Watford (Away to Leeds) Week 19
Captain: Grabara
Vice Captain: Quarta
------------------Grabara
Mário------Tuta---Quarta----Angeliño
------------Palhinha---Nunes
-------------------Correa
Ocampos-----------------------González
--------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Maripán, Walace, Alzate, Otávio, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Grabara 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 (Palhinha). 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 (Nunes). 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 Correa 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’, Nunes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Correa 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 Ocampos 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 Correa, Nunes 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 Nunes may sit a bit deeper allowing Correa 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: Correa, Ocampos or González with Tuta, Quarta and Nunes to offer an aerial threat. Correa, Nunes and González may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, González, Palhinha
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Maripán for Quarta, Otávio for Ocampos and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Nunes with Otávio and Ocampos with Evanilson. 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.
----------------Palhinha
Otávio ------- Correa----------González
----------Evanilson---Núñez
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
Mazraoui ----- Skriniar ----- Rudiger ----- B.Chilwell
----------- Kovacic ---- Kante ---- P.Pogba ------------
----- Nkunku ---------- Schick ---------- A.Gouiri -----
Bazanu, Bremer, Saul, Ramsey, J.David, Guedes, Bynoe-Gittens
Quick pasings and moving into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four/five with Schick harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Kante along with Kova and Pogba we are solid in the middle & the front 3 further up the pitch in the center as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
mazraoui and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. 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 and 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
Kovacic and Pogba 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. Pogba will do a lot of running as the main box to box mid, whilst Kovacic will 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 Gouiri 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 Nkunku can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Mazraoui and Schick, 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 Pogba/Kovacic 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 - Pogba
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Kovacic 442
75 Mins - Guedes for Chilwell to LM, Bynoe Gittens for Gouiri and to RM, Mazraoui ro RCB, Nkunku up top in an attacking 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Saal for Kovacic, more energy, Guedes for Gouiri
83 Mins - Bynoe Gittens for Nkunku
Drawing -
65 Mins - Guedes for Gouri, Bynoe Gittens for Kovacic he goes to RW, Nkunku to No.10
75 Mins - J.David for Schick
------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
J.Cancelo ---- Kalidou ---- Romero ---- Robertson
------------ Fr. de Jong ----- Declan Rice -----------
------------------------ F.Vieira ------------------------
--- Mbappe ------------------------------- R. Leao ---
----------------------- Dembele ------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, N.Mendes, Bellingham, F.Wirtz, Ferran, D.Malen
We take the game to the opposition we are at home so fancy our chances.
We play possession football as usual, especially the midfield where we want to 'try' dominate them which of course will be difficult, they will be on top at times so we need to remain calm and focused and push them, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there which 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 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the main CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Kalidou spare picks up the AM/SS 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 opposition 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.
Our 'boring' midfield consists of 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. de Jong is our deep lying playmaker, he is class, I dont care what anyone says, he 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. Our new boy Fabio Vieira or the assist king is essential to our style of play, he gets a free role today, I want him to drag his marker around the pitch which will hopefully create space for others to move into, 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, either a defense splitting pass through the middle or lay it on to them as they make the run away from the markers, 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, Mbappe and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Vieira more time and space to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to the in form Moussa Dembele 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 Dembele, we must always make sure Dembele is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.
Captain - Declan Rice
Free Kicks - F.Vieira/Wirtz
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Mbappe
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Bellingham for de Jong, Ferran for Leao(switch with Mbappe) change it up a little, fresh legs
Losing
75 Mins - Malen for Vieira, he goes left, Mbappe up top 442
Drawing -
75 Mins - Wirtz for Vieira
Winning -
75 Mins - Bellingham for Vieira and to the left of Rice , Mendes for Leao
85 Mins - Ferran for Dembele, switch with Mbappe
ARSENAL vs. Liverpool
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi —-- Stones --- Gabiel —-- Tierney
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------- Guimaraes --- Fabian R -----------
B. Saka -------- Abraham --------- D. Jota
Subs: Onana, Tapsoba, Xhaka, Maddison, Mahrez, Dybala, Aubameyang
A big game today against a good Liverpool side, but one we feel we can get something from. We’ve decided to freshen up the side a little and give the opposition new challenges to think about, but also reward those who are excelling for their clubs and create competition in this squad. We’ve selected a very quick and strong front three today to stretch the Liverpool defence and create room for our technically excellent midfield trio to dominate.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Stones - Stones has top level experience and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Liverpool today. 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 Liverpool shape and create chaos.
Gabiel – Gabiel possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Stones, offers a great platform for us to build from. Gabriel also has an Arsenal connection around him in Tierney and Partey to help with chemistry.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Liverpool can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Tierney can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack, allowing Ruiz more freedom to play as a playmaker.
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 Liverpool.
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 Jota 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. He will be the box to box man today.
Saka – Saka, a player we know can make the difference with his pace and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with Abraham in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Saka cut inside to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Jota - Jota is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and he will also look to combine well with Abraham, playing one-twos and getting in advance positions, like he does so well at club level - a real poacher and instinctive finisher in and around the box.
Abraham – Abraham gets the nod today. He’s on fire in Serie A and Europe and his physical qualities will be useful today for us to win our battles. He’s no slouch himself, but he also has plenty of pace around him in wide areas, so this front three will seriously stretch Liverpool’s defence, thus creating room for our midfield three to dominate.
Subs on 60 - Aubameyang (or Barnes if winning) and Dybala for Jota and Abraham
Sub on 70 - Maddison for Guimaeres
IF red card subs
If keeper - Onana for Bruno G - 441
If defender - Tapsoba for Bruno G 441 - if its a FB, Stones go to FB, Tapsoba CB
If midfielder - no change, 441
If striker - no change, Saka/Jota as wide mids/fwds
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Injuries
Jeremy Doku
Jamie Vardy
Joe Gomez
Nathan Ake
A precursor to the Cup Final, my run of eleventy million straight defeats to Jet has to come to an end at some point. I mean is there really any point us playing, Arsenal have the best XI in the world and to a man they have the best player in every single position.
We expect JET to continue with his 4-3-3, lets face it, why change a winning a formula?
we’ll go 4-4-2 diamond, we can control the centre of the pitch our midfield is better than his. Take the sting out of his side and dictate the pace and tempo of this game.
…………………………………………jose Sa…………………………….
Trippier…………….Bonucci…………..Botman…………..zinchenko
……………………………………….Busquets…………………………………
……………………………Tonali……………..JWP……………………
……………………………………….Greasy…………………………………..
…………………………Scamacca…………….Icardi…………………………..
Subs: Kasper, Schuurs, Henderson, Coutinho, Neto, Kelechi, Mukiele
The side we’ve put out has all the core ingredients to get us over the line this afternoon, from Jose Sa who statistically is the best keeper in the Prem this season t our dynamic little and large duo up-top.
We want possession heavy football today, no need to lump the ball downfield aimlessly it’s all about control, let Arsenal tire themselves out before we pick them off.
Sa is a great keeper, a great modern style keeper that’s comfortable with the ball in to feet, needs to just slow down sometimes and take his time.
Trippier and Zinchenko are great technical footballers will need to get downfield today to give us some width, but as discussed previously they can hit scorching 50 yard balls when needs be, so IF Arsenal press too heavily that isn’t a bad secondary option to have. Defensively just standard fodder, show the man the line don’t dive in.
Bonucci and Botman are a great duo, they cover each others weaknesses well, Bonucci has all that guile and craftiness that comes as standard for an Italian defender, the fact it’s honed in over a decade of playing alongside Chiellini makes it all the more potent, alongside him is the elegant Dutchman Botman, he’s so much more than just a 6ft4 lump. Whilst the physical nature of a CB is a great bonus the fact he’s comfortable on the ball and is left-footed makes him a true gem.
those two at CB can more than handle anything that Arsenal have to offer.
The midfield diamond is the perfect set-up yes it’s narrow but that’s ok Arsenal play with a narrow midfield 3 so it’s not like we’re getting battered out-wide, and their two wingers are streaky players, when they’re on it they are deadly but as yet they don’t have that consistency to their game to go and dominate week in, week out.
Biscuits is the enforcer, there isn’t anything in the game he’s not won. We make it easy for him by giving him runners, all he has to do is mop up and pull the strings from the deep, people make out he’s past it but he’s still only 33 he’s got loads left in the tank as shown by his 36 league appearances this season for Barca, with him sitting there’s no easy ball into the feet of the striker from this Arsenal midfield, which means they’ll have to go the aerial route and then a jumping contest between striker and Botman is no gimme in their favour, and guess who mops up the secondary ball any way, yup Biscuits.
Just ahead of him sit Sandro-T and JWP, two absolute ballers, both will go B2B, the technique our middle 3 possess means that with our natural triangle/diamond shape we have the passing routes to absolutely monster this Arsenal midfield, pass pass pass pass, they won’t get the ball until they have to kick off after we score. Tonali and JWP are both decent defensively as well so will be terrier like in the engine room, they man mark an Arsenal midfielder each, yes that leaves one unmarked granted but if he has no easy pass to go to he’ll have to go longer and that’s literally Biscuits cup of tea.
Greasy Jack is the #10, given the freedom to roam today will enjoy linking our midfield and strikers, he has all the attributes to be a great SS, can finish, can run with the ball and pick a pass, will give Party absolute nightmares trying to track him.
historically the best sides thrived with two up-top, and traditionally it was big man, little man. So we have 6ft5 Scammaca and 5ft9 Icardi. Both are top level finishers but their attributes complement each other beautifully. Scammaca will use that powerful frame to bully the Arsenal defence, pull them out of position and create the spaces for Icardi to be a dead eyed button man, tough couple of seasons for Mauro but he’s shown enough in the past that this lad is deadly.
Subs
dependant on red card being against me…. If it’s one of the strikers then we stay 1 up top…. Any other position Icardi makes way for the obvious option off the bench.
70 mins – Coutinho > Greasy
MAN UNITED Vs Spurs
----------------------------------Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------Upamecano--------Sessegnon
---------------------------------- Douath ------------------------------------
----------------- Valverde -------------- Camavinga ----------------------
------------------------------- Kulusevski -----------------------------------
-----------------Adeyemi -------------- Martinelli -----------------
Subs - Mamardashvili, PM Sarr, Gallagher, De Ketelaere, Raphinha, Gakpo, Rashford
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KULU
FK'S - KULU
PENALTIES - MARTINELLI
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 + Sessegnon
Aarons 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 crosses/low crosses into the box for our strikers to attack. 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 + Camavinga
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.
Camavinga 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
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 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 Camavinga aswell to play RM to offer more defensive stability on the wings. Bring on De Ket for Adeyemi, who 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/Martinelli will make lung busting runs from deep to offer support.
---------------------------------- Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------ Upamecano -----------Sesseg
----------------- Sarr ----- Douath -------Valverde---------------------
Raphinha---------------------------------------------------------Martinelli
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- 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 Gallagher for Camavinga 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 ------------ Gallagher ---------------------
Raphinha--------------Adeyemi--------Martinelli-------------Gakpo
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gallagher on for Camavinga
De Ket on for Adeyemi
Fresh legs.
Chelsea vs WOLVES
Injuries:
Max Kilman
Lorenzo Insigne
Marco Asensio
Etienne Green
I always enjoy games against Fan’s Chelsea, whilst I lose more often than not, for years his side has been the benchmark and it’s good to test yourself against the best, we expect Fan to go 4-3-3 he nearly always does, so we’re going 4-2-3-1 will look to negate him for as long as we can and see how the cards fall.
………………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Carvajal………………..Konate………………Bastoni…………..F.Mendy
…………………………….Kroos……………….Bissouma…………………..
Ronaldo……………………………Pulisic……………………………Mane
…………………………………………..Vlahovic……………………………
Subs: Pickford, Spinazzola, De Vrij, Locatelli, Brahim, Firmino, D.Luiz
Taking boring to extreme levels today at Stamford bridge as the two dullest midfields in the league collide, should be an interesting game that comes down to fine margins, form, home adv, goat status it all goes against us. But in tight games you need certified match-winners and what we have in Ronaldo, Mane and Dusan are 3 top top goalscorers (58 league goals between them this season) you’re always going to be in with a chance.
