford.

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

Guimaraes - Guimaraes is one of the most on-form midfielders in the league right now, tenacious presence and engine in the middle and is now adding goals and assists to his game. He is perfect in a three man midfield system like this.

Jota – Jota is in incredible form for Liverpool - he’s a player we know can make the difference with his pace and end product. He will look to get high up and beyond Dybala in this game, as he does so well with the Liverpool CF in their formation.

Saka - Saka is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and combine with the overlapping Hakimi on the right, he will also look to combine well with Dybala, playing one-twos and getting in advance positions, like he does with Odegaard so well at club level.

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

Subs on 60 - Mahrez and Abraham for Saka and Dybala
Sub on 70 - Aubameyang for Jota

------------------- Ramsdale ------------------
Serg Dest -- Pavard --- De Ligt -- Reguilon
-------- Tchouaméni --- B.Kamara ----------
----- L.Messi --- De Bruyne --- E.Hazard ---
------------------- R.Lukaku -------------------

Subs:
Ederson, Garcia, Fabinho, Sancho, Griezmann, Werner, Havertz

Ever wondered what would happen if Lionel Messi was Belgian?? Well now’s your chance to find out!

Cup time and we finally get to see the Belgian golden generation in action as we link up De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. Irrespective of their form at club level this trio have shown they are the bees knees on the International stage, having dragged an otherwise ordinary Belgium side to World Cup semi-finals and Euro quarter-finals in recent years. Fortunately for them they will be in a far from ordinary side as they get to showcase their abilities alongside Messi & Co.

KDB is very much at the top of his game and Lukaku, whilst struggling to adapt to the Chelsea system as shown he’s a goal machine when being supplied by KDB & Hazard. Eden’s barely kicked a ball over the last couple of seasons however we’re giving him a chance to roll back the years alongside his favourite team mates in a system designed to let them showcase their talent. Quick incisive passing will be the order of the day, our AM trio behind Lukaku excel in operating in tight spaces and are capable of opening up the tightest of orifices.

With an experienced attack we add some youthful exuberance with the French pairing of Tchouameni & Kamara in the engine room. Bundles of energy these two exciting young talents bring the workrate, allowing the four attackers ahead of them to do their thing without the need to constantly track back. The two DM’s both bring fantastic pace and defensive ability with some of the best ball recovery stats in their league. They’ll press and harass the opposition, whilst also being able to drift across and provide defensive cover up against the talented wingers of the opposition.

Defensively we go with a solid pairing of Pavard & De Ligt whilst we have two pacy fullbacks to provide width. With Messi and Hazard both looking to cut infield the overlapping runs of Dest & Reguilon provide width and cause the opposition full backs a real headache as they are torn between tracking Messi and Hazard or abandoning their duties to engage our flying full backs creating an overload in our favour on the flanks.

Our DM’s also have an important role to play in this system with Kamara able to drop in as a third CB when our FB’s push forward to ensure we aren’t caught out on the break with Tchouameni then anchoring the midfield.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. No idea whether Newcastle will rotate but we plan for the big guns. If they play one up top then De Ligt will mark, the Dutchman having all the tools to deal with any CF. Pavard will offer cover in behind as we double up on their CF.

Our fullbacks offer great pace to counter the oppositions speedsters. We want to keep their wingers down the line, if they’re inverted this will keep them on their weaker foot. If they do cut inside then they’ll be met by one of our DM’s as they work in tandem with the FB’s to limit the threat of their wingers.

Midfield:

The two youngsters form a powerhouse duo. Pace, energy, they bring a real vibrancy to the team which works perfectly with the experience of our attack. They’ll be doing all the legwork in the middle and both are great defensively. Their roles have been set out above and we want them flying around, disrupting the rhythm of the opposition as we look to stamp our authority.

Forwards:

Up top is where the funs begins. De Bruyne + Hazard + Lukaku x Messi = Belgiumtina’s finest!

De Bruyne is the conductor of this beautiful attacking symphony. He’ll provide the link from midfield to attack, operating centrally he’ll be playing between the lines, picking the ball up slightly deeper than the other trio he’s capable of threading that first time killer ball for Lukaku to finish or some intricate passing play with Messi and Hazard as we look to mesmerize their defence with some quick decisive passing.

