SPURS Vs man city
--------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto--------------De Ligt------------Araujo-----------Gomez
-------------------------------Tchouameni-----------------------------
--------------Gravenberch----------------De Bruyne------------------------
-------------------------------------Messi-----------------------------------
------------------------Alvarez----------------Kane-------------------------
Subs - Raya, Carvajal, Garcia, B Silva, Carvalho, Neymar, Hlozek
CAPTAIN - MESSI
CK - DE BRUYNE
FK - MESSI
PENALTIES - MESSI
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 Ederson in net, a calm and collected keeper who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet so he won't crumble under any pressure if the oppo rushes in towards him when he has the ball as he has the ability to seamlessly play it out. He's a world class shot stopper aswell so the defence will be well assured having him in goal.
De Ligt and Araujo are two world class level CB's. Both playing well for their respective clubs irl these 2 will form a solid CB partnership. 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! You both have good ball playing skills so if there's some space for you, you can bring the ball out a bit and try and play some lofted through balls for our forwards to run onto.
Full backs
Gusto + Gomez
What we have here are 2 youthful fullbacks who are blessed with the pace and athletic ability to help out both in attack and defence. You 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 our strikers are a threat in the air. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Tchouameni will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Defence mid
Tchouameni
Tchou will be the anchor that helps the defence. He will only focus on defensive duties and will try and intercept any loose balls the oppo have in the attacking third. Put tackles in and cover for our fullbacks when they are attacking. Use your superior physical strength to outmuscle the oppo attackers and win the ball back deep to start a quick counter.
Centre Mids
Gravenberch + De Bruyne
Gravenberch will be the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and power to open up the oppo midfield. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can.
De Bruyne will play CM today. I want him to use his world class vision to spot the runs of our attackers and thread balls for them. You are the creative force in the middle so always be aware of where your teammates are and if you see a gap in the oppo, then pounce on it. He 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.
Attack Mid
Lionel "CR7 is my idol" Messi
In AM we have the main man, the player who single handedly carried Argentina to the world cup, Lionel Messi. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our strikers 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. Play quick one two passes with your teammates and use your low centre of gravity to accelerate away from any challenges.
Strikers
Alvarez + Kane
Kane will be the target man here. Play aerial balls for him to bring down and work in tandem with Alvarez and Messi upfront to try and create chances. Alvarez will look to use his pace to get away from the oppo defence. 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.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Alvarez and put on Garcia to give the defence even more protection. Bernardo on for De Bruyne to offer my energy in the middle
----------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto------De Ligt---------Garcia------Araujo------Gomez
----------------Graven---------Tchou--------Bernardo-------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Messi---------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Kane------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Gravenberch and Tchouameni put on Bernardo and Neymar on the wings. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
-------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto-----------De Ligt------------Araujo-----------Gomez
---------------------------------De Bruyne------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Messi-----------------------------------
Silva-------------Alvarez-------------Kane------------------Neymar
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Neymar on for Alvarez
Bernardo on for Gravenberch
BRENTFORD v Newcastle United
Werner, Grimaldo, Lobotka, Ampadu
-------------------Kelleher
Dumfries, Andersen, Guehi, Kerkez
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Simón, Maehle, Vuskovic, Höjbjerg, Elmas, Olmo, Beljo
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Kerkez, Beljo
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Milos Kerkez at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Kerkez can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Maehle and Olmo on for Dumfries and Szoboszlai
Double substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs down the flanks in the last 15 minutes.
If pens then:
Koopmeiners
Ødegaard
Höjlund
Berardi
Olmo
Maehle
Others…
--------------------- Chevalier ---------------------
Joe Scally --- Konate --- Bastoni --- Cucurella
------- M.Nunes --- N.Kante --- L.Modric -------
------ M.Salah ----- Nkunku ----- S. Mane ------
Martinez, TAA, Essugo, C.Jones, O.Kokcu, T.Kubo, Richarlison
U21 - Chevalier, Jones, Kokcu, Kubo
Youth - Joe Scally, Essugo
A good back 5 with a big commanding keeper in the sticks, both fullbacks have freedom to fly today as we have a midfield three which is solid allowing them the freedom to attack down the flanks and support the wingers, only when we have the ball as I dont want to be left exposed when we dont, a solid line led by Bastoni who will be the 'spare' CB allowing Konate to pick up the striker, when he comes forward be onto him quickly, dont dive in, but jockey him away from the danger area, Bastoni helping out with the CF and AM if needed.
Our mid 3 has a bit of everything, Modric looking to pick the passes which lead to goals, Kante the enforces stopping the AM becoming a threat and B2B Nunes adding the attacking threat and defensive when required, they act as a trio or a five when fullbacks push on creating a 253 formation, we drive at them pushing them right back towards their own goal, with our front three we have so many goals in the team, supply will be plenty too! Fullbacks will drive passed the wingers allowing them to push infield, we will play quick one touch 1/2's to get round their fullbacks, cross in and hopefully get on the end of it, if not a cross then use the wingers to driveinto the box and have a pop at goal.
Nunes will be pushing in on the goal to get involved also, Modric will pass to his hearts content today, picking up quick swivel and the next attack is started, he keep sit easy nothing complicated. While all this is going on Kante just sits in front of Bastoni and Konate, just in case.
Front three is very dangerous, they can interchange through the game, I dont need to give them personal instructions for this, just let them do it as all very capable of playing all 3 forward positons, they move around dragging their markers with them creating gaps for others to drive into and for Modric to pick them out.
Play a high(ish) line not allowing them to break forward or at least make them nervous about doing so.
I want a high press in your face performance today, real high energy get intae them kinda game, we have goals, we have excitment in our team, but also vast experience to calm stuff down when needed.
Captain - Modric
Pens - Mane
Free Kicks in the opp half - Modric
Subs -
Losing/drawing -
70 Mins - C.Jones for Nunes - he goes LW, Mane to go up top with Nkunku 442/424, Essugo for Kante
Winning -
75 Mins - Kocku for Nunes straight swap, TAA for Salah we move to a 451
if pens
Mane
Nkunku
Salah
Modric
Cucurella
then whoever is on
ARSENAL to face Wolves (Cup)
------------------- Ramsdale -------------------
Hakimi —- W. Saliba -- Gabriel -- Lucas. H
–----- Fabian --- Bruno. G --- Danilo -------
B. Saka —-------- Balogun ---------- Mitoma
Bench: White, Locatelli, Dybala, Nwaneri, Jesus, Mahrez, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
A 4-3-3 today. In midfield is an area we feel we can have real superiority over Wolves. Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game.
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance.
Right focus: We should focus lots of our attack down the right where Saka can turn and combine and come inside, Hakimi can overlap and Mitoma can get into the box as a second striker alongside Balogun. To cover Hakimi when forward we have Bruno who anchors but also Fabian who can drop into a deeper playmaking role, Danilo is the shuttler to try and aggressively close down the ball and stop transition. If Bruno wants to explode forward with an energetic burst, Danilo simply slots and anchors.
Left side: This side is more of our playmaking side. Lucas. H is a solid full back with excellent passing ability and composure on the ball. Ahead of him he has Danilo. These two will be a hub of on the ball quality, looking to receive the ball from the GK/CBs, go direct to Mitoma who will isolate and win 1v1’s, or switch to our right side plan of attack.
Mid 3: Bruno is the more reserved and the Octopus who will sweep up everything defensively in that midfield. He will also cover the right side when Hakimi pushes forward to combine with Saka, and others push on to support the attack. Danilo, the left footer in his home at LCM where he can dribble and dictate the tempo. Bruno has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our CBs and LB have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with three playmakers at the back, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Ramsdale and the two CBs today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Mahrez for Saka
After 70 - Paqueta for Danilo
Rules for League Cup are 4 u21s in your squad of 18, must have 2 on at all time, also 1 youth player must be in your 18
You take off 3 u21 and no youth player
Watford: Cup Vs Leicester
Captain: Perrone
Vice-Captain: Andrew
--------------------Andrew
Fresneda--Morato--Porozo--Vázquez
--------------Perrone----Willock
----------------------Hugo
Edwards-----------------------------Núñez
-------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bursik, Giay, Collins, Santos, Gibbs-White, Henrique, Borbas
U21: Andrew, Morato, Porozo, Vázquez, Perrone, Hugo, Santos, Borbas
Youth: Ferguson, Fresneda, Giay
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Perrone) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Willock). In front of them Hugo will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Willock will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Hugo and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Andrew is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Perrone). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Willock). 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 Hugo will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Edwards and Núñez 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 Hugo, Willock and Ferguson 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 Willock may sit a bit deeper allowing Hugo 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.
Ferguson starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Hugo, Núñez or Edwards with Morato, Porozo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. Hugo and Núñez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Morato, Santos for Perrone and Borbas for Ferguson.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Willock with Borbas and Edwards with Henrique. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Perrone
Henrique---Hugo---Núñez
----------Borbas--Ferguson
WOLVES vs Arsenal
Starting Line Up:
----------------------Pickford
Williams-----Tomori---------Laporte-------Chilwell
-----------------Zubimendi---D.Rosa
Chiesa--------------------Almada---------Trossard
----------------------------Gnonto
Subs: Green, Aarons, de Vrij, Diaz, Xhaka, Trincao, Moro
U21s & Youths: Moro, Williams, Rosa, Almada, Gnonto
GAME PLAN
Playing the low block vs Arsenal today to keep them at bay. We will play everyone behind the ball withstanding the pressure Arsenal give. They will want to press us and invite us up the pitch but we must ignore that. Block them and kick the ball to our forwards who will try and hold it up the pitch. Defence must stay back, we will only have the front 4 try and score. The other players will sit back and prevent a counter. Once the ball is lost, all players must get back into their defensive positions and allow no space for Arsenal to operate in. Try and make some clever fouls on their players to prevent them from operating their tactics. Later in the game, we will bring on a couple of subs to try and sneak the win.
DEFENSIVE PLAN
Williams and Chilwell will not move forward. They will keep back trying to stop any opposition player from trying to run into the space behind them to take advantage. If they collect the ball, pump it forward for our players to run onto it. If not, push them to the corners and force them to pass back.