We’re not going to be possession based today, we know Fan will wanna come out and spank us and that means his players are going be right up for this, and when that’s the case we need to stay calm, accept he’ll have the lions share of the ball, so we’ll be docile, sit in and let him come. Chelsea will be “feeling” the game, and will start to sit higher up the pitch, allow their FB’s to encroach higher all the time we sit and withstand the pressure…. But as they advance they will invariably leaves gaps in the back-line and it’s at these moments we spring forward, we harry the ball and hit them on the counters, Ronaldo and Mane are absolutely rapid, Pulisic is really quick too, you can’t afford to give these three a head start and we isolate their defensive players, we have finishers in this side and we will punish Chelsea for turnover ball.
If we score first, we know Chelsea will come back at us, but they will also know that we can and will punish them if they hand the ball over, puts them in a predicament really of how far forward to advance knowing Ronaldo-Dusan-Mane are waiting for our ball downfield to exploit.
It’s all well and good having a top strike-force but it needs to be backed up by a strong defensive unit, especially when I need them to soak up a tonne of pressure.
Gigi Donnarumma is a great young keeper, mad that at just 23 he’s already got 42 caps for Italy, and 285 games under his belt for Milan and PSG, big imposing figure that will dominate his box, you’re not going to enjoy baring down on his goal with him rushing out to meet you.
Carvajal and Ferland are an actual unit, they know each others games and they compliment each other perfectly, Both first choice full-backs at Madrid and now play alongside each other in WV1, will alternate who goes and who sits in the final third but in the early stages of the attack they will both go to the halfway line.
Konate and Bastoni are an imposing pairing, big and strong but both decent on the ball, I said we needed to soak up pressure and these two are perfect for that role, there’s nothing that Fans farmers league superstars can throw at them that’ll scare them. Mbappe is clearly a top player but he’s still just one man, and will still be hacked down like any other.
Infront of this impregnable wall of a defence we have le piece de resistance, the world greatest, boring midfield that is also one hell of an effective shield, Bissouma is a weapon of mass destruction he’ll sit as the DM today and man mark whoever Fan puts in as his AM, shut him down on his touch and stop him being an outlet. Alongside him we have Kroos, who will be a bit of a hybrid today a ball playing anchor man, will get his foot stuck in to the opposition but will then have that composure to get the ball down and moving forwards.
Ronaldo may be slowing down with time but he’s still scoring goals a plenty, so he’ll start inside right, look to operate in the spaces between LB and LCB, he knows Dusan will win most aerial battles so will be expecting the knock-ons, if you get CR7 in a 1v1 with the keeper you expect it to be nestled in the back of the net. His sheer presence on the pitch makes his teammates more confident.
Mane on the left flank has had a great season, quick and very direct, we want him as a traditional winger, pegging back the RB and looking to draw fouls, anything that drops loose in and around the box is comfortably his range for a pop at goal.
Pulisic is the ten today, another fast direct player, will drop deep to collect the ball, and surge forward with it, as the Chelsea bodies come to him he can offload to our front-three , we should get a fair few opportunities today to punish the Chels.
Vlahovic as a our focal, big and strong enough to get joy out of the Chelsea defence and act as a spring board for our attacks, but hes not just a target man, we want him laying it off before spinning his man and getting in the box to attack any crosses or loose balls.
Subs 65 mins
Firmino > Pulisic
Locatelli > Bissouma
Spina > Ferland
Manchester City v BRENTFORD
----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Saint-Maximin
-----------------------Broja
Subs: Simón, Salisu, Ampadu, Stach, Djuricic, Baumgartner, Lucca
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Berardi/Koopmeiners
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.
High press 3-5-2
We go with an attacking team full of pace and power, built on a strong defence. A side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.
We look to overload their defence, attack the areas outside their cbs and getting at their fbs, to get in behind using our pace in attack and creativity from the middle.
Our formation allows us to play quick direct football, Bastoni setting the tempo from the back, two defensive midfielders in front giving the attacking 5 freedom in attack. An attacking formation, but with fantastic pace in the back 3, and the defensive midfield pairing in front against a front 3 that like to come inside we are well suited to come up against their attack. Ndidi sits as the defensive midfielder, sweeping up in front of the back 3, giving Kante freedom to go and press all over the park, and be at his best, keeping it simple in possession.
Class big man little man front two, Schick the perfect for the big man with a big touch cliche, playing on the last defender looking to take it in and link up, but more importantly getting in the box and on the end of crossed from the wide men. Nkunku given a free role to play off Schick, has pace to get beyond the Wolves back line, and ability to get deep/wide and create.
A natural left footer on the left giving us width, loves a cross from Schick and great at early crosses which will suit the pace and movement of Nkunku. On the right Raphinha, who stays wide initially when we win the ball but has freedom to come inside in final third, same as how he plays for Leeds.
Free role for Pogba in am, two dms behind giving him freedom to get best out of him.
We play with a mid line to allow us to press high enough without leaving too much space behind, they play with a big man up top, and have pace out wide, but we have great pace and strength at the back, so focus on putting pressure on them and winning the ball high up the park.
We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wingers will have absolute freedom to attack, bombing down the wings, crossing for the front two and coming inside to give us extra players in the box. We will always leave one more defender than they have attacker, i.e if one striker we keep 2 cbs back, with Ndidi in front. This gives one cb (Bastoni) freedom to drift forward and help the attack, overlapping if it’s on.
We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Wolves to play in. Defending in the 3-5-2 shape we look to defend high up the park, as they push up the park the team narrows to the side they are attacking. Ndidi sitting zonally in front of defence as Kante and Pogba press the ball and central passing lane. The wingers on side of play look to defend - against any attacking fbs on side of play or to pick up a dm if no fbs. Nkunku had great work rate so he also looks to press.
The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for any attacking mids.
When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the pace of our wide players bombing forward linking with the forwards to create.
———————————— Martinez —————————
————— Varane ——- Rudiger —— Bastoni ———
————————— Ndidi ———— Kante —————
Raphinha ——————— Pogba ——————— M.Diaby
————————— Nkunku —— Schick ————————
Subs. Bazanu, Bassey, Mazraoui, Guerreiro, Kovacic, Terrier, Correa
Defence
When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Wolves a chance to counter. 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, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
When they get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Rudiger acts as sweeper, the other two cbs defend zonally going man for man when opposition forwards in their zone. If overloaded Ndidi can drop to cb, also going man for man if needed. If opposition players drop deep or out wide to opposite side of play we let them run free, defend the goal and pressing the ball as a well drilled unit. If they’re too far away from goal they can’t hurt us.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Kovacic for Kante. Fresh energy and more control/creativity against tired legs.
After 70 mins also bring on Terrier for Raphinha. Right footer on the right, and fresh pace, width and early crosses.
If red for a cb, bring on Bassey for Nkunku. Bassey lcb.
If a cm. Nkunku drops to AM
If a winger Nkunku moves to the wing.
If Schick, Nkunku plays as striker.
Comment deleted by Article Creator
Wirtz injuried so will change
------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
J.Cancelo ---- Kalidou ---- Romero ---- Robertson
------------ Fr. de Jong ----- C.Nørgaard ------------
------------------------ F.Vieira -------------------------
-- Mbappe ---------------------------------- R. Leao --
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, N.Mendes, Bellingham, J.Ramsay, Ferran, A.Gouiri
We take the game to the opposition we are away to Leeds but there form is dreadful and now must be favourites to go down, so we fancy our chances.
We play possession football as usual, especially the midfield where we want to 'try' dominate them with two good ball players in de Jong and Norgaard, which of course will be difficult, they will be on top at times so we need to remain calm and focused and push them, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there which 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 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the main CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Kalidou spare picks up the AM/SS 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 opposition 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 Norgaard sitting back.
Norgaard is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, he 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, stats show he is in the top 5 in the PL for winning the ball back so a good game for him to show his worth, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong is our deep lying playmaker, he will help stop the run of play with Norgaard 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. Fabio Vieira is essential to our style of play, he gets a free role today, not sure if Leeds will even turn up but I want him to drag his marker around the pitch which will hopefully create space for others to move into, 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, either a defense splitting pass through the middle or lay it on to them as they make the run away from the markers, 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, Mbappe and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Vieira 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 - Kalidou
Free Kicks - F.Vieira/Wirtz
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - A.Gouiri for Leao, Ferran for Vieira, we go 442 with Gouiri and ferran wide and Mbappe going up top with Haaland
Losing -
75 Mins - Jacob Ramsey for Robertson, Cancelo to LCB, Ramsay to No.10 a very attacking 3232
Drawing -
75 Mins - Ramsay for Vieira
Winning -
75 Mins - Bellingham for Vieira slot to the left of Norgaard
83 Mins - Mendes for Leao
Attacking 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace, to take the game to Brentford and attack them down the wings.
The Brentford side, like to play with a double pivot and get their cbs forward, so we aim to overload these wide areas, expose the space left by their fbs and drag their cbs and dms out of position.
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 more easily, by having options to pass back to. The wingers play high and wide, stretching the game and creating space in the middle of the park for our central midfield trio. With the quality, and players we have we look to dominate the midfield and simply create more chances, more chances more goals.
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 Thiago have a mean cross from deep
We see the oppositions weakness being at fb, they are usually told to attack leaving space behind, and defensively we think we can exploit them in one on ones. Look to use the pace of Sterling and Neymar to get at their fbs and in between the fbs and cbs. Our fbs both look to attack and get on the overlap, giving us good numbers in the box.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 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 Benzema is the in form player in world football. We look to take advantage of this by creating as much as possible.
———————————— Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Alaba —— Theo.H
————————— Rodri —— Thiago
——————————-— Barella
Sterling ———————————————— Neymar
——————————— Benzema
Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Goretzka, Mount, B.Fernandes, Felix, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Militao the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Barella just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Brentford are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we 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 Brentford get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Attack
Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs offering cover in the midfield for both fbs to attack, Thiago deep playmaker. And Barella freedom to attack.
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 Benzema.
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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Goretzka for Barella.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Vanderson for Sterling.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Benzema.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Barella. 4-2-2-2.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Thiago. Power and goals.
If drawing or losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Sterling.
------------------- Ederson --------------------
B.Pavard -- Araujo --- P.Torres -- Serg Dest
------------ Fabinho --- R.Neves -------------
---- L.Messi --- De Bruyne --- G.Jesus -----
------------------ K.Havertz -------------------
Subs:
Sanchez, Garcia, Tchouaméni, Dembele, Sancho, Werner, Lukaku
We look to move the ball at speed as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win.
Our DM & CM pivot will marshall the middle of the park allowing De Bruyne free reign in the #10 role. He will be flanked by Messi and Jesus who both offer goal threats out wide with Havertz playing through the middle. Providing that blend of pace, power and trickery as we look to cause their defence plenty of problems.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Torres will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Araujo will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. He’ll be sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
In Pavard we have one of the best defensive fullbacks in the business. He’ll sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field, see your man down the line and don’t let him cut inside. On the other flank we have the more adventurous Sergino Dest, he has license to push forward, when doing so Pavard slots in as a third CB ensuring we always have plenty of cover defensively. Dest will provide width which in turn allows Jesus to push up alongside Havertz as we look to overwhelm their defence with our attacking quality.
Midfield:
Fabinho will be our main holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line.
He combines perfectly with the the technical brilliance of Neves. A delightful player his passing ability will allow us to dictate the tempo of the game as he links up with KDB. Alongside Fabinho he gives us a big man/small man combo with both players equally adept at breaking down the opposition as we look to dominate the middle of the park. They will protect the defence and get in the face of the opposition. We look to set the tempo and these two will be the catalyst, dispossess the opposition, get the ball to our playmakers and wreak havoc at the other end.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and let him work his magic in the final third.
Messi and Jesus give us a dual threat on the flanks. Leo 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.
In Gabriel Jesus we one of the most exciting attackers around with his confidence sky high he’ll look to be direct. Use his pace and fantastic movement to get himself in goalscoring position’s with the Brazilian full of energy and a real nightmare match up for the oppositions full back. He and Messi will both be looking to feed off Havertz link up whilst the service of KDB should see us create plenty of chances as we go for goals.