Messi will be doing what he does best, going at the opposition with the freedom to create and cause havoc as he sees fit. Taking opponents on at will as he cuts in from the right and utilises that wand of a left foot. Quick one two’s in the final third should open things up in the opposition box with the Argentine deadly in front of goal. On the other flank Hazard will likely attract less attention which should open things up nicely for him to thrive. He has great feet and excellent delivery, don’t be shy to cut inside and go for goal if it opens up and at all times he’ll be looking to feed Lukaku who thrives with quality service.

Romelu is the powerhouse leading the line, with great hold up play he’s capable of shielding the ball until the cavalry arrives and is deadly in front of goal. We want him to stay centrally, he has three of the top creators around behind him so his role is to stay on his toes and get himself back amongst the goals. With 68 goals in 101 games at International level he is incredibly prolific when playing alongside De Bruyne and Hazard. He’ll look to keep the good times rolling as we sprinkle in a bit of Messi magic just for good measure!

Subs:

If winning:
60 mins: Hazard off, Sancho on. Fresh legs.
70 mins: Kamara off, Fabinho on. Extra experience.
80 mins: Lukaku off, Werner on. Pace to pick them off on the counter.

If drawing/losing:
70 mins: Kamara, Hazard & Lukaku off. Werner, Havertz & Griezmann on. 4-2-2-2 with Messi & Werner on the flanks and Havertz & Griezmann up top.

MAN UNITED VS Wolves

----------------------------------Gulasci ---------------------------------------
----------Fofana----------Upamecano---------Hincapie----------
----------------------------------- Ndidi ------------------------------------
Singo ------------- P.M Sarr ------- C Jones ----------- Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------- Adeyemi -------- Martinelli -----------------

Subs - Dragowski, Camavinga, Gallagher, Palmer, Kulusevski, Gakpo, Rashford

CAPTAIN - GULASCI
CK'S - JONES
FK'S - MARTIN
PENALTIES - MARTIN

Going to a back 3 this week I want to start off quick and put the oppo under pressure. I want the defence to keep a high line and stay close to the centre circle so we can win the ball back as quick as possible. Our CB's are pretty fast and we will be looking for them to use their pace and defensive positioning to help shore up the defence.
When we win possession of the ball I want the players to keep hold of possession and try and work some space. We have good ball players in the centre and they will help keep us ticking.

Defence
Gulasci in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. Upamecano, Fofana and Hincapie bring experience to the backline. Upa will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Fofana will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead. If the oppo LW gets past Singo in a dangerous position just come over and put a tackle in/jockey him unti help arrives. Same for Hincapie/Sessegnon on the opposite flank.

Wing backs
Singo + Sessegnon
Singo and Sessegnon will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. We are not playing any wingers so the onus will be on these 2 to bring the width. Get some low crosses into the box as our two strikers thrive upon them. Ndidi will be covering for you if you are out of position

Defence Mid
Ndidi
Ndidi will be tasked with protecting the defence. Only job today is to protect the defence and win the ball off of the oppo when they are attacking. Drop off into CB when our wingbacks are attacking so we technically will become a back four then. If the oppo wins the ball back push back up into the DM position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either CM's.

Centre Mids
P.Matar Sarr + Curtis Jones
Sarr will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and look to open up the oppo with your dribbling ability. Play quick passes with your teammates to work some space in the middle or long balls forward for our strikers to run into. We're not playing any wingers so you have freedom to dribble down the wings from time to time to mix up our play a bit. Help out in tracking back when we don't have the ball and use your putbull like tenacity to try and win the ball in the centre of the pitch.
Jones will play as an attacking CM. He. He's an energetic lad so I want him to get up and down the pitch whenever possible. Use your quick agility and ball control to create space for yourself in the centre of the pitch. Then use your eagle eyed vision to spot the runs of our attacking players and thread dangerous balls to them. Play quick one two passes with your teammates and stay on the move to find little pickets of space in the midfield.

Strikers
Adeyemi + Martinelli
Two pacy forwards up front we want to utilize their quickness to penetrate the oppo defence. Normally when you play 2 up front there is a big man to supplement the little man but we are doing summar different here. By playing 2 similar types of players in strike we believe it will be even harder for the oppo to defend against as they will be struggling with the movement of our strikers.
I want them both will look to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with your teammates to penetrate the oppo defence.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 541. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Adeyemi and put on Gakpo to add a bit more pace and power in strike. Kulu on for Jones aswell to play RM and move Martinelli to LM to offer more defensive stability. Camavinga for Sarr as well for some energetic legs in the middle.

