Niko's Fast & Furious League: Tactics Submission

First topic message reminder :

Welcome to the Tactics Submission Page for Niko's Fast & Furious League

Please post your League match tactics with the format and title as below:

Gameweek 1. “YOUR TEAM IN CAPS” vs “opposition team”

Line-up:

Subs:

Captain:

Tactics:

Obviously your Lineup should include 11 players and 7 Subs.

Make sure you check your weeks Injuries as if any injured players are part of the starting 11 this will affect your team and effectively they will be starting with 10 players.

There are no restrictions on tactics but please try not to make them too long as we’d like to take into consideration managers have a minimum of four sets to read through on voting days.

Anyone who consistently Copy and Pastes tactics every week may find their teams results take a nose dive.

Gameweek 8 vs Juventus
Line Up:
--------------------------------Lloris--------------------------------

----------------Taylor---------Barzagli---------Astori---------------

Réveillère---------------------------------------------------Cissokho
-----------------------Martin---------Gonalons---------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------Lopez-------Demba Cisse-------Bastos

Subs: Hansen, Gassama, Kone, Fofana, Frei, Kalou, Giroud

Injuries - Clint Dempsey, Radja Nainggolan, Dejan Lovren

Captain: Barzagli

General: Have to get at Juventus today from the start. If we want Champions Cup 3 points is a must, so lets go and get 3 points.
Back three play a high-ish line, expecting Gilardino as a lone striker. Further instruction will be given to the players.
Have to get at Juve so I want the front three closing down the Juve backline, force mistakes, regain possesion etc.
I want to play with a mixed tempo. Gonalons will slow and calm the game down when required. Martin will speed it up, be the link to the front men and speed the game up when required.
We are looking to get some goals quick and early. If/once we are in the lead by 2 clear goals we will make a tactical sub detailed below.

Lloris: Command the area, communicate with defence at all times. Try not to punch the ball out. Be controling in YOUR area, command YOUR area, cut out catch crosses. To launch a counter attack get the ball out to Cissokho as he can use his pace.

Defence - Get tackles in. Make interceptions if able to, dont take big risk with this as if you dont make it you are leaving Lloris open. Challange for headers. Try your best to avoid cards.

Barzagli - Expecting a lone Gilardino. If so zonally man mark him, use your experience, you know him from the national team too. Stay on him, dont let him turn you and get facing goal. Block any shots or passes he trys to make, challange him of ALL headers to ensure he cant get any flick ons etc. Regarding our Man Mark systen, it is detail below. Barzagli is aware he may have to shift to cover for his team mates.
If Juve start with two strikers then effectively you will play as a sweeper which Taylor & Astori man mark.

Taylor & Astori - If Gilardino is a lone striker then there will be a SS so watch for his runs. You must also watch also watch the opposition wingers as if they beat our Wingbacks you must go across and cover. Now this system works as eg Taylor could move across to attand to the opposition LW, and Astori takes the SS. In the instance the SS makes his run into the space left by Taylor the whole back line will shift across meaning Barzagli will drop off Gilardino and move to pick up the SS while Astori will then pick up Gilardino. Cissokho would then drop to cover the LB spot as such to ensure if the opposition make a quick change of play to the opposite wing we are not open for attack. This will work visa veras if Astori moves to the opposition RW, defensive line would shift and Réveillère would drop into the RB covering spot.
If there is two forwards the you will each man mark the one in your zone. Barzagli will act as a sweeter and also be able to cover if you have to go and attend to the opposition winger. Same system above applies but Barzagli just does the covering.

Wingbacks - Want you guys to mark the opposition wingers, dont let them get in behind you, do not go to ground, try force them onto the weaker foot and block corsses.. Im expecting Honda to return to the left, Pepe is injured which means Walcott will return to the right.

Réveillère - you have good defensive abilities and great attacking abilities. Do all the above when defending. If the opposition fullback pushes up you should be able to leave the winger to the covering CB but I doubt this as Juve dont really play with aggressive attacking fullbacks. Attacking I want you to push on and support the midfield, also as we are playing no winger you will act as the winger at time so get the crosses into the box. When pushing on I want you to try take the opposition LM with you, shuld be Honda, if you can do this we can pin them back and it could result in their fullback doubling up on you giving more space for our front men to get into.

Cissokho - Expecting Walcott on the right. You are also very quick so if right I want you to use your pace to nulify Walcott. Walcott has pace, he isnt lightweight as such but he doesnt possess great strength so use that to your advantage and take him off the ball. Man mark him. Once again Juve havent played with aggressive attacking fullbacks a lot of the season so im confident you will only have to mark Walcott. Attacking you can use your pace to push up and support the midfield, Walcott isnt known for having a footballing brain so he may not even track you so if he doesnt dont push too far as you are marking him. If Walcott does track you then be wise in how far you push on as we could be able to pin him back too.
If Walcott isnt on the right then just mark whoever is and work the flank providing support to the midfield, get crosses in from deep and play Bastos in the channel or in between their RB and CB.

Gonalons & Martin - Need both of you to battle in midfield. Get tackle in, interceptions etc. You will most likely be up against Parker + one.

Gonalons - Midfield general. Stay in the central area of the pitch and command it. Get the tackles in, interceptions etc. Dont be too hard with your tackles as to avoid cards but dont be so soft at all, we want them to know you mean business. You also have to help control the tempo, slow the game down when it needs to be and when we look to add pace, speed it up get the ball to Martin who will up the tempo. You can also drop back into the DM role, do this when we are on the attack as One Martin may push further forward so we dont want you to and Two you may also have to drop into the backline on occasion where both wingbacks are forward (shouldnt be often).

Martin - Acting as the playmaker from midfield I want you assisting Gonalons in all defensive duties. I understand this isnt your strength but I will come to that in a moment. Apart from defending you will be the one to inject pace into the game when needed. When we want to up the tempo and break or just simple attack them at a high pace you are the man to change that. With the ball I want you getting to to any of the front three men. Attacking wise your job is simply be creative and supply the attacking front three. A good ball would be feeding Bastos in with a diagonal "cross field ball", its not so much cross field more over the top but you are still changing the direction of play.
As I said I would come to address your defensive game isnt your strength. Well your will play the whole first half then second half if/untill we are winning by 2 clear goals. If we are 2 clear goals ahead a substitution will be made strenghtening the centre of midfield. Details below in Subs sections.

Forwards - Lugano & Cris have been the most common CB pairing in recent weeks for Juve. Id like you three forwards to play narrow most of the time in order to unsettle the CB's in trems of who they are man marking. I think because of the lack of pace in their CB pairing they may play the offside trap so watch your line when playing off the shoulder. Work the keeper, really test him out.

Bastos & Lopez - Have permission to switch position with each other every so often, mix it up basically. One of you at a time can come deep at times to help the midfield out. If we are defending and under heavy pressure both of you drop deep. On the occasion the Juve fullback attack, they could as its been mixed in previous weeks, than can you pick them up. I dont expect this to be often. Attacking I want both of you to make forward runs, play narrow and play quick interchange passes as this should help break down the CB pair. Shoot on sight inside the box.

Lopez - Reserch shows Cris playes as the left CB and this is the side you will mainly be on. You have more pace than Cric who is aging so take him on, lure him out of position creating space, quick burst of pace from your should see you through on goal so play 1-2's.

Bastos - Id like you to drift around but not so much out wide, drop at times and show Martin you want the ball, at other times make the run as I have instrusted him to play a "cross field" ball to you. Play at a high tempo, quick passing and quick run should be enough to disturb the CB's and get through on goal. Cissokho will also try to play you in so indicate to him where you want the ball, down the channel or inbetweek the fullback and CB, id suggest the latter especially if they are marking Lopez and Demba Cisse you may not be picked up by anyone. If there is space and its open for a shot shoot from distance.

Demba Cisse - Play as the out and out striker. Use your physical strength to bully the CB's. If Cris is playing you and Lopez could really turn him in knots with qucik play and pace. Lugano is good in the air, as you have upper body strength I suggest you take him on in the Air rarther than Bastos or even Lopez. Like a professional look to follow up any shot from Lopez or Bastos. Shoot on sight inside the box.