With a dream supply line around him we expect Havertz to thrive through the middle. A player that is really beginning to shine 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 Jesus 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: Jesus off, Dembele on. Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
80 mins: Havertz off, Lukaku on.
If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Fabinho off, Lukaku on. Two up top.
75 mins: Havertz & Dest off, Sancho & Dembele on. 3-4-3.
WOLVES vs Man City
Well we welcome Rof into the away dug-out for his second spell of the season in charge of City. Will be interesting to see how Rof lines them up after a busy transfer flurry, what we do know is that they have one of the strongest collections of Centre-backs in the league now and in Ndidi and Kante a formidable looking centre-mid combo. But we have a fair amount of talent too so we’ll go continue with the 4-2-3-1 and see how the cards fall.
Injuries:
Max Kilman
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Yves Bissouma
Marco Asensio
……………………………………………Donnarumma……………………………….
Carvajal……………………Bremer…………………..Konate…………….Ferland
…………………………………….Jorginho………..Kessie…………………………….
Chiesa……………………………………….Insigne……………………………Pulisic
…………………………………………………Vlahovic………………………………………….
Subs: Pickford, Spinazzola, De Vrij, Kroos, Bissouma, Ronaldo, Daka
Lost a couple of big players in Bastoni and Mane this week, but our midfield is stronger for it, add in that Bremer is probably the best CB in Serie A this season and Chiesa is an absolute baller.
Rof traditionally likes his sides to be a heavy pressing side and we expect that to be the case today as well. So with that in mind we want some slick one touch passing, get the ball down and move it on. Turn this City side and getting them running back towards to their own goal
Gigi, will play his normal game, just keep it simple no need to try anything extravagant just aim for a clean sheet.
Carvajal and Mendy, will be our wider outlets as our wingers are more inside forwards, will get down the line and look to whip in some crosses for Dusan to attack.
Bremer and Konate are an intimating duo, this may just be the first time in my entire SG career I don’t have a single Italian in my defence. Anything aerially I expect these boys to snaffle up, Konate the first man and Bremer to deal with mopping up duties. Ball to feet keep it simple, we don’t do passing across our own area that’s a madness, so it goes forwards into our midfield, or goes long over the press and into our wingers.
Jorgy and Kessie should be a solid pivot. Jorgy has all the range and engine needed to thread the ball through or over the City press, cool calm and collected, he’ll make us tick, not physically strong but he puts his foot in and get us the ball back, Alongside him is Franck the Tank. A pure beast that will go B2B, chips in with his fair share of goals from midfield and has the physical attributes to shut down Kante or atleast limit his effectiveness, if we can win this midfield battle then we can win the game.
The Three AM’s are interchangeable, so whilst nominally its Chiesa on the right, Insigne in the middle and Pulisic on the left, but we want them drifting and changing positions, making it harder for Cities midfield to cover the runs, all 3 are brilliantly technically but their big strengths are surging runs with ball to feet, and it’s that which makes them most dangerous as they look to glide into the box, I want all three of them getting in the box supporting Dusan as we want to try and create the overloads as close to goal as possible.
Big Bad Dusan leads the line, great all round powerhouse striker, will look isolated at times but we’ll get bodies in and around him to feed the chances he needs to pull the trigger, we don’t want him pulling wide or dropping deep lookin for the ball, he stays as high as the defensive line allows him too, we need him to make dummy runs and come back occupying the defence as best as he can.
Subs 65 mins
Ronaldo > Dusan
Bissouma > Kessie
Kroos > Jorgy
Watford: League fixture 20 HOME to Liverpool
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Palhinha
Team:
----------- ------Remiro
Mário-------Tuta—Ibañez------Angeliño
------------------Palhinha
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Ocampos---------------------------Correa
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Grabara, Moura, Quarta, Walace, Alzate, Edwards, 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: Palhinha 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 Palhinha. 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 Ocampos and Correa 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Nunes, Correa or Ocampos with Tuta, Ibañez, Palhinha and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Otávio and Correa (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Quarta for Ibañez, López for Núñez and Edwards for Ocampos, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Edwards for Nunes and López for Ocampos. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. López and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Palhinha
Edwards---Otávio---Correa
---------Núñez---López
ARSENAL (H) vs. Man Utd
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi —-- Stones --- Kounde —-- Tierney
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------------- SMS ------- Ruiz ---------------
Mahrez —-------- Dybala —-------- D. Jota
Subs: Raya, Tapsoba, Bruno G, Paqueta, Smith Rowe, Alvarez, Abraham
A big game in our top 3 chase. A home game so the crowd will be with us and we will be pushing for the three points. SMS in to strengthen our midfield, a cog I’ve been trying to source for some time.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Kounde – Kounde possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Stones, offers a great platform for us to build from. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Hakimi that protection needed to get forward.
Stones - Stones has top level experience and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Man Utd today. Reads the game incredibly well. His technical ability on the ball will be a real asset to spring tactical diagonal balls - this will break the Man Utd shape and create chaos.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Man Utd can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Tierney can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack, allowing Ruiz more freedom to play as a playmaker.
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 Man Utd.
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 Jota on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.
SMS - SMS is one of the most on-form midfielders in Europe right now, tenacious presence and engine in the middle and has managed double figures in both goals and assists. With Ruiz playing as a deep lying playmaker and Partey as the number 6 octopus, he has that chance to make a difference in the final third more. He is perfect in a three man midfield system like this.
Mahrez – Mahrez, a player we know can make the difference with his technical quality and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with Dybala in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Mahrez cut inside as he does with such quality to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Jota - Jota is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and he will also look to combine well with Dybala, playing one-twos and getting in advance positions, like he does so well at club level - a real poacher and instinctive finisher in and around the box.
Dybala – Dybala gets the nod today. A technical player that can slip into midfield to link play and allow the wingers to get in as wide strikers. Both wide players are top finsihers so he seems the right striker and final piece of the puzzle for us today. There’s serious competition for that striker role though so he has to keep performing at a high level.
Subs on 60 - BrunoG and Smith Rowe for Ruiz and Jota
Sub on 70 - Abraham for Dybala
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
------------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Ødegaard-----Baumgartner---Saint-Maximin
--------------------------Broja
Subs: van Sas, Salisu, Ampadu, Latimer, Vale, Ibrahimovic, Lucca
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners/Ødegaard
Penalties: Koopmeiners
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 Martin Ødegaard, Christoph Baumgartner 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 Martin Ødegaard and Allan Saint-Maximin, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Christoph Baumgartner, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Baumgartner 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 Odegaard, 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
Ibrahimovic on for Broja
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.
LEEDS Vs Chelsea
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Kane-------------------------------Mane
Subs - Meslier, White, Pellegrini, Depay, Isak
CAPTAIN - KANE
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - KANE
I have taken over this team called 'Dirty Leeds' but the ethos of the club will now be to play good attacking football so we can rid the curse of the 'dirty' from our history.
The tactics today will be to press the oppo and not give them time on the ball. I want us to try to recover the ball as soon we lose it. So for 5 seconds after we lose possession I want the 2 closest players to the ball to relentlessly press the player who has the ball. If we can't get the ball back within that time I want you to slow down and conserve your energy. Get into a well balanced defensive shape and just try and intercept balls/put tackles in to win the ball back.
Defence
We have Manuel Neuer in net, the original sweeper keeper. Often imitated, never bettered. If you wanna sweep than you will be given permission to sweep! Don't forget to save any shots coming at ya tho!
Skriniar and Laporte are two top level CB's. I want one of them to stick close to the oppo striker while the other will mark any runners that try and play off of him. Put tackles in, hoof the ball out if need be, just defend!
Full backs
Walker + L Hernandez
What we have here are 2 experienced fullbacks who are blessed with the pace and athletic ability to help out both in attack and defence. Your both are adapt at defending so you should know what the oppo wingers will do. You need to stop them cutting inside and getting shots and crosses into the box. Don't let them play off of your shoulders as they will try and get behind you and past you. Use your strength to get in front of them to win the ball back. Attacking wise I want them to get some crosses into the box as Kane is a threat in the air. You will be helping our wingers by making overlapping runs. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Renato will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Centre Mids
Renato Sanches + Goretzka
Renato will be the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. When we don't have the ball I want him to drop deep into DM and try and intercept balls and put in tackles to win the ball back.
Goretzka will have a similar but different role to Renato today. He will be given freedom to attack like Renato from deep but he will have a more attacking role. Goretzka is a long shot specialist so if the ball is played out to him and he's within a shootable distance then shoot. I want him to make late runs into the oppo box as well from time to time and try and win the aerial headers as he is a tall lad and known for his aerial ability. When defending you can drop deep and act as an extra body in DM. When Hazard drifts over to the LW and Mane drifts infield next to Kane I want Goretzka to become the AM and do your magic from there.
Attack Mid
Eden Hazard
Hazard will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Kane up front. Look out for the runs of our wingers so you can thread dangerous through balls to them. Make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity. Whenever Mane drifts infield I want you to go over to the LW side to mix things up a bit.
Wingers
Antony + Mane
Antony will look to cut in from the right and use his pace and flair to create a shooting chance for him to unleash his thunderous left foot. Use Walker as an overlap whenever you can and always try and time your runs off of the shoulders of the oppo LB. If you find some space on the byline try and pull the ball back to one of our attackers so he can bury one in.
Mane will be given freedom to attack. Time your runs to perfection off of the oppo RB and use your pace to get away from him. Drift infield from time to time to act as a central support for Kane so you can interplay with each other with quick pass and go's to confuse the oppo defence. When Infront of goal your a deadly finisher so if you have space shoot. Use Hernandez as an overlap if you need to if your getting double teamed by the oppo.
Striker
Harry Kane
The best striker in the prem and one of the best in the world. This guy is a bonafide killer upfront 11 times out of 10 if he shoots it's a goal. The oppo have some good CB's but Kane fears no man. Time your runs and play off of their 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 ruthlessness and decisiveness to get into good positions away from oppo defenders and smash home any balls played into the box. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your big head ability to win the aerial duels. Hold the ball up whenever you can so our attackers can make runs forward and you can thread one of your patented Kane Special Passes to them.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Hazard and put on White to give the defence even more protection. Isak on for Kane to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker------Skriniar------White------Laporte-------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Isak-------------------------------Mane
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Renato and put on Depay in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
----------------------------------Gortezka----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony----------------Kane-------------Depay------------------Mane
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Depay on for Antony
Isak on for Kane
MAN UNITED Vs arsenal
-------------------------------Gulasci---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Camavinga-----Valverde-------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Madueke-----Adeyemi------Martinelli---------------
Subs - Mamard., Badiashile, Gallagher, Gakpo, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - MADUEKE
FK'S - MARTINELLI
PENALTIES - ADEYEMI
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
WINGBACKS
Aarons and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter..
Defence Mids
Valverde + Camavinga
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Both of these have the engine to easily last the 90 minutes. Camavinga will be the more defensive of the two. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Camavinga and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Madueke + Martinelli
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Martinelli will be looking to cut in from the left and Madueke likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Adeyemi to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Karim 'The Dream' Adeyemi
Adeyemi will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. Be vary of crosses into the box and try and get in front of your marker. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence. Be vary of loose balls in the box so you can use your quick reactions to get to the ball before the oppo defenders.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gallagher for Camavinga and Gakpo for Martinelli to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
---------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck----------
---------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------Gallagher-------------------------------------
--------------Madueke------Adeyemi--------Rashford----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Madueke and put on Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Gallagher for Marinelli and De Ket for Adeyemi.
----------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck--------
Aarons-----Valverde------Cama------Douath---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Gallagher------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------De Ket-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gakpo on for Madueke
Rashford on for Martinelli
De ket on for Adeyemi
Watford Gap vs Livarpool
Tough game against Watford, on paper we have to fancy ourselves but Elsie’s kids have found a bit of form of late and come into this game unbeaten in 3. They held the “B” team to a draw a couple of weeks back when they visited the pride of the black country.