---------------------------------- Gulasci ---------------------------
Singo----Fofana----Upamecano----Hincapie-----Sessegnon
---------------------------- Ndidi ------- Camavinga ------------------------
Kulusevski---------------------------------------------------------Martinelli
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- Gakpo ---------------------------------------

IF LOSING BY 85 MINS
Take off both fullbacks and put 2 wingers on for them. Put in Kulusevski for Sarr as well. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure on the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.

---------------------------------- Gulasci-------------------------------------------
------------Fofana----------Upamecano----------Hincapie-----------
------------------------------------Ndidi------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------Jones ---------- Kulu ---------------------
Palmer----------------Adeyemi--------Martinelli----------------Gakpo

IF DRAWING BY 75MINS
Kulu on for Singo
Gakpo on for Adeyemi
Camavinga on for Sarr
Fresh legs.

Arsenal v BRENTFORD

----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Maatsen
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Saint-Maximin
-----------------------Broja

Subs: Simón, Walker-Peters, Salisu, Ampadu, Vale, Baumgartner, Ibrahimovic

Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Berardi/Ødegaard
Penalties: Berardi

Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Tino Livramento at right-back and Ian Maatsen 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, Martin Ødegaard and Allan Saint-Maximin as our band of three attacking midfielders with Armando Broja 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 Maatsen 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.

Martin Ødegaard, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Ødegaard 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 & Broja to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..

Upfront Broja is our classical style all round centre forward, a real number 9 who has the ability to be a bully, but also has the technical ability to be more than just a menace to our opponents defenders.

Whilst 6ft 3in tall he isn’t just about his height, he is a great ball player and has great positional awareness. He'll cause our opponents some big problems with his ability to play off the last man, draw defenders wide and drop in and link up with midfielders. But most of all, he is a lethal finisher and a natural goal poacher.

Subs on 75 mins
Baumgartner on for Saint-Maximin and Ibrahimovic on for Broja

Double substitution - pace, vision and creativity from Baumgartner, 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.

Wolves vs Man Utd

Injuries:
Lorenzo Insigne
Brahim Diaz
Manuel Locatelli
Leonardo Spinazzola
Samuele Ricci


Quarters of the Cup, up against a strong man united side, Nadz will come to play we know this, so we’re going to go with an attacking line-up, all or nothing approach

………………………………………Donnarumma…………………………
………………………Konate….…De Vrij………..Bastoni…………..
……………………………..Kroos……………..Bissouma…………….
Asensio…………………………….Firmino…………………………..Mane
…………………………..Ronaldo…………….Vlahovic……………………….

Subs: Pickford, Tomiyasu, Neves, Elmas, Trincao, Daka, Romagnoli

I know it’s risky having no wing-backs or full-backs but this is about playing off the front foot, fast paced direct football, not aimless long ball but direct into the channels for us to exploit spaces.
I’m not sure any other side has such a physically imposing back line, a 6ft7 bear of a goal-keeper, De Vrij is the “short” CB at just 6ft2. Anything that United can throw at us we can deal with, no zonal marking here, De Vrij drops off and acts as the sweeper whilst Konate and Bastoni take a man each. Our biggest weakness is perhaps a lack of pure pace, but with us employing the sweeper, our last line is ultimately a little deeper, so those space behind the line aren’t as gaping as they could be.

Kroos and Bissouma give us a beautiful platform to build on, Kroos undoubtedly is one of the best of his generation, won everything there is to win in the game and still going, he’s the playmaker of the side, will sit and help shield the defence, collect the ball and move it on crisply, he has a penchant for the long ball so him dropping into this formation is perfect for him really.

Bissouma will use all his physical attributes to be a B2B man today, he’ll use his key skill set to be our enforcer and break up Uniteds attacks, before using that rangy running style of his to join up with our front 5, never straying closer than 35 yards out, just ready to nip in and break down a United counter attack before it gets going.