Corners: Bastos
Free Kicks:
Right: Bastos
Left: Bastos
Pen: Demba Cisse

Subs:
Martin will play the whole first half. He will start the secon unless we are winning by 2 clear goals or play unill we are winning by 2 clear goals. This is bases on a big IF.
Winning by 2 goals at or any time after 45 minutes: Martin off, Fofana on.
Fofana will play alongside Gonalons and really make the centre of midfield a tough place for Parker + one to do anything. The both of them are tough tackling workhorses so this should sure us up. The direction of play will switch to the wingbacks to get corsses in but either Fofana or Gonalons when in possesion can direct a pass to the front men, the idea is to strengthen up our defensive ability in the middle, win the ball and just get it to one of the front men.

If winngin at 70 mins: Lopez off, Frei on. Switch to below:
Réveillère--------------Fofana----------Gonalons-----------Cissokho
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Frei-------------------------------
-----------------------Lopez---------Demba Cisse-------

Fofana & Gonalons both drop back a bit deeper. This will now be a bank of 4 protecting the 3 CB's. Frei will play as a centre AM which he has played and scored from time and time before (IRL). The play will be directed down the flanks and the get the ball crosses in or to Frei who I want drifting around, this is so he can pick it up and feed the forwards or have a shot himself.

Losing: None. Keep it the same and just push up further. Play a higher backline and offside trap.

LIVERPOOL v juventus

Injuries - Rami & Ruiz

--------------Akinfeev--------------
M.Kelly---Matip----Zanka---Enrique
D.Srna---M'vila----Vidal---N.Gaitan
--------Suarez----Huntelaar-------

Zanka = Zanka Jorgensen

McCarthy, Muniesa, Moussa Sissoko, Henderson, Albrighton, Rhodes, Morata

A must win, simple..They are still languishing at the foot of the table and we have won at Juve before so really must go into this game confidently..

Akinfeev will dominate the area, his experience at the back is vital. He will constantly shout at the defense keeping them right to make sure there are no Juventus strays moving into clear areas. I want him to come for all high balls and what he cant catch he will get a strong punch to and clear any danger. He will watch for the ball coming through and he must be quick off hisl ine and stand tall or go to ground and gather and the feet of the striker. Release the ball early out wide to set up quick attacks..or if winning hold it for as long as possible..

Kelly and Enrique must defend 1st attack later, stand tall against the wingers and only allow the bare minimum of crosses coming in. Keep them to the outside and force them away from danger. Dont allow them to get the burners on and keep fairly close to them. Attacking then one at a time they can go when in no danger, over lap the wingers to create a 2 on 1 situation where their FB will struggle to deal with. Nice one twos with the winger ahead of them to break the line of defense to get a cross in, or look to pass and move inside for a return ball so they can drive into the area.

Matip and Zanka are very important, they must stick tight and stop the threat of their striker. Matip will use his power to hold him off..He musnt allow himself to be bullied by the striker. JKeep a watchful eye on his movement and go where he goes. Get in hard on him early and make him wary that he will be tackled early if he holds onto the ball to long. Stand up tall with him and dont allow him to turn in on goal. Zanka like Matip both have CL experience and they will use this experience together to keep them quiet, he will move into positions he feels Juventus will cause problems. I want him to intercept this and move into the open spaces to get to the ball or man 1st before they are in a position of danger. He must keep this back 4 tight and keep tehre danger to a minimum.

Mvila is the main DM, he watches the AM/SS of Juventus, he is there to break up play between their midfield and attack. Get into the faces early of there dangerman and stop him dictating the play. He sits just in front of the CBs when they are moving forward.
Vidal is a box to box midfielder, full of energy, which he will need. When defending he will sit alongside Mvila and watch for the next AM coming through, the two of them will create a tough wall to try and break through. He will nip at the heels of the player and force him to play an early/lose pass away. When we are moving forward he will look to get the forwards going. Picking up fromthe defense or Mvila he will look to thread the ball through to stikers and wingers with neat balls that break there defense. Or if nothingon high balls to Huntelaar for him to knock down to Suarez etc.
Srna is an attacking FB but has played RM before, he knows his defensive duties so will stick close to the FB when he decides to move froward, if the FB doesnt then Srna can come back and help mark any other CMs that are coming through. Attack wise then he will link up with Kelly down the right and watch for his moves coming forward, he will get the ball and drive down the line or give back to Kelly to move forward. If the ball is lost then either of the two can get back and cover.
Gaitan is a clever player and uses his skill to get beyond markers. He will drive at them quickly looking to set up the strikers, either by going to the bye line or passinginside then making gut bursting runs into the danger area to have a go at himself. He will also have to watch for the FB coming forward so like Srna follow him back if he moves up otherwise just sit tight and help out.
Suarez will sit just on the shoulder of Huntelaar, he will look to drop a little deeper to pick the ball up form midfield and drive forward, looking to link up well with Huntelaar and feed off him, he is more in a free role which allows him to drift right or left to help break the defense and make extra numbers for them to deal with, as his marker will have to follow him, if not then there will be bags of room for Suarez/Gaian etc to exploit. Look to get on the end of Huntelaar knock downs, flicks and push backs and Vidal will be there as well to support. When we are defending he must follow the DM/3rd midfielder back as to not allow the guy any freedom of the pitch.
Huntelaar will lead the line, he will sit in between the CBs not allowing either of them to pick him up. He will look to collect the ball and feed Suarez, Vidal, Gaitan etc to get them in on goal if he cant go himself. he will get plenty ammunition today so in his form he will be looking to score more. A good header and two good feet, will get plenty crosses coming his way so he will get more than enough chances. Look for spaces others create and move iinto them and also can peel off his marker to free himself up.

Captain:- Arturo Vidal - Will lead from the centre
Penalties:- Suarez
Frekicks/Corners - Wingers

Subs:-

70 Mins

Losing/drawing

Albrighton > Kelly - Srna drops to RB albrighton more attacking at RM

Winning - Suarez move to LM. Gaitan more central to make a 5 man mid

80 Mins:-

Losing/drawing

Muniesa, Morata > Enrique, Srna - 3-4-3 Matip, Maths, Muniesa at the back
Albrighton-Mvila-Vidal-Gaitan in mid
Suarez-Huntelaar-Morata up top

Winning:-

Moussa Sissoko > Gaitan more defensive mid to see the game out

Week 9
Lyon v Benfica

-----------------Eduardo-------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Sílvio --
-----------------García--------------
--César----Krasic----Pjanic---Nolito---
-----------------Nilmar---------------

Subs
Artur GK
Sidnei CB
Costa CB/RB
Airton CM
Verretti CM/AM
Nene LW/RW
Damiao ST


Injuries: Emerson, Rúben Pinto

Team Talk
This is a must win game for us to guarantee champions league football, so stay patient, help eachother, look for the space, play crisp sharp passing. Spread the play from one wing to the other through the midfield. When you get an opportunity for a one on one, take them on. Be quick to get back behind the ball when we lose possession, keep tight to them and get in their faces to make it difficult for them to pass the ball. Keep a good tempo and when you get a chance to shoot, shoot! Test their keeper and pounce on any spillages he may make. Win the second balls in the air and look for quick counter attacks through the middle of the park. Their captain is out injured this week so give the replacement CB a torrid time, one he will want to forget in a hurry!

Specifics
Eduardo - Dont take any chances at the back. When the ball is played into the box in the air and its easier to punch it clear, punch it. Communicate with the back four, keep it organised at the back. Look for quick counter attacks with the runs of Krasic and Nilmar beyond their CB's. Play goal kicks out to Lichtsteiner or Sílvio for steady build up play.

Luisão & Dedé - Luisão you are marking their striker and Dede pick up the runs from their midfield or CAM. If they play 2 strikers, each of you mark your own man. Be strong in your tackles but fair, clear the ball to our wings as our wingers drop back or to Garcia & Pjanic if they are in space. Close down any long range shots quickly and keep goal side of their attackers. Get your head on any crosses coming in and clear your lines quickly to push Lyon back.

Lichtsteiner & Sílvio - Get the block on crosses, follow their wingers if they try to cut inside and block shots they may make. Watch for any runs made behind you and keep track with them. Build up the play down the wings from goal kicks, cut the ball back inside to Garcia & Pjanic and run past your marker to receive the ball back and advance down the wing. Link up with our wingers, overlap, and when you get the chance, run into the box close to the goal line and pull it back to the penalty spot for a shot from whoever is there.