The centre backs will bully their striker, keeping him marked, kicking him a bit and bullying him. Zubimendi will come back at times to form a back 3 of centre backs when off the ball. On the ball, they will look to get it away from the danger zone quickly, preferably to the wingers but to the central mids if needed.
Zubimendi and Rosa will look to protect the back 4 by covering the space that the attacking mids will try and play into. Prevent any pockets of space from being used. They will try and play the ball out quick to the forwards and stay back to prevent any counters. No need for them to join the attack.
ATTACKING PLAN
Our wingers Chiesa and Trossard will be deep playing wingers. On the attack they will try and run with the ball and cross it to Gnonto, but they will also at times try and use Almada to play clever balls into the box so that the defence don’t expect the same attack all the time. Once off the ball, try and keep back in line, play deeper, behind the ball, almost as if they are wing backs.
Almada will try and influence the middle by bringing midfielders with him so that space opens up for the wingers to play into. He will look for space behind the full backs for our wingers to run into. Sometimes look to play it forward for the striker to score.
Gnonto needs to just keep himself in good positions in the box to get his head on the ball or just grab a goal. He will help out the wingers or Almada as much as he can if needed but his priority is to take advantage of the pockets of space by the goal.
IF LOSING/DRAWIN
60 mins: Xhaka for Rosa
65 mins: Trincao for Almada
IF WINNING
60 Mins: Xhaka for Rosa
60 Mins: Diaz for Almada – Play as a 3rd CDM
90+1st Min: Aarons for Williams
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wingers play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— de Jong —— Rodri
————————————- Barella
———— Musiala ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Caicedo, Thiago, Pino, Sterling, Tammy
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play City are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Tammy
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Pino for Musiala
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for James. 3-5-2. Sterling and Foden wide. Musiala second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Tammy for de Jong. Musiala deeper.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh energy
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and Caicedo a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, Caicedo with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and Caicedo dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and Caicedo to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— Caicedo —— Rodri
————————————- Musiala
———— Felix ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Vitinha, Barella, Tel, Sterling, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Caicedo and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s 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 defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on Vitinha for Caicedo. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mathys Tel for Felix
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Udogie. 3-5-2. Sterling and Foden wide. Felix second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Vitinha for Rodri. Fresh energy
Leicester City v BRENTFORD
Ampadu, Maehle, Guéhi, Kerkez
---------------------Simón
Dumfries, Zabarnyi, Andersen, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Kelleher, Vuskovic, Höjbjerg, Lobotka, Olmo, Werner, Beljo
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Zabarnyi, Beljo
Our defensive unit consists of Ilya Zabarnyi and Joachim Andersen paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Höjbjerg and Olmo on for Laimer and Szoboszlai
Double substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs in the last 15 minutes.
ARSENAL vs. Man Utd
-------------------- Ramsdale --------------------
Hakimi —- W. Saliba -- Gabriel -- Zinchenko
–------ S.M.S —-- T. Partey —- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- Mitoma
Bench: Kounde, Locatelli, Dybala, Cozier-Dubbery, Jesus, Jota, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game. This is the setup we should have on the ball.
Gabriel and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Ramsdale they are teammates and have good chemistry. They are a triangle in themselves in possession. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
-------------------- Ramsdale --------------------
—--------—- W. Saliba -- Gabriel —-------------
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—------- B. Saka —------------ S.M.S —----------
Hakimi —--------- Balogun —--------- Mitoma
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance. As shown above, Hakimi is the widest in this formation, he should hug the touchline and be the final ball star. He is full of goals and assists and he overlaps Saka in this system, allowing Saka to cut inside and be deadly in his shooting and creative game.
SMS the surprise factor in the side today. Due to the in possession shape he has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s an end product king, one of the most productive midfielders in Europe for years, using his strength as well as technical ability to really make the difference.
Right focus: We should focus lots of our attack down the right where Saka can turn and combine and come inside, Hakimi can overlap and Mitoma can get into the box as a second striker alongside Balogun. To cover Hakimi when forward we have Danilo who anchors but also Zinchenko who drops into a deeper playmaking role, Partey is the shuttler to try and aggressively close down the ball and stop transition.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Ramsdale and the two CBs today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Paqueta for SMS.
After 70 if not winning - Dybala for Mitoma (Jesus to LF).
After 70 if winning - Kounde for Hakimi - Saka take Hakimi place in build up shape, Kounde adds extra number to the final line at RCB.
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
----------------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
Couto------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-----------Hincapie
---------------------Lavia----------------Valverde-------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz---------------------------------------------
Diaby--------------------------Ekitike-----------------------Kvaraskhelia-
Subs - Lacroix, Timber, Sulemana, Gittens, Chukwuemeka, Garnacho, Sesko
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KVARAT
FK'S - KVARAT
PENALTIES - KVARAT
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Schlotterbeck bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Schlotterbeck will marshal the defence and Upa will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you.
Couto and Hincapie are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both fullbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter.
Defence Mids
Lavia + Valverde
Lavia will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Kvara/Diaby and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as the box to box midfielder today. He will help out in defence and attack as he has the stamina on him to last the whole game. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Wingers
Diaby + Kvara
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. Kvara will be looking to cut in from the left and Diaby likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some balls into the box for Ekitike to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Ekitike and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Hugo Ekitike
Big man Hugo will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and technique 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. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Sesko and Garnacho for Lavia and Kvara 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.
---------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto----------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-------Hincapie
-----------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Wirtz-----------------------------------
Diaby--------------Ekitike-------------Sesko----------------Garnacho
Subs if WINNING BY 75MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Chukwuemeka in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Sesko for Ekitike to offer a more physical presence up front.
----------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck----------Hincapie
------------Valverde----------Lavia------Chukwuemeka--------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diaby---------------------------------------------------------------Kvaradona
-----------------------------------Sesko-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS (fresh legs)
Sesko on for Ekitike
Garnacho on for Kvara
Gittens on for Diaby
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and Caicedo a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, Caicedo with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and Caicedo dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and Caicedo to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— Caicedo —— Rodri
————————————- Musiala
———— Felix ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, de Jong, Barella, Tel, Sancho, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Caicedo and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s 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 defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on de Jong for Caicedo. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mathys Tel for Felix
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sancho for Udogie. 3-5-2. Sancho and Foden wide. Felix second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on de Jong for Rodri. Fresh energy
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
Maatsen, Olmo, Kelleher, Andersen
------------------Hermansen
Dumfries, Zabarnyi, Guéhi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Sander, Maehle, Vuskovic, Lobotka, Höjbjerg, Elmas, Werner
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Zabarnyi, Sander
Our defensive unit consists of Ilya Zabarnyi and Marc Guéhi paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Maehle, Höjbjerg and Werner on for Dumfries, Laimer and Szoboszlai
Triple substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs in the last 15 minutes.
ARSENAL to face Man Utd
-------------------- Maignan --------------------
Kounde -- W. Saliba -- Lucas. H -- Zinchenko
–------ S.M.S —-- T. Partey —- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- Mitoma
Bench: Hakimi, Stones, Cozier-Dubbery, Jesus, Jota, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game. This is the setup we should have on the ball. We want to stick to our usual gameplan but play with slightly more defensive nous and awareness given the first leg result. That’s why Kounde has come in for Hakimi for this one.
Kounde, Lucas. H and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Maignan. They are a French quartet and all excellent in possession. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
Kounde and Lucas experience of playing as full backs make them the perfect duo for these on the ball roles. It creates a back three in the build up and allows Zinchenko to come inside and create a midfield overload.
-------------------- Maignan ----------------------
--- Kounde —---- W. Saliba —---- Lucas. H ---
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—-------------------- S.M.S —---------------------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun —--------- Mitoma
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance. As shown above, Kounde is the widest in this formation, he should hug the touchline and be the final ball star. He is full of goals and assists and he overlaps Saka in this system, allowing Saka to cut inside and be deadly in his shooting and creative game.
SMS the surprise factor in the side today. Due to the in possession shape he has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s an end product king, one of the most productive midfielders in Europe for years, using his strength as well as technical ability to really make the difference.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Maignan and the two CBs (and RB) today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Paqueta for SMS.
After 75 if winning on agg - Stones for Kounde - more of the same
After 75 if losing/drawing on agg- Hakmi for Kounde
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
----------------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
Couto------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-----------Hincapie
---------------------Lavia----------------Valverde-------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz---------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Ekitike---------------------Kvaraskhelia-
Subs - Lacroix, Timber, Sulemana, Gittens, Chukwuemeka, Garnacho, Sesko
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KVARAT
FK'S - KVARAT
PENALTIES - KVARAT
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Schlotterbeck bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Schlotterbeck will marshal the defence and Upa will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you.
Couto and Hincapie are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both fullbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter.
Defence Mids
Lavia + Valverde
Lavia will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Kvara/Antonyy and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as the box to box midfielder today. He will help out in defence and attack as he has the stamina on him to last the whole game. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Wingers
Antony + Kvara
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. Kvara will be looking to cut in from the left and Antony likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some balls into the box for Ekitike to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Ekitike and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Hugo Ekitike
Big man Hugo will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and technique 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. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Sesko and Garnacho for Lavia and Kvara 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.
---------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto----------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-------Hincapie
-----------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Wirtz-----------------------------------
Antony--------------Ekitike-------------Sesko----------------Garnacho
Subs if WINNING BY 75MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Chukwuemeka in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Sesko for Ekitike to offer a more physical presence up front.
----------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck----------Hincapie
------------Valverde----------Lavia------Chukwuemeka--------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------------------------------------------Kvaradona
-----------------------------------Sesko-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS (fresh legs)
Sesko on for Ekitike
Garnacho on for Kvara
Gittens on for Antony
ARSENAL to face Leicester - CUP FINAL
--------------------- Maignan --------------------
B. White -- W. Saliba -- Lucas. H -- Zinchenko
–------ Bruno. G -- T. Partey -- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- G. Jesus
Bench: Hakimi, Stones, Cozier-Dubbery, Mitoma, Jota, Paqueta, Dybala
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
A huge game, a cup final and one our team has grown together and worked towards. We’ve setup to disrupt the opposition strengths but also give us a great platform to play our game and make the difference, dictacting the tempo.
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game.
