Hero's League of Huzzahs and Danger: Tactics Submission

Welcome to the Tactics Submission Page for Hero's League of Huzzahs and Danger

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.

a

These are from King Beer:

Tottenham tactics v Porto

----------------------Friedel--------------

Whittaker ---- Dawson ---- Gallas ---- Baines

-------------------Diarra----------------

Eriksen -----------Parker--------- Jovetic

-------------Podolski-- Adebayor-------------

Captain – Gallas
Vice Captain – Parker
Free Kicks & Corners, Podolski and Eriksen
Penalty Taker – Podolski

Mindset: Attacking

We welcome the challenge of FC Porto and have decided to set up with and attacking formation and hope to exploit them through the channels.

Freidel: Command his box, take the initiative and dominate his area. Look for the wings on goal kicks.

Whittaker & Baines: Encouraged to attack, looking to link with the wingers to get into overlapping postions. Be wary of the threat that Porto possess attacking wise and don’t dive in, stay tight and don’t let them get a run at you.

Dawson & Gallas: Look to dominate at set pieces but keep a good solid line with constant communication with your full backs. Look to keep the ball on the deck when playing out from the back. Dawson and Gallas to go up for corners.

Diarra: Roam in front of the defence, burst forward providing Parker covers, do not allow the Porto attack to break in numbers. Spread the play to the wings and sit in the centre when need to allow Parker to join the attacks. Hit their midfield hard in the tackle. Let them know you’re about.

Eriksen & Jovetic: Hog the touchline, make them play out wide and don’t be afraid to run at players, switch when necessary if you get more success cutting in. Look for good build up play and get the ball in the box. Cause problems. Don’t be afraid to have a go.

Parker: The link between defence and attack at all times. Read the game well and where required, sit in to assist Lass in defence, keep control in the middle of the park and dictate the pace of the game to suit Eriksen and Jovetic.

Podolski: Point to prove, go out there and show us the player that turns up for world cups. Keep your head, don’t make rash decisions and listen to the captain. Test the keeper with power shots early and look to bring Adebayor in to the shorter game, swap with Stefan where you feel you can cause problems.

Adebayor: Target man. Make yourself seen and get about their centre backs. Look for the neat passes to bring the wingers in but don’t neglect your defensive duties. Sit back on corners and let Lukas and Stefan sit up.

Free Kicks: Where the chance is there, go for goal. Everything else, look for the CB’s. Lass to sit on the centre circle and watch for breaks.

Corners: Mix it up short and long, looking for Dawson and Gallas on longer ones.

Subs if Winning:

70Mins: Owen for Adebayor
75Mins: Perotta for Parker
80Mins: Barnetta for Eriksen

Subs if Losing:
65Mins: Owen for Adebayor
70Mins: Honda for Jovetic
75Mins: Barnetta for Eriksen.

.

Fiorentina Week 1 tactics, now removed

Atletico Madrid Tactics!

--------------Courtois-----------
Pereira---Domínguez---Perea-------Lopez
-------------- Suarez----------------
-------- Diego -----Salvio---------
turan ------------------------ reyes
------------- Lopez-------------

Subs:Robles,Schurrle, Juanfran, Luís, Mendes , Koke , Pulido

Captain - Reyes
FREE KICKS - Turan
CORNER KICKS - Reyes
PENALTY TAKER - Salvio

Defending: Press in own half , cover the ball and make sure the opponent player is Tight Market if defense is in trouble two wingers and Suarez will retreat back to help out , make sure the wings are tightly market and try to win the ball back.

Attacking: Ball will mostly be played down both flanks and played to the play maker (Diego) ball will be played Long and Short , try hard to keep possession , if in trouble play back to Keeper or Defenders , make sure not to play offside


Sub On at 70 minutes Schurrle on for Lopez

Villarreal vs Atletico GW 2

Line-up
-------------------------Lopez
--Zapata----Musacchio---Marchena----Oriol
-----------------Rodwell-----Motta
-----Cani-------------Giovinco----------Simao
--------------------------Rossi

Substitutes
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Lopez
Perez
Senna
Soldado
Ruben

Captain - Marchena

Tactics


Zapata and Oriol will both be tight on their men. Stay on your feet and try to bully their wingers. Be physical on them and match them for pace. Show them on their weaker foot. Both fullbacks will go forward and support their wingers and make over lapping runs.

Musacchio and Marchena are two experienced CBs. Musacchio will mark the striker while Marchena will sweep the ball. Keep an eye for the wingers cutting inside and also for the midfielders. Both be physical and stay tight on their striker. Dominate him aerially.

Rodwell will just sit in front of the defence, get in their faces. Work in tandem with his other defensive midfield partner Motta. Motta is experienced and will be looking to create a good first impression on the manager in his first game for the club. Both the DMs are full of energy and will not stop kicking their legs all day long. Rodwell will keep a close eye on Diego and he will be a more box-to-box midfielder for us. Motta to just sit in front of the defense. Block the passes and through balls by Diego and Pastore. We stop them we stop Atletico.

Giovinco is another new signing. He is a very tricky little player and will be extremely difficult to mark. He has freedom today to play his natural game. Make runs in behind the defence, drop deep to get the ball, bring the wingers in the game, use his vision to look for Rossi etc. Will use his excellent dribbling and close control of the ball today to good effect. Run rings around their defence and take your marker on. Also shoot on sight. Will link up well with Rossi.

Cani and Simao will whip in ball after ball for Rossi and co. to get on the end of. Also track back and help your fullback in defence. Keep the defender guessing of your next move. Get the ball in the feet of Giovinco as much as possible. Also shoot on sight. Cut in.