Asensio is always a bit of a hit and miss player, but he’s bagged a fair few goals this season and is 3rd on Madrids scoring chart. He’s not a direct winger in the traditional sense, but he can come inside linking the play and making things happen over on his flank
Mane on the other side is the dictionary definition of a direct winger, fast and powerful will look to drive forwards and beat his man, will run the line and stretch the play over on that side

Firmino in as the 10, orchestrating things in the final third, he’s become the archetypal false 9 at Liverpool, by operating in the pockets allowing Mane and Salah the limelight, so bringing that skillset here with two absolute top level predators plus goal scoring wingers gives us a massive threat. Bobby-F has a great workrate and that means he can help us press higher up the pitch, the closer we win the ball back to Uniteds goals the bigger a threat we are.

Ronaldo and Vlahovic, Some say Ronaldo is the problem at United this season, well 22 goals and 3 assists in 36 games is a welcome problem at the Molineux, yes he’s not all action these days, but he’s still 3rd in the scoring charts, but it’s his will to win that makes him so valuable, he demands pure effort from his teammates and with former Madrid teammates Asensio and Kroos here he has the chemistry in key areas, will look to play off the shoulder of the last man and be our fox in the box.

Big Bad Dusan 23 goals and 5 assists in 32 games, is the final piece in the jigsaw, big, strong and great technical ability, will be our powerhouse target man, look to bully Uniteds CB’s causing chaos and making spaces for our side to exploit


Subs 60 mins

Neves > Kroos, like for like fresh legs

Daka > Asensio, Ronaldo goes RW, Daka through the middle

Lesta vs LIVERPOOL

Injuries:
Daniel James
Jordan Henderson
Nordi Mukiele
Perr Schuurs

Away at Leicester is always a tricky fixture, Rof has a packed roster of talent and has the tactical versatility to mix it up, so double guessing him is well hard, so I might have to borrow Lubo’s scouts and get the low-down on how he’ll play. We’ve always tried to play attacking footy and go for the win… it’s the cup so there’s precious little at stake, we go with a pretty attacking 4-3-3 that I guess is more like a 4-1-2-3, not blessed with ball winners, but if you control the ball you don’t need to win it do you?


……………………………………………..Kasper……………………
Trippier……………..Bonucci………………….Botman…………Zinchenko
…………………………………………..Biscuits………………………………..
………………………Coutinho…………………….Grealish………………………
Doku…………………………………..Scamacca…………………………..Neto

Subs: Sa, Johnson, Gomez, Tonali, JWP, Raspadori, Icardi


Fast paced one touch passing today, not every pass has to move forwards this is about holding the ball and taking the energy out of Leicester’s legs, slick pass and move, rinse and repeat, no need for the risky Hollywood pass, play the percentages and pass them to death.

Kasper the friendly dane comes into the side for this one, he’s on par with Sa, but we need a calmer head in there for these tactics, we don’t need a keeper that thinks he’s Xabi Alonso, just do the essentials like commanding your box and stopping them scoring.

Trippier is back after missing 5 games through a recurring fruity based injury, a great baller with a beautiful delivery, doesn’t need to rampage forward will look to drop in alongside Busquets (still out wide though) and act as a shield in the half space, good on the ball so no reason why he can’t do this for us.

Zinchenko is he a LB or is he a CM? who knows, possibly not even him, but everything I’ve said of Trippier applies to him to, so we get him to sit on the other flank parallel to Biscuits so we have a line of 3 just ahead of the back two, they can press in tandem (tandem is clearly two, but whats the word for three?)

Bonucci and Botman, master and apprentice, Left Foot Right Foot, and all that jazz… are a pretty decent combo at the back for us, the wily know-how of Bonucci and the brute force and physical nature of Botman mean we should be able to stand-up against anything that Leicester throw at us.

The midfield trident, I know that people will say it’s too much to expect Biscuits to do the defensive work of 3 men and that we’ll be too soft etc etc…. Biscuits has made a career of mopping up for 3 men, Xavi and Iniesta were no better defensively than Coutinho and Greasy. Biscuits will sit and do what he does as good as anyone else in the game, Coutinho and Greasy are given the freedom to roam, drop deep, surge forward or drift wide, the two of them should give us some lovely link up play and they fit perfectly in our ball retention set-up, but with the nouse and vision to spot the defence splitting passes.