García & Pjanic - García, stay in front of the CB's and mark their main CAM and stay close to him all game. Pjanic, drop back box to box and support eachother when closing down their midfield. Control the middle of the park and stay tight to Lyon when they are pressing forward. Look for the runs made ahead of you for through balls and for over the top when Nilmar & Krasic are on the shoulder of their markers and turn them for a run. Spread the play across the wings and back again to keep Lyon cashing the ball to tire them out. Garcia, stay back and let Pjanic push up more than you. Pjanic when you have space outside of the box, shoot.

César & Nolito - When our midfield have the ball and our wingbacks are ahead of their wingers to receive the ball back, keep close to their wingbacks so that our wingbacks have the space to run with the ball into the box for crosses. Their CB's will be marking Krasic & Nilmar so work a shooting angle and shoot. If our wingbacks are marked, get yourself into space to receive the ball and run to the box or feed it to Krasic and Nilmar. When not not possession, get back to support our wingbacks to get the ball back. Play one twos with our wingbacks when they push forward, or play the ball ahead of their wingbacks for us to run onto. Cut inside when given the opportunity and shoot or play it square for Pjanic to run onto and shoot from distance.

Krasic & Nilmar - When not in possession get back to support our midfield in closing Lyon down, when you win a tackle play it back to Pjanic and make a run to receive the ball back. When in possession, Krasic play alongside Nilmar and look to make runs on the shoulder of their defence for balls over the top and run down on goal and shoot. Look to receive the ball from the wingers on the edge of the box, and inside. Shoot first time, dont take a first touch. When our wingbacks cut the ball from the goal line to the penalty spot, Krasic make a move on your marker to get goal side and shoot first time. Nilmar stay close to their keeper for any spillages for a knock in. Keep their defence guessing with your runs, split their CB's partnership up so they follow you so that it creates space for Pjanic to run into. Shoot from distance and work a little space in the box for a shot.

Subs losing 60mins
Cesar off, Nolito off, Nene on, Damiao on
Nene & Krasic keeping width on the wing, cutting inside with runs at defence for shots. Damiao joining Nilmar in attack and shooting on sight.
-----------------Eduardo-------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Sílvio --
--Krasic-----García---Pjanic---Nene -
-------------Damiao---Nilmar-------

Sub if winning on 70 mins
Nolito off, Damiao on. Constant threat with 2 up top to keep Lyon busy. Pjanic to not push up as much and hold the midfield strong with Garcia. Cesar moves to LW and Krasic on RW.
-----------------Eduardo-------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Sílvio --
--Krasic-----García---Pjanic---Cesar-
-------------Damiao---Nilmar-------

Sub if still winning on 80 mins
Nilmar off, Airton on. 3 CDM to stop any attacks. Damiao to hold the ball up and play the ball to the wings to keep the ball there.
-----------------Eduardo-------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Sílvio --
--Krasic--García--Pjanic--Airton--Cesar-
-----------------Damiao----------

Week 9
Lazio v MALAGA

Injuries
Joris Mathijsen
No injury
Giovani dos Santos


---------------------------------------- Tim Wiese -----------------------------------------

Jesus Gamez Duarte------ Michael Dawson-------- Serdar Tasci---------------- Nacho Monreal

Dirk Kuyt---------------- Niko Kranjčar-------------Tom Huddlestone---------- Gaston Ramirez

---------------------------------- Kléber---------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------- Andy Carroll------------------------------------

Subs
Vicente Guaita, Marco Motta, Alessandro Gamberini, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lewis Holtby, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Nélson Oliveira

Overview

The team is set up with a much more solid formation this week with some fresh faces that will give the team new impetus. Dawson comes in to become our new captain. Lazio are an up and coming team, but they don’t have any stand out stars. We should match their teamwork with a high tempo and solid gameplan. Let us get our first points and start planning for a new era.

Goalkeeper: Wiese should control the area commandingly. The new CB partnership are playing there first game for the club, but should have enough experience to make the game uneventful for you.

Centre Backs: Dawson and Tasci are a new partnership, but with a lot of talent. Be strong in the air against Lazio’s CF, and stop him from holding up the ball and releasing Lazio’s array of attacking midfielders. If we can win the ball at this point, we can stop Lazio’s main attacking threat.

Full Backs: Duarte, you are free to get forward to support Kuyt. Overlap him so that he can cut inside for a more central role. Aim to get crosses in for our two tall CF’s. Monreal can also get forward, but much more cautiously than Duarte. Huddlestone will provide cover when doing so, as Ramirez will also be looking to run the wings.

Kranjčar: Your main priority is to provide an outlet for Huddlestone when he wins the ball and to kick start our attacks. Stay tight to him and offer support. Use your passing skill to help Kuyt and Ramirez move up the pitch. You can also knock the ball up to Carroll who will hold the ball up to allow Kleber to come into play. With this amount of options, I am relying on you to make the correct choices.

Huddlestone: You are playing as a defensive midfielder in this game, but your box-to-box skills will mean that you have the energy for the task. Look for Monreal running outside of you and provide cover in case of quick counter attacks on the right. Our CB’s will keep the CF quiet so you should concentrate on Lazio’s attacking midfielders. Use Kranjcar to move the ball quickly up the pitch and with purpose. Don’t be scared to shoot from distance if you get the chance.

Ramirez: Lazio’s fullbacks are a weak link, so attack them at every opportunity. The aim is to get crosses in and use our two CF’s height to our advantage. You can also cut inside and shoot from around the box. Make sure the rightback feels your pace and trickery.

Kuyt: Use your high workrate to harass the leftback into making mistakes. Duarte will be running alongside you and give you the ability to come inside and position yourself alongside Kleber. If an opportunity arises to get a cross in early however, then take it.

Strikers: Kleber should sit on the opposing CDM shoulder. Make sure he is so preoccupied with you that it gives Kuyt opportunity to roam free from and come inside from right wing. You have pace and strength to take on the DCM whenever possible and provide the killer pass to Kuyt or Carroll. Carroll should sit tight just in front of Kleber. Don’t play too deep! Let the CB’s come to you and outmuscle them. You can then provide the outlet for Ramirez and Kleber to use pace to attack the CB’s who would be dangerously out of position. When Ramirez gets the ball, both of you need to be quick to get into the box and use your height to get a head on the ball. I have my doubts over the Lazio CB pairing and feel that they can be harassed into making mistakes.

Tactics after 60 mins

----------------------------------------- Tim Wiese --------------------------------------

Marco Motta -------------- Michael Dawson-------- Serdar Tasci------------ Nacho Monreal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain----- Niko Kranjčar ------Tom Huddlestone---------- Gaston Ramirez

------------------------------------ Kuyt------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------- Van Nistelrooy -------------------------------

Chamberlain FOR Kleber
Motta FOR Duarte
Van Nistelrooy FOR Carroll

More pace is brought on in the shape of Chamberlain and Motta. Duarte would have been running the wings a lot more than Monreal so Motta will replace him for fresh legs. Kuyt will move inside and use the same tactic as before – to harass the opposing player. This time it will be the Lazio’s CDM that will suffer from Kuyt’s amazing workrate. Chamberlain should now have free reign to take on a tiring Lazio leftback (who has had to deal with Kuyt for most of the game) and use his explosive pace to attack the goal. Motta, being fresh, will help to support on the right as well. Van Nistelrooy is a straight swap for Carroll with the same gameplan in action – don’t get too deep, hold the ball up and look for Kuyt and our wingers for support. Get into the box quickly, ready for crosses that may come in.

If winning after 75mins

Adopt a 4-5-1 formation. Kuyt should sit in between Chamberlain and Kranjcar. Kuyt will then adopt a usual right sided role when we have the ball to enable Chamberlain to get further forward and attack the Lazio tiring back line. Ramirez, with Huddlestone and Monreal covering on the left, should do the same. The last 15mins of the game should provide a good opportunity for our wingers to get on the scoresheet and compound the lead we have.

JUVENTUS TACTICS VS Liverpool

-----------------------------------------------Buffon-----------------------------------------

-----------------------------------Lugano-------------------Felipe-------------------------

-----------------Fucile------------------------------------------------------------Sandro---

-----------------------------------Parker---------------Veloso-------------

---------Walcott----------------------------------------------------------------Honda----

--------------------------------------------------Barnetta--------------------------

---------------------------------------------Gilardino---------------------------

Team news: Barnetta and Felipe make debuts
Injuries: Cris,Camporese,Vercoture
Captain: Lugano

BUFFON: Command your box only punch if necessary, roll the ball out to the wings and make sure there's no mistakes no messing around at the back

FUCILE+SANDRO: Stay wide and make sure you provide support to the wingers, only go forward when safe to. Defence is your main responsbility, stay strong and dont allow the liverpool wingers to run past you...