Rossi is the lone striker up front. He will get on the end of all the long balls aimed at him and will also make clever runs behind their defence. Will enjoy playing with Giovinco as both are intelligent footballers.

Man to man marking. Pressing own half. Keep possession of the ball. Harass the opponents into committing mistakes.

SUBS

IF LOSING - 65 mins - Soldado ON for Cani - Simao on RW, Giovinco on LW, Soldado and Rossi up front together. 4-2-4 formation. Motta and Rodwell CM.

IF WINNING - 70 mins - Soriano for Motta - Fresh legs, same job for Soriano, just sit and defend.

Pens - Rossi
FK's - Rossi, Giovinco
Corners - Simao, Cani

j

Porto tactics v Fiorentina

gone

Week 2 Tactics were here

looking forward to our battle Afro

Good luck

--------------Courtois-----------
Roque---Domínguez---Perea-------Lopez
-------------- Suarez----------------
-------- Diego -----Pastore---------
Turan ------------------------ Salvio
------------- Lopez-------------

Subs:Robles,Schurrle, Juanfran, Luís, Mendes ,Gabi, Pulido

Captain - Perea
FREE KICKS - Turan
CORNER KICKS - Salvio
PENALTY TAKER - Pastore

Defending: Press in own half , cover the ball and make sure the opponent player is Tight Market if defense is in trouble two wingers and Suarez will retreat back to help out , make sure the wings are tightly market and try to win the ball back.

Attacking: Ball will mostly be played down both flanks and played to the play maker (Diego) ball will be played Long and Short , try hard to keep possession , if in trouble play back to Keeper or Defenders , make sure not to play offside


Pastore : will be key man and used on counter attacks , will work well with Diego in central midfield and will support the wingers when he can.around the 70 minute will push forward and threaten the opponents defence. this will repalce him with sureaz who will take pastores role as pastore becomes the player behind the striker

make sure the opponent players are tight market and make sure we keep possession!

Sub On at 70 minutes Schurrle on for Lopez

surez replaces pastores position as pastore becomes second striker

Bare with me folks, this a new thing for me!

------

Tottenham team to take on Leverkusen.

------------Friedel-------------
Whittaker-------Dawson----------Bassong----------Gallas

---------------- Diarra----------------------

----------------- Huddlestone-------Eriksen-------------------------------

Honda -----------------------------------------------Jovetic

--------------Adebayor--------------

Subs: Cudicini, King, Corluka, Barnetta, Livermore, Perrotta, Podolski

Captain - Dawson
V/C - Gallas
Free kicks- Honda
Corners - Honda and Whittaker
Penalties - Adebayor.


Basically for this away game, against a Leverkusen side with a dearth of creative wide players, I've opted to go defensive, in order to walk out with at least a point.

Friedel will look to dominate the box from set plays and look for good distribution to Adebayor, so that he can bring Honda and Jovetic into play.

Dawson and Bassong will nulify the pace of Agbonlahor but must also be wary of Ballack playing the free role behind him. They will also look to play a highish line to try and play the likes of Lennon offside.

Whittaker and Gallas will play it safe and only attack when necessary, so they can keep tabs on Bale and Lennon. Keep them quiet and my chances of a point will be high.

Diarra will mainly act as insurance for Dawson and Bassong, he will keep tabs on Ballack and make sure any link up play is broken up, Agbonlahor will struggle on his own if someone like Ballack is stifled.

Huddlestone will look for simple passing whilst making sure Rolfes can't be as expansive as he has in the past for set plays he will loiter outside the box as his long shots are brutal.

Eriksen will be the playmaker, and will look to be expansive when we have the ball, as this is crucial when a team is playing only one striker.

Honda and Jovetic as wide men will look to find a balance between marshalling the flanks in the Leverkusen half whilst also drifting in to assist Adebayor.

Adebayor will look to be the target man and look to involve the wide men, however he is adept at running at defenders and be a general nuisance.

Overall, if Leverkusen have the ball for long periods, I'm happy for my boys to let them play because Honda and Jovetic and Adebayor potentially can cause a lot of damage on the break.


Subs if winning - Perrotta for Eriksen on 60, Podolski for Adebayor on 75.

If losing - Perrotta for Huddlestone on 60, Podolski for Jovetic on 70 with Podolski joining Adebayor and Eriksen moving out wide.

Line-up
-------------------------Lopez
--Zapata----Musacchio---Marchena----Oriol
---Cani--------Motta-------Valero-----de Guzman
----------------Giovinco
--------------------------Rossi

Substitutes
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Lopez
Perez
Soriano
Soldado
Ruben

Captain - Marchena

Tactics

Zapata and Oriol will need to be at their toes today to mark Bale and Lennon. Zapata will need to be very tight on Bale, dont give him space to turn and run, he will kill you with his pace so try to get a very early tackle on him when he gets the ball. If necessary foul him if he is near the half-way line and has the space to run at you. Oriol will do the same on Lennon, show him on his weaker foot and also mark him closely and tightly.

Musacchio will mark their striker most probably agbonlahor. Dominate him aerially and track his runs, go with him into the channels and match his pace. Marchena will keep an open eye for midfielders and wingers coming from the midfield. Anticipate the one-twos and block their shots.

Cani and de Guzman will be the wide players. Both will do their defensive duties a little bit more in this match because of Bayer's two tricky wingers. Double team their winger with your fullback and take out their threat from the wing. If we manage to tame their wingers we have a chance in this game. Both Cani and de Guzman will also support the striker, banging in crosses for him and cutting inside to look for giovinco as well.