Doku and Neto are rapid, direct wingers, they’ll stay high and wide stretching the play, if Lesta’s FB’s push on we’ll rinse them on the counter with a slide rule ball into the gaps. We don’t want either man drifting infield as a rule today, we have two AM’s in those spaces, and very defensive FB’s so we need them to be the width.

Uptop is Scamacca, unwanted almost everywhere in this league but has bagged himself 13 goals in 32 league games, our 6ft4 wrecking ball, will spend a fair bit of time back to goal, being the springboard for our other outlets to feed into and then get lay offs, will try and bully this solid lesta defence.

Subs 65 mins

Raspadori > Doku

Tonali > Biscuits
JWP > Coutinho

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

____________Mendy
Trent____Matip____VVD___Cucurella
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Bernardo
Salah________Lewa________Son

SUBS: Shaw, Gundogan, Nmecha, Bentancur, Bowen, Llorente, Tomori

Captain: VVD
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent


The formation deployed today is so that we regain as much possession as possible higher up the pitch. We expect to have a fair portion of the ball so patience is key. Today we have pace all across the pitch. We also expect the four behind the striker to drift around a bit, getting into positions where their natural play can cause damage. The striker up front presses when we don’t have the ball and the entire team will support him cut passing lanes to help win the ball higher up. The quality of our players will allow us to break through the oppositions press. When we have the ball we will want to attract the press and use the spaces that they open up to attack.

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. Both fullbacks are our playmakers. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Both fullbacks will just keep hitting early crosses.

The DM will tactically astute in his positioning acting as a base and be in charge of driving our midfield forward. Our midfield will be flexible, if one of their midfielders steps forward, one of ours will move into the space they vacated. The DM will be the link between our defence, midfield, and forwards and because of the way he plays, he will draw the opponents forward towards him to attack the ball, pulling their team’s lines apart. This will create more spaces between the lines for our midfield and forward lines to move into. The right centre mid will be the more attacking one in his box to box role, closing down space and cutting passing lanes with his incredible energy and also driving the team forward. Playing alongside the DM will give him less areas of the pitch to cover, and shorter distance needed to win the ball back to start the next attack. Both centre mids will float between the lines during the attacking phase just behind our forwards.

Our wide forwards are space investigators and main goal threat. Drift into the crentre often to get into goal scoring positions.

If short passing options aren’t available the passing range and accuracy of our keeper will safely transfer the ball forwards via our full backs. The keeper can also dink the ball into space for the striker or wide forward to control taking out 6 or 7 opposition players in the process.

The striker’s main role will be to create space for the wide forwards. He will drop deep into a ten to drag defenders out and create space for our wide forwards to run into. This will tie into our quick short passing which is aimed at dragging their players out of position and create space between their lines. Our team will always recycle the ball to keep possession and to keep the ball moving. Salah (or whoever) will move into the striker position when the striker drops.

When we don’t have the ball we will expect our four behind the striker to drop into a 4-5-1 in support of our midfield. We will also create triangles to trap the opposition players that have the ball, cutting the passing lanes and others putting pressure on players that might receive the ball. We stop the oppositions rhythm and force them into mistakes with our pressure. To stop their counter attacks after we lose the ball, three players will swarm the ball carrier before he can get his head up to play. If they beat the immediate press when the team’s main goal is to push their play wide where they can do the least damage. Our midfielders are an integral part to our play, when we win the ball back we will create space and time for them with our team shape. There will be times when we are under the cosh and will have the option of deploying a bowl shaped 5 at the back, with the right centre mid dropping in to make closing down the opponents very effective.

Subs

70 mins: Gundogan comes on for Modric, our legs will start to tire, so will theirs, Gundogan will add box to box ability and energy late in the game.

75 mins: Bowen comes on for Salah, a different style of forward play for the opposition to think about.

If winning 80 mins: Llorente comes on for Bernardo to close out the game.

If losing/drawing 80 mins: Nmecha comes on for Bernardo and play 2 up front.