LUGANO+FELIPE: Huge emphassis on being strong in the air, and clearing the danger. I want you to pick a man and stick with them. Dont let them run past you. stay strong and make sure that you clear the danger. one of you go up at corners and the other one stay back

PARKER+VELOSO: Sit infront of the defence and protect the back 4. Pass the ball out to the wingers, and stay strong i midfield. Be strong in the tackles, no regrets out there, pllay your hearts out

WALCOTT+ HONDA: Stay on your wings and offer natural width and crosses into the box. You can play the ball through to barnetta and giraldino, also shott from range if you get the chance. Beat the full back and whip the ball into the box

BARNETTTA: Show support to Gularidino, be prepared to collect the ball from the holding players and run with it. Also pass the ball out to the wings and get into the box. Shoot from range, on debut show no nerves. Perfect for this formation

GILARDINO: Playing as a lone striker, you know the drill. Hold the ball up for the runners to get onto it. Get in the box for crosses, and shoot from range if there's a clear opportunity.

subs: Beharami,Cicinho,Grosso,Pazienza,Perrotta,Gomis,Toni

60mins: Behrami for Barnetta
75mins: Cicinho for Fucile
80mins: Toni for Gilardino

LAZIO vs Malaga

Week 9

Formation - 4-2-3-1

Starting XI
GK – (Captain Lou) Albano Bizzarri
RB – Daniel Schwaab
LB – Benoit Assou-Ekotto
CB – Ezequial Garay
CB – Johnny Heitinga
DM – Momo Sissoko
DM – David Pizarro (C)
CM – Ever Banega
RW – Simone Pepe
LW – Juan Manuel Vargas
CF – Miroslav Klose

-----------------------Bizzarri----------------------
Schwaab-------Heitinga------Garay----Assou-Ekotto
--------------Sissoko------Pizzaro------------------
---------------------Banega-----------------------
Pepe----------------------------------------Vargas
----------------------Klose------------------------

Subs: Frimpong, Brocchi, Lodeiro, Diakite, Griezmann, Maxi Rodriguez, Cisse

Injuries: Andre Dias, Diego Buonanotte, Federico Marchetti

We are the home side in this one, and the fact that a win (and the Juve result going our way, hopefully) would guarantee European football means that we need to take the initiative, control the match and look to get goals and bag a victory. This means that I have pushed Banega, Pepe and Vargas into more advanced roles than last week, whilst maintaining balance with Sissoko and Pizarro behind them.

Goalkeeper

Bizzarri comes in for the injured Marchetti, and he will put in a shift that you would expect of an experienced keeper. He will communicate with the men in front, and marshall them to where he sees they need to be. Shots to be stopped and held where possible and a dominance of his own area will be expected.

Defence

Schwaab & Assou-Ekotto

The two full backs will be expected to play sensibly this week, and keep a balance between attack and defence. They will support attacks where they can, but must be on guard about getting caught out of position. With the ball, they will be looking to get it to the wingers ahead of them, or to the DM’s by their side to build attacks. In advanced positions, crosses can be swung in looking for Klose and his supporting cast.

Garay & Heitinga

We expect Malaga to come with one up front and if they do, Garay will mark him tightly and Heitinga will sweep up loose balls and watch for the midfielders breaking in to the box, while doubling up to stamp out attacks and make interceptions where he thinks he should, using his positional sense. He has the ball skills to bring it out and play it forward and this will be encouraged of him, attacks start from the back and the ball must be kept.

If Malaga come with two up front Heitinga will switch to a simple man marking role, and will take the shorter of the two forwards.

Midfield

Sissoko will start in DM where he is most at home. He will be running around and getting his foot in to win it back or make interceptions and build attacks. He is the more defensive of the two DM’s and he won’t be looking to break forward, he will just shield the defence and keep busy when Malaga attack. If Malaga deploy an attacking midfielder, he will look to shadow him and not let him settle in to rhythm to create.

Pizzaro sits alongside Sissoko in DM but will look to take control of the football and keep a metronomic pace in midfield with short, patient passing, and look to get the ball to Banega ahead, and to both Pepe/Vargas. He will have a role to play in defence, and will pressure the ball when it comes in to his area, and he’ll look to send attacks backwards. Clever positioning is required to maximise interception potential.

Banega is ahead of the DM’s and will be looking to get forward and support attacks whilst holding his position when off the ball. He shouldn’t drop too deep as he has the back up of the DM’s, and when the ball is won back he will be getting forward and providing an outlet for Pizarro and the full backs to make a quick transition from defence to attack. He will be looking to arrive in to the box late and to sniff out loose balls and rebounds and pounce for a goal. Passing will be forward looking whenever possible, and the wingers/Klose will be his targets, using his creativity to carve out goalscoring chances.

Vargas is on the left wing today and he will be looking to get crosses in for Klose where possible. He is capable of taking on his full back on the inside and out, and if he can carve himself an opening to shoot, he will be encouraged to. When crosses come from the other wing, he will lurk at the back post to snatch any chances that come his way. Tracking with his full back is required, but mostly he will look to take advantage going the other way by exploiting them being out of position.

Pepe starts on the right wing, and he carries a real goal threat to back up Klose. He will also look to get the ball in when he is on the outside, but if he has a chance to cut in to the box and link with Klose or Banega, he will, and he won’t be shot shy. As with Vargas, he will get far post for crosses, and will track his full back, whilst considering his positioning for a breakaway attack.

Strikers

Klose will look to get in the box and get on the end of the balls in and to get his head or feet to them. He has plenty of support from the wings and behind today, so if he can’t shoot, he can hold it up and turn and look for the best option around him rather than take wasteful or speculative efforts. He has the strength to play this way, but where he can get on the shoulder and make troubling runs he will do, even if it is just to displace the defence for Pepe, Vargas or Banega to take advantage.

Corners will be taken by Pizarro today and he’ll be looking for Klose, Pepe or Garay to get their heads on it.

Penalties from Klose.

Free kicks taken by Pizarro who will look to shoot when in range.

Subs: @65mins

If behind Maxi comes on for Vargas and looks to get close to Klose and get goals. Pizarro will look to move forward and we’ll play with Sissoko as lone DM.

@75 mins
If still behind, bring Cisse on for Pizarro and revert to 4-4-2, Cisse looking to stretch the defence with his pace and create space for Maxi/Klose/Pepe.

If winning, Pizarro comes off for Frimpong who will buzz around and stamp out attacks and generally be a nuisance alongside Sissoko.
Cisse will come on for Klose to keep our striker fresh and look to exploit Malaga coming on and looking for an equaliser, with his pace beating their tired legs.

Gameweek 9 vs Benfica
Line Up:
--------------------------------Lloris------------------------------

Réveillère--------------Taylor---------Astori----------------Cissokho
-------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Gonalons---------Nainggolan------------------
Frei----------------------------Martin----------------------Bastos
---------------------------Demba Cisse-------

Subs: Hansen, Lovren, Kolodziejczak, Ederson, Dempsey, Kalou, López

Injuries - Gueïda Fofana, Andrea Barzagli, Lamine Gassama

Captain: Taylor

Genreal: Need a win today lads. When we played Benfica away we picked up a 2-2 draw so no reason why we can win on home turf. I want to play quick possesion football today. Keep the ball moving. Use our width, play cross fiels balls to change direction of play and strech Benfica, Nainggolan and Gonalons can be used to switch play. Dictate the game, do you best to hold the ball, if needed pass back to defenders or to Lloris, we want to keep the ball and get Benfica working as to tire them for the 2nd half. 1st half be more cautious with play, keep it safe and simple but quick. Look for gaps and use them to move into or play the ball into. The quick tempo should get Benfica chasing and make gaps open. In the 2nd half be more ruthless and direct, once again use the width but the whole team in general push up that extra step. Nilmar isnt the quickest but Leandro Damiao has good aceleration so play the offside trap but be focused when doing so. 0-0 or 1-0 up in the 2nd half I really want a push for the killer/winning goal. Tactical subs are detailed below. All in all go out there, enojy and play some good football. Oh, we also have some focus on Luisão being forced into mistakes and we will look to win free kicks and hopfully a pen off him getting him booked/sent off in the process. Martin and Demba Cisse have their instructions.

