Wolves

----------------------- Henderson -----------------------
Hakimi -- Skriniar -- Koulibaly -- Hummels -- Digne
--------- Mount ---- Fernandinho ---- D.Silva --------
---------------- Abraham ---- Benzema ----------------

Subs:
Bulka, Danilo, Rugani, Gundogan, Kessie, Di Maria, Haaland

We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a defensively solid 5-3-2 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession with their game likely focused on getting the ball to their forwards, we counter this by playing a strong defensive set up as we look to shut out our opponents and hit them on the break, a smash and grab set up if you like.

Due to their pace up front we sit deep, our FB’s tucking in alongside our 3 CB’s creating a brick wall in front our goal. In addition we have Fernandinho adding another layer of defensive cover as we make ourselves near impossible to play through. When in possession we look to spring on the break, our FB’s pushing forward as we switch to 3-5-2 relying on our quality in the middle to retain possession and our two strikers up top to benefit from the crosses whipped from our wide.

Koulibaly is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, with three quality CB’s flanked by the full backs sitting deep we look to frustrate the opposition with little to no room to operate. Koulibaly will pick up the CF, safe in the knowledge he has the strength and pace to deal with any opponent. Skriniar and Hummels will work in conjunction with our FB’s to double up on their wingers, making it impossible for them to cut itself and giving them no time on the ball. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 2 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, creating a solid back five and stopping balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own. When in possession they will look to fly forward with the likelihood that they will not be picked up by the opposition wingers, creating an overload in midfield and a perfect reference point to attack.
We want them to hug the touchline and stretch the field, their main objective when attacking will be to keep making runs down the wings and whipping balls into the box for our strikers to attack. Both are strong crossers of the ball and with both Abraham and Benzema being a threat in the air we feel we can cause the opposition problems when we hit them on the break.

The focus of the midfield 3 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. The ever reliable Fernandinho will play a key role, sitting in from of the defence he will offer additional cover and be our anchor in the middle of the pitch, shutting down the opposition AM in the process. When we break from our defensive structure and our FB’s push forward Fernandinho will slot into defence alongside Koulibaly, ensuring that we always have a numerical advantage in defence as we form a solid back four to avoid any counter attack threat.

All three of our CM’s are great technicians and we rely on their superb ball retention to take the sting out of the opposition. Due to our defensive set up the likelihood is they will throw men forward as their frustration grows, this will create opportunities to hit them on the break with Mount and Silva both adept at playing between the lines. Silva superb at operating in tight spaces will look to get us forward whilst Mount is the one that will drive into the box with his Lampard-esqe timing, with these late runs allowing him to drift unmarked and finish any chances that fall his way. He has license to get forward and link up with our strikers whilst having the legs to quickly get back into our defensive structure should we lose possession.

Up top with go with two inform strikers who will be a handful for anyone. Both are strong in the air with Benzema in particular offering great hold up play, this will allow to play direct at times, sending a long ball from the back to Benz who will immediately have his strike partner around him as we look to get ourselves in a two v two situation when the opposition push forward. Tammy offers a threat in behind which will be key should the opposition commit men forward. We want them to get themselves in the box as we break, we’ll look for D.Silva and Mount to pick out the runs of Hakimi and Digne as we counter. With two forwards to aim at and the superb crossing ability of our FB's we look to whip balls in for the opposition to attack. We don’t want to be one directional and therefore we mix up the type of crosses we put into the box, some in the air, others whipped across the face of the goal for our strikers to pounce. With our strikers drawing the attention of their CB’s we also look for a cut back to Mount on the edge of the box with the youngster demonstrating an ability to superbly dispatch from distance should a chance fall his way.

Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Silva off, Gundogan on.
75 mins: Benzema off, Kessie on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.

If drawing:
65 mins: Silva off, Di Maria on. Extra pace and energy as they throw men forward and we look to hit them on the counter.
75 mins: Benzema off, Haaland on. With opposition legs tiring we bring on the exciting youngster to find a winner.

If losing:
65 mins: Fernandinho off, Di Maria on.
75 mins: Hummels off, Haaland on. 4-3-3 all out attack

--------------------- Courtois --------------------
Cancelo -- M.De Ligt --- Militao --- Emerson
------------- Busquets --- De Bruyne ----------
Sancho ------------ J.Felix -------- Hudson-Odoi
---------------------- Icardi ----------------------

Subs:
Whiteman, Umtiti, Vidal, Eriksen, Bale, Asensio, Ibrahimovic

Captain: De Ligt
Free Kicks: De Bruyne
Penalties: Icardi
Corners: De Bruyne

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for 3 points. We go with three exciting youngsters behind Icardi. Offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for the opposition defence. We feel that this front four combined pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.

Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit, packed with quality and pace as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We will look to be dominant and physically impose ourselves early on. If the opposition play one up top then Militao will mark. Quick, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will look to drop off and act as secondary cover to deal with any balls in behind. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.

Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with Busquets also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. When in possession both Cancelo and Emerson have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.

Midfield:

Busquets will be our holding player in the middle. A top class DM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.

De Bruyne slots alongside him, starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking for the early long ball in behind for Sancho and CHO to run on to or pushing forward and playing that killer pass in the final third. We feel that with his vision and passing ability our forwards will thrive. KDB also possesses a fantastic strike from distance and should the opposition look to drop deep we encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Completing our midfield we have the exciting Joao Felix. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward as a SS when in possession . A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition with his silky dribbling, drawing them in and committing a defender before sliding the ball through to Icardi or one of our wingers. He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish and we encourage to make these runs and go for goal, working in tandem with KDB in the final third.

Forward:

We mix things up in attack, going with the pace and trickery of Sancho and CHO out wide with predator Icardi through the middle. We look to utilise the pace of our wide players, specifically looking for them on the counter as we break at speed and look to tear through the opposition. Sancho has the option to go down the line or come inside, with the youngster an assist machine and with the clever runs from Icardi we expect him to thrive. We want CHO to stay out wide, use his pace down the line and cut back for Icardi to slot home and in doing so creating space in the middle of the park for the likes of KDB and Felix to exploit. Felix will also look to drift out wide at times, pulling the opposition DM with him and creating space for Sancho and CHO to cut inside and go direct for goal.

Icardi plays through the middle. The brief is simple for the Argentine, get into the box and do what you do best. With the pace we have out wide and quality we have around him Icardi could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
65 mins: Felix off, Vidal on. Switch places with KDB.
75 mins: CHO off, Umtiti on. Extra CB as we tighten up defensively.
80 mins: Icardi off, Ibrahimovic on. We give the big man a 10 minute run out to get himself on the scoresheet against tiring legs.

If drawing:
60 mins: Busquets off, Eriksen on. Extra creativity.
70 mins: CHO & Felix off, Asensio & Ibrahimovic on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with Icardi & Zlatan up top and Sancho & Asensio on the flanks

If losing:
60 mins: Busquets off, Eriksen on.
70 mins: Felix and Umtiti off, Bale and Ibrahimovic on. All out attack.

Attacking high press 3-5-2

At home, we go with an attacking side that is firstly solid at the back but more importantly gives us a team to go and take the game to Portsmouth . We go with a side with a high work rate, full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two.