This is the setup we should have on the ball. We want to stick to our usual gameplan but play with slightly more defensive nous and awareness given the first leg result. That’s why White has come in for Hakimi for this one.
Lucas. H and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Maignan. They are a French trio and all excellent in possession - also an Arsenal trio in there. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
White and Lucas experience of playing as full backs make them the perfect duo for these on the ball roles. It creates a back three in the build up and allows Zinchenko to come inside and create a midfield overload.
--------------------- Maignan ----------------------
------ White ---- W. Saliba —---- Lucas. H -----
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—------------------- Bruno. G --------------------
B. Saka ----------- Balogun ---- Jesus --------
Saka and Jesus are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. Saka should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition - Jesus can drift in as a support striker to Balogun. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance but our main channel will be to attack on the right allowing Jesus plenty of time in the box. Saka and White have that relationship on the right side too.
Due to the in possession shape Bruno. G has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s a tenacious box-to-box midfielder. His Brazilian intensity coupled with Jesus will help us win turnovers and transition quickly with our front four all of whom have great fast acceleration.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Dybala for Balogun, Paqueta for Bruno. G.
After 75 if winning- Stones for White - more of the same
After 75 if losing - Hakmi for White
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Musiala and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
——————————————— Alisson
Vanderson —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
——————————— de Jong —— Rodri
——————————————— Barella
———— Felix ——————————————— Musiala ———
——————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Caicedo, Thiago, Sterling, Tel, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Barella play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play Arsenal are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 75 mins bring on Sterlingl for Felix, pace to get at tired legs
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Barella. Felix to AM, more pace out wide.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh energy
Chelsea
---------------------- D.Costa ------------------------
J.Mario ----- Romero ----- P.Torres ----- Mendes
---------- J.Bellingham -- E.Fernandez -----------
--- Alvarez -------- Odegaard -------- Mbappe ---
--------------------- E.Haaland ----------------------
Caprile, Kamara, Gravenberch, Goncalves, Gnabry, Ferran, Ramos
A nicely balanced side with plenty pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot. Defend as a team, chasing back as they attack, pressurize them quickly
Pau Torres is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when they are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend their fullbacks are obvs a danger as they are very attacking, so keep tight with help of our wingers, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Enzo sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Odegaard as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Odegaard that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Enzo and Bellingham must be patient, provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with Enzo doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Enzo still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside Odegaard to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Odegaard is the link between midfield and attack, especially to Haaland, these two know each other so well, hence my huge effort to get him to Stamford Bridge! Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, Odegaard has to find him, he will find him, , he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo and Bellingham so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, Mbappe and Alvarez\ will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bellingham and Odegaard 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 and Odegaard, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - Romero
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Odegaard
Losing -
65 Mins - Ramos for Alvarez, Kamara for Bellingham, Kamara goes to RCB, Mendes and J.Mario push on to Wingback, Mbappe and Ramos either side of Haaland 3-4-3
75 Mins - Gnabry for J.Mario
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Odegaard - sit behind the two mids, shore it up
83 mIns - G.Ramos for Haaland, Gnabry for Alvarez
Drawing -
70 Mins - P.Goncalves for Odegaard, Ramos for Haaland again two who know each other very well and freshen the attack up, Gnabry for Alvarez
Villa
------------------------ N.Pope ------------------------
Carvajal ---- M.Akanji ---- R.Varane ---- F.Mendy
--------------- Anguissa ----- Casemiro -------------
Lookman ----------- Maddison ----------- Adeyemi
-------------------- Lewandowski --------------------
van Sas, Pavard, Pellegrini, D.Luiz, Griezmann, B.Johnson, M.Kudus
I want fast, fluid passing to get around the opposition, use the experience we have to pick the right pass at the right time and when to move forward and when to stay back, be in control at all times even when defending
A solid back 4 with Akanji looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful so will look to bully the striker, be on his toes at all times looking to intercept and ball through to No.9 nip in ahead when he can but nothing rash so he doesnt lose out in possession. Powerful in the air so any high balls into the danger area he will hopefully win. Varane alongside, again a very robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Akanji if needed, can also switch roles with him if he struggles. Both can play it out so no need for rash punts up field unless tequired and no other option, will look to play it to the fullbacks or the midfielders ahead
Fullbacks will attack one at a time look for the one/two with the winger ahead, over lapping allowing Lookman/Adeyemi to come inside, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get them beyond the opposition fullbacks, defensively, stay strong, keep the wingers to the outside away from danger, try and keep them on there 'bad' foot so they find it difficult to get a cross in, I do not want to see my defenders dive in, so stay tall and use upper body strength to keep there chances to a minimum.
The two in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, wont give there midfield any time on the ball, we will look to dictate play with neat slick passing, winning the ball and setting the attacking players free into space, Casemiro is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes Casemiro will be there snapping at his heals, Anguissa is more B2B, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Casemiro making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, such a big man very difficult to knock off the ball, has four quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass and he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Maddison in a No.10/free role, he has freedom of the pitch, drag markers around creating space for others to move into, he will be a nuisance for them, can go wide or join Lewandowski up top. Will look for the 3 around him plus one fullback as we drive forward, pass and drive into space and become a danger to their goal, in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks at times they will have a fullback with them so quick passing round their fullback should give us space for one of them to fire in to the box, whilst this is happening the opposite winger will be moving into space in the danger area to make up numbers, again defending, track their fullbacks and stop them gaining ground. Both will always be nipping in and around lewandowski and both capable of getting the goals,
Lewandowski, is one of the very best strikers, give him the ball and 9/10 he will stick it in the back of the net, always on the last man, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward
Captain - Casemiro
Penalties - Lewandowski
Free Kicks - Maddison/Replacement
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Griezmann for Maddison, Johnson for Lookman, Pellegrini for Anguissa, more 442, with Griezmann supporting Lewandowski
Winning -
75 Mins - Pavard for Maddison sit in defence, Johnson for Lookman
85 Mins - Griezmann for Lewandowski
ARSENAL to face Man City
--------------------- Maignan ----------------------
Kounde -- J. Stones --- Gabriel -- Zinchenko
–---------- Bruno. G —---- Paqueta -------------
B. Saka —---------- Dybala —----------- D. Jota
—--------—--------- G. Jesus —--------------------
Bench: Hakimi, Lucas. H, White, SMS, Ruiz, Mahrez, Nketiah
Fresh tactics for this one - Fast paced, front footed, samba style approach today. We are playing combative, forward thinking players, whilst giving us balance in the defensive selection with Kounde at RB and Zinchenko at LB to help the midfield and transitions.
In defence we have Arsenal and French chemistry again plus the experience of Stones. In possession they form a back three, Kounde perfect for the RCB role and Gabriel perfect for the LCB. Probably Arsenal’s best player in 2023, Gabriel covers the left side of defence exceptionally, and this allows Zinchenko to move into the LDM possession in the build up and give us that third midfielder. That in turn allows us to play Paqueta slightly higher and create a box 2-2 in CM. There is real competition for places in this team and we’ve made a few tweaks today to keep freshness and because they are so close in ability.
In possession we should be as described:
-------------------- Maignan ----------------------
--- Kounde—---- Stones —---- Gabriel —----
–----- Bruno. G —------—- Zinchenko —-------
—-------- Dybala —------- Paqueta —----------
B. Saka —------- G. Jesus —----------- D. Jota
This shape gives us options in all channels. We have a stabilised build up to build through the phases, recovery pace in the back three allows us to play higher and dictate the ball. Zinchenko and Bruno are them the interiors in the build up in the next line. They are the players to bite in and win the ball back quickly but crucially they are our playmakers and tempo setters - like they both do so well for their respective clubs.
Ahead of them we have two brilliant small space players to play in the half spaces. Paqueta in the left half space, like he does so well for Brazil and Dybala in the right. They will find pockets of space in between the lines to cause huge damage. They should look to combine together or with Jesus + 1 of the wide men to create overloads and angles.
Jota and Saka should hug the touchline when the ball is on their side in order to stretch the pitch and create more room for the interior players to find devastating impact. When the ball is on the right, Jota should tuck in to support Jesus a little, as a wide striker, this will allow for another body in the box for the opposition to think about. He has instinctive finishing and great anticipation of where the ball will drop.
Stones the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form.
When we lose the ball we should work to retreat and defend together, everyone needs to recover quickly and shut down passing lanes and smother the opposition players to stop the transition. We have picked athletic players and fresh players to enable us to out run and out smart the opposition in these transitions throughout the game. We should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure - another reason we will have fresher legs is after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Mahrez for Saka
After 75 if winning- SMS for Dybala, Lucas H for Zinchenko
After 75 if losing or drawing - Hakmi for Kounde, Nketiah for Dybala = 442.
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
——————————————— Alisson
Vanderson —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
——————————— de Jong —— Rodri
——————————————— Musiala
———— Felix ——————————————— Foden ———
——————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Alaba, Caicedo, Thiago, Sterling, Tel, Tammy
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play Villa are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Barella
for Musiala
If winning after 75 mins bring on Sterling for Felix, pace to get at tired legs
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Felix, more pace out wide.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Barella for de Jong.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh legs
Liverpool v BRENTFORD
Olmo, Hermansen, Laimer, Isaksen
—-----------------------Meret
Dumfries—Andersen—-Scalvini---Grimaldo
—-------------Höjbjerg—---Lobotka
—-----------Fernandes—-Szoboszlai
—--------------Höjlund—----Werner
Kelleher, Maehle, Guéhi, Kerkez, Koopmeiners, Berardi, Brandt
Captain - Fernandes
Free Kicks - Fernandes/Szoboszlai (Brandt)
Pen - Fernandes
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Double substitution on 70 mins
Like for like - Brandt on for Szoboszlai, Maehle on for Dumfries
Watford: League week 10: HOME to Wolves.