Motta and Valero are our midfield generals. Motta had a good first game and he will build on that. Stop their attacks from developing and harass them when they have the ball. Put pressure on their players and get a couple of early tackles in on them. Both will look to win the ball and pass it on to the wingers or look for the runs made by giovinco and rossi. Motta and Valero have an important job in this match and will be the key if we are to win this match. Dominate the bayer midfield and we have a good chance of getting our 2nd win. If they play two strikers or a second striker then make sure he is marked well and not let free. Zonally mark him, if he is in the midfield then the CMs will mark him and if he is near the CBs then one CB will come close to him.

Seb Giovinco will play as a second striker. He is quick and will dribble with the ball as much as possible. Run at the Bayer defence and also have a pop at goal occasionally at their young goalie. Keep the ball, pass it short and look for one-twos and runs made by rossi and wingers.

Rossi is again the lone man up front. Shoot on sight and try to get on the end of the crosses. Link up with Giovinco.

Free-kicks - 25 yards or closer - Giovinco
Further than 25 yards - Rossi

Penalties - Rossi

Corners - Cani

SUBS

IF WINNING - After 70 mins - Soriano ON for de Guzman - Play 3 in the middle with valero, soriano and motta and keep sitting.

IF LOSING - After 65mins - Bring ON Soldado for de Guzman - Play 4-2-4
-------Motta----Valero---
--Cani---------------Giovinco--
----Soldado----Rossi-----

Fiorentina (vs. Spurs) was here

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs villareal

We are playing against Villareal this week and will look to continue our unbeatan start to the season.

For the last 2 games we have played the 4-5-1 formation but today I am going to try something new. I will be playing a 4-4-2 with one defense mid and one attack mid in the centre. This is because I believe 2 defense mids are not needed against a team with so little firepower up front like Villareal. I will also be playing 2 strikers compared to 1 striker I played on the opening 2 games. Villareal's attack is not the strongest and I believe our attacking players will be too much for their defense.


-------------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker-----Friedrich-----Otamendi-----A Santos
------------------------Rolfes(C)---------------------
Lennon-----------------------------------------Bale
------------------------Defour---------------------
--------Agbonlahor----------Vucinic---------------

Subs - Giefer, Tiene, Sandro, Bender, Guarin, Iturbe, Gutierrez

Captain - rolfes
Freekicks - defour
Corner kicks - bale
Penalties - vucinic

Defense
Goalkeeper will look to be confident. He is currently Bayer Leverkusens first choice GK irl. Defense will look to play deep in front of goal. Centre backs will look to put a tackle in as quickly as possible. Their main attacking threat is Rossi so close him down quickly and snuff out his threat. Walker and Santos will play at a defensive mentality at the start of the game but will look to be more aggressive later on in the game. Help Bale and Lennon by making overlaping runs to put the Villareal defense under pressure. Don't forget your defensive responsibilities and when your in a one on one situation with the opposition winger close him down quickly so he doesn't have time to react.

Midfield
Rolfes will be playing as the defense mid and will look to protect the back four. He will cover for either Santos or Walker if they are on attack mode. Bale and Lennon will look to try and take the opposition full backs on by using their pace. They are good 1 v 1 players and will hopefully give the opposition defense a bad time. They will also try and whip in some dangerous crosses for Agbonlahor or Vucinic to head home. Defour will play the role of the attack mid and will look to dictate the pace of the game. He will make late bursting runs in to the box and try and score a goal.

Attack
Vucinic and Agbonlahor will look to play on the the shoulder of the last defender. They are clinical strikers and will use their pace to to trouble the opposition defense.

If losing by 55mins I will take off Rolfes and put on Jonas Gútierrez to play more attacking.

If winning by 55mins I will take off Defour and put on Sandro to play more defensive.

Porto v Atletico Madrid

--------------Courtois-----------
Pereira------Roque---Perea-------Lopez
-------------- Suarez----------------
-------- Diego -----Pastore---------
turan ------------------------ reyes
------------- Lopez-------------

Subs:
Mendes
luis
mranda
pizzi
juanfran
koke
gabi

Captain - Reyes
FREE KICKS - Reyes
CORNER KICKS - Turan
PENALTY TAKER - Pastore

Team Talk: we have lost 2 in a row and need to pick up the way we play and improve in defending areas and make sure we are ready for the oppositions counter attack , we feel that a draw is reasonable in this game but a win would be great for the players confidence

Attacking: Play on the Flanks , be ready for when the Opposition is going to defend and quickly play the ball to the centre this will help open more space and let us keep more possession , Diego/Pastore will be our key man but if they are marked play ball trough ball to one of our wingers

Turan + Lopez : be ready for them to mark you and try to defend down the wings , if they do this pass the ball to the centre ( Sureaz / Diego / Pastore) , be ready to keep Possession and go for every win able ball , if our defenders are in trouble go down to assist them

Defending: We need to be strong here as it may be the key to a draw or win , mark there plays force them wide , time your tackles make sure they struggle to break our defence , none of our back 4 will come for corners this will help make sure our defence is good when they are counter attacking

Pastore/Diego: make sure you our aware of lopez + reyes + turans positions they will help you break down the defence of Porto make sure you can play through balls down the flanks if you are in trouble or back to one of the defenders , be aware of Lopez position and try using trough balls and over the balls to help create chances for him

Lopez: Be aware of the through balls and over the top balls from the flanks and centre come back to defend when the opposition is using their corners , this might help us slow down their game , tight mark there defence put them under pressure it may effect the defenders game and they might do silly passes to help us gain the ball

65minutes: Pastore replaces Lopez up front and Koke replaces Lopez where pastore played ( Cm ) Koke is now in the centre with Diego , same tactics but are game will be played faster and we will try to create more chances for pastore

Tottenham Hotspur Tactics (Vs. Fiorentina at home)


Team.