Lloris: Command the area, communicate with defence at all times, you can see the whole field of play so its important to inform them and help keep them organised. Try not to punch the ball out. Be controling in YOUR area, command YOUR area, cut out catch crosses. To launch a counter attack get the ball out to Cissokho as he can use his pace.

Defence - Get tackles in. Make interceptions, dont take big risk with this as if you dont make it you are leaving Lloris open. Challange for headers. Try your best to avoid cards. Stay organised and stay tight, we dont want to make this hard for ourselves.

Taylor & Astori - I want no nonsence from you today. Both have different attributes which can compliment each other.

Taylor - Man mark the striker. Stay on him and do you best to keep his back towards goal. Do your best to do all the above in terms of tackling etc. Try push the striker out wide or push him onto his weaker foot. Astori will either be marking the other striker or covering if there isnt one. Going on past matches Benfica usualy play with two strikers.

Astori - Im expecting two strkiers so man mark the other. As above do your best to get tacles in etc. Keep him away from goal, force him out wide, onto weaker foot, get blocks in, anything to stop him shooting. If there is only one upfront Taylor will mark him and Id like you to cover, watch for any AM runs and effectively act as a sweeper.

Réveillère - You have good defensive abilities and great attacking abilities. Do all the above when defending. Benfica have played using their wingers as a focal point in the past so I am expecting the same. I want you to stay right on the winger so you can nip in and make interceptions. You your experience to keep him quiet, if you can cut the supply to the winger off this will limit the chances their strikers have. Do what you can to stop the winger cutting inside, id like you to keep him out wide and isolated as much as possible. If the fullbacks come forward I will have our wingers marking them. Gonalons will also be able to drop and double up or mark as Nainggolan is partnering him in the centre. Attacking wise in the 1st half dont, stay back and keep focus on keeping the winger quiet and fustrating him. Dont push too far past the half way line, just enough to support Frei, be available for a pass, try feed him in down the flank or get the ball inside to any of the centre mids. 2nd half if we are 0-0 or winning by 1 goal im more than happy for you to use your attacking ability to push up a bit further, cross from deep and keep playing Frei in. Dont make runs to the touchline at all, want you near the opposition winger at all times so you can defend against him if we lose the ball.

Cissokho – Focus on keeping the opposition winger quiet doing all the above. Want you to stay tight on the winger, your pace should allow you to get the better of him. Keep him out wide and isolated. Don’t let him cut in and come into play. With the ball support Bastos down the flank. Don’t overlap today. If we are 0-0 or 1-0 up in the 2nd half then start to push up a bit more which will allow Bastos more freedom, he will look to take the opposition fullback with him so if that happens get into the space and use it. Get the crosses in for Demba Cisse. 1st half cross from deep, 2nd half you have more freedom to explore. Try stay around your man as if we lose the ball your pace could be vital to breaking down an attack down your side and us retaining possession but Gonalons is able to cover you which in the 2nd half he will do so more.

Nainggolan & Gonalons – control the direction of play today, spread the ball wide, keep the ball moving even if its a 4 yard pass to each other as this allows our players to keep their movement up and try find room, when the have play the ball to them. Get stuck in and dictate the pace of the game, slow it down when needed but in general id like a quick tempo. If we control this we can get a result.

Gonalons - Midfield general. Want you to get all over the pitch. If there is a AM then keep an eye on him, zonally mark, if there is one striker then Astori can pick up the AM when he gets into an advance position. Im expecting Pjanic to be playing as he has just joined on loan and manager YI mentioned he was a big help or something like that, if so do what you can to keep him quiet, block shots and keep him at a good distance from goal, Astori will pick up the other man. If two strikers, then you must stick with the midfielder who attacks more. At all times protect the back four. Go for headers, get tackles in, own the pitch, make it yours! Nainggolan is partnering you today so you are able to cover Cissokho if he is out of position, 2nd half he will push up more so stay focused.

Nainggolan - Join Gonalons in midfield today in order to control the middle of the pitch. I think if we can control this area we can get something out the match. Get the tackles in, not too hard to start but in the 2nd half get more physical. Play box to box but in the first half be more cautious pushing forward, just supply the wingers and Martin. In the 2nd half push on a bit more allowing Martin more freedom. During the whole match stay focused and help dictate the play.

Frei – Track back and help out the fullback when needed, doubling up on the opposition winger or if the opposition fullbacks push forward track and attempt to tackle them. Keep wide in order to keep width. Work the flank and get the crosses in. Réveillère will do his best to play you in down the flank, link up with Martin so make space and run in behind. Really want you to work the opposition fullback, take him on, cut inside, go round the outside, just mix it up and keep him guessing. Also if you can pressure him it will help in pinning him back and stop him going forward. Crosses coming in attack the back post. If in a shooting position take it, we want to work their keeper. Play cross fields balls to Bastos change direction of play, use Nainggolan and Gonalons to switch the play to other flank.

Bastos – Track back and help out the fullback when needed, doubling up on the opposition winger or if the opposition fullbacks push forward track and attempt to tackle them. Keep wide in order to keep width, work the flank and get some crosses in the box, aimed for Demba Cisse. 2nd half if Cissokho starts to push up and support you more than feel free to come inside more and link up with Martin and Demba Cisse more. Want you to take the opposition fullback on, you have the abilty to give him a hard time so do so. In the 2nd half cut inside more and take him with you, this will open up space for Cissokho. Shoot from distance, play some quick one-two's with Martin and Demba Cisse to work you way inbehind the Benfica back line. Play cross fields balls to Frei change direction of play, use Nainggolan and Gonalons to switch the play to other flank.

Martin - Want you to help in midfield with tackling and interceptions. Support Demba Cisse today, try through balls, one-twos and link up with him to get a break through. Dribble with the ball and go on run, drag the opposition players into you which will open room for others. Shoot from distance if a good chance appears. Demba Cisse will push onto whoever is playing with Luisão, most likely Dedé so this will leave Luisão for you to take on when you play off Demba Cisse. Luisão is good in the air so when around him keep the ball on the deck, play one two's to get around him, do your best to pressure him and force him into rash tackles. If he get a touch on you around the box or inside the box go down. We are at home and have every chance of getting more decisions so use it to win free kicks, panalties or even get him carded. If you can get him carded early on this will help a hell of a lot as he will have to be careful for the rest of the game so do your best to get Luisão a yeallow early on. 2nd half Bastos will drop inside more so this can put extra pressure on Luisão depending id the opposition fullback stays with Bastos or presses onto Cissokho.

Demba Cisse - Out and out striker today. Play off the shoulder. Put some pressure on oppositions CB’s to force errors. Make forward runs and look for through balls. Also always follow up any shots on goal in case of spills. Martin is supporting and is in a more advanced position today so he will feed you through and play off you. Work on linking up with him and breaking down the Benfica back line with quick passes. Shoot on sight inside the box. Its ESSENTIAL you use your physical strength to bully the Benfica CB who is marking you, pretty much ass season its been Luisão & Dedé. Luisão is very good in the air so if it is that partnership force yourself onto Dedé or whoever it is so Martin can use the speed he has to take on Luisão. If you do find Luisão around you take him on, again any contact from him go down looking to win a free kick, pen and get Luisão booked.

Corners: Bastos
Free Kicks:
Right: Bastos
Left: Martin
Pen: Demba Cisse

Subs:

If winning at 65 mins - Ederson on for Nainggolan. Ederson will strengthen up the centre mid with Gonalons, he will stay back and help break down play making tackles, interceptions and such. Distribute the ball out wide or direct to Martin. As you have 25 mins on the pitch so get stuck in with tackles, make some crunching ones and dont be worried to take a card for the team. Play counter attack.

If winning by one goal at 80 mins - Lovren on for Martin. Lovren will slot in the back line making it a 5 man defensive line. With Ederson and Gonalons protecting them we should be able to deal with anything Benfica try for 10 + injury time minutes. We will play the counter attack through Cissokho as he has the pace to take the ball up field quick where he will have Bastos ahead of him on the inside.

If losing by 1 goal at 60 mins - Lopez on for Nainggolan and switch to below formation:

------------------------------Gonalons---------------------------
Frei----------------------------Martin----------------------Bastos
--------------------Demba Cisse-------Lopez

Gonalons not to push forward. Martin to sit in the centre and use his passing ability to play wingers into the channel or forwards through on goal. Frei & Bastos to get crosses into the box, rain them in. Demba Cisse & Lopez to shoot on sight. Really push and pile pressure on the Benfica back line, hammering the ball in the box as much as possible with Demba Cisse' using his physical abilty we want to try foce mistakes form them in and around the area so we can pounce on them. Lopez to stick on Luisão, take him on and once again any contact from Luisão on you and not the ball go down looking for a free kick, pen or get him booked.