Captain: Simón
Vice Captain: Tanlongo
Team:
-------------------Simón
Araujo---Porozo—Morato---Angeliño
-----------------Tanlongo
--------------Willock---Hugo
Henrique--------------------------Edwards
---------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Vázquez, Kaiky, Perrone, Alcaraz, Gibbs-White, Borbas
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: Simón 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: Tanlongo 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. Willock and Gibbs-Hugo will play just in front of Tanlongo. Willock will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gibbs-Hugo will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Henrique and Edwards 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 Gibbs-Hugo, Willock 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 Willock may sit a bit deeper allowing Gibbs-Hugo 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: Willock, Alcaraz or Henrique with Porozo, Morato, Tanlongo and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gibbs-Hugo and Edwards (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Kaiky for Morato, Borbas for Núñez and Gibbs-White for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Gibbs-White for Willock and Borbas for Henrique. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Borbas and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------Tanlongo
Gibbs-White--Hugo--- Edwards
-----------Núñez---Borbas
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Tactics
Page 57 of 84
58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62
posted on 20/1/23
SPURS Vs man city
--------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto--------------De Ligt------------Araujo-----------Gomez
-------------------------------Tchouameni-----------------------------
--------------Gravenberch----------------De Bruyne------------------------
-------------------------------------Messi-----------------------------------
------------------------Alvarez----------------Kane-------------------------
Subs - Raya, Carvajal, Garcia, B Silva, Carvalho, Neymar, Hlozek
CAPTAIN - MESSI
CK - DE BRUYNE
FK - MESSI
PENALTIES - MESSI
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 Ederson in net, a calm and collected keeper who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet so he won't crumble under any pressure if the oppo rushes in towards him when he has the ball as he has the ability to seamlessly play it out. He's a world class shot stopper aswell so the defence will be well assured having him in goal.
De Ligt and Araujo are two world class level CB's. Both playing well for their respective clubs irl these 2 will form a solid CB partnership. 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! You both have good ball playing skills so if there's some space for you, you can bring the ball out a bit and try and play some lofted through balls for our forwards to run onto.
Full backs
Gusto + Gomez
What we have here are 2 youthful fullbacks who are blessed with the pace and athletic ability to help out both in attack and defence. You 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 our strikers are a threat in the air. If we lose possession while you lot are in attacking positions quickly run back into your defensive position. Tchouameni will be covering for you if you are out of position as a safety precaution.
Defence mid
Tchouameni
Tchou will be the anchor that helps the defence. He will only focus on defensive duties and will try and intercept any loose balls the oppo have in the attacking third. Put tackles in and cover for our fullbacks when they are attacking. Use your superior physical strength to outmuscle the oppo attackers and win the ball back deep to start a quick counter.
Centre Mids
Gravenberch + De Bruyne
Gravenberch will be the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and to use your pace and power to open up the oppo midfield. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can.
De Bruyne will play CM today. I want him to use his world class vision to spot the runs of our attackers and thread balls for them. You are the creative force in the middle so always be aware of where your teammates are and if you see a gap in the oppo, then pounce on it. He 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.
Attack Mid
Lionel "CR7 is my idol" Messi
In AM we have the main man, the player who single handedly carried Argentina to the world cup, Lionel Messi. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our strikers 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. Play quick one two passes with your teammates and use your low centre of gravity to accelerate away from any challenges.
Strikers
Alvarez + Kane
Kane will be the target man here. Play aerial balls for him to bring down and work in tandem with Alvarez and Messi upfront to try and create chances. Alvarez will look to use his pace to get away from the oppo defence. 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.
IF WINNING BY 75 MINS
Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Alvarez and put on Garcia to give the defence even more protection. Bernardo on for De Bruyne to offer my energy in the middle
----------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto------De Ligt---------Garcia------Araujo------Gomez
----------------Graven---------Tchou--------Bernardo-------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Messi---------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Kane------------------------
IF LOSING BY 75 MINS
Take off Gravenberch and Tchouameni put on Bernardo and Neymar on the wings. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal.
-------------------------------- Ederson ---------------------------
Gusto-----------De Ligt------------Araujo-----------Gomez
---------------------------------De Bruyne------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------Messi-----------------------------------
Silva-------------Alvarez-------------Kane------------------Neymar
IF DRAWING BY 80MINS
Neymar on for Alvarez
Bernardo on for Gravenberch
posted on 22/1/23
Duran off chelsea subs
posted on 28/1/23
BRENTFORD v Newcastle United
Werner, Grimaldo, Lobotka, Ampadu
-------------------Kelleher
Dumfries, Andersen, Guehi, Kerkez
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Simón, Maehle, Vuskovic, Höjbjerg, Elmas, Olmo, Beljo
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Kerkez, Beljo
Our defensive unit consists of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Milos Kerkez at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Kerkez can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Maehle and Olmo on for Dumfries and Szoboszlai
Double substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs down the flanks in the last 15 minutes.
If pens then:
Koopmeiners
Ødegaard
Höjlund
Berardi
Olmo
Maehle
Others…
posted on 29/1/23
--------------------- Chevalier ---------------------
Joe Scally --- Konate --- Bastoni --- Cucurella
------- M.Nunes --- N.Kante --- L.Modric -------
------ M.Salah ----- Nkunku ----- S. Mane ------
Martinez, TAA, Essugo, C.Jones, O.Kokcu, T.Kubo, Richarlison
U21 - Chevalier, Jones, Kokcu, Kubo
Youth - Joe Scally, Essugo
A good back 5 with a big commanding keeper in the sticks, both fullbacks have freedom to fly today as we have a midfield three which is solid allowing them the freedom to attack down the flanks and support the wingers, only when we have the ball as I dont want to be left exposed when we dont, a solid line led by Bastoni who will be the 'spare' CB allowing Konate to pick up the striker, when he comes forward be onto him quickly, dont dive in, but jockey him away from the danger area, Bastoni helping out with the CF and AM if needed.
Our mid 3 has a bit of everything, Modric looking to pick the passes which lead to goals, Kante the enforces stopping the AM becoming a threat and B2B Nunes adding the attacking threat and defensive when required, they act as a trio or a five when fullbacks push on creating a 253 formation, we drive at them pushing them right back towards their own goal, with our front three we have so many goals in the team, supply will be plenty too! Fullbacks will drive passed the wingers allowing them to push infield, we will play quick one touch 1/2's to get round their fullbacks, cross in and hopefully get on the end of it, if not a cross then use the wingers to driveinto the box and have a pop at goal.
Nunes will be pushing in on the goal to get involved also, Modric will pass to his hearts content today, picking up quick swivel and the next attack is started, he keep sit easy nothing complicated. While all this is going on Kante just sits in front of Bastoni and Konate, just in case.
Front three is very dangerous, they can interchange through the game, I dont need to give them personal instructions for this, just let them do it as all very capable of playing all 3 forward positons, they move around dragging their markers with them creating gaps for others to drive into and for Modric to pick them out.
Play a high(ish) line not allowing them to break forward or at least make them nervous about doing so.
I want a high press in your face performance today, real high energy get intae them kinda game, we have goals, we have excitment in our team, but also vast experience to calm stuff down when needed.
Captain - Modric
Pens - Mane
Free Kicks in the opp half - Modric
Subs -
Losing/drawing -
70 Mins - C.Jones for Nunes - he goes LW, Mane to go up top with Nkunku 442/424, Essugo for Kante
Winning -
75 Mins - Kocku for Nunes straight swap, TAA for Salah we move to a 451
if pens
Mane
Nkunku
Salah
Modric
Cucurella
then whoever is on
posted on 29/1/23
ARSENAL to face Wolves (Cup)
------------------- Ramsdale -------------------
Hakimi —- W. Saliba -- Gabriel -- Lucas. H
–----- Fabian --- Bruno. G --- Danilo -------
B. Saka —-------- Balogun ---------- Mitoma
Bench: White, Locatelli, Dybala, Nwaneri, Jesus, Mahrez, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
A 4-3-3 today. In midfield is an area we feel we can have real superiority over Wolves. Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game.
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance.
Right focus: We should focus lots of our attack down the right where Saka can turn and combine and come inside, Hakimi can overlap and Mitoma can get into the box as a second striker alongside Balogun. To cover Hakimi when forward we have Bruno who anchors but also Fabian who can drop into a deeper playmaking role, Danilo is the shuttler to try and aggressively close down the ball and stop transition. If Bruno wants to explode forward with an energetic burst, Danilo simply slots and anchors.
Left side: This side is more of our playmaking side. Lucas. H is a solid full back with excellent passing ability and composure on the ball. Ahead of him he has Danilo. These two will be a hub of on the ball quality, looking to receive the ball from the GK/CBs, go direct to Mitoma who will isolate and win 1v1’s, or switch to our right side plan of attack.
Mid 3: Bruno is the more reserved and the Octopus who will sweep up everything defensively in that midfield. He will also cover the right side when Hakimi pushes forward to combine with Saka, and others push on to support the attack. Danilo, the left footer in his home at LCM where he can dribble and dictate the tempo. Bruno has been chosen for his physical dominance and ability to turn and play at pace. The dynamic midfielder has the quality and experience to add to our midfield.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our CBs and LB have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with three playmakers at the back, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Ramsdale and the two CBs today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Mahrez for Saka
After 70 - Paqueta for Danilo
posted on 29/1/23
Rules for League Cup are 4 u21s in your squad of 18, must have 2 on at all time, also 1 youth player must be in your 18
You take off 3 u21 and no youth player
posted on 30/1/23
Watford: Cup Vs Leicester
Captain: Perrone
Vice-Captain: Andrew
--------------------Andrew
Fresneda--Morato--Porozo--Vázquez
--------------Perrone----Willock
----------------------Hugo
Edwards-----------------------------Núñez
-------------------Ferguson
SUBS: Bursik, Giay, Collins, Santos, Gibbs-White, Henrique, Borbas
U21: Andrew, Morato, Porozo, Vázquez, Perrone, Hugo, Santos, Borbas
Youth: Ferguson, Fresneda, Giay
SUMMARY: This week we go with a 4-3-3 set up although we will be a tad more conservative and operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Perrone) who will be complimented with an energetic box to box midfielder (Willock). In front of them Hugo will operate as the link between midfield and attack. This I feel will give us a better balanced midfield and while being absolutely defensively sound with 2 ‘sitting’ Willock will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Hugo and attack. I think this set-up lets us link up quickly with our attack while at the same time that little bit of extra cautiousness means it will be easy for us to close the door in midfield with all 3 players as comfortable sitting and breaking up attacks if necessary.