We look to overload the Portsmouth defence with our attacking players. With the fans behind us, and a high tempo team we look to push them back. Keep them locked in their own half. With two strikers, and a midfield 5 we can dominate midfield, using the wide midfielders to stretch the play and create space in the opposition side. The front two will be crucial in creating gaps in their defence, with two forwards occupying their cbs, this will create space for Thiago in AM to get forward, and also for the wingers when they get around the box.

The Argentine duo in attack both have the ability to link the play, Dybala will be the one seeking to get involved in play at times, linking with the wide players and AM, with Lautaro always seeking to get in behind the opposition back line. Both look to get in the middle for cut backs and low crosses. When we lose the ball, we use the pace and all action styles to win it back quickly. Don't let them get out. Leave them tired chasing our speedy attackers, and more importantly chasing the ball.

Our formation gives us a solid base, with three strong defenders tasked with remaining strong at the back, and in front Rodri will be the defensive midfielder always offering cover. This will help us guard against counter as rather than having two cbs with fbs attacking we have 3 solid defenders and a dm back. The back 4 are powerful and pacey, and importantly have the ability to play out from the back.

The back three are all excellent in possession, and as you'd expect in a team seeking to control possession they will see a lot of the ball. In Rodri and Neves in front they have players comfortable coming deep and taking the ball from the defence. From here we will vary our play. An important variation to our play will also be the long ball, Neuer is fantastic at this, and Pavard, Neves and Rodri all have strong long passing ability to mix it up.

If the opposition sit deep, we will seek to get Pavard overlapping on the right wing. Mix it up, with Rodri and two strong cbs back we will have plenty cover if they are sitting in deep.

The front two set the tempo for the game with their all action styles. Both have the ability to drop deep and join in the attacks. Thiago the AM, similarly plays with high intensity. We have three cms able to pick a pass, and with the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control possession. Rodri plays as the deepest cm, Neves with the inteligence to fill in when needed.

------------------ Neuer ------------------
----------------------------------------------
------- Pavard -- Varane -- Laporte ------
------------------------------------------------
-------------- Rodri ---- Neves --------------
Dembele ------ Thiago.A ------ L.Sane
------------------------------------------------
------------ Dybala ---- Lautaro.M -------

Subs. Schmeichel, Carvajal, Mendy, Arthur, Coutinho, Zaha, Jesus

Defence
We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Portsmouth to play in. The wingers on will drop back to midfield positions and Rodri drops back to play as a sweeper, giving us a 4-4-1-1 formation.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Portsmouth attacking mids. When defending, Neves plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area, likely KdB or Silva. Bernardo will play ball side of Neves and always press the passing lanes. One of Lautaro/Jesus looks to sit on their dm, simply take him out the game.

When we win the ball we attack at pace. The wingers look to aim their crosses for the man, no hopefully high crosses, they have to either direct them low and or cross in front of the man for the striker to dive on to. They will be deliberate in their play, get to the byline and cutting back rather than crossing where possible.

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Portsmouth a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball. Neuer also guards against hopeful long balls over the top in his sweeper keeper role.


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


When Portsmouth get past the initial press higher up the park, we drop deeper into a narrower tighter formation narrowing to the side of play, ensuring there are no gaps in the formation set out above. Our defence have fantastic pace up against their forwards, bide their time, not diving in. In this 4-4-1-1 formation, as above.

Attack

We counter quickly when we win the ball aiming our attacks down the wings.

The back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and look to play out, helping us move the ball quickly having a strong base. Neuer's accurate long balls will also help as we seek to counter quickly exposing space left by Portsmouth in attack.

Subs.
If winning after 68 mins bring on Mendy for Sane, fresh pace.
If winning after 72 mins bring on Caravajal for Dembele.
If winning after 75 bring on Arthur for Neves. Fresh legs in cm.

If drawing or losing after 70 mins bring on Mendy for Rodri and Carvajal for Pavard. Dybala drops behind Lautaro, Mendy to lb, Carvajal to rb.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Jesus for Dybala. 4-4-2. Attack down the wings, Neves and Thiago both playing as deep cms. Fbs and wingers bombing forward.

NORWICH CITY v Arsenal

-----------------------------Guaita
Aarons-------Bednarek------------Stephens---------Justin
------------------Gomes-------------Gueye
-------Lamela-----------Brooks------------Cantwell
------------------------------Ings


Subs: Woodman, Godfrey, Ampadu, Davies, Thauvin, Ramsey, Iheanacho


Our defensive unit consists of Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens paired up at centre-back, Max Aarons at right-back and James Justin at left-back, with André Gomes and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Gomes and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Gomes 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 Gueye’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, André Gomes.

Gomes 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 Gomes such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of Erik Lamela, David Brooks and Todd Cantwell as our band of three attacking midfielders with Danny Ings 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 Gomes or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Aarons and Justin can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Gomes and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both Erik Lamela and Todd Cantwell, who are fast speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box. David Brooks our attacking central midfielder’s low centre of gravity will enable him to navigate away from defenders at a frighteningly quick pace. Brooks 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 who will look to play Lamela, Cantwell and Ings in via defence cutting passing combinations.

Upfront Ings will connect exceptionally well with our attacking midfielders, with his good movement, excellent dribbling ability, admirable work rate, deceptive aerial ability, and of course his clinical finishing


Subs on 75 mins
Ramsey on for Lamela (Brooks to RW, Ramsey to AM) and Iheanacho on for Ings

Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line

Thauvin non playing sub replaced on bench by Bellerin again non-playing sub

Thauvin was sold out ^^

PORTSMOUTH vs Leicester

------------------------------Butland ---------------------------
AWB----------------Sule-----------Ramos--------------F Mendy
------------------------------- Kante ------------------------------------
----------------Goretzka ------------- Fabian ----------------------
--------------------------------- Bruno -----------------------------------
--------------- Ben Yedder ---------- Ronaldo -----------------

Subs - Stones, Soyuncu, Ndombele, Ceballos, Son, Ferran, Leao

CAPTAIN - RAMOS
CK'S - BRUNO
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO

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

Defence
De Gea in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's having the pace and power to play the 3atb formation with ease. Sule and Ramos bring experience to the backline. Ramos will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Sule will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
AWB + Mendy
AWB and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position


Defence Mid
N'golo Kante
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Goretzka/Fabian.

Centre Mids
Fabian + Goretzka
Fabian will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and look to open up the oppo with your superb range of passing. Play quick simple passes with your teammates to work some space in the middle or long balls forward for our strikers to run into. Goretzka will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.

Attack Mid
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Ben Yedder + Ronaldo
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Ronaldo to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Ben Yedder and put on Soyuncu in DM next to Kante to give the defence even more protection. Son on for Bruno aswell to play LM and Ferran on for Fabian.

---------------------- Butland ---------------------------
AWB---------Sule--------Ramos--------Mendy
------------ Soyuncu ----- Kante ----------------------------
Ferran---------------------------------------------Son
--------------------- Goretzka ------------------------------
--------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Take off Fabian and put on Leao in strike. Leao will play in the middle of a front 3. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Swap Kante for Ndombele aswell. Son on for WBY too.

---------------------- Butland ---------------------------
AWB---------Sule--------Ramos--------Mendy
--------------------------------------------------------------
-----------Goretzka ------- Ndombele ----------------
------------------------ Bruno ------------------------------
------------- Son----Leao--Ronaldo -----------------

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Son on for Ben Yedder
Ndombele on for Fabian
Fresh legs.