-------------------------- Bazanu --------------------------
-------- Skriniar --- Schlotterbeck --- Rudiger --------
Calabria ------ F.Kessie ------ Kovacic ------- Chilwell
--------------------------- Pogba ---------------------------
---------------- Nkunku --------- P.Schick ----------------

Alemdar, Mazraoui, H.Aouar, Soucek, Coman, J.David, A.Gouiri

When we don't have the ball, we will press high up the pitch, conceding very little space, Pogba in a free role will look to steal the ball within the attacking third and hopefully, quickly get it to those ahead of him. We do not give them any time on the ball and our front 2 prevent their defense hanging on to it too long or trying to play form the back as we pressurize 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 Pogba to go left and Nkunku right to push to that side again to close them down and support the wingbacks, lots of pace in the front three to get at players.

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

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

Skriniar and Rudiger, Cover the wingbacks when they have pushed forward and take the ball out of defense, 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 pressurized 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 in great form, He will press the opposition striker, when we lose the ball he needs to be on top of the CF very quickly, he must intercept everything, don't take any risks as the CF will also be on him so move it quickly when he gets it.
Calabria and Chilwell, must work very hard, they have great work rate but this must done for the whole game, get down the line, get the crosses in, two great forwards to aim for, don't worry so much about what's behind you as their is plenty cover, I don't mean forget your defense duties, just play with a bit of freedom, crosses, one-twos, cut backs and all with pace to hurt them.

Although Kessie's primary role in front of the defense is to control possession and then start an attacking phase, he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defense 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 responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for the front 3, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running he is expected to do and he does a lot. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks..

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

Nkunku I want to be making all the runs behind the defense, a tireless worker always making it hard for defenders, I want him to drift wide and pull defenders away, quick and skillful, look to move out to create an outlet for the wingbacks to use or indeed link with Pogba and Schick away on goal, he and Schick both fantastic in the air, so while they aim for Schick, Nkunku and Pogba will be making the late runs into the danger area and with a head start look to get up early and attack the crosses coming in. Again, really put the pressure on their back line, they are great going forward but today, pretty weak at the back, when defending I want Nkunku to push to the side the opposition are attacking from and drive the player down to stop the threat.

Schick, 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
Penalties - Schick/replacement
Free Kicks - Pogba
Corners - Nkunku

Subs -
Losing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Kovacic, he goes to LCF, Pogba drop back 343 attacking
73 Mins - J.David for Nkunku, Mazraoui for Calabria, fresh legs

Winning -
75 Mins - Soucek for Kovacic, a bit of steel into midfield, Pogba drop back to make a flat mid 5
83 Mins - Ramsey for Nkunku and drop in behind Schick

Drawing -
65 Mins - Gouiri for Nkunku, Aouar for Kovacic
75 Mins - Mazraoui for Calabria

Red Card
Bazanu - Alemdar for Nkunku
CB - Kehrer for Nkunku
WB - Mazraoui for Nkunku
Kessie - Soucek for Nkunku
Kovacic - Pogba drop in and Nkunku to free role
Pogba - Nkunku drop back
Up front - just go with one

Watford: League fixture 17 HOME to Brentford
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Ugarte

Team:
---------------Remiro
Mário------Tuta—Morato-----Angeliño
---------------Ugarte
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Henrique---------------------González
----------------Evanilson

SUBS: Grabara, Moura, Porozo, Alzate, Marcelino,, López

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

Goalkeeper: Remiro 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: Ugarte 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. Nunes and Otávio will play just in front of Ugarte. Nunes will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Otávio will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.

Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Henrique and González 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 Otávio, Nunes and Evanilson in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times Nunes may sit a bit deeper allowing Otávio to slot in between both wingers, just behind the CF. As well as an attacking force both wingers will also have to put a defensive shift when called upon and act as back up for their respective full backs.

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

Free Kicks/Corners: Nunes, González or Henrique with Tuta, Morato, Ugarte and Evanilson to offer an aerial threat. Otávio and González (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Evanilson

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Porozo for Morato, López for Evanilson and Giovani for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 70 minutes) Giovani for Nunes and López for Henrique. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. López and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

-------------Ugarte
Giovani---Otávio---González
-----Evanilson---López

4-2-2-2 Attack

We play an attacking side with a high tempo, taking the game to Chelsea. Simply, we want to control and pressure their defence into mistakes. They’re missing a couple defenders so he’ll have to pick Varane again and will be weakens at fb. The formation can seem bold but Benzema has the quality to drop between the lines and link the play, while Osimhen has the pace, strength and ridiculous work rate to make spaces for him and pull their defence all over the shop. Chelsea’s quality is in their main attackers and not their midfield, which is solid but not exciting, so makes no real difference.