Injuries:
Jack Grealish
Ozan Kabak
Jeremy Doku
Sandro Tonali
🟥 Oleksandr Zinchenko
We know that LC tends to go 4-3-3 so winning the midfield battle will be a tricky affair for us so we’re not going to even contest it. We’re going back to our roots and playing 3-2-3-2…. LC lines up narrow through the spine usually so us not having FB’s whilst a risk, it’s calculated because he won’t be stretching the play that often and if he does we win the middle….. his front three is quality but us playing 3 CB’s just means we go man for man at the back and with us using a front-five he can’t really have marauding FB’s of his own, because A – he’ll be severely out numbered at the back in case of a counter, and B – there is no B.
………………………………………………..Jose Sa………………………………
…………………Joe Gomez…….Sven Botman….Nathan Ake…………..
……………………Sergio Biscuits……….Bryan Cristante……………..
Daniel James……………………Philippe Coutinho………………..Pedro Neto
………………………………Karim Benzema……….Gianluca Scamacca…………..
Subs: Kasper, Schuurs, Calabria, JWP, Rovella, Raspadori, Icardi.
Jose Sa starts between the sticks, KDB picked him in his fantasy side of the season, and if he’s good enough for him, then he’s good enough for me. Cool calm and collected on the ball, perfect for our fast paced, pro-active formation as we look to take the game to Elton John’s boys.
Strange choice with Sven the destroyer in the middle and right footed Ake at LCB – never mind that.. Ake’s left-footed so.
Gomez and Ake, aren’t the biggest pairing in the world, but we have Sven in the middle to bully the focal point of Watfords attack… Gomez and Ake have both played a lot of football at FB and it’s that experience that gets them the nod today, both are perfect for the hybrid CB/FB roles they’re playing, they wont go out-wide to face the winger, but they’ll hold the edge of the box, the side the attack isn’t coming from, that man then comes inside to sweep up any loose balls or watch for a runner from deep, so if Gomez has gone out to meet the LW, then Ake comes in and forms a CB wall pairing with Botman.
Botman stays central, doesn’t come out to meet anyone, holds the line 18 yards out and claims anything in the air, physically strong as an ox so LC will need a plan B….. Ake and Gomez have the pace to run behind incase Botman loses his man. With the ball RCB and LCB spread wide so that we can create natural passing angles without having to force a pass.
We may have lost Sandro-T but in comes Bryan (who the feck calls an Italian Bryan) to partner Biscuits, former and current European champions working in tandem, will look to close out the midfield battle, both having to play a little higher today as our defensive lines a little deeper, so they hold the line 35 yards out. Both are solid defensively and both are good intelligent footballers with ball to feet. They complete a solid 5-man defensive unit.
The key to this formation is having fluidity along the lines, keeping the Watford defence on it’s toes, and making them fearful of straying too far forwards.
Daniel Hamez had a great season for dirty Leeds, as quick as one of their whippets and with a nasty streak to match, we want him running the line, quick and direct, we need him to go round the outside of his man, stretch that Watford defence as wide as he can, and then look to bang balls in.
Pedro Neto has all the skills in the book, and is just as rapid on the left, but we want him cutting inside, turning his man in and out and looking to link with Coutinho or the strikers, this lads gonna be a super-star.
Coutinho is in at #10 (sounds like top of the pops) he’s up there with the very best at finding those half space pockets to operate in, what he does better than anyone else that isn’t called KDB or Kaka is to check his run, as our wingers get into crossing positions, and defences naturally just drop deep to cover it – he goes into the D, gets that pocket of space and offers an alternative for a slick cut-back or a nod down from our strikers.
Mercedes Benzema is a top addition for us, we’ll miss Sandro-T but in Benz we finally have a truly world class player, he’s probably the best all round striker in the business, and a great player for Scamacca to learn from. Both of these men can hold up play, both are good in the air and both know where the back of the net is…. All the makings of a top partnership, so should cause Watford’s CB’s all kinds of problems.
Subs: 65 mins
Rovella > Biscuits – Young Nicolo finally gets pitch-time… 21 Serie A games this season show the boys ready to step up.
JWP > Bryan – Like for like in the engine room
Icardi > Scama – the ultimate fox in the box….should be a great natural pairing alongside Benz
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
____________Mendy
Trent____Dias____VVD___Cucu
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Bernardo
Same_____Son________Diaz
SUBS: Tomori, Gundogan, Nmecha, Bentancur, Bowen, Llorente,
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.
Striker will play his natural game.
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 Sane, 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.
FAN/ROF
BENZ IS IN MY TACTICS THIS WEEK, BUT OBVS WASNT IN MY SQUAD WHEN TACTICS WERE STARTED SO JUST SWITCH HIM OUT AND POP RASPADORI IN ALONGSIDE SCAMA PLEASE
------------------------- Costa --------------------------
G.Menino ---- Kalidou ----- Romero ---- Robertson
------------- Bellingham --- Declan Rice -------------
------------------------ Ramsey -------------------------
--- Gnabry -------------------------------- Mbappe ---
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
Sanchez, Simakan, Mendes, Fernandez, F.Vieira, R.Leao, Abraham
In a tough away game we must look to gain control early, obvs will be difficult not knowing how they will line up but we go in with confidence, We play try possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there allows us to do this with Bellingham and Ramsey really on thr front foot, 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. Jockey 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, Rice can drop back to make a 3rd centre back 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 so must close him down quickly to stop him dictating proceedings, 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. like said before, can become a 3rd CB if required and will slot in there seemlessly so we become a 343 as we drive on, Bellingham our box to box 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 push forward 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 3/4 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. Jacob Ramsey is essential to our style of play, he is a very good player on his day and will be a threat, 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 along with Bellingham, 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, which he will take and hopefully bury 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, Gnabry and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Ramsey and Bellingham more time and space to pick there 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 - Ramsey/Replacement
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Abraham for Ramsey, we go 442 more direct
75 Mins - Simakan for Menino, he goes to CB, Leao for Robertson, he goes to LM, Mbappe up top 343
Winning -
75 Mins - E.Fernandez for Ramsey and to the left of Rice
83 Mins - Mendes for Mbappe
87 mins - Abraham for Haaland
ARSENAL v Spurs
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi --- Kounde --- Gabriel ---- Mendy
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------------- SMS ------- Ruiz ---------------
Mahrez ------ Calvert-Lewin ------ B. Saka
Subs: Raya, Saliba, Bruno G, Locatelli, Jota, Dybala, Aubameyang
A big game to stop our rivals winning the title. There should be no other motivation. We feel Spurs Spurs have weaknesses that should’ve been exploited this year and we are here to do that today. Their RB hates playing RB and has been publicly asking to play CB, and their LB has been replaced by a Serie A OAP. Their strengths is probably in CM where we have packed our CM trio with strength and toughness to dismantle the Spurs team. We also feel that all of Spurs CBs are physically weak, so we’ve selected Calvert Lewin as a curveball to bully them. If they suspect this they’ve clearly read our tactics so we claim fraud.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Kounde – Kounde possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Gabriel, offers a great platform for us to build from. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Hakimi that protection needed to get forward.
Gabriel - Gabriel has been selected today as left footed to help naturally break quicker in possession, but predominantly he is in here today for his fantastic physicality and danger in the box at both ends of the pitch. This will be a big phsycial derby and we want to win our battles across the pitch.
Mendy - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Spurs can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Mendy can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Mendy is a threat going forward with his pace too, so when he does overlap the LW, our CMs should be a little more conservative to ensure we aren’t caught on the break.
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 Spurs.
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 Saka on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.
SMS - SMS is one of the most on-form midfielders in Europe right now, tenacious presence and engine in the middle and has managed double figures in both goals and assists. With Ruiz playing as a deep lying playmaker and Partey as the number 6 octopus, he has that chance to make a difference in the final third more. He is perfect in a three man midfield system like this.
Mahrez – Mahrez, a player we know can make the difference with his technical quality and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with DCL in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Mahrez cut inside as he does with such quality to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Saka - Saka is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He’s on the left today and strong on both sides, but will look to stretch the game and stay wide, with the ball being ready on his stronger left foot to get crosses in to the aerial presence of DCL. Also eye the cutback options of our goalscoring CM, SMS and the deadly Mahrez.
DCL – DCL gets the nod today. Strong and wins almost everything in the air. Our balls into the box should be lofted to DCL or cutbacks to Mahrez and Saka who will be lurking.
Subs on 60 - Jota for Mahrez
Fresh legs on the left and a deadly finisher off the bench to come on and make the difference. His freshness and pace and movement will keep Spurs nervous about the position of their backline. Saka moves to RW to give Spurs another issue to deal with.
Sub on 70 if not losing - Dybala for DCL. Help to retain the ball and ease pressure better.
Sub on 70 if losing - Dybala for Partey - 4411 with Dybala CF.
Sign in if you want to comment
Tactics
Page 50 of 83
51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55
posted on 21/5/22
Watford (Away to Leeds) Week 19
Captain: Grabara
Vice Captain: Quarta
------------------Grabara
Mário------Tuta---Quarta----Angeliño
------------Palhinha---Nunes
-------------------Correa
Ocampos-----------------------González
--------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Patterson, Maripán, Walace, Alzate, Otávio, Evanilson
Goalkeeper: Grabara 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 (Palhinha). 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 (Nunes). 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 Correa 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’, Nunes will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Correa 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 Ocampos 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 Correa, Nunes 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 Nunes may sit a bit deeper allowing Correa 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: Correa, Ocampos or González with Tuta, Quarta and Nunes to offer an aerial threat. Correa, Nunes and González may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez, González, Palhinha
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning then 3 like for like subs – Maripán for Quarta, Otávio for Ocampos and Evanilson for Núñez.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Nunes with Otávio and Ocampos with Evanilson. 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.
----------------Palhinha
Otávio ------- Correa----------González
----------Evanilson---Núñez
posted on 23/5/22
------------------------ Martinez -------------------------
Mazraoui ----- Skriniar ----- Rudiger ----- B.Chilwell
----------- Kovacic ---- Kante ---- P.Pogba ------------
----- Nkunku ---------- Schick ---------- A.Gouiri -----
Bazanu, Bremer, Saul, Ramsey, J.David, Guedes, Bynoe-Gittens
Quick pasings and moving into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four/five with Schick harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick, misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Kante along with Kova and Pogba we are solid in the middle & the front 3 further up the pitch in the center as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.
mazraoui and Chilwell have freedom to attack, but only one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support the forwards. 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 and 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
Kovacic and Pogba 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. Pogba will do a lot of running as the main box to box mid, whilst Kovacic will 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 Gouiri 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 Nkunku can do his thing, usually can beat his man quite easily with pace and power, therefore then linking up with Mazraoui and Schick, 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 Pogba/Kovacic 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 - Pogba
Corners - Wingers
Losing -
65 Mins - J.David for Kovacic 442
75 Mins - Guedes for Chilwell to LM, Bynoe Gittens for Gouiri and to RM, Mazraoui ro RCB, Nkunku up top in an attacking 343
Winning -
75 Mins - Saal for Kovacic, more energy, Guedes for Gouiri
83 Mins - Bynoe Gittens for Nkunku
Drawing -
65 Mins - Guedes for Gouri, Bynoe Gittens for Kovacic he goes to RW, Nkunku to No.10
75 Mins - J.David for Schick
posted on 23/5/22
------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
J.Cancelo ---- Kalidou ---- Romero ---- Robertson
------------ Fr. de Jong ----- Declan Rice -----------
------------------------ F.Vieira ------------------------
--- Mbappe ------------------------------- R. Leao ---
----------------------- Dembele ------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, N.Mendes, Bellingham, F.Wirtz, Ferran, D.Malen
We take the game to the opposition we are at home so fancy our chances.
We play possession football as usual, especially the midfield where we want to 'try' dominate them which of course will be difficult, they will be on top at times so we need to remain calm and focused and push them, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there which 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 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the main CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Kalidou spare picks up the AM/SS 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 opposition 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.