SOTON vs pool

------------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola---------Upamecano-----------Dias-----------Chilwell
----------------------------Aouar-------------McTominay--------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Rashford
--------------------------------------Odegaard------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Richarlison-----------------------------------

Subs - Meslier, Kabak, SMS, Lo Celso, Pulisic, Olmo, Kean

CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - ØDEGAARD
FK'S - ØDEGAARD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

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

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside McTominay in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Neres + Rashford
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Rashford will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres will be looking to 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 or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Odriozola and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Richarlison to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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
Ødegaard
Ødegaard will be playing just behind Richarlison 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
Richarlison
Richarlison is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and power. He will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kean for Aouar and Lo Celso for Ødegaard to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Chilwell
--------------------------------------McTominay---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------Rashford
-----------------------------------------Lo Celso-------------------------------
--------------------------------Kean-----------Richarlison-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Ødegaard and put on Kabak in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Pulisic on for Neres and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.

----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Dias------Upam------Kabak--------Chilwell
-----------------------------SMS--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Pulisic----------------------------------------------Rashford-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------Richarlison-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Pulisic on for Neres
Lo Celso on for Ødegaard
Kean on for Richarlison
Fresh legs to bring on.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Any tactics from here lose slots

NEWCASTLE 4-3-3

___________Alisson
Trent____Gomez___Matip___Milner
____________Fabinho
________Naby___Gini
Salah______Firmino________Mane

SUBS: Lovren, Grujic, Origi, Harvey, Minamino, Suarez, Shaqiri

Captain: Milner
Penalties: Salah
Corners: Trent
Freekicks: Trent

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

Full backs will get forward when the opportunity arises. Our full backs are good at feeding our forward line with their ability on the ball and we aim to utilize that with their ability to get up the pitch and tactical arareness. We also need our full backs to widen the pitch for us. Our centre halves are good on the ball, and a long punt every now and then to utilize our pace out wide is encouraged. Our right back will also tuck in to help solidify the team.

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

By having our wide forwards up front when we have the ball it will effectively create space out wide. We would expect our full backs to sometimes go infield to collect the ball from the keeper, while one of the midfielders goes wide so when he receives the ball he will have time to look up and pick passes as the opposition midfield will be reluctant to press which will leave a man free in midfield. This can be done by a midfielder too, dropping deep to create a free man in the first line with time on the ball, ping it straight to the striker who can lay it off to the other onrushing midfielder.

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

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

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

Subs

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

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

If winning 80 mins: Grujic comes on for Gini to close out the game.

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

Liverpool v Saints

Injuries:
Carlos Soler
Amadou Haidara
Rayan Ait Nouri
Ciro Immobile
Sanchez Davinson (suspended)

3-4-3

……………………………………Ter Stegen…………………….
…………………….De Vrij……….Manolas…..Romagnoli…………
Azpilcueta……………..Nainggolan………Alli…………………..Zinchenko
………………… Sterling…………..Kane…………Hazard……………….

Subs: Svilar, Smalling, Kovacic, Ziyech, Mertens,Trippier, Partey


Tino bambino makes his long-awaited return to sports entertainment I mean gaming. Tough game against G-Man Nadz, But I’ve had more clubs than Nick Faldo, so we’ll get down to business.

Fast paced, direct 3-4-3 for us ala Wolves under Nuno. The trident will pull Saints defence wide with Sterling and Hazard skinning their full backs in a leg race and ‘Arry Claim surely deflecting in enough goals of falling over for soft as fck penalties to keep us in this game.

Ter Stegen is a good shot stopper, will do the basics well, Don’t need him to be a “sweeper keeper” our back-line is solid. Just stop the ball going in the net and everything is fine.

The back three are solid, decent on the ball and tough uncompromising old school defenders, De Vrij and Roma will drift wide covering the spaces left by our wing-backs leaving Manolas to deal with the striker, wipe him out if needs be just don’t let him turn and get away from you, De Vrij and Roma in possession don’t have to be pretty, we’re looking for the long diagonals playing the ball into space for our front men to run onto.

Radja the old warhorse will sit and anchor the midfield, legs may be going but he’s still a force and this game balances on the one on ones, he can turn it in our favour. Alli is box-to-box, big strong athletic player with a very good touch, can cover the ground nicely, add in he knows Claims game as good as anyone, perfect to play him as close as possible to get the knock downs.

Subs 70 mins (fresh legs)

Mertens > Sterling
Kovacic > Radja

Bournemouth Cup 1st Round

Captain : Torres
Vice Captain : Remiro

-----------------Remiro
Emerson--Felipe--Torres----Lodi
------Fernandes----Bentancur
-----------------Reinier
Cunha-----------------------Galeno
----------------Vinícius

SUBS: Cleiton, Iago, Murilo, Henrique, Antony, Tetê, Pedro


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 (Fernandes) who will be complimented with a deep sitting box to box midfielder (Bentancur). In front of them Reinier 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’ Bentancur will also be allowed the freedom (when the time arises) to link with Reinier 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: Remiro is a big mobile keeper and very agile. A great shot stopper, he will communicate with the back 4 and be commanding with the high ball. He will not take any risks. He is a great distributor with both hand and foot and we will look to this as a way to launch quick attacks.
Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. 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 (Fernandes). 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 (Bentancur). 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 Reinier will operate as the link between midfield and attack.
Wingers/Centre Forward: When in possession both Cunha and Galeno 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 Reinier, Bentancur and Vinícius 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 Bentancur may sit a bit deeper allowing Reinier 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.
Vinícius 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: Reinier, Galeno or Cunha with Felipe, Torres, Fernandes and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Reinier and Galeno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.

Substitutions: (75 mins) If winning (and comfortable) then 3 like for like subs – Murilo for Felipe, Henrique for Fernandes and Pedro for Vinícius.
If losing (70 mins) then switch to a 4-1-3-2 and replace Bentancur with Pedro and Cunha with Tetê. 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.
--------------Fernandes
Tetê------Reinier-----Galeno
----------Pedro -----Vinícius

--------------------- Kepa --------------------
Hakimi -- Koulibaly --- Skriniar --- Digne
-------- Fernandinho --- D.Silva -----------
Mahrez ----------- Mount --------- Kluivert
-------------------- Haaland -----------------

Subs:
Henderson, Danilo, Hummels , Kessie, Gundogan, Lemar, Abraham

We set up with a strong side suited to playing counter attacking football in a 4-2-3-1 formation. We expect the opposition to look to dominate possession which will suit our strengths perfectly. When they’re in possession our wingers drop in as we revert to a 4-5-1 formation, as soon as we win back possession we look to break at speed with our devastating front 3 and hit them on the counter.

Koulibaly is the defensive leader and will be the one to set the defensive line on the pitch, both centre backs will stay back with either one of the full backs or the DM always prepared to make it a back 3 when we lose possession to stop counter attacks, Both CB’s will communicate with each other so they are clear in where the attacking threats are. When dealing with the opposition, we will avoid slide tackles unless necessary instead looking to just guide players off the ball. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should take it forward, if not, keep it simple with the occasional long ball to the front 3 thrown in to keep the opposition from setting up against one style of play.

For the full backs today the objective is to sit back and tuck in slightly when defending, looking to stop balls being played between them and the centre backs, with the secondary advantage of discouraging the wide men from cutting inside, forcing them to cross, which gives us a better chance of getting the ball back quickly and launching an attack of our own.