(hopefully we dont have to resort to this)
If losing by more than 1 goal at 75 mins we have nothing to lose - Lopez on for Frei. Dempsey on for Gonalons. Switch to below:

-----------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Martin------------Dempsey-----------
------------Bastos-----------Demba Cisse-----------Lopez

back four do not puch forward at all. Stay back at all timesm no nonsence defending, get the ball up field. Martin & Dempsey to feed the front three. Bastos has been put on the right to cut in and shoot on his favoured left. Lopez can cut in from the left and shoot on his right. If they are out wide with the ball Dempsey will make runs into the box and look to get his head on crosses just as Demba Cisse will. Up the tempo and play fast one touch passing between the five of you to make room for a shot or to get through on goal. Martin and Dempsey shoot from distance, anyone make sure you follow it up.

LIVERPOOL v malaga

Injuries:-
Enrique
Gaitan


With Europe already reached this is a huge match to try and win the league, so we are going all out to do so, after a good win against a much improved Juventus we are looking to take that form into this game..

Akinfeev is a reliable keeper, he must stay focussed. stay tall when in one on one situatuions and make himself as big as possible when they are through. Be brave and come off his line to gather at feet. Come out for high balls and what he cant catch he will punch clear. When releasing the ball look to use the wingers quickly and set them away. If winning then slow things down and wait for players to get back inposition.

Srna is the attacking fb who likes to get down the line and support the winger, he will move forward looking to pass and move outside creating an extra man down the right to threaten their LB. Once he goes passed Afellay he will look to take the LB with him this will free up space for Afellay to exploit and drift inside. Srna will look to get quality balls into the box for KJH and Suarez etc. Defending he must stand his ground, nothing silly and dont dive in. Keep pace with the winger and kjeep him to the outside.
Muniesa on the other hand will stay back, When Srna goes we cant afford to be exploited at the back, so Muniesa will always create a 3 man defense when we are attacking. Defending, like Srna he must stay close to the winger, keep him to the outside and stay tall. Dont dive in or do anything silly.
Rami and Ruiz the old Valencia pairing are strong, solid and dependable. Both no nonsense must clear everything out of their path, players included. Nothing dirty just be strong when the ball comes into their path and clear it, no fancy dan stuff. Rami will pick up the main striker and mark him very tightly not allowing him to turn in on goal, he cant give him a chance. Ruiz will be spare and watch any runners coming through or indeed any dangerous through ball. He must get to these and intercept them before they cause too much danger. At times he may also have to double up and help Rami if struggling or if Rami is beaten he will be there to clear.
Mvila is the main DM, his job is simple. Keep their main threat from midfield quiet. When defending he and Vidal will create a wall just in front of the defense for them to try and get through. He must be in quick and hard against their AM so it wont allow him to dictate. When we attack he will just sit in midfield just in case of any breaks for Malaga. Vidal is my captain, the leader on the pitch. He has endless energy so will be up and down the pitch. Defending he will sit alongside Mvila, making a strong partnership, not allowing the 2nd most attack minded midfielder to get forward. He willbe down hard on him and right in his face from the start. He loves getting forward as well so will look to make well timed runs into the area unnoticed to get on the end of anyknock downs or lay offs from Huntelaar. When he picks up from midfield he will look to get the ball out wide or slip in Suarez or KJH with neat through balls which he will follow.
Sidney Sam and Afellay on the wings will be a threat today. Quick and skillful they will take on the FB's at will. Afellay will be supported by Srna so he will look for his over lapping runs so he can send him down the wing, he will then either get down and suppport him or cut inside making an extra man in the middle for Srna to aim for. Alongside Suarez and Srna the 3 will look to break the lines of defense and get in on goal. Sidney will look to use his pace to get passed the RB and sweep the ball in, he wont get much support from behind so he will alsio look for Suarez and Vidal to get beyond the defense with nice triangles. Both wingers will watch for their fb's attacking and track back and help defend.
Suarez is in the supporting role or free role. He will drift about the pitch, either picking up from Mvila or Vidal and driving forward, or go outside to help the wingers. Picking it up he will drive forward into the box using KJH as a target to either pass to or feed in on goal. He will look for one twos with him as he tries to break the defensive line. If hehasnt got the ball he will go left or right to help the wingers, once they are away he will then go back inside looking for a return ball. If they have the ball he will look to get down on the DM and hassle him into quick misplaced passes, not allowing the lad any time on the ball.
Huntelaar up front is the ideal striker, strong, tall with two good feet and a good header. Stay up front at all times and even without the ball drift left and right taking his marker with him to creat open spaces for others to try and exploit when we get the ball. He will either be looking to creat chances for himself or set up others by knock downs or cut backs to Suarez, Vidal, wingers for them to get in. Srna, Afellay and Sidney will get crosses in for him to try and out muscle the CB's and get a good header on goal. He must take his chances today and am sure he will get plenty opportunities to stick it in the back of the net.

The league title is a huge incentive for us today so go out and do everything you can to bring the title home...nice one touch football to breakt their lines. Be brave and strong and limit their chances...

Captain:- Vidal
Penalties:- Suarez
free Kicks:- Suarez
corners:- wingers

Subs:-

70 Mins:-

Losing/drawing

Oscar Dos Santos > Sidney Sam - the young Brazilian will go right, Afellay left with Suarez going up top in a 4-4-2 with Suarez going up front. Oscar is skillfull so will take on a tiring LB

Winning

Moussa Sissoko > Sidney - he will sit along side Vidal as Mvila drops back a little, Suarez will go RW

80 Mins:-

Losing/drawing

Morata>Srna
go 3-4-1-2

akkinfeev
Rami-Ruiz-Muniesa
Oscar-Mvila-vidal-afellay
Suarez
Morata-huntelaar

Winning:-

Matip > Srna a more defensive defender who wont attack, just keep a strong back 4

Losing
85 Mins: Suarez pushes up 3-4-3 as we have to go for it

JUVENTUS TACTICS VS Benfica

------------------------------------------Vercoutre----------------------------------------

------Wilson-----------------------Lugano-----------------Camporese-----Sandro---


----------Walcott-------------Pazienza-----------Taddei----------------Behrami----

-------------------------------Iaquinta----------------------Toni

CAPTAIN: Lugano
INJURIES: Honda,Buffon,Barnetta
SUBS: Cris,Grosso,Parker,Perrotta,Marcelo,Gomis,Gilardino

GOALKEEPER: Your big chance Vercoutire. Command your box, only punch if neccessay, and make sure there's no mistakes

WILSON+SANDRO: Keep your width, and offer support to the wingers. Get forward and overlap the wingers, whilst making sure you remeber your defensive resposblities

LUGANO+CAMPORESE: Man Mark the benfica forwards and dont let them past you. Make sure you stay strong. Camporese has the pace to deal with runners, whilst lugano is strong in the air

WALCOTT+BEHRAMI: Keep your width, and cross the ball into the box. Theo use your pace to go past the wingers and full backs. Whilst Valon you can come inside and shoot from range and put the ball through the benfica defence.

PAZIENZA+ TADDEI: Micehle you are the defensive one. Sit in and make sure you win the ball. Rodrigo you go forward and support the strikers. Shoot from range whilst Michele protects the ball.

IAQUINTA + TONI: Show me that you wanna play for Juve next year. Make runs get into the box and score goals!!!!!!!!!!!

45mins: Parker for pazienza
70mins: Gomis for Toni
70mins: Grosso for sandro

Week 10

MALAGA v Liverpool

Injuries: Ruben Martinez
Jesus Gamez Duarte

----------------------------- Tim Wiese -----------------------------------

Marco Motta------ Steven Taylor --- Michael Dawson--------- Nacho Monreal

--------------------------- Tom Huddlestone-------------------------------

Dirk Kuyt----------- Niko Kranjčar--------Mikel Arteta--------- Gaston Ramirez

------------------------------ Andy Carroll----------------------------------

Subs: Vicente Guaita, Alessandro Gamberini, Lewis Holtby, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giovani dos Santos, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Kleber

Overview: After our first win last week, confidence in the squad is high. However, the team faces its strongest test in an unbeaten Liverpool team.