Our 'boring' midfield consists of 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. de Jong is our deep lying playmaker, he is class, I dont care what anyone says, he 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. Our new boy Fabio Vieira or the assist king is essential to our style of play, he gets a free role today, I want him to drag his marker around the pitch which will hopefully create space for others to move into, 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, either a defense splitting pass through the middle or lay it on to them as they make the run away from the markers, 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, Mbappe and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Vieira more time and space to pick his moment to move into space as an attacking threat and eventually to the in form Moussa Dembele 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 Dembele, we must always make sure Dembele is well supported, especially wingers who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside.
Captain - Declan Rice
Free Kicks - F.Vieira/Wirtz
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Mbappe
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Bellingham for de Jong, Ferran for Leao(switch with Mbappe) change it up a little, fresh legs
Losing
75 Mins - Malen for Vieira, he goes left, Mbappe up top 442
Drawing -
75 Mins - Wirtz for Vieira
Winning -
75 Mins - Bellingham for Vieira and to the left of Rice , Mendes for Leao
85 Mins - Ferran for Dembele, switch with Mbappe
posted on 23/5/22
ARSENAL vs. Liverpool
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi —-- Stones --- Gabiel —-- Tierney
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------- Guimaraes --- Fabian R -----------
B. Saka -------- Abraham --------- D. Jota
Subs: Onana, Tapsoba, Xhaka, Maddison, Mahrez, Dybala, Aubameyang
A big game today against a good Liverpool side, but one we feel we can get something from. We’ve decided to freshen up the side a little and give the opposition new challenges to think about, but also reward those who are excelling for their clubs and create competition in this squad. We’ve selected a very quick and strong front three today to stretch the Liverpool defence and create room for our technically excellent midfield trio to dominate.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Stones - Stones has top level experience and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Liverpool today. 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 Liverpool shape and create chaos.
Gabiel – Gabiel possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Stones, offers a great platform for us to build from. Gabriel also has an Arsenal connection around him in Tierney and Partey to help with chemistry.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Liverpool can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Tierney can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack, allowing Ruiz more freedom to play as a playmaker.
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 Liverpool.
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 Jota 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. He will be the box to box man today.
Saka – Saka, a player we know can make the difference with his pace and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with Abraham in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Saka cut inside to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Jota - Jota is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and he will also look to combine well with Abraham, playing one-twos and getting in advance positions, like he does so well at club level - a real poacher and instinctive finisher in and around the box.
Abraham – Abraham gets the nod today. He’s on fire in Serie A and Europe and his physical qualities will be useful today for us to win our battles. He’s no slouch himself, but he also has plenty of pace around him in wide areas, so this front three will seriously stretch Liverpool’s defence, thus creating room for our midfield three to dominate.
Subs on 60 - Aubameyang (or Barnes if winning) and Dybala for Jota and Abraham
Sub on 70 - Maddison for Guimaeres
IF red card subs
If keeper - Onana for Bruno G - 441
If defender - Tapsoba for Bruno G 441 - if its a FB, Stones go to FB, Tapsoba CB
If midfielder - no change, 441
If striker - no change, Saka/Jota as wide mids/fwds
posted on 24/5/22
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Injuries
Jeremy Doku
Jamie Vardy
Joe Gomez
Nathan Ake
A precursor to the Cup Final, my run of eleventy million straight defeats to Jet has to come to an end at some point. I mean is there really any point us playing, Arsenal have the best XI in the world and to a man they have the best player in every single position.
We expect JET to continue with his 4-3-3, lets face it, why change a winning a formula?
we’ll go 4-4-2 diamond, we can control the centre of the pitch our midfield is better than his. Take the sting out of his side and dictate the pace and tempo of this game.
…………………………………………jose Sa…………………………….
Trippier…………….Bonucci…………..Botman…………..zinchenko
……………………………………….Busquets…………………………………
……………………………Tonali……………..JWP……………………
……………………………………….Greasy…………………………………..
…………………………Scamacca…………….Icardi…………………………..
Subs: Kasper, Schuurs, Henderson, Coutinho, Neto, Kelechi, Mukiele
The side we’ve put out has all the core ingredients to get us over the line this afternoon, from Jose Sa who statistically is the best keeper in the Prem this season t our dynamic little and large duo up-top.
We want possession heavy football today, no need to lump the ball downfield aimlessly it’s all about control, let Arsenal tire themselves out before we pick them off.
Sa is a great keeper, a great modern style keeper that’s comfortable with the ball in to feet, needs to just slow down sometimes and take his time.
Trippier and Zinchenko are great technical footballers will need to get downfield today to give us some width, but as discussed previously they can hit scorching 50 yard balls when needs be, so IF Arsenal press too heavily that isn’t a bad secondary option to have. Defensively just standard fodder, show the man the line don’t dive in.
Bonucci and Botman are a great duo, they cover each others weaknesses well, Bonucci has all that guile and craftiness that comes as standard for an Italian defender, the fact it’s honed in over a decade of playing alongside Chiellini makes it all the more potent, alongside him is the elegant Dutchman Botman, he’s so much more than just a 6ft4 lump. Whilst the physical nature of a CB is a great bonus the fact he’s comfortable on the ball and is left-footed makes him a true gem.
those two at CB can more than handle anything that Arsenal have to offer.
The midfield diamond is the perfect set-up yes it’s narrow but that’s ok Arsenal play with a narrow midfield 3 so it’s not like we’re getting battered out-wide, and their two wingers are streaky players, when they’re on it they are deadly but as yet they don’t have that consistency to their game to go and dominate week in, week out.
Biscuits is the enforcer, there isn’t anything in the game he’s not won. We make it easy for him by giving him runners, all he has to do is mop up and pull the strings from the deep, people make out he’s past it but he’s still only 33 he’s got loads left in the tank as shown by his 36 league appearances this season for Barca, with him sitting there’s no easy ball into the feet of the striker from this Arsenal midfield, which means they’ll have to go the aerial route and then a jumping contest between striker and Botman is no gimme in their favour, and guess who mops up the secondary ball any way, yup Biscuits.
Just ahead of him sit Sandro-T and JWP, two absolute ballers, both will go B2B, the technique our middle 3 possess means that with our natural triangle/diamond shape we have the passing routes to absolutely monster this Arsenal midfield, pass pass pass pass, they won’t get the ball until they have to kick off after we score. Tonali and JWP are both decent defensively as well so will be terrier like in the engine room, they man mark an Arsenal midfielder each, yes that leaves one unmarked granted but if he has no easy pass to go to he’ll have to go longer and that’s literally Biscuits cup of tea.
Greasy Jack is the #10, given the freedom to roam today will enjoy linking our midfield and strikers, he has all the attributes to be a great SS, can finish, can run with the ball and pick a pass, will give Party absolute nightmares trying to track him.
historically the best sides thrived with two up-top, and traditionally it was big man, little man. So we have 6ft5 Scammaca and 5ft9 Icardi. Both are top level finishers but their attributes complement each other beautifully. Scammaca will use that powerful frame to bully the Arsenal defence, pull them out of position and create the spaces for Icardi to be a dead eyed button man, tough couple of seasons for Mauro but he’s shown enough in the past that this lad is deadly.
Subs
dependant on red card being against me…. If it’s one of the strikers then we stay 1 up top…. Any other position Icardi makes way for the obvious option off the bench.
70 mins – Coutinho > Greasy
posted on 24/5/22
MAN UNITED Vs Spurs
----------------------------------Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------Upamecano--------Sessegnon
---------------------------------- Douath ------------------------------------
----------------- Valverde -------------- Camavinga ----------------------
------------------------------- Kulusevski -----------------------------------
-----------------Adeyemi -------------- Martinelli -----------------
Subs - Mamardashvili, PM Sarr, Gallagher, De Ketelaere, Raphinha, Gakpo, Rashford
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KULU
FK'S - KULU
PENALTIES - MARTINELLI
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 + Sessegnon
Aarons 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 crosses/low crosses into the box for our strikers to attack. 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 + Camavinga
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.
Camavinga 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
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 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 Camavinga aswell to play RM to offer more defensive stability on the wings. Bring on De Ket for Adeyemi, who 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/Martinelli will make lung busting runs from deep to offer support.
---------------------------------- Gulasci ---------------------------
Aarons----------Fofana------------ Upamecano -----------Sesseg
----------------- Sarr ----- Douath -------Valverde---------------------
Raphinha---------------------------------------------------------Martinelli
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------- 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 Gallagher for Camavinga 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 ------------ Gallagher ---------------------
Raphinha--------------Adeyemi--------Martinelli-------------Gakpo
IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gallagher on for Camavinga
De Ket on for Adeyemi
Fresh legs.
posted on 24/5/22
Chelsea vs WOLVES
Injuries:
Max Kilman
Lorenzo Insigne
Marco Asensio
Etienne Green
I always enjoy games against Fan’s Chelsea, whilst I lose more often than not, for years his side has been the benchmark and it’s good to test yourself against the best, we expect Fan to go 4-3-3 he nearly always does, so we’re going 4-2-3-1 will look to negate him for as long as we can and see how the cards fall.
………………………………………Donnarumma………………………
Carvajal………………..Konate………………Bastoni…………..F.Mendy
…………………………….Kroos……………….Bissouma…………………..
Ronaldo……………………………Pulisic……………………………Mane
…………………………………………..Vlahovic……………………………
Subs: Pickford, Spinazzola, De Vrij, Locatelli, Brahim, Firmino, D.Luiz
Taking boring to extreme levels today at Stamford bridge as the two dullest midfields in the league collide, should be an interesting game that comes down to fine margins, form, home adv, goat status it all goes against us. But in tight games you need certified match-winners and what we have in Ronaldo, Mane and Dusan are 3 top top goalscorers (58 league goals between them this season) you’re always going to be in with a chance.
We’re not going to be possession based today, we know Fan will wanna come out and spank us and that means his players are going be right up for this, and when that’s the case we need to stay calm, accept he’ll have the lions share of the ball, so we’ll be docile, sit in and let him come. Chelsea will be “feeling” the game, and will start to sit higher up the pitch, allow their FB’s to encroach higher all the time we sit and withstand the pressure…. But as they advance they will invariably leaves gaps in the back-line and it’s at these moments we spring forward, we harry the ball and hit them on the counters, Ronaldo and Mane are absolutely rapid, Pulisic is really quick too, you can’t afford to give these three a head start and we isolate their defensive players, we have finishers in this side and we will punish Chelsea for turnover ball.
If we score first, we know Chelsea will come back at us, but they will also know that we can and will punish them if they hand the ball over, puts them in a predicament really of how far forward to advance knowing Ronaldo-Dusan-Mane are waiting for our ball downfield to exploit.
It’s all well and good having a top strike-force but it needs to be backed up by a strong defensive unit, especially when I need them to soak up a tonne of pressure.
Gigi Donnarumma is a great young keeper, mad that at just 23 he’s already got 42 caps for Italy, and 285 games under his belt for Milan and PSG, big imposing figure that will dominate his box, you’re not going to enjoy baring down on his goal with him rushing out to meet you.
Carvajal and Ferland are an actual unit, they know each others games and they compliment each other perfectly, Both first choice full-backs at Madrid and now play alongside each other in WV1, will alternate who goes and who sits in the final third but in the early stages of the attack they will both go to the halfway line.
Konate and Bastoni are an imposing pairing, big and strong but both decent on the ball, I said we needed to soak up pressure and these two are perfect for that role, there’s nothing that Fans farmers league superstars can throw at them that’ll scare them. Mbappe is clearly a top player but he’s still just one man, and will still be hacked down like any other.
Infront of this impregnable wall of a defence we have le piece de resistance, the world greatest, boring midfield that is also one hell of an effective shield, Bissouma is a weapon of mass destruction he’ll sit as the DM today and man mark whoever Fan puts in as his AM, shut him down on his touch and stop him being an outlet. Alongside him we have Kroos, who will be a bit of a hybrid today a ball playing anchor man, will get his foot stuck in to the opposition but will then have that composure to get the ball down and moving forwards.
Ronaldo may be slowing down with time but he’s still scoring goals a plenty, so he’ll start inside right, look to operate in the spaces between LB and LCB, he knows Dusan will win most aerial battles so will be expecting the knock-ons, if you get CR7 in a 1v1 with the keeper you expect it to be nestled in the back of the net. His sheer presence on the pitch makes his teammates more confident.