Their objective when attacking will be to keep making runs past the winger on both the inside and outside, giving the opposition full back that split second of indecision on who they go with. They will only occasionally put floated crosses in, preferring to either play shorter passes to the wingers or players who have come out from the middle of the pitch to keep possession and let the pressure build up in the final third, or run to the byline and put in fast and low crosses relying on both the faster reactions and control of our attackers and the pressure of the situation on their centre backs to hastily clear the ball without being in full control of the situation.

The focus of the midfield 2 will be to use their experience and high technical ability, working in collaboration with the front 4 to control the midfield battle whilst still having the attacking nous to create chances for us. When we are in the attacking third, they will always be looking to make themselves available for a pass to keep recycling the ball, keeping the pressure up with us looking to use the movement of the other CM's and the front 4 to drag the opposition defensive players that little bit more which could be the difference in getting a player behind them. They also all have an eye for a pass so will look to take advantage of the front 4 all flitting around and play them in with through balls and quick one touch play. We will also occasionally take the occasional long shot, with the aim being to make sure defenders aren't content to sit back and forcing them to make a decision. When defending, they are looking to press the middle third of the pitch, pressing the opposition CMs/Wingers in conjunction with other players as they are on the ball to rush their decisions and win the ball back. Silva will look to dictate the play and whilst the energetic Mount is also more than capable of finding that killer ball into our forwards.

Our front four are blessed with pace and goals. We expect our team to sit deep to neutralise the threat of the opposition getting in behind. This naturally means that the opposition will push higher up the field which will leave ample space for us to get in behind. We look to get in behind at all opportunities. Get the ball out wide to Mahrez or Kluivert to break at speed or go through the middle as we look to supply the lethal finisher up top. Haaland will look to play on the shoulder of the last man, look to use his physic to get in behind and his ice cold finishing should he get played through on goal. He’ll be surrounded with have pace and creativity all around him so if the opposition drop off we look to push our wide players push up alongside Haaland giving us an attacking front three. We play a fast counter attacking brand of football and look to go for goals.

Subs;
If winning:
65 mins: Silva off, Kessie on.
75 mins: Mount off, Hummels on. 5-4-1 shut up shop time as we tighten up with a solid defensive unit as we see the game out and take the 3 points.

If drawing:
65 mins: Kluivert off, Lemar on. Fresh legs and extra energy.
75 mins: Silva off, Abraham on. Switch to 4-2-2-2 with two up top.

If losing:
55 mins: Fernandinho off, Abraham on.
65 mins: Digne off, Lemar on. 3-4-3 all out attack

--------------------- Courtois --------------------
Cancelo -- M.De Ligt --- Militao --- Emerson
------------- Busquets --- De Bruyne ----------
Sancho ------------ J.Felix -------- Hudson-Odoi
---------------------- Aguero --------------------

Subs:
Lunin, Umtiti, Vidal, Eriksen, Asensio, Ibrahimovic, Icardi

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

Moving the ball at speed will be the focus of our play as we go with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation today as we aim for 3 points. We go with three exciting youngsters behind Aguero. Offering a perfect blend of pace, trickery and unpredictability that will cause plenty of problems for the opposition defence. We feel that this front four combined pose threats from all angles with plenty of goals in our lineup. We will look to dictate the play and take the game to the opposition. When they’re in possession we sit deep, our DM marshalling the middle of the park, breaking down the opposition and setting up us on the counter. We feel that we have the perfect set up to open them up on the counter with terrific pace out wide which will cause problems all afternoon for their fullbacks.

Whilst the opposition have some dangerous players we will look to significantly limit their impact by retaining possession, we will force them to track back or risk leaving their defence exposed when we push forward in numbers. We aim to make things uncomfortable for them and feel that limiting their ability to have the ball in attacking areas will severely limit any threat posed. When they are in possession our wingers drop in as we play a compact 4-5-1 formation.

Defence:

We go with a strong defensive unit, packed with quality and pace as we look to nullify the threat posed by the oppositions attack. We will look to be dominant and physically impose ourselves early on. If the opposition play one up top then Militao will mark. Quick, strong and aggressive we feel he has all the tools to deal with any opponent. De Ligt will sweep up and cover in behind, a fantastic reader at the back he will look to drop off and act as secondary cover to deal with any balls in behind. The Dutchman sweeping up from the back and immediately looking to get us on the counter with his fantastic vision and passing.

Our fullbacks will stick tight to the wide men, safe in the knowledge that they have supporting cover in behind with Busquets also drifting across from DM to offer additional support. When in possession both Cancelo and Emerson have license to push forward with both having great quality in the final third. We look to draw the opposition onto us by sitting deep when they are in possession, limiting the space in behind and drawing them further up the field creating space for us to hit them on the counter.

Midfield:

Busquets will be our holding player in the middle. A top class DM we rely on his fantastic reading of the game to break up the opposition play, winning back possession and setting us up on the counter as we look to get the ball into our creative players as quickly as possible. He’ll pick up their most advanced AM and cut out their supply line. He’s also a fantastic passer which will be key in winning the midfield battle and ball retention.

De Bruyne slots alongside him, starting in a slightly deeper role he has freedom to roam and pull the opposition apart. A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, dropping deep and looking for the early long ball in behind for Sancho and CHO to run on to or pushing forward and playing that killer pass in the final third. We feel that with his vision and passing ability our forwards will thrive. KDB also possesses a fantastic strike from distance and should the opposition look to drop deep we encourage him to go for goal with a potential thunderbolt on the cards at any moment.

Completing our midfield we have the exciting Joao Felix. He plays in the AM role and has free roam to push forward as a SS when in possession . A player with superb vision he will look to get on the ball as much as possible, running at the opposition with his silky dribbling, drawing them in and committing a defender before sliding the ball through to Icardi or one of our wingers. He’s also a great goal scorer, perfectly capable of arriving late in the opposition box to finish and we encourage to make these runs and go for goal, working in tandem with KDB in the final third.

Forward:

We mix things up in attack, going with the pace and trickery of Sancho and CHO out wide with predator Aguero through the middle. We look to utilise the pace of our wide players, specifically looking for them on the counter as we break at speed and look to tear through the opposition. Sancho has the option to go down the line or come inside, with the youngster an assist machine and with the clever runs from Aguero we expect him to thrive. We want CHO to stay out wide, use his pace down the line and cut back for Aguero to slot home and in doing so creating space in the middle of the park for the likes of KDB and Felix to exploit. Felix will also look to drift out wide at times, pulling the opposition DM with him and creating space for Sancho and CHO to cut inside and go direct for goal.

Aguero plays through the middle. The brief is simple for the Argentine, get into the box and do what you do best. With the pace we have out wide and quality we have around him Aguero could well find himself in one on one match ups in which he’s deadly. Play on the shoulder of the last man and as always be on your toes in the box, ready to pounce and finish anything that comes your way.

Subs;

If winning:
65 mins: Felix off, Vidal on. Switch places with KDB.
75 mins: CHO off, Umtiti on. Extra CB as we tighten up defensively.
80 mins: Aguero off, Icardi on. Fresh legs and another lethal forward to kill the game off.

If drawing:
60 mins: Busquets off, Eriksen on. Extra creativity.
70 mins: CHO & Felix off, Asensio & Icardi on. We switch to 4-2-2-2 with Aguero & Icardi up top and Sancho & Asensio on the flanks

If losing:
60 mins: Busquets off, Eriksen on.
70 mins: Felix and Umtiti off, Asensio and Icardi on. All out attack.