------------------------Friedel----------------------------

Whittaker---------Bassong--------Dawson (C)------------------Baines


------------Parker------------Perrotta----------------

Barnetta---------------------------------------------------------------Jovetic

----------Podolski-------------

-----Adebayor------


Subs: King, Gallas, Huddlestone, Honda, Livermore, Derdiyok, Miyachai

Selection - Due to being at home, have gone for a bit more of an attacking formation, whilst playing in front of the White Hart Lane faithful should encourage a positive performance against a strong Fiorentina outfit. Eriksen and Diarra miss out through injury, whilst Baines, Parker, Perrotta and Podolski come into the squad.


Team talk - Right lads, today is going to be a tough game, but I'm confident we can at least walk out with a point if not more if we remain responsible and find the correct balance between attack and defence. I'm confident we can hurt Il Viola if we can keep possession and use Simone and Scott to dictate the play so that Leighton, Stefan and Tranquillo can hurt them out wide. Modric and Gerrard are going to see a lot of the ball for them so I'm counting on you to work together in defence and see off the threat. Don't be afraid to let them play around the box, because as long as we remain tight and defend as a unit, they won't get through and we can attack on the break.

Goalkeeper - Friedel - Command the area, help Dawson keep things organised at the set plays and ensure that your distribution is spot on.

Right back - Whittaker - Remain responsible as opposed to Baines when pushing up, your main responsibility is to help Bassong and Dawson.

Centre backs - Bassong and Dawson - Dominate the Fiorentina attackers, ensure you win all second balls and stay aware all game.

Left back - Baines - Don't be afraid to push up and attack, ypu have the ability to hurt Fiorentina's right hand side, just remain wary of them when they attack.

Centre midfielders - Parker and Perotta - Dictate the game, you have the ability to do so, don't be afraid to be expansive but also look to defend when they attack as well, you both the stamina to work the box to box role.

Wide men - Jovetic and Barnetta - Excellent delivery to Adebayor is imperative, look to exploit the flanks but don't be afraid to cut inside and hurt the centrebacks.

Centre Forward - Podolski - Look to be the link man, come deep to get the ball but make sure you hover around Adebayor as pouncing on knock downs from our target man and talisman will be an effective way of scoring. Don't be afraid to shoot from range.

Striker - Adebayor - You're in blistering form because you're getting into the right positions, I want to see more of this but also look to bring Lukas into play, with knock downs and your undoubted heading ability. Don't be afraid to open your legs and use that running power to put them on the back foot.

Captain - Dawson
Freekicks - Baines
Penalties - Adebayor
Throw ins - Baines/Whittaker

Subs - If winning - Derdiyok for Podolski, Huddlestone for Perrotta, Gallas for Bassong.

If losing - Miyachai for Perrotta, Derdiyok for Podolski, Honda for Barnetta

Line-up(villarreal) vs SPURS
-------------------------Lopez
--Gaspar----Musacchio---Zapata----Oriol
------------------Motta----Rodwell
-----Cani------------Giovinco--------Simao
--------------------------Rossi

Substitutes
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Lopez
Perez
Senna
Soldado
Ruben

Captain - Marchena

Boss the midfield today. Need atleast a point from this one.

Tactics

Gaspar and Oriol are not the best of defenders and are definitely not world beaters but they will use their immense work ethic and will run all day and defend for the team. Mark the spud winger closely, not giving them much space and time on the ball. Stick to them like flies to honey all game. Stop their crosses but dont foul them and give freekicks in dangerous positions.

Musacchio will man mark the striker probably adebayor. Musacchio is young and will not be bullied by adebayor. Run with ade and get your tackle in early. Try to win the long balls and dont give him space to shoot. Keep close to him. Zapata will keep an eye on Podolski who will join in on the attacks and will link up with ade. If podolski does not start then zapata will most probably pick up their attacking midfielder and will also sweep the knock downs etc by ade. Both centrebacks will go for the crosses and long balls and will need to win them and our fullbacks will need to clear the second balls.

Motta and Rodwell will be in front of our defence. Motta will break up the play in midfield and will use his energy and pace to good effect. Will bully their attacking midfielder and get some tasty tackles in on them early on. He will just sit in front of the defence and will shield his defence. Stop their players from having a run at our defence. This is a MUST. Motta will not let them expose our defence. He should be in front of their every attack. Look for the wingers cutting inside and block their shots etc. Rodwell will do the same as Motta but will provide a little bit of attacking intent from our midfield. He has immense stamina and can run all day. He will join in the attacks and come late into the box but will only go forward when we have the ball. Work in tandem with Motta and keep the ball. Pass it short.

Cani is in good form and will whip in crosses for Rossi and also cut inside. He will link well with Giovinco and will make runs at the far post on the blind side of their fullback. He will most probs be up against Baines and as Baines likes to attack he will exploit that area of the pitch. Help your fullback defensively as well all game.

Simao use his pace and run up and down your flank. Take their fullback on and put a cross in early. Look for the midfielders and also look for Cani at the far post. Shoot on sight and use your trickery to bamboozle their fullback. Help out defensively.

Giovinco will be his usual self in the game. Running at the defenders, putting in balls for Rossi and the wingers to run onto, linking up with the striker, having a go at goal and using his excellent dribbling skills. Run at their fullbacks with pace and trouble them. Get away from their midfield and look for space. Make runs in behind the defenders if rossi pulls one of their defenders with him when dropping deep.