We want to play a nice tidy and crisp passing game. Our aim is to move the ball forward as quickly and as effectively as possible. When we have the ball we will use it wisely and when we don’t have the ball then we will press our opponents all over the park with high urgency to win it back. We want to keep the ball on the deck and attack as a team and equally as important defend as a team. This team is bursting with pace. We will utilise that to our advantage and make the pitch wide and use our flying wingers to cause all sorts of mayhem. It will also be a tool that we use to hit opponents on the counter where we know we can out pace any team.
Goalkeeper: Andrew is a big mobile keeper and very athletic. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. Our 2 centre halves are big 6 feet plus ball playing defenders. Both good in the air and equally as good with the ball at their feet. They will be asked to do the simple things well. Be aggressive but controlled in the tackle and never lose your man when defending dead ball situations. They will be able to bring the ball out of defence but if in doubt take absolutely no chances and clear it. Both big men will be a real aerial threat at set pieces.
Midfield: We will operate with one holding/defensive midfielder (Perrone). He will be the midfield general. A physical pacey midfielder he will be there to boss this area for us. Breaking up play and filling in as an extra defender if one of our back 4 has ventured forward. He will be there to protect the defence and do a lot of the unseen dirty work in the centre of the park. He is essential to our game plan and while sitting deep will still offer a lot with his great passing ability. He also has a thunderbolt right foot. He will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Willock). 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 Hugo will operate as the link between midfield and attack. He will be our creator and can find that magic pass to break open a defence and release one of our front three.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Edwards and Núñez 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 Hugo, Willock and Ferguson 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 Willock may sit a bit deeper allowing Hugo 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.
Ferguson starts as the CF. He won’t be short of support or ammunition with the attacking talent behind him. Great playing off the shoulder of the last man he is deadly in and around the box. A bag of energy and very strong we will also look for him to hold up and bring others in to play if it doesn’t seem to be on for him. We will look to get bodies in the box when attacking so he should always have an outlet. He is also great in the air and will provide an option from set pieces. When the shot is on he will take it but we also want to put himself about in the box and think that his lightning pace will be a real handful for defences. He will also be alert to any scraps in and around the goal. He has the ability to produce something sublime and create a chance out of nothing.
Free Kicks/Corners: Hugo, Núñez or Edwards with Morato, Porozo and Ferguson to offer an aerial threat. Hugo and Núñez (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Substitutions: (80 mins) If winning, then 3 like for like subs – Collins for Morato, Santos for Perrone and Borbas for Ferguson.
If losing (60 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Willock with Borbas and Edwards with Henrique. Fresh legs and 2 attackers that carry a goal threat about them. We will look to their pace and freshness to offer us something different.
--------------Perrone
Henrique---Hugo---Núñez
----------Borbas--Ferguson
posted on 31/1/23
WOLVES vs Arsenal
Starting Line Up:
----------------------Pickford
Williams-----Tomori---------Laporte-------Chilwell
-----------------Zubimendi---D.Rosa
Chiesa--------------------Almada---------Trossard
----------------------------Gnonto
Subs: Green, Aarons, de Vrij, Diaz, Xhaka, Trincao, Moro
U21s & Youths: Moro, Williams, Rosa, Almada, Gnonto
GAME PLAN
Playing the low block vs Arsenal today to keep them at bay. We will play everyone behind the ball withstanding the pressure Arsenal give. They will want to press us and invite us up the pitch but we must ignore that. Block them and kick the ball to our forwards who will try and hold it up the pitch. Defence must stay back, we will only have the front 4 try and score. The other players will sit back and prevent a counter. Once the ball is lost, all players must get back into their defensive positions and allow no space for Arsenal to operate in. Try and make some clever fouls on their players to prevent them from operating their tactics. Later in the game, we will bring on a couple of subs to try and sneak the win.
DEFENSIVE PLAN
Williams and Chilwell will not move forward. They will keep back trying to stop any opposition player from trying to run into the space behind them to take advantage. If they collect the ball, pump it forward for our players to run onto it. If not, push them to the corners and force them to pass back.
The centre backs will bully their striker, keeping him marked, kicking him a bit and bullying him. Zubimendi will come back at times to form a back 3 of centre backs when off the ball. On the ball, they will look to get it away from the danger zone quickly, preferably to the wingers but to the central mids if needed.
Zubimendi and Rosa will look to protect the back 4 by covering the space that the attacking mids will try and play into. Prevent any pockets of space from being used. They will try and play the ball out quick to the forwards and stay back to prevent any counters. No need for them to join the attack.
ATTACKING PLAN
Our wingers Chiesa and Trossard will be deep playing wingers. On the attack they will try and run with the ball and cross it to Gnonto, but they will also at times try and use Almada to play clever balls into the box so that the defence don’t expect the same attack all the time. Once off the ball, try and keep back in line, play deeper, behind the ball, almost as if they are wing backs.
Almada will try and influence the middle by bringing midfielders with him so that space opens up for the wingers to play into. He will look for space behind the full backs for our wingers to run into. Sometimes look to play it forward for the striker to score.
Gnonto needs to just keep himself in good positions in the box to get his head on the ball or just grab a goal. He will help out the wingers or Almada as much as he can if needed but his priority is to take advantage of the pockets of space by the goal.
IF LOSING/DRAWIN
60 mins: Xhaka for Rosa
65 mins: Trincao for Almada
IF WINNING
60 Mins: Xhaka for Rosa
60 Mins: Diaz for Almada – Play as a 3rd CDM
90+1st Min: Aarons for Williams
posted on 1/2/23
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wingers play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— de Jong —— Rodri
————————————- Barella
———— Musiala ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Caicedo, Thiago, Pino, Sterling, Tammy
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play City are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Tammy
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Pino for Musiala
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for James. 3-5-2. Sterling and Foden wide. Musiala second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Tammy for de Jong. Musiala deeper.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh energy
posted on 4/2/23
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and Caicedo a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, Caicedo with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and Caicedo dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and Caicedo to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— Caicedo —— Rodri
————————————- Musiala
———— Felix ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Vitinha, Barella, Tel, Sterling, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Caicedo and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s 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 defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on Vitinha for Caicedo. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mathys Tel for Felix
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Udogie. 3-5-2. Sterling and Foden wide. Felix second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Vitinha for Rodri. Fresh energy
posted on 4/2/23
Leicester City v BRENTFORD
Ampadu, Maehle, Guéhi, Kerkez
---------------------Simón
Dumfries, Zabarnyi, Andersen, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Kelleher, Vuskovic, Höjbjerg, Lobotka, Olmo, Werner, Beljo
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Zabarnyi, Beljo
Our defensive unit consists of Ilya Zabarnyi and Joachim Andersen paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Höjbjerg and Olmo on for Laimer and Szoboszlai
Double substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs in the last 15 minutes.
posted on 5/2/23
ARSENAL vs. Man Utd
-------------------- Ramsdale --------------------
Hakimi —- W. Saliba -- Gabriel -- Zinchenko
–------ S.M.S —-- T. Partey —- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- Mitoma
Bench: Kounde, Locatelli, Dybala, Cozier-Dubbery, Jesus, Jota, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game. This is the setup we should have on the ball.
Gabriel and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Ramsdale they are teammates and have good chemistry. They are a triangle in themselves in possession. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
-------------------- Ramsdale --------------------
—--------—- W. Saliba -- Gabriel —-------------
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—------- B. Saka —------------ S.M.S —----------
Hakimi —--------- Balogun —--------- Mitoma
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance. As shown above, Hakimi is the widest in this formation, he should hug the touchline and be the final ball star. He is full of goals and assists and he overlaps Saka in this system, allowing Saka to cut inside and be deadly in his shooting and creative game.
SMS the surprise factor in the side today. Due to the in possession shape he has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s an end product king, one of the most productive midfielders in Europe for years, using his strength as well as technical ability to really make the difference.
Right focus: We should focus lots of our attack down the right where Saka can turn and combine and come inside, Hakimi can overlap and Mitoma can get into the box as a second striker alongside Balogun. To cover Hakimi when forward we have Danilo who anchors but also Zinchenko who drops into a deeper playmaking role, Partey is the shuttler to try and aggressively close down the ball and stop transition.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Ramsdale and the two CBs today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Paqueta for SMS.
After 70 if not winning - Dybala for Mitoma (Jesus to LF).
After 70 if winning - Kounde for Hakimi - Saka take Hakimi place in build up shape, Kounde adds extra number to the final line at RCB.
posted on 7/2/23
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
----------------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
Couto------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-----------Hincapie
---------------------Lavia----------------Valverde-------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz---------------------------------------------
Diaby--------------------------Ekitike-----------------------Kvaraskhelia-
Subs - Lacroix, Timber, Sulemana, Gittens, Chukwuemeka, Garnacho, Sesko
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KVARAT
FK'S - KVARAT
PENALTIES - KVARAT
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Schlotterbeck bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Schlotterbeck will marshal the defence and Upa will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you.
Couto and Hincapie are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both fullbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter.
Defence Mids
Lavia + Valverde
Lavia will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Kvara/Diaby and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as the box to box midfielder today. He will help out in defence and attack as he has the stamina on him to last the whole game. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Wingers
Diaby + Kvara
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. Kvara will be looking to cut in from the left and Diaby likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some balls into the box for Ekitike to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Ekitike and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Hugo Ekitike
Big man Hugo will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and technique 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. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Sesko and Garnacho for Lavia and Kvara 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.
---------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto----------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-------Hincapie
-----------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Wirtz-----------------------------------
Diaby--------------Ekitike-------------Sesko----------------Garnacho
Subs if WINNING BY 75MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Chukwuemeka in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Sesko for Ekitike to offer a more physical presence up front.