The formation has been set up to nullify Liverpool’s attacking threat but also gives the team an outlet to get forward as well. The plan is to soak up the Liverpool pressure and counter attack quickly.

Goalkeeper: One of Liverpool’s key tactics have been with a large frontman and threat coming in from behind him. Therefore I need you to be watchful and quick off your line for balls over the top or through our CB’s.

Centre Backs: Taylor comes into the side to partner Captain Dawson in an English CB pairing. You will probably be up against a large CF. Dawson to man-mark him and keep him tied up and out of the game. Taylor will be watchful for any knock-ons that the CF does cause, and eliminate the threat before another deeper CF or AM gets to the ball. If need be, launch the ball up field to Carroll who will take the heat off. Stay compact and hold the defensive line at all times.

Fullbacks: Keep forward runs to a minimum. Your job is to play along the line that Dawson/Taylor set. Watch out for your respective opponent winger and stop any runs from going past you. Defend your sides with a lot of heart and concentration. Do not let the opposing player bully you into making mistakes. Stand firm and keep the attacking threat to the bare minimum.

Huddlestone: You have a very important role in this match. Your instructions are to remain as a DM. You are to close down the gaps that any marauding AM or deep CF tries to find. You have a free role in front of the defence, so move from side to side but never delve further than the centre circle. Be watchful for any hint of breaks of AM from the opponent’s midfield line. Arteta is your outlet – use him to start our attacks, while you return to your defensive duties.

Arteta: Help Huddlestone out by giving him an option to release the ball and relieve the pressure. You are our playmaker so look for Kuyt and Ramirez on the wings and Kranjcar just in front of you. Always be there for Huddlestone – keep close to him and kickstart our attacks without venturing too far forward yourself. If the opponent counterattacks, make sure you follow your opposite number, as Huddlestone will be dealing with AM’s higher up the pitch.

Kranjcar: You should support Carroll whenever possible. Your defending duties are not as important as the rest of the team, so you should be looking to get yourself and others onto the scoresheet. Look for Ramirez and Kuyt cutting inside and get a through ball into them.

Kuyt/Ramirez: Both of you should look to harass the full backs, but ultimately to cut inside of them and get shots on goal. When without the ball, make sure you track back to help our own full backs. I want the opponents CDM’s to fear your inside runs, split apart and cause more space for Kranjcar to exploit.

Carroll: Cause havoc for the CB’s. Be strong in the air and outmuscle them. Kranjcar will be there for support. When without the ball, I want you to move closer to either touchline. That will create more space in the centre, and if a long ball comes into you there, either Kuyt or Ramirez will be ready for the knockdown.

Tactics if losing after 70mins:

----------------------------- Tim Wiese -------------------------------

Marco Motta------ Steven Taylor--- Michael Dawson------ Nacho Monreal

Oxlade-Chamberlain ---Huddlestone ---- Mikel Arteta----- Gaston Ramirez

-------------------- Dirk Kuyt ------------ Kleber ----------------------

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain FOR Niko Kranjčar
Kleber FOR Andy Carroll

A standard 4-4-2 formation, with extra speed on the right wing and upfront. Huddlestone and Arteta hang back, while Chamberlain and Ramirez rush the full backs. All balls should be played out wide to exploit their speed. Kuyt plays just off the shoulder of Kleber, looking for any chance of a through ball to the pacy forward.

Lyon vs LAZIO

Week 10

Formation - 4-4-2

Starting XI
GK – Federico Marchetti
RB – Daniel Schwaab
LB – Benoit Assou-Ekotto
CB – Ezequial Garay ©
CB – Johnny Heitinga
DM – Momo Sissoko
DM – Emmanuel Frimpong
RW – Simone Pepe
LW – Juan Manuel Vargas
CF – Miroslav Klose
CF – Jermain Defoe

----------------------Marchetti--------------------
Schwaab-------Heitinga------Garay----Assou-Ekotto
---------------Sissoko------Frimpong---------------
Pepe----------------------------------------Vargas
------------------Klose--------Defoe---------------

Subs: Buonanotte, Brocchi, Lodeiro, Diakite, Dias, Maxi Rodriguez, Cisse

Injuries: David Pizarro, Ever Banega, Antoine Griezmann (since transferred)

The last game of the season for us, and we still have something to play for in Europa League qualification. We were unfortunate not to get a point from Lyon earlier this season and we’ll need to get something today to steal a top 4 place. The (enforced) absence of our two ball playing midfielders leads me to a reshuffle tactically, and I’m playing with two up top for the first time. The style of play I’m looking for could be described as ‘orrible’ and it will focus on direct football and physicality around the park to disrupt Lyon and play to the strengths of my first XI.

Goalkeeper

Marchetti returns today and that will instill confidence through my team. He will communicate with the men in front, and marshall them to where he sees they need to be. Shots to be stopped and held where possible and a dominance of his own area will be expected.

Defence

Schwaab & Assou-Ekotto

Both full backs are going to be fairly restrained this week, and raids forward are only permitted on a counter attack. Defensive posts must not be abandoned and Lyon’s wingers will need to be tracked and shepherded away from danger. They will not dive in to tackles in case the wingers get past – they will stay on their feet and repel them and usher them away from dangerous areas. On the ball they will be direct and look down the lines for their respective wingers. No point dallying on it and trying to thread passes today; get it and move it forward at speed.

Garay & Heitinga

Lyon have quality strikers and they will need to be man marked tightly. Garay will be the man if there is only one forward, if there are two Heitinga will take the shorter, more mobile one. If only one, Heitinga will double up on him where necessary, whilst using positional sense to intercept the ball and to harry any AM’s that make it past out DM shield.

Physicality is encouraged today, the CB’s will make sure that the strikers are aware they are in a game, and balls in the air and on the ground are to be attacked with authority. That doesn’t mean they will go through their man, just that they will be leaning on them constantly, and a ‘hard but fair’ attitude prevails. Again, nothing fancy on the ball, select a risk-free good option and get it to them speedily. Long balls to Klose are not discouraged where it is the most feasible out ball.

Midfield

Sissoko will start in DM where he is most at home. He will be running around and getting his foot in to win it back or make interceptions and build attacks. He is a very physical player anyway, and he has the licence to use that in the midfield. He will keep an eye on any attacking midfielders and in tandem with Frimpong will be looking to both disrupt their rhythm and stop them getting beyond him, or getting the ball beyond him, most importantly. His distribution will be direct, and to the wings, or looking for Klose to win it in the air for Defoe or the wingers to cause problems.

Frimpong is next to Sissoko today, and it provides him with valuable competitive experience, alongside a man who knows the role and the top level. Frimpong will be looking to do the same job as Mo, and will be buzzing around breaking up play with his boundless energy, as well as following midfielders breaking forward. He isn’t shy to get a boot in, either, and he will be encouraged to do so. Mo will make sure he doesn’t go over the top and get sent off though. Capable on the ball, he will also pick the most viable pass, and quick distribution forward is his aim.

When we are going forward they will hold a sensible line, but not too deep.

Vargas is on the left wing today and will have to make himself available for passes constantly – he and Pepe are the key out balls to get attacks rolling. He will be looking to get crosses in for Klose and Defoe where possible. Where he finds himself in field, through balls to either CF are welcomed. He is capable of taking on his full back on the inside and out, and if he can carve himself an opening to shoot, he will be encouraged to. When crosses come from the other wing, he will lurk on the fringes of the box to snatch any chances that come his way. Tracking with his full back is important, and he will make sure that Assou isn’t left to deal with winger and FB alone at any stage. Counter raids forward when the FB loses the ball are a possibility and he will look to instantly run to the space and take advantage.

Pepe is on the right flank and as with Vargas he will have to make himself available for passes constantly. He will be looking to get crosses in for Klose and Defoe where possible. Where he finds himself in field, through balls to either CF are welcomed. His shooting is very good and he carries a goal threat from the right – where he can get inside and fashion a half chance to shoot, he will. When crosses come from the other wing, he will lurk on the fringes of the box to snatch any chances that come his way. Tracking with his full back is important, and he will make sure that Schwaab isn’t left to deal with winger and FB alone at any stage. Counter raids forward when the FB loses the ball are a possibility and he will look to instantly run to the space and take advantage.