Rossi will be the lone striker. Keep up his good form in this match and play your usual game.Run onto the through balls, run the channels, take bassong and dawson out of their comfort zone so that giovinco and the wingers can move in dangerous positions inside their area. Get your head on the end of every long ball and cross and also use your left foot to good effect.

There is a work-man like look to our team and we will keep running all day to get what we want. Man to man marking at set-pieces. Musacchio to go forward for set-pieces. Boss the midfield.

Pens - Rossi
FK's - Rossi, Giovinco
Corners - Simao, Cani

SUBS

IF WINNING - After 70mins - Bring ON Senna for Simao. Play three across the midfield with Rodwell, Motta and Senna. All three to defend and pass on the ball. Shore up the midfield,. Giovinco moves to LW.

IF LOSING - After 65 mins - Soldado ON for Oriol. Motta to go to LB.
The formation will look like this 4-1-3-2. Attack
---------Rodwell--------
---Cani----Giovinco----Simao
----Soldado----Rossi

Fiorentina (vs. Atletico)

Injured:
Joan Capdevila
Sergio Sanchez
Gianni Munari
Lorenzo de Silvestre

Attacking Formation: 4-1-4-1

-------------------Sirigu
Cassani----Koscielny---Rolando-------Felipe
-------------------Vidal
Cerci------Modric---------Gerrard-------Elia
------------------Gilardino


Defensive Formation: 4-5-1

-------------------Sirigu
Cassani----Koscielny---Rolando-------Felipe
Cerci-----Gerrard---Vidal---Modric-----Elia
------------------Gilardino

Subs: Boruc, Garay, Nastasic, Shaqiri, Barkley, Draxler, Cardozo


Defending –.Atletico have been playing with 1 forward and two attack minded midfielders. When Atletico are in possession, we will have a midfield 5 that will close down the space and stop their attacking players from playing. Vidal and Gerrard will match up to the two attacking midfielders and bully them out of the game. They are likely to be playing a young, inexperienced striker with a little bit of pace. Koscielny will pick them up and use his pace and experience to nullify them. As always defense starts from the front, so as soon as we loose possession, get after the ball, pressurise Atletico and win it straight back.

Attacking – we will control the ball to control the game. When we get possession. Modric and Gerrard will step forward into AM roles and dictate play. Cerci and Elia will get up and down the wings. They will attack the full back and alternate between attacking inside and out, to keep the defence guessing.

Sirigu – Command you box and come for crosses. Control the defence in front of you, organising them. Remain alert for balls in behind, where you can sweep up.

Cassani & Felipe – Your jobs will firstly be to track any wingers that are playing. Stay tight and keep them facing away from goals. Prevent them cutting inside by your body position, keep them outside. Felipe this is particularly the case for you. You will likely be up against Turan who is predominantly left footed, so keeping him outside will keep him on his weaker foot. Block crosses into the box, preventing any service inside. When the opportunities arise, get forward, overlap the winger and support the attack, but do not let this compromise your main job of defending and do not both go forward at the same time. Sit back at corners and free kicks allowing the CBs to go forward.

Koscielny & Rolando – keep a tight unit at the back. We are anticipating Adrian Lopez as a lone striker, so Koscielny will pick him up. You have the pace and experience to deal with his threat. Rolando will pick up any second striker, or play as the spare man, sweeping up loose balls and clearing balls into the box.

Vidal – you will sit and protect the back four, snuffing out and attacks before they get going. Stop the ball getting forward. Alongside Gerrard, you will pick up the Atletico AMs, filling the space that they would want to work in.

Gerrard – you will play box to box today, supporting Vidal in protecting the back four, but also getting forward, surging into the box with the ball, or to get on to the end of balls coming in from out wide. You should especially support Vidal defensively in picking up the Atletico AMs.

Modric – you will dictate play. Support Vidal and Gerrard in their defensive responsibilities, but when we are in possession get forward and get on the ball in dangerous areas. Keep the ball moving, and retain possession. Be patient, but when you see a chance to exploit a gap, go for it. You have freedom to do what you think does the most damage – go wide, stay central, run with the ball, spread the play out wide. You are an intelligent footballer, so I trust you to run the game.

Elia & Cerci – you will look to run at the full backs taking them on and getting deliveries into the box. Alternate between attacking the full back on the outside and inside in the channel between FB and CB. When your FB gets forward, move inside to create space for them to overlap. When Atletico are in possession, get back and support your FB defensively. When the ball is on the opposite flank, get into the box, in and around Gilardino

Gilardino – you will play as the main striker. Play off the shoulder of the last defender, looking to run in behind, or to get onto balls into the box ahead of them. Get a sight of goal within range, take a shot. When we lose possession, pressurise the ball straight away and try to win it back before it gets forward.

Captain: Gerrard
Free kicks/corners: Modric, Gerrard
Penalties: Gerrard

Subs: If losing/drawing on 55 Barkley for Cerci, Cardozo for Vidal

---------------Gerrard--- Modric
--Barkley-------------------------------------Elia—
-------------Gilardinho---Cardozo

Two up front and fresh legs and a bit of flair on the wings to run at a tiring defence.


Subs: If winning, Cardozo for Gilardino, Barkley for Cerci, Shaqiri for Elia

---------Gerrard--- Modric---Vidal
Barkley-------------------------------Shaqiri
--------------------Cardozo

Gerrard and Modric to stay deeper. Fresh legs on wings and up front, to run into the corners, pushing a tiring Atletico back and exploiting any gaps created by them chasing the game.

l

Spurs vs. Villareal.