Mane on the left flank has had a great season, quick and very direct, we want him as a traditional winger, pegging back the RB and looking to draw fouls, anything that drops loose in and around the box is comfortably his range for a pop at goal.
Pulisic is the ten today, another fast direct player, will drop deep to collect the ball, and surge forward with it, as the Chelsea bodies come to him he can offload to our front-three , we should get a fair few opportunities today to punish the Chels.
Vlahovic as a our focal, big and strong enough to get joy out of the Chelsea defence and act as a spring board for our attacks, but hes not just a target man, we want him laying it off before spinning his man and getting in the box to attack any crosses or loose balls.
Subs 65 mins
Firmino > Pulisic
Locatelli > Bissouma
Spina > Ferland
posted on 24/5/22
Manchester City v BRENTFORD
----------------------Kelleher
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Berardi----------Ødegaard------Saint-Maximin
-----------------------Broja
Subs: Simón, Salisu, Ampadu, Stach, Djuricic, Baumgartner, Lucca
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Berardi/Koopmeiners
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.
posted on 25/5/22
High press 3-5-2
We go with an attacking team full of pace and power, built on a strong defence. A side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.
We look to overload their defence, attack the areas outside their cbs and getting at their fbs, to get in behind using our pace in attack and creativity from the middle.
Our formation allows us to play quick direct football, Bastoni setting the tempo from the back, two defensive midfielders in front giving the attacking 5 freedom in attack. An attacking formation, but with fantastic pace in the back 3, and the defensive midfield pairing in front against a front 3 that like to come inside we are well suited to come up against their attack. Ndidi sits as the defensive midfielder, sweeping up in front of the back 3, giving Kante freedom to go and press all over the park, and be at his best, keeping it simple in possession.
Class big man little man front two, Schick the perfect for the big man with a big touch cliche, playing on the last defender looking to take it in and link up, but more importantly getting in the box and on the end of crossed from the wide men. Nkunku given a free role to play off Schick, has pace to get beyond the Wolves back line, and ability to get deep/wide and create.
A natural left footer on the left giving us width, loves a cross from Schick and great at early crosses which will suit the pace and movement of Nkunku. On the right Raphinha, who stays wide initially when we win the ball but has freedom to come inside in final third, same as how he plays for Leeds.
Free role for Pogba in am, two dms behind giving him freedom to get best out of him.
We play with a mid line to allow us to press high enough without leaving too much space behind, they play with a big man up top, and have pace out wide, but we have great pace and strength at the back, so focus on putting pressure on them and winning the ball high up the park.
We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wingers will have absolute freedom to attack, bombing down the wings, crossing for the front two and coming inside to give us extra players in the box. We will always leave one more defender than they have attacker, i.e if one striker we keep 2 cbs back, with Ndidi in front. This gives one cb (Bastoni) freedom to drift forward and help the attack, overlapping if it’s on.
We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Wolves to play in. Defending in the 3-5-2 shape we look to defend high up the park, as they push up the park the team narrows to the side they are attacking. Ndidi sitting zonally in front of defence as Kante and Pogba press the ball and central passing lane. The wingers on side of play look to defend - against any attacking fbs on side of play or to pick up a dm if no fbs. Nkunku had great work rate so he also looks to press.
The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for any attacking mids.
When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the pace of our wide players bombing forward linking with the forwards to create.
———————————— Martinez —————————
————— Varane ——- Rudiger —— Bastoni ———
————————— Ndidi ———— Kante —————
Raphinha ——————— Pogba ——————— M.Diaby
————————— Nkunku —— Schick ————————
Subs. Bazanu, Bassey, Mazraoui, Guerreiro, Kovacic, Terrier, Correa
Defence
When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Wolves a chance to counter. 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, by trying to win the ball back very quickly. Then break quickly in these high positions when we do win the ball.
When they get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in.
Rudiger acts as sweeper, the other two cbs defend zonally going man for man when opposition forwards in their zone. If overloaded Ndidi can drop to cb, also going man for man if needed. If opposition players drop deep or out wide to opposite side of play we let them run free, defend the goal and pressing the ball as a well drilled unit. If they’re too far away from goal they can’t hurt us.
Subs.
After 70 mins bring on Kovacic for Kante. Fresh energy and more control/creativity against tired legs.
After 70 mins also bring on Terrier for Raphinha. Right footer on the right, and fresh pace, width and early crosses.
If red for a cb, bring on Bassey for Nkunku. Bassey lcb.
If a cm. Nkunku drops to AM
If a winger Nkunku moves to the wing.
If Schick, Nkunku plays as striker.
posted on 25/5/22
Comment deleted by Article Creator
posted on 25/5/22
Wirtz injuried so will change
posted on 25/5/22
------------------------- Oblak --------------------------
J.Cancelo ---- Kalidou ---- Romero ---- Robertson
------------ Fr. de Jong ----- C.Nørgaard ------------
------------------------ F.Vieira -------------------------
-- Mbappe ---------------------------------- R. Leao --
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
D.Costa, G.Inacio, N.Mendes, Bellingham, J.Ramsay, Ferran, A.Gouiri
We take the game to the opposition we are away to Leeds but there form is dreadful and now must be favourites to go down, so we fancy our chances.
We play possession football as usual, especially the midfield where we want to 'try' dominate them with two good ball players in de Jong and Norgaard, which of course will be difficult, they will be on top at times so we need to remain calm and focused and push them, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there which 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 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace.
Romero picks up the main CF he wont let much passed him he is a pacey, very powerful, he will look to dominate the CF, Kalidou spare picks up the AM/SS 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 opposition 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 Norgaard sitting back.
Norgaard is our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, he 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, stats show he is in the top 5 in the PL for winning the ball back so a good game for him to show his worth, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong is our deep lying playmaker, he will help stop the run of play with Norgaard 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. Fabio Vieira is essential to our style of play, he gets a free role today, not sure if Leeds will even turn up but I want him to drag his marker around the pitch which will hopefully create space for others to move into, 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, either a defense splitting pass through the middle or lay it on to them as they make the run away from the markers, 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, Mbappe and Leao will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Vieira 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 - Kalidou
Free Kicks - F.Vieira/Wirtz
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - A.Gouiri for Leao, Ferran for Vieira, we go 442 with Gouiri and ferran wide and Mbappe going up top with Haaland
Losing -
75 Mins - Jacob Ramsey for Robertson, Cancelo to LCB, Ramsay to No.10 a very attacking 3232
Drawing -
75 Mins - Ramsay for Vieira
Winning -
75 Mins - Bellingham for Vieira slot to the left of Norgaard
83 Mins - Mendes for Leao
posted on 25/5/22
Attacking 4-3-3
We go with an attacking team full of pace, to take the game to Brentford and attack them down the wings.
The Brentford side, like to play with a double pivot and get their cbs forward, so we aim to overload these wide areas, expose the space left by their fbs and drag their cbs and dms out of position.
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 more easily, by having options to pass back to. The wingers play high and wide, stretching the game and creating space in the middle of the park for our central midfield trio. With the quality, and players we have we look to dominate the midfield and simply create more chances, more chances more goals.
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 Thiago have a mean cross from deep
We see the oppositions weakness being at fb, they are usually told to attack leaving space behind, and defensively we think we can exploit them in one on ones. Look to use the pace of Sterling and Neymar to get at their fbs and in between the fbs and cbs. Our fbs both look to attack and get on the overlap, giving us good numbers in the box.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 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 Benzema is the in form player in world football. We look to take advantage of this by creating as much as possible.
———————————— Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Alaba —— Theo.H
————————— Rodri —— Thiago
——————————-— Barella
Sterling ———————————————— Neymar
——————————— Benzema
Subs. Trubin, Vanderson, Goretzka, Mount, B.Fernandes, Felix, Osimhen
Defending high
When we lose the ball the closest player presses the ball, the second closest presses the obvious passing channel. As they’re doing this everyone gets into a narrow rigid formation behind the ball in position to press high up the park. Stop them breaking and press them high up the park.
Militao the man marker next to Alaba who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. In midfield, Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs, with Thiago and Barella just ahead pressing the play. The wingers narrow in front to the side of play Brentford are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid formation, we 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 Brentford get into our half, the wide players drop deep to add protection in front of the fb and next to the two cms. Closing down the space, narrowing to the side of play.
Attack
Rodri plays zonally in front of cbs offering cover in the midfield for both fbs to attack, Thiago deep playmaker. And Barella freedom to attack.
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 Benzema.
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.
Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Goretzka for Barella.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Vanderson for Sterling.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Osimhen for Benzema.
If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Osimhen for Barella. 4-2-2-2.
If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Goretzka for Thiago. Power and goals.
If drawing or losing after 80 mins bring on Felix for Sterling.
posted on 26/5/22
------------------- Ederson --------------------
B.Pavard -- Araujo --- P.Torres -- Serg Dest
------------ Fabinho --- R.Neves -------------
---- L.Messi --- De Bruyne --- G.Jesus -----
------------------ K.Havertz -------------------
Subs:
Sanchez, Garcia, Tchouaméni, Dembele, Sancho, Werner, Lukaku
We look to move the ball at speed as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for the win.
Our DM & CM pivot will marshall the middle of the park allowing De Bruyne free reign in the #10 role. He will be flanked by Messi and Jesus who both offer goal threats out wide with Havertz playing through the middle. Providing that blend of pace, power and trickery as we look to cause their defence plenty of problems.
Defence:
We go with a strong defensive unit at the back, packed with pace and quality as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. If the opposition play one up top then Torres will mark. Strong, aggressive and a great reader of the game we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. Araujo will act as cover, sweeping up and offering cover in behind to eliminate any balls over the top. He’ll be sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.
In Pavard we have one of the best defensive fullbacks in the business. He’ll sit in, no need to bomb on with the quality with have further up the field, see your man down the line and don’t let him cut inside. On the other flank we have the more adventurous Sergino Dest, he has license to push forward, when doing so Pavard slots in as a third CB ensuring we always have plenty of cover defensively. Dest will provide width which in turn allows Jesus to push up alongside Havertz as we look to overwhelm their defence with our attacking quality.
Midfield:
Fabinho will be our main holding player in the middle. An all action player we rely on his fantastic tenacity and high level work rate to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line.
He combines perfectly with the the technical brilliance of Neves. A delightful player his passing ability will allow us to dictate the tempo of the game as he links up with KDB. Alongside Fabinho he gives us a big man/small man combo with both players equally adept at breaking down the opposition as we look to dominate the middle of the park. They will protect the defence and get in the face of the opposition. We look to set the tempo and these two will be the catalyst, dispossess the opposition, get the ball to our playmakers and wreak havoc at the other end.
Forwards:
In attack we go with four heavy hitters as we aim or goals. De Bruyne plays centrally, looking to drift between the lines making himself extremely difficult to be picked up and causing a mismatch in this area of the field. We look to get him on the ball and let him work his magic in the final third.
Messi and Jesus give us a dual threat on the flanks. Leo 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.
In Gabriel Jesus we one of the most exciting attackers around with his confidence sky high he’ll look to be direct. Use his pace and fantastic movement to get himself in goalscoring position’s with the Brazilian full of energy and a real nightmare match up for the oppositions full back. He and Messi will both be looking to feed off Havertz link up whilst the service of KDB should see us create plenty of chances as we go for goals.
With a dream supply line around him we expect Havertz to thrive through the middle. A player that is really beginning to shine 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 Jesus 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: Jesus off, Dembele on. Fresh legs and extra defensive workrate.
80 mins: Havertz off, Lukaku on.
If drawing/losing:
65 mins: Fabinho off, Lukaku on. Two up top.
75 mins: Havertz & Dest off, Sancho & Dembele on. 3-4-3.
posted on 27/5/22
WOLVES vs Man City
Well we welcome Rof into the away dug-out for his second spell of the season in charge of City. Will be interesting to see how Rof lines them up after a busy transfer flurry, what we do know is that they have one of the strongest collections of Centre-backs in the league now and in Ndidi and Kante a formidable looking centre-mid combo. But we have a fair amount of talent too so we’ll go continue with the 4-2-3-1 and see how the cards fall.