----------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck----------Hincapie
------------Valverde----------Lavia------Chukwuemeka--------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diaby---------------------------------------------------------------Kvaradona
-----------------------------------Sesko-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS (fresh legs)
Sesko on for Ekitike
Garnacho on for Kvara
Gittens on for Diaby
posted on 11/2/23
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and Caicedo a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, Caicedo with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and Caicedo dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and Caicedo to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
—————————————Alisson
R.James ——— Militao —— Gvardiol —— Udogie
————————— Caicedo —— Rodri
————————————- Musiala
———— Felix ———————————— Foden ———
———————————— Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, de Jong, Barella, Tel, Sancho, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Militao who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, Caicedo and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s 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 defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 72 mins bring on de Jong for Caicedo. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 78 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 80 mins bring on Mathys Tel for Felix
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sancho for Udogie. 3-5-2. Sancho and Foden wide. Felix second forward.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on de Jong for Rodri. Fresh energy
posted on 11/2/23
BRENTFORD v Leicester City
Maatsen, Olmo, Kelleher, Andersen
------------------Hermansen
Dumfries, Zabarnyi, Guéhi, Grimaldo
-----------Koopmeiners,Laimer
Berardi—-----Ødegaard—-Szoboszlai
--------------------Höjlund
Subs: Sander, Maehle, Vuskovic, Lobotka, Höjbjerg, Elmas, Werner
Captain: Ødegaard
Free Kicks: Koopmeiners
Penalties: Koopmeiners
Youth player - Vuskovic
U21 - Szoboszlai, Höjlund, Zabarnyi, Sander
Our defensive unit consists of Ilya Zabarnyi and Marc Guéhi paired up at centre-back, Denzel Dumfries at right-back and Álex Grimaldo at left-back, with Teun Koopmeiners and Konrad Laimer as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.
This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Koopmeiners and Laimer 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 Laimer 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 Koopmeiners role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.
With Laimer 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 Dominik Szoboszlai as our band of three attacking midfielders with Rasmus Höjlund 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 Laimer, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.
Dumfries and Grimaldo can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Koopmeiners and Laimer can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Domenico Berardi and Dominik Szoboszlai, 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, Szoboszlai & Höjlund to create openings and goal scoring opportunities for each other..
Upfront Höjlund is not just a target centre-forward that stays in and around the 18-yard box. Højlund will also like to drop deeper into midfield, finding pockets of space in order to receive the ball. He likes to get heavily involved in the build-up play, using his height to be able to win first and second balls, as well as holding up play to allow runners to get beyond him. Højlund will also drift wide at times as well, allowing space centrally for midfield runners to move into the box to get into better attacking positions. However, Højlund is still a prototypical centre-forward, one that wants to score goals.
Subs on 75 mins
Maehle, Höjbjerg and Werner on for Dumfries, Laimer and Szoboszlai
Triple substitution - like for like as we look to punish any tired legs in the last 15 minutes.
posted on 15/2/23
ARSENAL to face Man Utd
-------------------- Maignan --------------------
Kounde -- W. Saliba -- Lucas. H -- Zinchenko
–------ S.M.S —-- T. Partey —- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- Mitoma
Bench: Hakimi, Stones, Cozier-Dubbery, Jesus, Jota, Paqueta
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game. This is the setup we should have on the ball. We want to stick to our usual gameplan but play with slightly more defensive nous and awareness given the first leg result. That’s why Kounde has come in for Hakimi for this one.
Kounde, Lucas. H and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Maignan. They are a French quartet and all excellent in possession. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
Kounde and Lucas experience of playing as full backs make them the perfect duo for these on the ball roles. It creates a back three in the build up and allows Zinchenko to come inside and create a midfield overload.
-------------------- Maignan ----------------------
--- Kounde —---- W. Saliba —---- Lucas. H ---
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—-------------------- S.M.S —---------------------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun —--------- Mitoma
Saka and Mitoma are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. They should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition, he should try little one-twos to help the wingers advance further. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance. As shown above, Kounde is the widest in this formation, he should hug the touchline and be the final ball star. He is full of goals and assists and he overlaps Saka in this system, allowing Saka to cut inside and be deadly in his shooting and creative game.
SMS the surprise factor in the side today. Due to the in possession shape he has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s an end product king, one of the most productive midfielders in Europe for years, using his strength as well as technical ability to really make the difference.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form. Particularly in the heart, Maignan and the two CBs (and RB) today have that chemistry and understanding. They’ve proven to have a great blend of attributes to work well together in this young and vibrant team.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Jesus for Balogun, Paqueta for SMS.
After 75 if winning on agg - Stones for Kounde - more of the same
After 75 if losing/drawing on agg- Hakmi for Kounde
posted on 15/2/23
MAN UNITED VS arsenal
----------------------------Mamardashvili---------------------------------
Couto------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-----------Hincapie
---------------------Lavia----------------Valverde-------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Wirtz---------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------Ekitike---------------------Kvaraskhelia-
Subs - Lacroix, Timber, Sulemana, Gittens, Chukwuemeka, Garnacho, Sesko
CAPTAIN - VALVERDE
CK'S - KVARAT
FK'S - KVARAT
PENALTIES - KVARAT
I want us to hold a deep defensive line to start of with so the oppo don't get an early goal. Keep things simple in the beginning and only pressure the oppo when they get in our half. When we have the ball I want the team to play pass and move football. Don't stay static, try and get in behind the oppo defence as there is a lot of pace in our attacking players. As the game goes on, when we don't have the ball I want the team to defend from the front line and pressure the oppo and try and win possession back. Do this in fits and bursts as it is a tiring tactic.
Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Schlotterbeck bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Schlotterbeck will marshal the defence and Upa will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you.
Couto and Hincapie are playing as fullbacks today. Start the game off with a conservative mindset and try not too attack too much, but as the game goes on you will have more freedom. When defending stick close to the oppo wingers and stop them from getting past you, the DM's will be helping you a lot aswell. Be vary of oppo fullbacks making overlapping runs as I want you to stick with them to stop them getting to the byline. One of our DM's will come over to mark the oppo winger who has the ball incase they use the overlapping fullbacks. I want both fullbacks to stay wide and make runs forward when given the opportunity. Try and whip some dangerous balls into the oppo area and use your pace to get back into defensive positions if the oppo try and hit us on a counter.
Defence Mids
Lavia + Valverde
Lavia will be the anchor in the middle. Stay back in front of the defence and protect the defence with your life. If the oppo play an AM then stick close to him and mark him if possible. When our fullbacks are attacking then your main priority will be to cover for them. When in possession pass the ball out to the wings. Also be on the lookout for the runs of Kvara/Antonyy and thread dangerous through balls to them.
Valverde will be playing as the box to box midfielder today. He will help out in defence and attack as he has the stamina on him to last the whole game. He will pick the ball up from deep and use his technique and vision to find the runs of our attacking players and thread deadly passes to them. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to drop deep in central midfield and try and intercept any passes the oppo will make. Shoot if you have a chance to.
Wingers
Antony + Kvara
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. Kvara will be looking to cut in from the left and Antony likewise who will cut in from the right. I want you both to try and beat the oppo fullbacks with your pace and dribbling ability but don't try too hard as if you see them doubling up on you you can either pass back into the centre of the pitch to one of our DM's or play quick one two's with our fullbacks. The main role of the wingers will be to get some balls into the box for Ekitike to attack. When we are defending corners I want both of them to stay near the halfway line so we can hit the oppo on the counter attack. .
Attack Mid
Florian Wirtz
Wirtz will be playing just behind Ekitike and will look to help him out in attack. Be ready for passes into your feet and shoot if you see an opportunity. Mix up your attacking runs to throw off the oppo DM. I want him to dribble with the ball and play 1 2's with the rest of the team. Shoot if you see an opening.
Striker
Hugo Ekitike
Big man Hugo will be leading the line for us today. He has got the strength and technique 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. Play quick pass and move combinations with your teammates to find spaces in the oppo defence.
Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Sesko and Garnacho for Lavia and Kvara 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.
---------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto----------Upamecano--------Schlotterbeck-------Hincapie
-----------------------------------Valverde--------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Wirtz-----------------------------------
Antony--------------Ekitike-------------Sesko----------------Garnacho
Subs if WINNING BY 75MINS
Take off Wirtz and put on Chukwuemeka in CM to offer more defensive protection and energy in the middle. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Put on Sesko for Ekitike to offer a more physical presence up front.
----------------------------------Mamar-----------------------
Couto-------Upamecano-------Schlotterbeck----------Hincapie
------------Valverde----------Lavia------Chukwuemeka--------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antony--------------------------------------------------------------Kvaradona
-----------------------------------Sesko-----------------------------------
Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS (fresh legs)
Sesko on for Ekitike
Garnacho on for Kvara
Gittens on for Antony
posted on 22/2/23
ARSENAL to face Leicester - CUP FINAL
--------------------- Maignan --------------------
B. White -- W. Saliba -- Lucas. H -- Zinchenko
–------ Bruno. G -- T. Partey -- Danilo ---------
B. Saka —--------- Balogun ----------- G. Jesus
Bench: Hakimi, Stones, Cozier-Dubbery, Mitoma, Jota, Paqueta, Dybala
U21s: Saka, Saliba, Danilo, Balogun
A huge game, a cup final and one our team has grown together and worked towards. We’ve setup to disrupt the opposition strengths but also give us a great platform to play our game and make the difference, dictacting the tempo.
Starve them of the ball and frustrate. We’ve chosen to have technical players in the team to dominate the ball today, whilst wide CMs will provide protection for our FBs to help prevent counters. Our shape should nullify their strengths and enable us to take our stamp on the game.
This is the setup we should have on the ball. We want to stick to our usual gameplan but play with slightly more defensive nous and awareness given the first leg result. That’s why White has come in for Hakimi for this one.
Lucas. H and Saliba are the base of the team, alongside Maignan. They are a French trio and all excellent in possession - also an Arsenal trio in there. The next line of the buildup is Partey and Zinchenko who play as inverted full backs effectively, filling the voids and providing a great base in possession, whilst being able to track their wingers if they break, combining with the CBs. Danilo sits the deepest and anchors the midfield, he is the centre-point.
White and Lucas experience of playing as full backs make them the perfect duo for these on the ball roles. It creates a back three in the build up and allows Zinchenko to come inside and create a midfield overload.
--------------------- Maignan ----------------------
------ White ---- W. Saliba —---- Lucas. H -----
–----- T. Partey —- Danilo —- Zinchenko —--
—------------------- Bruno. G --------------------
B. Saka ----------- Balogun ---- Jesus --------
Saka and Jesus are intense, have good ball security, brilliant dribblers, both strong and enthusiastic players who can turn a game and break shapes with one burst. Saka should stay wide and try and isolate those FBs and Balogun is an on form striker between them that can drop in and knit things together and really press the opposition - Jesus can drift in as a support striker to Balogun. When one wide forward gets wide, the other should be in the box to finish the chance but our main channel will be to attack on the right allowing Jesus plenty of time in the box. Saka and White have that relationship on the right side too.