----------------------Friedel---------------------

Whitakker------Bassong---Dawson--------Baines

------------------------Diarra----------------------------

---------------Parker---------Huddlestone------------

Jovetic-------------------------------------------Eriksen

----------------------Adebayor---------------------------



Subs: Gallas, Podolski, Barnetta,Perotta, Derdiyok, Livermore, Anichebe.

After a disappointing defeat last week, the emphasis of today is keeping it tight at the back whilst being effective up top. Diarra will monitor Villareal's forwards, whilst Parker and Huddlestone will distrbute well to Eriksen and Jovetic, bringing Adebayor into play. Whitakker and Baines, will look to maraud.

Freekicks - Eriksen
Corners - Baines
Penalties - Adebayor

Subs: Podolski for Diarra and push up to support Adebayor.

Derdiyok for Eriksen.

Livermore for Huddlestone.

Atletico v Fiorentina

-------------Courtois-----------
Pereira------Roque---Perea-------Lopez
-------------- Suarez----------------
-------- koke -----Pastore---------
turan ------------------------ reyes
-------------Schurrle-------------
Subs:
Lopez
Juarfan
Pulido
Luis
Mendes
Gabi
Mirada

Captain: Reyes
Freekicks - Turan
Corners - Reyes
Penalties - Pastore


Team Talk: we have lost 3 in a row and need to pick up the way we play and improve in defending areas and make sure we are ready for the oppositions counter attack , this is all so the chance for Schurrle and Koke to shine , Koke use Pastore for support if you are under pressure , play the ball down both flanks make sure when they have the ball to put pressure on them do what you can to make them lose Possession

Attacking: Play down Both Flanks if Flanks are covered play down the centre Pastore will be are Key man in the centre , during corners we will have 3 defenders staying back in case of a counter attack be ready to get back into position during counter attack , if we are losing take as many chances at them as we can try to break there game up and put them under pressure

turan + Reyes: be ready to use the centre for support if you are under pressure , if we lose the ball get back and try to defend

Defending: we need to put them under Pressure more and make sure we can keep Possession Atletico v Fiorentina , stay back to defend when we are taking corners , the guys in the centre and on the wings will surport you when the opponent is attacking

Subs:
if losing

Suarez off and Lopez is on this will help us attack more and create more chances

----Koke----Pastore
Turan-----------------Reyes
--------Schurrle---Lopez----

Fiorentina (vs. Bayer Leverkusen)

Injured:
Lorenzo Di Silvestri
Julien Draxler

-----------------------Sirigu
Cassani----Koscielny---Rolando----Capdevila
Farfan------Gerrard------Modric-----------Elia
------------Gilardino-----Cardozo


Subs: Boruc, Motta, Nastasic, Toulalan, Shaqiri, Cerci, Matri


Defending –.We expect Leverkusen to play with one up top as Agbonlahor is injured, with an AM in behind him, along with two CMs and two wingers. They have very attacking players on the flanks for both wingers and full backs, so we have matched up to them, with hard working players who will get up and down all day. Koscielny will pick up the lone striker, and Rolando will play spare, picking up the AM when he comes forward. Gerrard and Modric will match up to the two CMs of Leverkusen, whilst defence will start from the front with Cardozo and Gilardino pressurising as soon as possession is lost.

Attacking – Farfan and Elia will need to work hard today, and then Cerci and Shaqiri when they come on. Both the Leverkusen full backs will be better going forward than defending, so the wingers will run at the full backs, tying them in knots. Gerrard and Modric provide the creativity centrally, feeding the two forwards and the two wingers. Cardozo and Gilardino will play as your traditional front pairing, one right footed, one left footed, working together and off each other.

Sirigu – Command your box and come for crosses. Control the defence in front of you, organising them. Remain alert for balls in behind, where you can sweep up.

Cassani & Capdevila – Your jobs will mainly be to track any wingers that are playing. Stay tight and keep them facing away from goals. Prevent them cutting inside by your body position, keep them outside. Block crosses into the box, preventing any service inside. For the first 30 or so minutes, stay back and focus on defending. Once the sting has been taken out of the attack out wide and when the opportunities arise, get forward, overlap the winger and support the attack, but do not let this compromise your main job of defending and do not both go forward at the same time. Sit back at corners and free kicks allowing the CBs to go forward.

Koscielny & Rolando – keep a tight unit at the back. We are anticipating Vucinic as a lone striker, so Koscielny will pick him up. You have the pace and experience to deal with his threat. Rolando will pick up any second striker, or play as the spare man, sweeping up loose balls and clearing balls into the box, and picking up the AM when he gets forward.


Gerrard & Modric – you will both play box to box today, working together to protect the back four,pressurising the opposing midfield when they are in possession. When attacking, Gerrard you will be the drive and energy, Modric you will be the playmaker, dictating play and keeping the ball moving. When one of you goes forward, the other should cover for them.

Elia & Farfan – you will look to run at the full backs taking them on and getting deliveries into the box. Alternate between attacking the full back on the outside and inside in the channel between FB and CB. When your FB gets forward, move inside to create space for them to overlap. When Leverkusen are in possession, get back and support your FB defensively. When the ball is on the opposite flank, get into the box, in and around Gilardino and Cardozo.

Gilardino & Cardozo – you are in partnership today, but you have Matri on the bench to keep you on your toes. Work in tandem, feeding of each other. Cardozo, you are the bigger and stronger of the two, so use your strength and height to get onto higher balls and crosses into the box. Gilardino you are more elusive, so look to get space in the area. Feed on balls played in behind the back four, or low crosses into the box. Also look to get onto any loose balls from Cardozo knockdowns or hashed clearances from the defenders under pressure from Cardozo

Captain: Gerrard
Free kicks/corners: Modric, Gerrard
Penalties: Gerrard

Subs: Any score on 55 minutes, Shaqiri for Farfan, Cerci for Elia, straight swap.