Injuries:
Max Kilman
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Yves Bissouma
Marco Asensio
……………………………………………Donnarumma……………………………….
Carvajal……………………Bremer…………………..Konate…………….Ferland
…………………………………….Jorginho………..Kessie…………………………….
Chiesa……………………………………….Insigne……………………………Pulisic
…………………………………………………Vlahovic………………………………………….
Subs: Pickford, Spinazzola, De Vrij, Kroos, Bissouma, Ronaldo, Daka
Lost a couple of big players in Bastoni and Mane this week, but our midfield is stronger for it, add in that Bremer is probably the best CB in Serie A this season and Chiesa is an absolute baller.
Rof traditionally likes his sides to be a heavy pressing side and we expect that to be the case today as well. So with that in mind we want some slick one touch passing, get the ball down and move it on. Turn this City side and getting them running back towards to their own goal
Gigi, will play his normal game, just keep it simple no need to try anything extravagant just aim for a clean sheet.
Carvajal and Mendy, will be our wider outlets as our wingers are more inside forwards, will get down the line and look to whip in some crosses for Dusan to attack.
Bremer and Konate are an intimating duo, this may just be the first time in my entire SG career I don’t have a single Italian in my defence. Anything aerially I expect these boys to snaffle up, Konate the first man and Bremer to deal with mopping up duties. Ball to feet keep it simple, we don’t do passing across our own area that’s a madness, so it goes forwards into our midfield, or goes long over the press and into our wingers.
Jorgy and Kessie should be a solid pivot. Jorgy has all the range and engine needed to thread the ball through or over the City press, cool calm and collected, he’ll make us tick, not physically strong but he puts his foot in and get us the ball back, Alongside him is Franck the Tank. A pure beast that will go B2B, chips in with his fair share of goals from midfield and has the physical attributes to shut down Kante or atleast limit his effectiveness, if we can win this midfield battle then we can win the game.
The Three AM’s are interchangeable, so whilst nominally its Chiesa on the right, Insigne in the middle and Pulisic on the left, but we want them drifting and changing positions, making it harder for Cities midfield to cover the runs, all 3 are brilliantly technically but their big strengths are surging runs with ball to feet, and it’s that which makes them most dangerous as they look to glide into the box, I want all three of them getting in the box supporting Dusan as we want to try and create the overloads as close to goal as possible.
Big Bad Dusan leads the line, great all round powerhouse striker, will look isolated at times but we’ll get bodies in and around him to feed the chances he needs to pull the trigger, we don’t want him pulling wide or dropping deep lookin for the ball, he stays as high as the defensive line allows him too, we need him to make dummy runs and come back occupying the defence as best as he can.
Subs 65 mins
Ronaldo > Dusan
Bissouma > Kessie
Kroos > Jorgy
posted on 28/5/22
Watford: League fixture 20 HOME to Liverpool
Captain: Remiro
Vice Captain: Palhinha
Team:
----------- ------Remiro
Mário-------Tuta—Ibañez------Angeliño
------------------Palhinha
-------------Nunes---Otávio
Ocampos---------------------------Correa
-------------------Núñez
SUBS: Grabara, Moura, Quarta, Walace, Alzate, Edwards, 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: Palhinha 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 Palhinha. 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 Ocampos and Correa 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 Núñez in to play. They can vary their attacks by going wide or cutting inside as they see fit. Both players can play all across the middle so don’t be surprised to see them swapping wings. At times 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.
Núñez starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great big old fashioned centre forward. We will look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. An eye for a pass and not afraid to have a go from distance. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his power pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Nunes, Correa or Ocampos with Tuta, Ibañez, Palhinha and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Otávio and Correa (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Quarta for Ibañez, López for Núñez and Edwards for Ocampos, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Edwards for Nunes and López for Ocampos. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. López and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
------------Palhinha
Edwards---Otávio---Correa
---------Núñez---López
posted on 30/5/22
ARSENAL (H) vs. Man Utd
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi —-- Stones --- Kounde —-- Tierney
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------------- SMS ------- Ruiz ---------------
Mahrez —-------- Dybala —-------- D. Jota
Subs: Raya, Tapsoba, Bruno G, Paqueta, Smith Rowe, Alvarez, Abraham
A big game in our top 3 chase. A home game so the crowd will be with us and we will be pushing for the three points. SMS in to strengthen our midfield, a cog I’ve been trying to source for some time.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Kounde – Kounde possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Stones, offers a great platform for us to build from. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Hakimi that protection needed to get forward.
Stones - Stones has top level experience and he will use his awareness and pace to ensure we can deal with Man Utd today. Reads the game incredibly well. His technical ability on the ball will be a real asset to spring tactical diagonal balls - this will break the Man Utd shape and create chaos.
Tierney - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Man Utd can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Tierney can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Tierney should stay back when we attack, allowing Ruiz more freedom to play as a playmaker.
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 Man Utd.
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 Jota on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.
SMS - SMS is one of the most on-form midfielders in Europe right now, tenacious presence and engine in the middle and has managed double figures in both goals and assists. With Ruiz playing as a deep lying playmaker and Partey as the number 6 octopus, he has that chance to make a difference in the final third more. He is perfect in a three man midfield system like this.
Mahrez – Mahrez, a player we know can make the difference with his technical quality and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with Dybala in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Mahrez cut inside as he does with such quality to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Jota - Jota is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He will cut inside and he will also look to combine well with Dybala, playing one-twos and getting in advance positions, like he does so well at club level - a real poacher and instinctive finisher in and around the box.
Dybala – Dybala gets the nod today. A technical player that can slip into midfield to link play and allow the wingers to get in as wide strikers. Both wide players are top finsihers so he seems the right striker and final piece of the puzzle for us today. There’s serious competition for that striker role though so he has to keep performing at a high level.
Subs on 60 - BrunoG and Smith Rowe for Ruiz and Jota
Sub on 70 - Abraham for Dybala
posted on 31/5/22
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
------------------------Simón
Livramento, Andersen, Guehi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners, Höjbjerg
Ødegaard-----Baumgartner---Saint-Maximin
--------------------------Broja
Subs: van Sas, Salisu, Ampadu, Latimer, Vale, Ibrahimovic, Lucca
Captain: Höjbjerg
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners/Ødegaard
Penalties: Koopmeiners
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 Martin Ødegaard, Christoph Baumgartner 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 Martin Ødegaard and Allan Saint-Maximin, who are excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers, will cut inside or make runs into the box.
Christoph Baumgartner, our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders. Baumgartner 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 Odegaard, 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
Ibrahimovic on for Broja
A real focal point for the attacking midfielders in Ibrahimovic during the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line.
posted on 31/5/22
LEEDS Vs Chelsea
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Kane-------------------------------Mane
Subs - Meslier, White, Pellegrini, Depay, Isak
CAPTAIN - KANE
CK - HAZARD
PENALTIES - KANE
I have taken over this team called 'Dirty Leeds' but the ethos of the club will now be to play good attacking football so we can rid the curse of the 'dirty' from our history.
The tactics today will be to press the oppo and not give them time on the ball. I want us to try to recover the ball as soon we lose it. So for 5 seconds after we lose possession I want the 2 closest players to the ball to relentlessly press the player who has the ball. If we can't get the ball back within that time I want you to slow down and conserve your energy. Get into a well balanced defensive shape and just try and intercept balls/put tackles in to win the ball back.
Defence
We have Manuel Neuer in net, the original sweeper keeper. Often imitated, never bettered. If you wanna sweep than you will be given permission to sweep! Don't forget to save any shots coming at ya tho!
Skriniar and Laporte are two top level CB's. I want one of them to stick close to the oppo striker while the other will mark any runners that try and play off of him. Put tackles in, hoof the ball out if need be, just defend!
Full backs
Walker + L Hernandez
What we have here are 2 experienced fullbacks who are blessed with the pace and athletic ability to help out both in attack and defence. Your both are adapt at defending so you should know what the oppo wingers will do. You need to stop them cutting inside and getting shots and crosses into the box. Don't let them play off of your shoulders as they will try and get behind you and past you. Use your strength to get in front of them to win the ball back. Attacking wise I want them to get some crosses into the box as Kane is a threat in the air. You will be helping our wingers by making overlapping runs. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Renato will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Centre Mids
Renato Sanches + Goretzka
Renato will be the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and technical ability to open up the oppo midfield. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. When we don't have the ball I want him to drop deep into DM and try and intercept balls and put in tackles to win the ball back.
Goretzka will have a similar but different role to Renato today. He will be given freedom to attack like Renato from deep but he will have a more attacking role. Goretzka is a long shot specialist so if the ball is played out to him and he's within a shootable distance then shoot. I want him to make late runs into the oppo box as well from time to time and try and win the aerial headers as he is a tall lad and known for his aerial ability. When defending you can drop deep and act as an extra body in DM. When Hazard drifts over to the LW and Mane drifts infield next to Kane I want Goretzka to become the AM and do your magic from there.
Attack Mid
Eden Hazard
Hazard will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for Kane up front. Look out for the runs of our wingers so you can thread dangerous through balls to them. Make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity. Whenever Mane drifts infield I want you to go over to the LW side to mix things up a bit.
Wingers
Antony + Mane
Antony will look to cut in from the right and use his pace and flair to create a shooting chance for him to unleash his thunderous left foot. Use Walker as an overlap whenever you can and always try and time your runs off of the shoulders of the oppo LB. If you find some space on the byline try and pull the ball back to one of our attackers so he can bury one in.
Mane will be given freedom to attack. Time your runs to perfection off of the oppo RB and use your pace to get away from him. Drift infield from time to time to act as a central support for Kane so you can interplay with each other with quick pass and go's to confuse the oppo defence. When Infront of goal your a deadly finisher so if you have space shoot. Use Hernandez as an overlap if you need to if your getting double teamed by the oppo.
Striker
Harry Kane
The best striker in the prem and one of the best in the world. This guy is a bonafide killer upfront 11 times out of 10 if he shoots it's a goal. The oppo have some good CB's but Kane fears no man. Time your runs and play off of their 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 ruthlessness and decisiveness to get into good positions away from oppo defenders and smash home any balls played into the box. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your big head ability to win the aerial duels. Hold the ball up whenever you can so our attackers can make runs forward and you can thread one of your patented Kane Special Passes to them.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Hazard and put on White to give the defence even more protection. Isak on for Kane to give some more energy upfront.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker------Skriniar------White------Laporte-------L Hernandez
---------------------Gortezka------------Renato----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Isak-------------------------------Mane
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Renato and put on Depay in strike. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
----------------------------------- Neuer ---------------------------
Walker-----------Skriniar------------Laporte-----------L Hernandez
----------------------------------Gortezka----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Hazard-----------------------------------
Antony----------------Kane-------------Depay------------------Mane
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Depay on for Antony
Isak on for Kane
posted on 31/5/22
MAN UNITED Vs arsenal
-------------------------------Gulasci---------------------------------
--------Fofana------Upamecano------Schlotterbeck-----------
------------------Camavinga-----Valverde-------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------Madueke-----Adeyemi------Martinelli---------------
Subs - Mamard., Badiashile, Gallagher, Gakpo, Sulemana, Rashford, De Ketelaere
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - MADUEKE
FK'S - MARTINELLI
PENALTIES - ADEYEMI
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The back 3 is well balanced and full of pace and power. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be playing as the outside CB's and will look to stop any attacks that go down their wings. Upamecano in the middle will marshall the defence and look to snuff out any attacks from the oppo strikers. All 3 of these CB's are very good at playing from the back and I want them to use that ability if they have some space to dribble into from defence.
WINGBACKS
Aarons and Sessegnon are playing as wingbacks today. They will both have the freedom to bomb up and down their flanks. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Fofana and Schlotterbeck will be ready as the outside CB's to help you clear up any loose balls etc. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both wingbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter..