------------------------- Oblak -------------------------
Walker ------ Mancini ------ Lenglet ------ Gosens
-------- Tielemans --- Ndidi --- F. de Jong --------
--------- Mbappe ---- Werner ---- Neymar ---------

Forster, Lucas, Tonali, Grealish, Martial, Zaniolo, Dembele

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Tielemans, Ndidi and de Jong ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, Werner slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace. With a powerful midfield 3 Walker and Gosens are allowed to attack at will.

Mancini picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Mancini and Lenglet to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Ndidi sitting back.

Ndidi our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. de Jong will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Tielemans as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Tielemans is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will lookbe the midfielder to help set up our front three and support, at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the de jong/Ndidi/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, the ball at times, sticks to his feet like glue, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the fronte 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Tielemans to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting out wide in Walker and Gosens. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Werner who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Werner who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them and have a shoot or sight mentality, can move central, we must always make sure he is well supported, if he cant get the shot away he will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack he is a very tireless worker, who also helps defend from the from by harassing there back line/DM.

Captain - Lenglet
Penalties - Neymar
Free Kicks - Neymar (when going for goal) otherwise de Jong
Corners - Wingers

Losing -
65 Mins - Dembele for Tielemans we go 4-4-2
75 Mins - Tonali and Zaniolo for Gosens and Walker, Ndidi goes into a back 3

Mancini - Ndidi - Lenglet
Zaniolo - Tonali - de Jong - Neymar
Mbappe - Dembele - Werner

very attacking as we have to go for goals

Winning -
75 Mins - Tonali for Tielemans, will hold onto the ball and spray it about
80 Mins - Lucas for Gosens, more defence minded will shore it up
86 Mins - Zaniolo for Werner, swap with Mbappe

Drawing
65 Mins - Zaniolo for Tielemans, he goes RM, Mbappe and Werner up top 4-4-2
75 Mins - Tonali for Walker

Mancini - Ndidi - Lenglet
Zaniolo - Tonali - de Jong - Gosens
Mabppe - Werner - Neymar

80 Mins - Grealish for Gosens

Attacking high press 3-5-2

At home we go with an attacking side, that is firstly solid at the back but more importantly gives us a team to dominate possession with a high work rate. Our side is full of energy to press from the front. The defence starts with the front two with their all action styles.

Our formation allows us to dominate possession but also go with two up top. The front two set the tempo for the game with their all action styles. Both have the ability to drop deep and join in the attacks. Bernadro the AM gives high tempo to our side in attack and defence. We have three cms able to pick a pass, and with the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control possession. Neves plays as the deepest cm, Thiago with the inteligence to fill in when needed. Two deep playmakers, with 3 cbs means we can go without a true dm.

The width is provided by the wing backs, and by an over lapping cb. Stealing a Sheffield United tactic, we allow one cb to get forward at a time. Bastoni/Pavard overlapping the attacking wbs, both are fantastic on the ball, driblling out and crossing. This will see us always have two cbs and a deep midfielder in front when we attack offering cover.

We will direct our attacks down the wings. Both wing backs will have freedom to attack, bombing down the wings and crossing for the front two. The overlapping cbs, wbs and with front two will give us an overload in attacking situations. .

We defend in a narrow formation, limiting the space for Bournemouth to play in. The wingback on the opposite side of play will drop back into defence forming a back four. The wb on the side of play helps the cb on the side of play defend against the attacking winger and fb.

The defence and midfield press as a unit, ensuring there is no space between the lines for Bournemouth attacking mids. When defending, Neves plays zonally in front of the cbs and will pick up the most attacking cm in the area. Thiago will play ball side of Neves and always press the passing lanes. Thiago will pick up the 2nd most attacking cm if they break forward. Osimhen looks to exploit the space out wide by their attacking fb and Lauitaro splits the space between their cbs.

When we win the ball we attack at pace. Use the wing backs bombing forward linking with the wide forwards to create.

-------------------- Neuer ------------------
----------------------------------------------
------- Pavard -- Varane -- Bastoni ------
----------------------------------------------
R.James ---- Neves -- Thiago.A --- Mendy
------------------- Bernardo ---------------
------------------------------------------------
------------ Osimhen ---- Lautaro.M -------

Subs. Schmeichel, Grimaldo, Rodri, Coutinho, L.Sane, Dembele, Jesus

Defence

When we lose the ball high up the park we always look to win it back straight away, don’t give Bournemouth a chance to counter. The closest 2/3 players press. Allowing others to get back into position behind the ball. Neuer also guards against hopeful long balls over the top in his sweeper keeper role.


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


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

Attack

We counter quickly when we win the ball aiming our attacks down the wings. If the counter is not on we look to get the wing backs and wide forwards doubling up on their fbs.

The back 3 are all comfortable on the ball and look to play out, helping us move the ball quickly having a strong base. Neuer's accurate long balls will also help as we seek to counter quickly exposing space left by Bournemouth in attack.

Subs.
If winning after 70 mins bring on Jesus for Osimhen. Fresh pace.
If winning after 75 mins bring on Rodri for Neves. Fresh legs in the middle to keep the energy levels high.
If winning after 80 mins bring on Grimaldo for Mendy. More fresh pace and energy.

If drawing or losing after 66 mins bring on Dembele and Sane for Bastoni and Osimhen. 4-3-3. Wbs to FB.

If drawing or losing after 75 mins bring on Coutinho for Bernardo. Fresh creativity, and lose a last minute winner.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Lose slots now for late tactics

Bournemouth Tactics: Week 12

Captain: Felipe
Vice Captain: Guimarães

Team:
------------------Remiro
Emerson--Felipe—Torres-----Iago
----------------Guimarães
-----------Henrique--Reinier
Tetê------------------------------Galeno
------------------Vinícius

SUBS: Cleiton, Marcinho, Gabriel, Éderson, Fernandes, Antony, Cunha

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

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

Defence: Our 2 full backs are there firstly to defend and make sure they stay on the right side of their opponents whether they be out wide or cutting inside. When we are on the attack they will be allowed to use their power and pace to provide the overlap on the flanks. They both have the power and the lungs to work the touchline for 90 minutes. They will make the pitch wide and always offer themselves as an option in attack. 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: Guimarães 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. Henrique and Reinier will play just in front of Guimarães. Henrique will be a more box to box type. He will be involved all over and will offer as much in defence as in attack. Reinier 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 Tetê and Galeno 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 Reinier, Henrique and Vinícius 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 Henrique may sit a bit deeper allowing Reinier 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.

Vinícius 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: Reinier, Galeno or Tetê with Felipe, Torres, Guimarães and Vinícius to offer an aerial threat. Reinier and Galeno (with his thunderbolt left foot) may try their luck with several free kicks from distance.
Penalties: Vinícius

Substitutions: (if winning on 80 minutes) Gabriel for Torres, Cunha for Vinícius and Fernandes for Henrique, 3 like for like substitutions.

If losing (on 80 minutes) Antony for Henrique and Cunha for Tetê. Shift to a 4-1-3-2 attack. Cunha and Antony offering fresh legs, pace and a bit of the unknown in attack.