The wingers will have been working hard, so straight replacement for fresh legs and more of the same.


Subs: If winning on 70 minutes, Cardozo for Toulalan

--------------Toulalan
Shaqiri--Gerrard--- Modric---Cerci
---------------Gilardino

Extra defensive cover with Toulalan at DM in place of striker.

If losing on 80 minutes, Matri for Gilardino

---------Gerrard--- Modric---
Shaqiri------------------------Cerci
-----------Matri---Cardozo

Shaqiri and Cerci to push on more and throw some caution the wind. Matri replaces Gilardino for fresh legs up front.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS (athletico madrid)

we have to win. we currently sit 4 points and 3 goal benind 4thand that is not good enough

our opponents have only managed 1 goal all season. but that dosnt mean there not dangours, watch the wings epecialy reyes , we shut him down we will deala major tactical bllow to our opponents.
defending wise they have coceded 12 goals,so i espect a ruthless attacking display. noless than 5 invovled in any attack, straight from the off bombard them give tham no time on the ball and force mistakes.

i dont know what the previous managers installed but i like to keep the ball where it belongs, on the ground, keep our passing short and concise and get it out to our wings,use the creativness of our wingers to getin behind and swing it in to utilise the hieght of our strikers.but dont become over reliant of this tactic, use parker in teh middle topick out some passes to create scoring opportunities.

Injured
Jake Livermore
Simone Perotta

Starting 11

-------------------------------- Friedel----------------------

Whitaker-------Dawson----------------King------------Baines

-------------------------------Diarra------------------------

Barnetta-----------------------Parker-----------------Jovetic

--------------------Adebayor-----------Derdiyok------------

subs
Cudicini
Gallas
Bassong
Huddlestone
Honda
Eriksen
Podolski

Captain Parker

mentality: Attacking

free kicks: barnetta

Penaltys: Adebayor

Friedel
you are the most experienced member of my team and i expect you to use that, coomand your defence use that experience to help and co-ordinate younger and the less experinced.
i expect you to come and collected evry ball within reason and play safe. dont do the unnessesary

Baines and Whitaker
Today i give you the freedom to attack the wings after doing research ther attacking formation may lead to a lot of 2v1s on the wing , use them exploit the weakness and bombard forwrd at EVERY avabile opportuning you deisre aslong as you remeber your defense reposiblitys, engae there wingers upon sight and dont give them any room for manurvre especialy reyes.(stay back at corners)

King and Dawson
You two are my rocks at the back due to our attacking tempo a lot is asked of you, but i believe your up to it. if your under pressure dont be afraid to hoof it away but neat and tidt As much as possible. with good C.Bs on tthe bench this may be your only chance make it count.(up at corners)

Diarra.
Like our CBs you are playing and entirly defensive role.when the FB do break forward your job is to drop back and act as another defender, in case of a counter attacks.When on teh ball try and create an opportunity,distribute the ball to attacking positions but keep in mind not to get dragged to far forward.(backfor corners)

Parker.
you have been given the captincy because of your work ethic and i expect that to continue, but today i want to utlilise your creative side. muchof the play will revolve around you picking out the runs of the forward men and wingers, abd dont be afraid to have a pop from range.(edge of box for corners)

Barnetta and Jovetic
our aim is to get down there wings and cross it in to our 6,3 strikers but also look to cut inside and make things happen that was, be creative and keep the defense guessing all game, mix things up and like scott dont be afraid to pull the trigger. but if needed you may have to come back and helpthe FBs out.
(one in one out for corners)

Adebayor and Derdiyok
As our twofront men a lot is expected, muchof our tactics is getting it on your heads from the wings , so dont thinkof getting any fancy haircuts pre-game.
but always be looking to try and get behind for scott to slide you in. we are coming with a lot of attacking force so your job is to spearhead that attack.always be on your toes for any loose balls thta come your way, as that could be the difference between defeat and victory.(bot up for corners)

subs

if losing 80mins

diarra off honda on
derdiyok off podolski on

Barnetta------------Parker--------------Jovetic
--------------------Honda---------------------
-----------Adebayor--------Podolski-----------

allout attack FBs become wing backs


if drawing or losing 65

straight swap
derdiyok off Podoski on


if winning 75
switch from 4-1-3-2
to 4-4-2
parker coming along side diarra and barnetta and jovetic staying out wide

mentality change from attacking to defensive( no more FBs attacking)

Tottenham v Atletico




------------Courtois-----------
Pereira------Roque---Perea-------Lopez
turan -- koke -----Pastore--------reyes
----------Schurrle--Lopez-----------


Subs:
Suarez
Mendes
luis
mranda
pizzi
juanfran
Pulido

Captain: Reyes
Freekicks - Turan
Corners - Reyes
Penalties - Pastore

Team Talk: This is a game that we need to win we have lost all are games so far and need a result in this one , we need tp push up and show them what we can do , but be ready for there counter attacks ,as are back line up might need help ,during are counter attack i want all the back line up to stay back and let the others attack and push up

Attacking: Do what you can to keep possession make sure that Spurs are pushed of the edge and put under pressure if we can make them do mistakes it can give us an advantage , push up when there is a counter attack.

Defending: we need to put pressure on them make them make mistakes and use them for are advantage we all so need to watch the centre as thats where they will be most dangerous , if we lose possession i want you to do what you can to get it back we need to control possession in this game and need to use it as are advantage.