Defence Mids
Valverde + Camavinga
These 2 will be the main enforcers to protect the defence and to control the central midfield. Both of these have the engine to easily last the 90 minutes. Camavinga will be the more defensive of the two. He will help the wingbacks in defending against oppo wingers and will also look to put a lock on the oppo AM to stop him dictating play. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings and try and play some quick one two's. Valverde will be allowed to stretch his legs and run with the ball from deep if there is space to do so in the centre of the pitch. When out of possession drop deep next to Camavinga and try and intercept the ball.
Wingers
Madueke + Martinelli
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack so they do not have to track back and help out in defence. Martinelli will be looking to cut in from the left and Madueke likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our wingbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some crosses, low balls into the box for Adeyemi to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Striker
Karim 'The Dream' Adeyemi
Adeyemi will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and pace to play the role and he will have plenty of support in attack. Be vary of crosses into the box and try and get in front of your marker. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence. Be vary of loose balls in the box so you can use your quick reactions to get to the ball before the oppo defenders.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Gallagher for Camavinga and Gakpo for Martinelli to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and put a lot of pressure on the oppo to win the ball back.
---------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana---------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck----------
---------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
Aarons-------------------------------------------------------------Sessegnon
----------------------------------Gallagher-------------------------------------
--------------Madueke------Adeyemi--------Rashford----------
Subs if WINNING BY 60MINS
Take off Madueke and put on Douath in DM to offer more defensive protection. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Gallagher for Marinelli and De Ket for Adeyemi.
----------------------------------Gulasci-----------------------
-----------Fofana-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck--------
Aarons-----Valverde------Cama------Douath---------Sessegnon
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Gallagher------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------De Ket-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Gakpo on for Madueke
Rashford on for Martinelli
De ket on for Adeyemi
posted on 31/5/22
Watford Gap vs Livarpool
Tough game against Watford, on paper we have to fancy ourselves but Elsie’s kids have found a bit of form of late and come into this game unbeaten in 3. They held the “B” team to a draw a couple of weeks back when they visited the pride of the black country.
Injuries:
Jack Grealish
Ozan Kabak
Jeremy Doku
Sandro Tonali
🟥 Oleksandr Zinchenko
We know that LC tends to go 4-3-3 so winning the midfield battle will be a tricky affair for us so we’re not going to even contest it. We’re going back to our roots and playing 3-2-3-2…. LC lines up narrow through the spine usually so us not having FB’s whilst a risk, it’s calculated because he won’t be stretching the play that often and if he does we win the middle….. his front three is quality but us playing 3 CB’s just means we go man for man at the back and with us using a front-five he can’t really have marauding FB’s of his own, because A – he’ll be severely out numbered at the back in case of a counter, and B – there is no B.
………………………………………………..Jose Sa………………………………
…………………Joe Gomez…….Sven Botman….Nathan Ake…………..
……………………Sergio Biscuits……….Bryan Cristante……………..
Daniel James……………………Philippe Coutinho………………..Pedro Neto
………………………………Karim Benzema……….Gianluca Scamacca…………..
Subs: Kasper, Schuurs, Calabria, JWP, Rovella, Raspadori, Icardi.
Jose Sa starts between the sticks, KDB picked him in his fantasy side of the season, and if he’s good enough for him, then he’s good enough for me. Cool calm and collected on the ball, perfect for our fast paced, pro-active formation as we look to take the game to Elton John’s boys.
Strange choice with Sven the destroyer in the middle and right footed Ake at LCB – never mind that.. Ake’s left-footed so.
Gomez and Ake, aren’t the biggest pairing in the world, but we have Sven in the middle to bully the focal point of Watfords attack… Gomez and Ake have both played a lot of football at FB and it’s that experience that gets them the nod today, both are perfect for the hybrid CB/FB roles they’re playing, they wont go out-wide to face the winger, but they’ll hold the edge of the box, the side the attack isn’t coming from, that man then comes inside to sweep up any loose balls or watch for a runner from deep, so if Gomez has gone out to meet the LW, then Ake comes in and forms a CB wall pairing with Botman.
Botman stays central, doesn’t come out to meet anyone, holds the line 18 yards out and claims anything in the air, physically strong as an ox so LC will need a plan B….. Ake and Gomez have the pace to run behind incase Botman loses his man. With the ball RCB and LCB spread wide so that we can create natural passing angles without having to force a pass.
We may have lost Sandro-T but in comes Bryan (who the feck calls an Italian Bryan) to partner Biscuits, former and current European champions working in tandem, will look to close out the midfield battle, both having to play a little higher today as our defensive lines a little deeper, so they hold the line 35 yards out. Both are solid defensively and both are good intelligent footballers with ball to feet. They complete a solid 5-man defensive unit.
The key to this formation is having fluidity along the lines, keeping the Watford defence on it’s toes, and making them fearful of straying too far forwards.
Daniel Hamez had a great season for dirty Leeds, as quick as one of their whippets and with a nasty streak to match, we want him running the line, quick and direct, we need him to go round the outside of his man, stretch that Watford defence as wide as he can, and then look to bang balls in.
Pedro Neto has all the skills in the book, and is just as rapid on the left, but we want him cutting inside, turning his man in and out and looking to link with Coutinho or the strikers, this lads gonna be a super-star.
Coutinho is in at #10 (sounds like top of the pops) he’s up there with the very best at finding those half space pockets to operate in, what he does better than anyone else that isn’t called KDB or Kaka is to check his run, as our wingers get into crossing positions, and defences naturally just drop deep to cover it – he goes into the D, gets that pocket of space and offers an alternative for a slick cut-back or a nod down from our strikers.
Mercedes Benzema is a top addition for us, we’ll miss Sandro-T but in Benz we finally have a truly world class player, he’s probably the best all round striker in the business, and a great player for Scamacca to learn from. Both of these men can hold up play, both are good in the air and both know where the back of the net is…. All the makings of a top partnership, so should cause Watford’s CB’s all kinds of problems.
Subs: 65 mins
Rovella > Biscuits – Young Nicolo finally gets pitch-time… 21 Serie A games this season show the boys ready to step up.
JWP > Bryan – Like for like in the engine room
Icardi > Scama – the ultimate fox in the box….should be a great natural pairing alongside Benz
posted on 31/5/22
NEWCASTLE 4-3-3
____________Mendy
Trent____Dias____VVD___Cucu
____________Casemiro
________Modric___Bernardo
Same_____Son________Diaz
SUBS: Tomori, Gundogan, Nmecha, Bentancur, Bowen, Llorente,
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.
Striker will play his natural game.
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 Sane, 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.
posted on 31/5/22
FAN/ROF
BENZ IS IN MY TACTICS THIS WEEK, BUT OBVS WASNT IN MY SQUAD WHEN TACTICS WERE STARTED SO JUST SWITCH HIM OUT AND POP RASPADORI IN ALONGSIDE SCAMA PLEASE
posted on 3/6/22
------------------------- Costa --------------------------
G.Menino ---- Kalidou ----- Romero ---- Robertson
------------- Bellingham --- Declan Rice -------------
------------------------ Ramsey -------------------------
--- Gnabry -------------------------------- Mbappe ---
------------------------ Haaland ------------------------
Sanchez, Simakan, Mendes, Fernandez, F.Vieira, R.Leao, Abraham
In a tough away game we must look to gain control early, obvs will be difficult not knowing how they will line up but we go in with confidence, We play try possession football, especially the midfield where we want to dominate, we have the energy, aggression and athleticism there allows us to do this with Bellingham and Ramsey really on thr front foot, 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. Jockey 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, Rice can drop back to make a 3rd centre back 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 so must close him down quickly to stop him dictating proceedings, 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. like said before, can become a 3rd CB if required and will slot in there seemlessly so we become a 343 as we drive on, Bellingham our box to box 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 push forward 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 3/4 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. Jacob Ramsey is essential to our style of play, he is a very good player on his day and will be a threat, 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 along with Bellingham, 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, which he will take and hopefully bury 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, Gnabry and Mbappe will cause them problems drifting in an out, taking men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Ramsey and Bellingham more time and space to pick there 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 - Ramsey/Replacement
Corners - Wingers
Penalties - Haaland
Losing/drawing
65 Mins - Abraham for Ramsey, we go 442 more direct
75 Mins - Simakan for Menino, he goes to CB, Leao for Robertson, he goes to LM, Mbappe up top 343
Winning -
75 Mins - E.Fernandez for Ramsey and to the left of Rice
83 Mins - Mendes for Mbappe
87 mins - Abraham for Haaland
posted on 5/6/22
ARSENAL v Spurs
------------------- Maignan -------------------
Hakimi --- Kounde --- Gabriel ---- Mendy
------------------ T. Partey -------------------
--------------- SMS ------- Ruiz ---------------
Mahrez ------ Calvert-Lewin ------ B. Saka
Subs: Raya, Saliba, Bruno G, Locatelli, Jota, Dybala, Aubameyang
A big game to stop our rivals winning the title. There should be no other motivation. We feel Spurs Spurs have weaknesses that should’ve been exploited this year and we are here to do that today. Their RB hates playing RB and has been publicly asking to play CB, and their LB has been replaced by a Serie A OAP. Their strengths is probably in CM where we have packed our CM trio with strength and toughness to dismantle the Spurs team. We also feel that all of Spurs CBs are physically weak, so we’ve selected Calvert Lewin as a curveball to bully them. If they suspect this they’ve clearly read our tactics so we claim fraud.
Maignan – The Milan stopper fresh off his Serie A title, the Frenchman is full of confidence in all areas of his game right now and he will exude this to the defenders infront of him.
Hakimi – Hakimi’s qualities ensure he can offer us a dynamic outlet in possession. As he advances up the right in an attacking sense, he has the athletic ability to get up and down the wing - Partey can both cover his space and combine with him, this gives that right flank a serious double threat on the inside and out.
Kounde – Kounde possesses great strength and pace and reading of the game, also good on the ball so alongside Gabriel, offers a great platform for us to build from. He has experience at right back and as a RCB, he gives Hakimi that protection needed to get forward.
Gabriel - Gabriel has been selected today as left footed to help naturally break quicker in possession, but predominantly he is in here today for his fantastic physicality and danger in the box at both ends of the pitch. This will be a big phsycial derby and we want to win our battles across the pitch.
Mendy - Defensively he has the pace, experience and tactical nous to snuff out what Spurs can throw at us. With Hakimi getting forward more, Mendy can drop into a back three build up shape when needed, due to his CB experience. Mendy is a threat going forward with his pace too, so when he does overlap the LW, our CMs should be a little more conservative to ensure we aren’t caught on the break.
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 Spurs.
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 Saka on the left too in order to create an overload. He is a master of slowing or quickening the tempo of a game.
SMS - SMS is one of the most on-form midfielders in Europe right now, tenacious presence and engine in the middle and has managed double figures in both goals and assists. With Ruiz playing as a deep lying playmaker and Partey as the number 6 octopus, he has that chance to make a difference in the final third more. He is perfect in a three man midfield system like this.
Mahrez – Mahrez, a player we know can make the difference with his technical quality and end product. He will look to get high up and link up with DCL in this game. He is an outlet for the team as his ability to keep hold of the ball in tight scenarios is elite. When he receives it, Hakimi should overlap and Mahrez cut inside as he does with such quality to create a number of channels of threat for the opposition.
Saka - Saka is a brilliant link player with finishing ability also. He’s on the left today and strong on both sides, but will look to stretch the game and stay wide, with the ball being ready on his stronger left foot to get crosses in to the aerial presence of DCL. Also eye the cutback options of our goalscoring CM, SMS and the deadly Mahrez.
DCL – DCL gets the nod today. Strong and wins almost everything in the air. Our balls into the box should be lofted to DCL or cutbacks to Mahrez and Saka who will be lurking.
Subs on 60 - Jota for Mahrez
Fresh legs on the left and a deadly finisher off the bench to come on and make the difference. His freshness and pace and movement will keep Spurs nervous about the position of their backline. Saka moves to RW to give Spurs another issue to deal with.
Sub on 70 if not losing - Dybala for DCL. Help to retain the ball and ease pressure better.
Sub on 70 if losing - Dybala for Partey - 4411 with Dybala CF.
Page 50 of 83
51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55