-----------Guimarães
Antony---Reinier----Galeno
--------Vinícius---Cunha

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

Walker ------ van Dijk ------ Lenglet ------ Gosens

------- Bentancur --- W.Ndidi ---- Tielemans ------

-------- Mbappe ------ Martial ------ Neymar -------

Forster, Lucas, Tonali, Grealish, A.Traore, Pogba, Dembele

Our game is based solely on possession football, quick on the break and really pressurise the opposition with an in your face performance from the front, we want to hit them quickly so we need to press them quickly to get the ball, when we defend, the back 4 must stay solid with Tielemans, Ndidi and Bentancur ahead of them just in front harassing the man with the ball before they get to our back 4 and our midfield will be in and around the half way line, our front 3 slightly higher up, this will congest the midfield and allow us to dictate play, defend from the front, stop them coming forward from the back, however, if they do push forward onto us and we get the ball they will be on the back foot and will really struggle with our front 3/4 with Fullbacks who are always ready to pounce and hit them with pace. With a powerful midfield 3 Walker and Gosens are allowed to attack at will.

van Dijk picks up the CF not much gets passed him, Lenglet spare picks up the AM if he gets away from our midfield, keep the forward(s) away from the danger area, get onto them quickly, take the ball away from them and play it out of defence, look to get it out wide quickly, Both are comfortable on the ball so can bring it out when in no danger and look for the pass longer to the forwards to hit them with pace, both must attack high balls to get the ball away from the opposition big men. Fullbacks keep the wingers quiet, stop their attacks Keep them away from shooting areas and stop them becoming dangerous in any position by standing tall against them and keeping them on there 'bad' foot. When they attack, they drive down the line in support of the wingers drive on the outside making an extra man. They can both go at the same time and get outside Mbappe and Neymar to allow them to go inside and make themselves available, If either get caught up field I want my midfield 3 to cover the gaps, to drift to the side and this allows the fullbacks to make their way to midfield to cover. Cb's to go up for corners, with the fullbacks and Ndidi sitting back.

Ndidi our deepest midfielder sitting just in front of the CB's he will shadow there AM and not allow him to control the game, must be aware of all that is around him, be in the right place at the right time and look to cover for defensive players moving forward, he has to impose himself early on the AM to make him wary of holding onto the ball too long, once on the ball look around, head up and pick the pass that will get us moving forward quickly always making himself for a return ball from a deeper angle as he spreads it from side to side then eventually forward he is always looking for the ball to start again if need be, can be out to the fullbacks or indeed a longer ball to the front three to take the opposition out of it as they are still high up the pitch. Bentancur will help stop the run of play quicker to make our defenders jobs a lot easier, protect our defence as best as possible, in possession get it to the front 3 but also look for fullbacks and Tielemans as they move into space, keep it simple, he has a very good range of pass. Either pass and move(triangles) into space or look for a piercing through ball to our front three to drive onto.Can move forward to assist and look for balls coming out so he can either, shoot or whip straight back in. Tielemans is essential to our style of play, he is the link between defence and attack, as we break quickly he will lookbe the midfielder to help set up our front three and support, at times be in an advanced No.10 role and look for the Bentancur/Ndidi/CB pass. He will drop back at times to pick it up and will look to his dribbling capabilities to get him around players, the ball at times, sticks to his feet like glue, sometimes taking a foul as he is a tricky player to mark. When in possession always head up looking for the movement of our front three to play them in, he will follow his pass and make up the numbers up front. When he doesn't drop deep i.e when the defenders go long, he will look to form a front four as they move around and look to tear the defence apart and create space for the fronte 3. All of our midfield three must press the opposition and get to grips with this game very early on.

Our wingers are extremely quick, when we don't have the ball they drop back a bit to make up the numbers as they attack, push into the faces of the opposition to force them into mistakes and hopefully in the end they lose the ball, when they do lose the ball we charge at them and we do it quickly, either a long ball over defenders our defenders are superb long ball passers, go through the cms or out to one of our attacking fullbacks.however, the movement up front between Mbappe, Martial and Neymar will cause them problems drifting in an out, thus allowing Tielemans to pick his moment to move into space either as a 10 or out wide. If he does push wide this will allow Mbappe/Neymar to go in central as we will have an attacking fullback up and supporting out wide in Walker and Gosens. Quick passing in triangles that will get us in and beyond their defenders and eventually to Martial who can beat any defender with power and pace and the other wingers who will look to get into space to get a shot off, if there defence is on top then we can always go direct at times and fire early crosses especially from deep from the fullbacks into Martial who will sit on the last foot so he can spring them, our front three will rotate and move around so difficult to pick up as all three can playe right across the front, so movement is essential we must always make sure they are well supported, if they cant get the shot away they will be looking to bring others into the game by dropping slightly back to get numbers for the attack. They may not be the greatest defensively, all I ask is that they track their own men ie FBs, CBs if they move forward, and stop them getting too far up the pitch..

Captain - van Dijk
Pens - Mbappe
Free Kicks - Neymar(for goal), Bentancur for rest
Corners - Neymar

Subs -
Losing
65 Mins - Dembele for Tielemans, A.Traore for Martial, we go 4-4-2(424), Traore to RW and Mbappe/Dembele up top, a lot of pace to burn with Traore
80 Mins - Grealish for Gosens, he goes to LW, 3 at the back 3-4-3 with Neymar LCF

Drawing
65 Mins - Traore for Martial, he goes RW, Mbappe No.9, Pogba for Tielemans, he goes in at No.10
75 Mins - Grealish for Bentancur, more attacking great dribbler will try and get something going

Winning -
70 Mins - Traore for Martial, swap with Mbappe, Lucas for Gosens, he is better defensively
80 Mins - Tonali for Tielemans- can hold onto the ball and keep it moving around

------------------------ Reina --------------------------
Mukiele ----- Rudiger ----- Djmisiti ----- Williams
----------------------- Zakaria -------------------------
S.Gnabry -- Pellegrini --- M.Verratti --- Bergwijn
----------------------- Lukaku -------------------------

Bazanu, Holgate, Kamara, Barnes, Chiesa, Malen, J.David

Look to try and control possession high up the field, push them back by playing a high line(the front three)pass and move into positions that can hurt them, when we defend we do so as a team with two banks of four with Zakaria in between the two lines, our midfield & Lukaku harassing their backline and really pressurise them into quick , misplaced passes for us to pick up, in their face performance, especially Pellegrini & Verratti as we try to nullify their midfield and stop them creating chances for the forwards.

Mukiele and Williams have freedom to attack, but only one at a time, one will stay back creating a back 3 when we attack, bomb down the line supporting the wingers on the outside, which will allow the winger to cut inside and support Lukaku. They look to play one twos with the midfield which will get him beyond there fullback and whip in dangerous crosses. Both tough defenders and intelligent so know when to tackle and when just to try and shimmy out wide. When defending and on the cautious side and remain vigilant at all times in the line of four, keep it tight.. Rudiger will mark the CF, use his strength and speed to keep the CF away from the danger area. Djimsiti alongside is the spare defender and helps out where needed, both powerful defenders, Both will dominate in the air and both good on the ball, so when in possession they can carry the ball out from defence and look to send our forwards away. Stay tight as a four and let nothing through. Both cbs up for corners, fullbacks stay back and a midfielder just sitting in front of them. When we are in possession the ball will come from the back, so these guys must look for movement ahead of them so they can pick there pass, both CBs are comfortable with ball at feet and will take the ball out of defence to allow them to come on to us before he passes, this will create space as hew will force them to break away from the players they are marking..