It’s the high line of defence, pace up top to stretch the opposition, and the quality of the cbs and cms on the ball that are key to dominating possession, not numbers in midfield. So we go with same gameplan to control the game on the ball, but playing more direct than usual.

Our usual game is this attacking style, playing with a high line and looking to work attacking overloads in certain areas of the park (wide today) and using movement of players to create half spaces for our quality in attack to make the difference. This suits us perfectly, we deliberately have pacey cbs, whose ability on the ball is key for us to dominate and control the game (as you expect and need for real attacking possession football).

We simply look to score more than then, exploiting weaknesses in their defence. And making it hard for them to create by pushing their midfield deep.

On the ball, we’ll look to direct our attacks out wide. Get the fbs and wingers combining in attack, plenty crosses into the box. Rodri a dm, but has the quality on the ball while Barella has fantastic work rate and quality on the ball, importantly without an AM both cbs and both cms are excellent at switching the play and longer balls.

The two wingers look to stay wide in first two thirds of park, but with the fbs attacking the wingers have freedom to play central or wide in final third giving fluency to the play. Target the opposition cbs with pace, and get at them down the outside of cbs and inside of fbs where the fbs aren’t the strongest defensively.

The organisation of a team's play and the inter-linking between the individual blocks is simpler using 4-2-2-2. more refined and more objective. The distances players have to cover is less, and things happen faster. With a single pass from midfield there can be somebody near the ball close to the opponent's goal.

The even distribution of players across the pitch tends to lend itself to players being unmarked at the moment possession is won back, opening the potential for an instant attack.

We play to bypass the opposition midfield, getting numbers in attack to target their defence, and to target the space behind their midfield.

When the direct attacks breakdown, the whole team should have moved up the park, with defence playing a high line allow us to recycle possession and build from the back again, or being in shape to win the ball back quickly.

One full back will have freedom to bomb down the wing at a time, linking with the wide midfielder and crossing for the front two. The overlapping fb, wingers with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations as we get forward quickly.

—————————————- Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Alaba —— Theo.H
——————————— Rodri —— Barella
— Sterling ———————————————— Neymar —
————————— Benzema —— Osimhen

Subs. Henderson, Gvardiol, Vitinha, Mount, J.Felix, Gnabry, Lautaro

High press defence

The front two have fantastic work rates (Osimhen really, but Benzema is clever with his pressing) and will work together as the first block. The two attacking mids will defend behind making a defensive box. Their cbs are t great on ball so force them into mistakes.

Once the opposition get past this box press, the team drop to take a slightly deep line when the opposition have the ball. We allow them to retain possession in areas they can’t hurt us. We defend in a compact unit two lines of four. Benzema and Osimhen drop in between the oppositions defenders and midfielders in front of the cms one on each side. In advanced areas we always seek to have two players pressing the ball.

As we drop deeper the wingers drop in wide of cms in a line of four, we defend deeper in these two compact lines of four, no space between the lines. Osimhen then sits on their deepest Cm, simply take him out the game. This ensures they don’t outnumber us in the centre of midfield in areas they can hurt us.

The back 4 defend narrow on the side the opposition are attacking. Remove any space for their wide forwards to operate in. A winger and Barella to press the play, leaving Rodri goal side zonal guarding cbs. If they seek to go back and switch the play we move over as a unit.

Marquinhos the defensive leader at the back, he man marks, Alaba with the intelligence and pace to cover, or picks up 2nd striker if they go with 2. The full backs always seek to push their wide players out wide, don’t allow them inside.

Subs.

If winning after 70 mins bring on Mount for Osimhen. 4-2-3-1.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Sterling. Fresh pace.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Felix for Neymar. Energy and fresh pace, Benzema stays on as he’s the best player in the world.

If drawing after 70 mins bring on Felix for Osimhen. Help us dominate possession more and create.
If drawing after 75 mins bring on Gnabry for Sterling, fresh pace.
If drawing after 80 mins bring on Mount for Barella.

If losing after 60 mins bring on Felix for Theo. 3-5-2.
If losing after 70 mins bring on Mount for Barella.
If losing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Osimhen.