Due to the in possession shape Bruno. G has a bit of a free role to cause huge problems. He’s a tenacious box-to-box midfielder. His Brazilian intensity coupled with Jesus will help us win turnovers and transition quickly with our front four all of whom have great fast acceleration.
Saliba the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form.
Balogun with a huge chance today, one of the highest scoring under 23’s in Europe right now, scoring 50% of his teams goals this season. He is an all round striker that can be the anchor strong point between two intense brilliant 1v1 wingers. We see this young front three having a mix of everything!
As we have good recovery pace across the pitch, we should look to move forward as a team and push the opposition back.
When we are out of possession, we should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure from the fresher legs we will have after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Dybala for Balogun, Paqueta for Bruno. G.
After 75 if winning- Stones for White - more of the same
After 75 if losing - Hakmi for White
posted on 25/2/23
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Barella being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Musiala and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
——————————————— Alisson
Vanderson —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
——————————— de Jong —— Rodri
——————————————— Barella
———— Felix ——————————————— Musiala ———
——————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Lukeba, Caicedo, Thiago, Sterling, Tel, Lautaro
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Barella play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play Arsenal are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Lautaro
for Osimhen
If winning after 75 mins bring on Sterlingl for Felix, pace to get at tired legs
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Barella. Felix to AM, more pace out wide.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Lautaro for Felix.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh energy
posted on 25/2/23
Chelsea
---------------------- D.Costa ------------------------
J.Mario ----- Romero ----- P.Torres ----- Mendes
---------- J.Bellingham -- E.Fernandez -----------
--- Alvarez -------- Odegaard -------- Mbappe ---
--------------------- E.Haaland ----------------------
Caprile, Kamara, Gravenberch, Goncalves, Gnabry, Ferran, Ramos
A nicely balanced side with plenty pace and power throughout and looking to cause some damage to their back line with a very quick and dangerous front 3/4 with attacking fullbacks to boot. Defend as a team, chasing back as they attack, pressurize them quickly
Pau Torres is the spare man allowing the other three to man mark when they are driving forward, if they play 2 up top he will man mark the 2nd striker leaving Romero the tough tackling no nonsense CB to take care of the main man, both stick to their jobs, give the striker a yard or two, dont sit right on him as if he is lost then the striker is away, giving them a wee bit of room allows them time to adjust to where he is going and gives them that extra second to manouver into position to stop the threat and stop the attack, dont dive in, just shimmy the player to give him second thoughts on what he is doing, allowing our boys to win the ball and get it away from danger, boot it away if you have too. Fullbacks sit in a flat four when we defend their fullbacks are obvs a danger as they are very attacking, so keep tight with help of our wingers, push the wingers and fullbacks wide and keep them away from the box and shooting areas, try and stop the cross coming in so be onto the early, when attacking they both go at the same time, with Enzo sitting this allows them to do so, get on the outside of the wingers and pressure there defensive line with that extra man, forcing there attacking players back, use Odegaard as the man in the middle to pass and sprint passed the wingers giving Odegaard that option of playing wide or more central to Haaland or the players moving inside.
Enzo and Bellingham must be patient, provide some support to our defense when we are in retreat they harrass the man with the ball with Enzo doing the marking job on the AM/SS sometimes having to become a 3rd CB and Bellingham doing the running when others come forward, be onto them quickly stop the ball getting to the forwards and into danger areas, when attacking Enzo still sits in as the fullbacks attack he will be there to give our two CBs support just in case we lose it so we always have at least 3 back. Bellingham will move up alongside Odegaard to give us numbers up top, like said, if we push forward they have to crawl back, so even if we lose the ball they do not have the numbers up top to unleash a counter giving us time to get back, pass and move quickly and precisely and move into a dangerous area, demand the ball be confident in his abilities, shoot if he can and has an opportunity to do so.
Odegaard is the link between midfield and attack, especially to Haaland, these two know each other so well, hence my huge effort to get him to Stamford Bridge! Haaland will be making runs to get himself into space, Odegaard has to find him, he will find him, , he can control the game form a number 8/10 position, he will be direct with his passing, wether out wide or to our striker, he will orchestrate play and quite simply pull the strings, if he wants to play a risky ball to get us in then he will, I want him to be aggressive in his play as we are definitely up against it, let the pass go as players come onto him, as this will take them out them game and less for our attackers to worry about, plenty options for him to aim for if he decides not to go for goal himself. Defending, his workrate in good, his pressing is aggressive and immediete so will always help out Enzo and Bellingham so will drop back to help and as we win the ball he will then look to start attacks very quickly.
Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as opposition attack, make sure their fullbacks attacks are nulified, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, Mbappe and Alvarez\ will cause them problems drifting in an out, I also want to play a high line when attacking to push there attacking fullbacks back and nervous about pushing forward, take men on and getting in behind their fullbacks, thus allowing Bellingham and Odegaard 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 and Odegaard, who at times will be right on his shoulder or alongside. His movement is exceptional so always makes space for himself of others to move into, if he gets a chance it will more than likely turn into a goal.
Captain - Romero
Pens - Haaland
Set Pieces - Odegaard
Losing -
65 Mins - Ramos for Alvarez, Kamara for Bellingham, Kamara goes to RCB, Mendes and J.Mario push on to Wingback, Mbappe and Ramos either side of Haaland 3-4-3
75 Mins - Gnabry for J.Mario
Winning -
75 Mins - Kamara for Odegaard - sit behind the two mids, shore it up
83 mIns - G.Ramos for Haaland, Gnabry for Alvarez
Drawing -
70 Mins - P.Goncalves for Odegaard, Ramos for Haaland again two who know each other very well and freshen the attack up, Gnabry for Alvarez
posted on 26/2/23
Villa
------------------------ N.Pope ------------------------
Carvajal ---- M.Akanji ---- R.Varane ---- F.Mendy
--------------- Anguissa ----- Casemiro -------------
Lookman ----------- Maddison ----------- Adeyemi
-------------------- Lewandowski --------------------
van Sas, Pavard, Pellegrini, D.Luiz, Griezmann, B.Johnson, M.Kudus
I want fast, fluid passing to get around the opposition, use the experience we have to pick the right pass at the right time and when to move forward and when to stay back, be in control at all times even when defending
A solid back 4 with Akanji looking to pick up the main striker, he is quick and powerful so will look to bully the striker, be on his toes at all times looking to intercept and ball through to No.9 nip in ahead when he can but nothing rash so he doesnt lose out in possession. Powerful in the air so any high balls into the danger area he will hopefully win. Varane alongside, again a very robust defender, he will be spare and will lead the back line, will help out Akanji if needed, can also switch roles with him if he struggles. Both can play it out so no need for rash punts up field unless tequired and no other option, will look to play it to the fullbacks or the midfielders ahead
Fullbacks will attack one at a time look for the one/two with the winger ahead, over lapping allowing Lookman/Adeyemi to come inside, can also use the CMs for quick passing to get them beyond the opposition fullbacks, defensively, stay strong, keep the wingers to the outside away from danger, try and keep them on there 'bad' foot so they find it difficult to get a cross in, I do not want to see my defenders dive in, so stay tall and use upper body strength to keep there chances to a minimum.
The two in midfield are very strong and tenacious, will always get stuck in, wont give there midfield any time on the ball, we will look to dictate play with neat slick passing, winning the ball and setting the attacking players free into space, Casemiro is the main DM will stick to the AM like glue, wherever he goes Casemiro will be there snapping at his heals, Anguissa is more B2B, but doesnt neglect his defensive duties, when we defend he sits alongside Casemiro making life as difficult as possible for the opposition midfield, when in possession he will carry the ball forward, such a big man very difficult to knock off the ball, has four quality players ahead of him so look for the space to pass and he will move into to space and always make himself available for a return ball.
Maddison in a No.10/free role, he has freedom of the pitch, drag markers around creating space for others to move into, he will be a nuisance for them, can go wide or join Lewandowski up top. Will look for the 3 around him plus one fullback as we drive forward, pass and drive into space and become a danger to their goal, in defence just hassle the midfield and make them misplace their passes or lose possession.
Wingers when we attack get down the line drive at fullbacks at times they will have a fullback with them so quick passing round their fullback should give us space for one of them to fire in to the box, whilst this is happening the opposite winger will be moving into space in the danger area to make up numbers, again defending, track their fullbacks and stop them gaining ground. Both will always be nipping in and around lewandowski and both capable of getting the goals,
Lewandowski, is one of the very best strikers, give him the ball and 9/10 he will stick it in the back of the net, always on the last man, getting into dangerous positions waiting for the ball to come his way, he should get plenty supply, he doesnt defend, no need too, if he stays up top this will stop their defenders moving forward
Captain - Casemiro
Penalties - Lewandowski
Free Kicks - Maddison/Replacement
Corners - Wingers
Subs
Losing/drawing -
65 Mins - Griezmann for Maddison, Johnson for Lookman, Pellegrini for Anguissa, more 442, with Griezmann supporting Lewandowski
Winning -
75 Mins - Pavard for Maddison sit in defence, Johnson for Lookman
85 Mins - Griezmann for Lewandowski
posted on 28/2/23
ARSENAL to face Man City
--------------------- Maignan ----------------------
Kounde -- J. Stones --- Gabriel -- Zinchenko
–---------- Bruno. G —---- Paqueta -------------
B. Saka —---------- Dybala —----------- D. Jota
—--------—--------- G. Jesus —--------------------
Bench: Hakimi, Lucas. H, White, SMS, Ruiz, Mahrez, Nketiah
Fresh tactics for this one - Fast paced, front footed, samba style approach today. We are playing combative, forward thinking players, whilst giving us balance in the defensive selection with Kounde at RB and Zinchenko at LB to help the midfield and transitions.
In defence we have Arsenal and French chemistry again plus the experience of Stones. In possession they form a back three, Kounde perfect for the RCB role and Gabriel perfect for the LCB. Probably Arsenal’s best player in 2023, Gabriel covers the left side of defence exceptionally, and this allows Zinchenko to move into the LDM possession in the build up and give us that third midfielder. That in turn allows us to play Paqueta slightly higher and create a box 2-2 in CM. There is real competition for places in this team and we’ve made a few tweaks today to keep freshness and because they are so close in ability.