Zakaria primary role in front of the defence is to win possession and then start an attacking phase. Within this he needs to cover spaces in between the midfield and defence where the opposition’s number 10 will likely to be operating whilst also being aware when the full-backs had pushed forward.Take care of of the No 10/SS is also a main focus, he isn't an out an out DM but he has a lot of grit and determination to his game so stick to him like glue and stop him becoming a threat Once he is in possession of the ball nice simple balls to those around him.

Verratti is our box-to-box midfielder and has responsibility throughout the pitch. He is expected to score goals and create chances for team mates, whilst also helping in the defensive third. One requirement of this role are high fitness levels due to the amount of running they are expected to do. The box-to-box midfielder is more likely to be found on the side of the pitch where the full-back that is less efficient in the attacking third plays to provide balance on both flanks, he also has a mean shot from distance and isn't afraid to have a go. Pellegrini I want further up the pitch today (when we attack) as his main responsibility is to both create chances for the three attackers in front of him and indeed score the goals himself. Pushing forward as a AM he will often find himself the furthest forward of the three midfielders and sometimes even in the number 9 role if the correct situation arises. The advantage having Pellegrini there is he has pace & tenacity to get right un amongst them, he needs to be able to play a pass that penetrates the opposition’s defense or dictates the direction of the attack These three should work well together and between them have everything a midfield needs. He will try and get in beyond there DM and support Lukaku and look for any scraps coming his way.

Wingers are going to cause problems out wide, with the support they will have, they will look to push the fullbacks back and get into the danger area, Bergwijn I want to drive on the outside and play as a natural winger not an inside forward unless supported by Williams. both sides will definitely pose a threat with quick one twos. If they play with 3 at the back try and expose the space in behind the wingbacks by using Pellegrini/Verratto to play around and behind them with the ball going in triangles quickly until the break is on. If fulbacks drive passed wingers they can cut inside looking to make a nuisance of themselves centrally again using the CMs to get into danger areas. Both wingers have a fantastic forward to aim for in Lukaku so if they get to the bye line then get the crosses in for him to attack.Lukaku will get plenty chances, however he must put away there side who will be solid at the back, I want to bully the slower/weaker/less experienced of the two/three with the aid of Pellegrini and the wingers and sometimes the fullbacks. Get into positions that he can go for goal or at very least drag players away for other players to drive into the space. Again, target the slower/weaker of the cbs, split them apart to create space, we are quick, so our forwards must hit them with pace to drag them all over the place. Lets be honest, he is a goal machine atm and will stick it in the back of the net when he has a sniff of goal, he can score from various angles/ranges with hopefully a few crosses coming in he can get up and above defenders for. Can hold it up and look for runners, in particular Gnabry and Bergwijn will be making runs so be watchful of them just to lay it off to the side if he cant go for goal himself. But especially look for the midfielders centrally driving forward as they time their runs perfectly so a little touch back to him allows him to go for goal.

We must defend as a team tho, from the front, so wingers track back and cover the fullbacks,I want the midfield to be compact to allow very little space, even just to stop them supporting the wingers, we must drive into them and pressurize them into mistakes

Captain - Verratti
Pens - Lukaku
Free Kicks - Verratti
Corners - Wingers

Losing
65 Mins - Chiesa for Pellegrini, we go 4-4-2, Chiesa to RW, Gnabry central with Lukaku, but will drop to No.10 when they opp have the ball
75 Mins - Barnes for Bergwijn
82 Mins - malen for Williams, he goes up top in a 343

Drawing -
65 Mins - Chiesa for Pellegrini, RW, Gnabry just off Lukaku, Barnes for Bergwijn

Winning -
75 Mins - B.Kamara for Williams, better defensively
84 Mins - Malen for Lukaku

Southampton v NORWICH CITY

----------------------------de Gea
Bellerín-------Stones--------------Evans---------Lewis
-------------------Allen-------------Gueye
-------Brooks-----------Ramsey------------James
------------------------------Ings

Subs: Guaita, Justin, Godfrey, Ampadu, Eze, Cantwell, Idah

Our defensive unit consists of John Stones and Jonny Evans paired up at centre-back, Héctor Bellerín at right-back and Jamal Lewis at left-back, with Joe Allen and Idrissa Gueye as our midfield ‘double pivot’ screening them.

This ‘double pivot’ is the key to our team and in Allen and Gueye 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 Gueye can press the ball without leaving lots of space, as Gomes 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 Gueye’s role, he will press almost anywhere in his own half to allow defenders to stay in the defensive line.

With Gueye running his socks off for the team, our high tempo will dictated by his partner in holding midfield, Joe Allen.

Allen 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 Allen such a talent.

The attacking unit consists of David Brooks, Aaron Ramsey and Daniel James as our band of three attacking midfielders with Danny Ings 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 Allen or Gueye, then our 4-2-3-1 can spring into attack.

Bellerín and Lewis can surge up the wings in the knowledge that Allen and Gueye can drop into the space left behind if needed. As they come up the wings, both David Brooks and Daniel James, who are absolute speed merchants, excellent in tight spaces and fantastic dribblers will cut inside or make runs into the box.

Aaron Ramsey our attacking central midfielder’s unique combination of pace, stamina, dribbling skills, vision and finishing adds another level of counterattacking proposition to our team. Ramsey is blessed with an instant first touch and this creative passer will look to play Brooks, James and Ings in via creative and clever moves. Ramsey’s defensive contribution should not be forgot either and will add another level of stability to our midfield.

Upfront Ings will connect exceptionally well with our attacking midfielders, with his good movement, excellent dribbling ability, admirable work rate, deceptive aerial ability, and of course his clinical finishing

Subs on 75 mins
Ampadu on for Allen and Cantwell on for James

Double substitution - Lots of energy in the last 15 minutes to look to unlock the opposition’s defence for a late goal regardless of the score line

in the case of a red for our keeper bring on Guaita for Ings – if it’s a defender sent off then move to 3 at the back with Allen & Gueye offering protection. If Allen or Gueye are sent off then Ramsey will play deeper and we’ll rely on counteracting opportunities to cause any damage. If Ramsey is sent off then Gueye will play DM and Allen as a box-2-box. If Brooks or James/Cantwell sent off then Ramsey will play out wide and we’ll become a 4-4-1. If Ings sent off then Brooks/James will still provide a threat when cutting inside.

PORTSMOUTH vs Chelsea

------------------------------Areola ---------------------------
AWB----------------Sule-----------Soyuncu--------------F Mendy
------------------------------- Kante ------------------------------------
----------------Goretzka ------------- Fabian ----------------------
--------------------------------- Bruno -----------------------------------
------------Calvert-Lewin ---------- Ronaldo -----------------

Subs - Safonov, Zagadou, Ndombele, Ceballos, Bailey, Ferran, Leao

CAPTAIN - BRUNO
CK'S - BRUNO
FK'S - RONALDO
PENALTIES - RONALDO

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

Defence
Areola in net, command your box and don't do anything flashy. The defence is well balanced, with all 3 CB's having the pace and power to play the 3atb formation with ease. Sule and Soyuncu bring experience to the backline. Sule will focus on marking the oppo striker and will look to stick close to him and to watch out for his attacking runs. Stay aggressive and not let him turn you. Soyuncu will mark the other striker if the oppo is playing 2 up front or to watch out any attacking runs of their AM if they play him instead.