Strikers

Klose will be leading the line today, and I’ve even given him a strike partner to help plunder some goals. He will be a target constantly where the ball is played long from the back or from midfield, and even from the wingers. His aim will be to knock the ball down or flick the ball on to Defoe to snap shots at goal, and where he can, head towards goal. He is physical in the air, and he should be bullying the CB’s. When the ball is on the wing, he needs to make runs to the box and be ready to be found.

Defoe partners Klose in a classic big man/small man tandem. He will stay near to Klose when the ball is played forward and look to either use his pace to burst past him for a flick on, or find space for a knock down. He will be feeding on scraps for the afternoon, but I’m sure that’s how he likes it. He is solely out to poach, shoot and score.

Corners will be taken by Vargas on the left and Pepe on the right today, with some nice outswingers and he’ll be looking for Klose, Sissoko or Garay to muscle in and get their heads on it.

Penalties from Klose.

Free kicks taken by Vargas who will look to shoot when in range. When not an option we will be pushing the big men in to the box and looking to nab goals from direct set pieces. Anything near or over the half way line should be bunged in for Garay, Klose, Sissoko and co to cause trouble.

@75 mins
Regardless of score bring Cisse on for Defoe to freshen the legs up front. Maxi will come on for Pepe to keep a goal threat from the right wing.

If winning, Brocchi comes on for Frimpong to add some experience at DM and see the game out.

LYON vs Lazio

Injuries: Michel Bastos, Papiss Demba Cisse, Hugo Lloris


Captain: Barzagli

Subs: Réveillère, Kolodziejczak, Tasci, Nainggolan, Grenier, Frei, Giroud

General: Attack from the first to final whistle. Want a fast tempo with quick one touch passing. Go enjoy yourselves and look forward to European football next season.

Hansen - Command your area. Instruct your defenders, theya re there to protect you and you can see the whole field of play. Come from crosses which are in or close to your 6 yard box, anything else leave for defenders. Try your best not to punch and catch what you can, if you do punch get a good connection. Stay big for one on ones.

Barzagli & Astori - Look after each other. Communicate with each other and those around you. Barzagli man mark the striker or if two both of you man mark. Challange for every ball in the air, use your strength. Try force striker out wide and onto weaker foot. Do your best to keep them at distance limiting their shooting. Keep it tight Gonalons & Fofana can cover if you are taken out of position by the striker.

Bosingwa & Cissokho - Both good at defending but better attacking. I want you to mark the opposition wingers. Keep them wide, show them onto their weak foot. Dont let them cut in. Stay tight on the and try preempt any passes to them and intercept, this can launch a counter attack. Dont go to ground, stay on your feet. Attacking wise I want you to push up. Work the flanks, cross from deep or touchline. Link up with the midfield to work your way in behind the opposition fullbacks. Bosingwa can cut in if there is space and have a shot, you have a powerful one and have been known to bang in goals from distance. Cissokho use your speed to get in behind to the touchline more and cut back when crossing.

Gonalons & Fofana - Protect your back line today. Sit infront of them and get the tackles in, interception, headers etc. Watch for advancing AM's or CM's. If Barzagli or Astori are led out of position then cover their position, if both are led out then both of you cover. Attacking I dont want either of you going forward. Bosingwa & Cissokho are puching forward today so you need to stay back incase you have to cover. Distribute the ball to Kalou, Dempsey or Bosingwa & Cissokho is they are forward. If Martin is in space use him. Keep it tight and dont let the Lazio midfielders have space, pressure them when they enter our half unless you need to cover someone.

Martin - stay central and just distribute the ball to the flanks and forwards. Im giving you a free role to show off your creative ability. go enjoy.

Kalou & Dempsey - If the Lazio fullbacks attack then you two will need to pick them up. Help your fullbacks. You guys can drift from outside to inside. When Bosingwa & Cissokho get forward drop inside and try play them in. Also I would like you to swap sides every so often, if you feel its not working for you swap and try a different approch. Martin is in the centre and will be playing through balls to the channel aswel as the forward Lopez. I want you guys to support Lopez when Bosingwa & Cissokho are forward. Look to get in the box and get on crosses, Dempsey more so as you are good with your head. Kalou make late runs into the box. PLay one two's with Martin and Lopez to try break the Lazio back line up.

Lopez - Out and oput striker. Play off the shoulder. Shoot on sight. Make forward runs and look to get on the end of through balls.

Corners: Kalou
Free Kicks:
Right: Dempsey
Left: Dempsey
Pen: Lopez or Giroud

Subs:
Any score at 60 mins bring on Giroud for Lopez. Play as an out and out striker. Go enjoy the minutes and try impress for next season.
Any score at 70 mins bring on Frei for Kalou. Play the same role.

Week 10

Benfica v Juventus

-----------------Eduardo------------

Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Emerson

--César-----García---Pjanic---Nolito---

-----------------Krasic---------------

-----------------Nilmar---------------

Subs
Artur GK
Costa CB
Sílvio LB/RB
Verretti CM/AM
Nene LW/RW
Pinto AM
Damiao ST

Injuries: Ryo Miyaichi, Airton, Danny Rose

Team Talk
Our final home game, and one we must win to guarantee champions league football next season. Juventus have had a terrible season, so lets rub salt in their wounds with an emphatic win. I want quick swift passing, make runs on your marker, get into space to receive the ball, shoot on sight.

Specifics

Eduardo, Luisão, Dedé - Eduardo, be strong in the air for crosses, close down their attackers quickly when one on one with you and make yourself large in front of them. Luisão & Dedé, stay goal side of their attackers, when they are looking to pass the ball to eachother get the foot in to clear it. Get your head on crosses to clear, and clear your lines quickly to push them back.

Lichtsteiner, Emerson - If Juventus deploy the same tactics as last week, you will have an easy game. Previously Juventus have previously told their wingers to stay on the wings, so they wont be cutting inside. So your job is simple, stop the crosses and link up with our wingers when pushing forward. When on the half way line, look to pass the ball inside and overlap their wingers to receive it back again. If Juventus' wingbacks are told to stay on the wings again, keep close to them, so that our wingers can cut inside. Their CB's will be marking our strikers, so our wingers will have free space to run at goal for a shot. If their wingers do cut inside, obviously stay with them, and tackle to clear the ball, or for a throw in.

García, Pjanic - García, your job is to mark their CAM and stop him from playing. Stay tight on him and in his face so he cant spread the play. Break up the attacks and get us going on a counter attack by playing the ball to Krasic or Cesar. Pjanic, I need you box to box to pick up the runs from their other CM. Like Garcia, stay close to him and tackle strongly. Link up with Krasic when pushing forward for one two's to get passed your marker. Run at goal and shoot from outside the box.

César & Nolito - Start off play on the wings, but cut inside as our wingbacks keep their wingbacks on the wing. You will have the space to run at goal for shots. Or, if a player is standing in your way, link up with Krasic and Nilmar playing through balls behind their defence. When on the edge of the box, look for the runs of Pjanic to square the ball to him so he can shoot.

Krasic, Nilmar - Krasic, you are in the free role behind Nilmar, draw out their CB who is marking you, so our wingers have space when cutting inside. Shoot from outside the box, and take on your marker, take one touch to the side of him and shoot at goal. Dictate the play, spreading it from one wing to the other, and back to Pjanic. Watch for the runs of Nilmar when he goes to turn on the shoulder of his marker to thread the ball to him. Nilmar, always look to receive the ball, make runs on your marker, come to the near post when the ball is on the wings, when our wingers are cutting inside, look for that one yard of space in the penalty area to receive the ball. Shoot first time, dont take a touch. When we have had a shot on goal, close down their keeper looking for any spillages to knock the ball in.

Sub if winning, losing or drawing on 60mins.
César off, Damiao on. Krasic moves to wing in a 4-4-2. Krasic to keep same tactics and cutting inside. New threat up top with 2 strikers.
-----------------Eduardo------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Emerson
--Krasic-----García---Pjanic---Nolito---
------------Damiao----Nilmar----------

Sub if winning on 80 mins.
Nolito off, Nene on. Fresh legs on the wing. Nene to hold the ball on the wing to waste time. Feed through balls to Nilmar to grab another late goal to seal it. Pjanic to not push up too much, stay back with Garcia to protect the win. Nilmar dropping back to receive the ball and play the ball onto the wings.
-----------------Eduardo------------
Lichtsteiner--Luisão---Dedé---Emerson
--Krasic-----García---Pjanic---Nene ---
------------Damiao----Nilmar----------