In possession we should be as described:
-------------------- Maignan ----------------------
--- Kounde—---- Stones —---- Gabriel —----
–----- Bruno. G —------—- Zinchenko —-------
—-------- Dybala —------- Paqueta —----------
B. Saka —------- G. Jesus —----------- D. Jota
This shape gives us options in all channels. We have a stabilised build up to build through the phases, recovery pace in the back three allows us to play higher and dictate the ball. Zinchenko and Bruno are them the interiors in the build up in the next line. They are the players to bite in and win the ball back quickly but crucially they are our playmakers and tempo setters - like they both do so well for their respective clubs.
Ahead of them we have two brilliant small space players to play in the half spaces. Paqueta in the left half space, like he does so well for Brazil and Dybala in the right. They will find pockets of space in between the lines to cause huge damage. They should look to combine together or with Jesus + 1 of the wide men to create overloads and angles.
Jota and Saka should hug the touchline when the ball is on their side in order to stretch the pitch and create more room for the interior players to find devastating impact. When the ball is on the right, Jota should tuck in to support Jesus a little, as a wide striker, this will allow for another body in the box for the opposition to think about. He has instinctive finishing and great anticipation of where the ball will drop.
Stones the quarterback in the team. He will put his passing to great use to occasionally go long to wingers or full backs and mix up our attack. Our players have very high percentile passing stats across a variety of ranges so we will play with playmakers all across the pitch, mixing up their approach and ensuring we sit high and dominate, starve the opposition of the ball. We also have France and Arsenal links throughout the team which will enable us to play with a high level of understanding and form.
When we lose the ball we should work to retreat and defend together, everyone needs to recover quickly and shut down passing lanes and smother the opposition players to stop the transition. We have picked athletic players and fresh players to enable us to out run and out smart the opposition in these transitions throughout the game. We should look to win the ball back quickly with intense pressure - another reason we will have fresher legs is after holding possession and making them run for so long.
Subs
After 60 - Mahrez for Saka
After 75 if winning- SMS for Dybala, Lucas H for Zinchenko
After 75 if losing or drawing - Hakmi for Kounde, Nketiah for Dybala = 442.
posted on 28/2/23
Total football 4-3-3
We go with a fluid attacking team full of pace and width, stretch the game and target the opposition in behind their midfield with our runners from midfield and two wide no.10s. With the width of fbs stretching the game we look to create space for the trio of central players and front three to drag their cms out of position, Rodri and de Jong a solid midfield pairing offering freedom to the fbs to get forward.
Rodri offering cover in front of the cbs, de Jong with license to play box to box. Start as we mean to go on, frustrate their players by not letting them get a feel of the ball. As the game progresses we slow the tempo and seek to have one fb more reserved next to Rodri in a position to help switch and keep play, but still in position to get forward.
Possession is dominated by defenders and cbs, and so with our cm duo and our back four, all top ball playing defenders we are confident we can play possession football. Play around their attackers, and create gaps in their shapes. Possession starts at the back, with Cbs Rodri and de Jong dictating the tempo. We have ensured we have defenders that can play incisive passes and they will be key as we look to play through them starting from the back, playing patiently.
Rodri and de Jong to link the defence and attack, with Musiala being the key link between midfield and attack, looking to get in between the lines. We have a strong blend of power and energy in cm. Osimhen the striker, Foden and Felix with freedom to come inside and get close in free roles. We want them to expose space and get the balls in dangerous positions so in these wide no.10 roles they have fluid roles with license to drift.
We want the fbs bombing forward to combine with the two wide 10s, fbs creating width stretching the game for the attacking players to find space.
We look to play attacking total football, 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.
Using the high line we attack as a team, take the game to them ensuring we always have options in attack.
Wide no.10s play high, stretching the game creating space in the middle of the park for our midfielders. Up top Osimhen is a player that can stretch their defence, giving us the option of a ball or cross in behind for his pace, or a more direct ball to use his power to take in. Rodri is key as the defensive midfielder staying reserved when we break forward.
Outnumber them in attack, and defend high in a 4-3-3 formation, we have a very strong back 4 and a high energy Cm trio while the wingers and fbs will commit forwards they have great pace to get back into shape.
——————————————— Alisson
Vanderson —— Marquinhos —— Gvardiol —— Theo.H
——————————— de Jong —— Rodri
——————————————— Musiala
———— Felix ——————————————— Foden ———
——————————————- Osimhen
Subs. Sanchez, Alaba, Caicedo, Thiago, Sterling, Tel, Tammy
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 allow players to get into shape, then press them high up the park.
Gvardiol the man marker next to Marquinhos who is free to use his pace and intelligence to sweep up. Rodri plays as dm, de Jong and Musiala play zonally in front of him, pressing the play. The wide no.10s narrow in front to the side of play Villa are attacking, in spaces on either side of their cms. In a position to block passing lanes central or wide.
In a narrow, rigid defensive 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 they 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
Key to our attack is quick direct passing play, not looking to force the play but moving the ball quickly.
We have 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 Caicedo for de Jong. Fresh legs and energy.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Barella
for Musiala
If winning after 75 mins bring on Sterling for Felix, pace to get at tired legs
If losing or drawing after 70 mins bring on Sterling for Felix, more pace out wide.
If losing or drawing after 75 mins bring on Barella for de Jong.
If losing or drawing after 80 mins bring on Caicedo for Rodri. Fresh legs
posted on 28/2/23
Liverpool v BRENTFORD
Olmo, Hermansen, Laimer, Isaksen
—-----------------------Meret
Dumfries—Andersen—-Scalvini---Grimaldo
—-------------Höjbjerg—---Lobotka
—-----------Fernandes—-Szoboszlai
—--------------Höjlund—----Werner
Kelleher, Maehle, Guéhi, Kerkez, Koopmeiners, Berardi, Brandt
Captain - Fernandes
Free Kicks - Fernandes/Szoboszlai (Brandt)
Pen - Fernandes
Our 4-2-2-2 formation uses a traditional four-player defensive line and a midfield split into two pairs. The first – a double pivot – protects the central spaces ahead of the defence, and the second – a more advanced pair – primarily operates between the lines, in support of our two centre-forwards.
What are our players’ in-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The full-backs provide our team's attacking width in the 4-2-2-2, often moving ahead of the double pivot. The centre-backs use the double pivot to build from the back, while also breaking lines with passes into the attacking midfielders when possible.
The double pivot supports attacks underneath the ball, and provides cover inside and behind our advanced full-backs. One of our players in the double pivot may drop into the back line after the full-backs have pushed forward to create a back three. Alternatively, one of them may provide a delayed forward run to join the attack.
The number 10s are our primary creators, and both the most interesting and unique aspect of our 4-2-2-2 formation. They aim to get into positions between the lines (see above) to pick up the ball. They will link the defence and double pivot to our centre-forwards, while also offering an additional goal threat, bursting forward during counter-attacks and subsequent moves to pick up second balls and shoot from distance. It will also be:common to see our 10s moving wide to support the advanced full-backs. They may deliver crosses or make decoy runs to create space for the full-back to cross.
The centre-forwards stay highest, and are responsible for creating and finishing chances. They occupy the opposing centre-backs, link play with midfield runners, attack crosses, through balls and cut-backs, and stretch the opposition by threatening the space in behind. One of our two strikers may drop short to create space for a midfielder to run in behind, but they'll mostly remain central and high up the pitch.
What are our players’ out-of-possession responsibilities in a 4-2-2-2?
The back line of four sets up like any other back four, staying compact and protecting the spaces closest to goal. However, the full-backs may push forward to press the opponent. When one does so, the centre-backs and far-side full-back slide across the pitch to cover.
The double pivot protects the central spaces in front of the centre-backs, but may push forward to support a high press. They will also be responsible for tracking runs from opposition midfielders beyond the midfield line.
The number 10s are likely to take up a narrow defensive position, staying close to the double pivot. When the team drops back into a block, they may move alongside the double pivot to form a second line of four and create a 4-4-2 block. When pressing high, the attacking midfielders could still start narrow, before moving to press the opposition full-backs or wing-backs in an attempt to lock play near the touchline with a curved press. Alternatively, the two 10s could press inwards, along with the centre-forwards, in an attempt to show the opposition into the crowded central area of the pitch. Here, the double pivot will then try and win the ball.
The centre-forwards are responsible for instigating the high press, and then applying pressure from behind the ball to stop our opponent from turning out and recycling possession. If the aim is to force play towards the touchline, the centre-forwards will press outwards and try to prevent the opposition from switching play.
Double substitution on 70 mins
Like for like - Brandt on for Szoboszlai, Maehle on for Dumfries
posted on 28/2/23
Watford: League week 10: HOME to Wolves.
Captain: Simón
Vice Captain: Tanlongo
Team:
-------------------Simón
Araujo---Porozo—Morato---Angeliño
-----------------Tanlongo
--------------Willock---Hugo
Henrique--------------------------Edwards
---------------------Núñez
SUBS: Bursik, Vázquez, Kaiky, Perrone, Alcaraz, Gibbs-White, Borbas
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: Simón 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: Tanlongo 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. Willock and Gibbs-Hugo will play just in front of Tanlongo. Willock will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Gibbs-Hugo will be the midfield magician. Clever, elusive and tricky we will look to him for creating the midfield openings with his eye for a pass. We will look at their enthusiasm and relentless pressing of the opposition as a way to hopefully get a bit of a grip on the midfield and at the very least not make it plain sailing for the opposition.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Henrique and Edwards 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 Gibbs-Hugo, Willock 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 Willock may sit a bit deeper allowing Gibbs-Hugo 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: Willock, Alcaraz or Henrique with Porozo, Morato, Tanlongo and Núñez to offer an aerial threat. Gibbs-Hugo and Edwards (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Núñez
Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Kaiky for Morato, Borbas for Núñez and Gibbs-White for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.
If losing (on 70 minutes) Gibbs-White for Willock and Borbas for Henrique. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Borbas and Giovani offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.
---------------Tanlongo
Gibbs-White--Hugo--- Edwards
-----------Núñez---Borbas
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