Full backs
AWB + Mendy
AWB and Mendy will look to help both in attack and defence. Make forays forward when we have the ball in the oppos side of the pitch but track back when we don't. Get some crosses into the box as Ronaldo is very good in the air. Kante will be covering for you if you are out of position


Defence Mid
N'golo Kante
Kante will be tasked with protecting the defence. A true definition of never say die attitude he will be running all game and doing what he does best and win the ball off of the oppo. Cover for our fullbacks when they overlap and are out of position. Stick close to the oppo AM/their most attacking midfielder and pressure him as soon as he gets the ball. He will not be able to handle your relentless pressing. When you have possession of the ball quickly pass it to either Goretzka/Fabian.

Centre Mids
Fabian + Goretzka
Fabian will be the more defensive of the two as I want him to focus on being the link from defence to attack. Main job is to get the ball from deep and look to open up the oppo with your superb range of passing. Play quick simple passes with your teammates to work some space in the middle or long balls forward for our strikers to run into. Goretzka will play a b2b role. Make runs forward and play pass and move passes with teammates and help the attack whenever you can. Make late runs into the box to try and score.

Attack Mid
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno will be playing as the AM today. I want him to use his great dribbling ability and passing to create chances for our 2 strikers up front. Look out for the runs of our attackers and make runs into the box whenever you can. Shoot from range if you see an opportunity.

Strikers
Calvert-Lewin + Ronaldo
I want both the strikers to use their pace and play off of the oppo shoulders and try and beat the offside trap. Be aware of lofted through balls and time your runs as best as you can. When in the box use your quickness and agility to get into good positions away from oppo defenders. Play quick one two's with each other to penetrate the oppo defence. I want Ronaldo to stay upfront and just focus on attacking, being ready for penetrating passes from his teammates. Be aware of crosses into the box and use your superhuman athletic ability to outjump the oppo defenders.

IF WINNING BY 65 MINS
Change formation to 4231. Play deep and hit the oppo on the counter.
Take off Bruno and put on Ndombele in DM next to Kante to give the defence even more protection. Bailey on for Fabian aswell to play RM and Ferran on for Calvert Lewin.

---------------------- Areola ---------------------------
AWB---------Sule--------Soyuncu--------Mendy
------------ Ndombele ----- Kante ----------------------------
Bailey---------------------------------------------Ferran
--------------------- Goretzka ------------------------------
--------------------- Ronaldo -----------------------------

IF LOSING BY 65 MINS
Take off Fabian and put on Leao in strike. Leao will play in the middle of a front 3. Play close to each other and put a tonne of pressure in the oppo defence. Defend high up and try and score a goal. Swap Kante for Ceballos aswell. Bailey on for Calvert Lewin aswell.

---------------------- Areola ---------------------------
AWB---------Sule--------Soyuncu--------Mendy
--------------------------------------------------------------
-----------Goretzka ------- Ceballos ----------------
------------------------ Bruno ------------------------------
------------- Bailey----Leao--Ronaldo -----------------

IF DRAWING BY 65MINS
Leao on for Calvert Lewin
Ndombele on for Fabian
Fresh legs.

SOTON vs Norwich

------------------------------------------Gunn-----------------------
Odriozola---------Upamecano-----------Dias-----------Chilwell
----------------------------Aouar-------------McTominay--------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres----------------------------------------------------------------Rashford
--------------------------------------Odegaard------------------------------------
----------------------------------------Jovic-----------------------------------

Subs - Meslier, Kabak, Dalot, SMS, Paqueta, Pulisic, Kean

CAPTAIN - UPAMECANO
CK'S - ØDEGAARD
FK'S - ØDEGAARD
PENALTIES - RASHFORD

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

Defence
GK to be confident in box. Don't take risks. Punch the ball away if the shot is too powerful. Command your area. The defence is well balanced. Upamecano and Dias bring a lot of strength and pace to the defence. Dias will marshal the defence and Upamecano will look to use his pace to close the oppo strikers down. Stay vocal with each other and cover for each other if oppo gets past one of you. Full backs will start of with a conservative mind set and not attack too much but as the game goes on I want them to make overlapping runs and get some crosses in to the box. McTominay will be covering for them when they go attacking.

Defence Mids
McTominay + Aouar
McTominay 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 but don't try any risky passes.
Aouar will look to pick the ball up from deep and use his pace and energy to dribble the ball out. Make runs forward and help our attacking players whenever you can. Play quick passes forward and use your agility to outmanoeuvre the oppo players. When not in possession of the ball I want him to sit alongside McTominay in the middle and protect the defence.

Wingers
Neres + Rashford
These 2 will be the focal point of my attack. I want to give them the freedom to express themselves in attack. Rashford will be looking to cut in from the left and Neres will be looking to 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 or into the centre of the pitch to one of our CM's. I want you both to be aware of our fullbacks and play pass and move 1 2's with them to try and penetrate the oppo back line. Odriozola and Chilwell are no slouches attacking wise so use them! If you can cut in onto your stronger foot, don't be afraid to shoot from range as you both have the ability to score from long range. If there is no space to do so then take the ball to the byline and whip in crosses for Richarlison to get his head on. Help our FB's in defensive duties if the oppo winger is trying to take them on. Track back and double up on him or mark the run of the opposition FB if they try to make an overlapping run. 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
Ødegaard
Ødegaard will be playing just behind Richarlison 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
Jovic
Jovic is a striker that has the deadly combination of pace and power. He will look to use his strength to get the better of the oppo defence. Be vary of crosses into the box as you are decent in the air, and if you are through on goal, use your expert finishing to score. Time your runs off the shoulders of the oppo CB's and use your pace to get away from them.


Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Kean for Aouar and Paqueta for Ødegaard to bring some more attacking impetus on. Play a high line and try and get a goal. Change formation to 41212.

-----------------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Upamecano-------------Dias---------Chilwell
--------------------------------------McTominay---------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neres---------------------------------------------------------------Rashford
-----------------------------------------Paqueta-------------------------------
--------------------------------Kean-----------Jovic-------------------


Subs if WINNING BY 80MINS
Take off Ødegaard and put on Kabak in CB. Play defensive with everyone in our own half defending for their lives, waiting to hit the oppo on the counter attack. Pulisic on for Neres and SMS for Aouar to add a bit more energy into the midfield.

----------------------------------Gunn--------------------------------
Odriozola-------Dias------Upam------Kabak--------Chilwell
-----------------------------SMS--------McTom---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------Pulisic----------------------------------------------Rashford-------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Jovic-----------------------------------

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Pulisic on for Neres
SMS on for Ødegaard
Kean on for Jovic
Fresh legs to bring on.

*RED CARD SCENARIO*
Change formation to 441 in all red card scenarios.
If my GK gets sent off take off Ødegaard and put on Meslier in goal.
If any of the CB's get sent off take off Ødegaard and put on Kabak at CB.
If any of the full backs get sent off take off Ødegaard and put on Dalot to either LB/RB to replace the sent off player.
If either Aouar/McTominay get sent off just move Ødegaard a bit more deeper into CM.
If any of the wingers get sent off take off Ødegaard and put on Pulisic to either LW/RW.
If Ødegaard gets sent off keep things how they are.
If Jovic gets sent off take off Ødegaard and put on Kean in strike.