Turan + Reyes: when defending i want you to push there wingers wide and do what you can to make them make a mistake , while attacking i want you to try and open up the game , if there are not any players during a counter attack pass to the nearest one and push up , all so want you to play through balls to lopez

Defenders: I want you to make sure that they struggle to break pass you and make it hard for them to attack , while we counter attack i want you to get back into your positions in case we lose the ball and they attack

Lopez/Schurrle: Put there defenders under pressure , push up , do what you can to break through there defence use each other to play well

Pastore/Koke: We need you to be aware of whats happening at front and make sure when we use the flanks that there open for Reyes/Turan , be aware when we are defending of the centre , when counter attacking i want you to push up

Starting Line-up: VILLARREAL vs FC Porto

Formation: 5-4-1
-----------------------------Lopez
------------Musacchio----Zapata-----Marchena
--Anyukov------------------------------------------Oriol
------------Cani----Soriano---Motta----Rodwell
----------------------------Soldado

Substitues
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Gaspar
Senna
Rossi
Simao
GIovinco

Tactics

Anyukov and Oriol will both be tight on their men. They will both be aware that the wingers will either come inside or run down the line for crosses so stay focused and try to think where the winger will go. Anyukov will go forward occasionally and support in our attacks. Fucile also go forward and help in attack. Both FBs will go with their wingers and track their runs in behind our defence. Win the tackles and aerial balls. Stop their crosses at all costs today and be industrious.

Two of the centre-backs will mark their two strikers. Go with them and track their runs. Also get your head on the crosses coming in for them and the long balls. One centreback will be free as the other two are marking their strikers, so the one which is free he will pick up the midfielders and wingers coming in or cutting inside. Take it in turns to mark their strikers. Which ever striker is closer to which ever CB, that CB will mark the striker. Dont be rigid, be flexible. Be physical, close 'em down and use your man-advantage in defence over them in their attacks to stop them. We must have to win all the aerial balls in the match. Keep your eyes open for their central midfield players running in and joining in on the attacks. All three of Musacchio, Zapata and Marchena will be very sharp and communicate throughout the match with each other.

Soraino will just sit in front of the defence and break up play. Get in their faces and get an early tackle or two in. Will not go flying in tackles to avoid getting sent-off. Pass the ball after winning to the midfielders or look for the long ball. Has a simple task today: just stop their attacks from developing and kill them off. Do not expose our defence to their midfielders, shield your defenders from the opposition players running towards our goal and block their shots. Look for the wingers also coming inside to link up with their strikers and stop them. Keep moving all match.

Motta will also do the more or less same job as Soraino, and will provide him support defensively but will also go forward when we have possession of the football. But his main job is to help out in the defence and stop their attackers from threading balls through to their forwards. Both Soriano and Motta look for the wingers also cutting inside and running in behind our defence. Motta will use his immense energy in this match. The key is to not expose our defence to their attacks, try to block their shots and stop their attacks from developing early on so that we can have a crack at their goal.

Cani will play on the wide right side of midfield but his task today is to defend more and help out his team in defence. Stay with their winger and double team him with your fullback. Also join in the attacks when we have possession of the football. Nullify their threat from the wings and they are left with very little to trouble us.

Rodwell will tuck in a little inside the midfield on the left-side and will play a deeper role today. Stay with their winger and like Cani, double team him with your fullback. Block his crosses but will also keep an eye on their central midfield players. Stop them making clever one-twos with each other and also support in our attacks.

Soldado is the lone man up front. He will have to make full use of the ball that he gets today. Hold up the play and pass it short. Get shots in on goal early on.

We have to keep possession of the ball because that's vital in this match. If we dont keep the ball properly they will keep on coming at us and that will make it difficult for us to defend for the full 90 minutes. So make short passes and go forward and attack when we get the chance. Only Cani and Rodwell will go forward for attacks alongwith our fullbacks. This will mean that we will have five players back to defend at all times, three Cbs and two midfielders.

SUBS
IF LOSING - After 65 mins- Bring ON Giovinco and Rossi for Zapata and Soriano. Play a 4-2-4. Play attacking football, fast paced and get balls to the forwards early on.
--------Motta------Rodwell---
--Cani--------------Giovinco----
--------Rossi----Soldado

IF DRAWING - After 70 mins - Bring ON Senna for Cani- Freshen up the midfield, Senna more defensive midfield and will stay back throughout the 20 mins.

[p

Note im in teh process on writng and ill keep udated till i do , dont have teh time in one big chunk tio do it at once



porto vs TOTTENHAM


Injures
Whitakker
(parker sold to Juve)


-------------------Friedel-----------------------

Motta-----Dawson-----King-------Capdevilla-----

----------------------Diarra-----------------------

Barnetta-----------------------------Jovetic

---------------Moutinho----Eriksen--------

---------------------Adebayor--------------

Subs
Cudicini
Bassong
Reinartz
Livermore
Perotta
Derdiyok
Ibe

Right Lads greta win last week but that dosnt mean anything now, its histroy anmd weve got to focus on teh present, we face one of our most difficult games of teh season in atrip to porto but i firmly belive that we are uip to it . ther main threats are there srtiking pair hulk and falcao but hoppfully we can nulify tehm. a bit more of a defensive approach today lads so lets go out tehre and put in a real good preformance.

Captain King

Penaltys Eriksen

Free kicks Barntta

Corners Jovetic

Mentality Balanced.

Friedel.
Great clean shet last week but today youll probably have a busier time on your hand today. dont do anything to risky or spectactular, just basic. if you can catch , catch, if you need to punch, punch, just no sloppy errors or mistakes, command your box use your voice let teh defenders know whre you are and what to do.

FBs Motta and Capdevilla

First and formost Welcome to Spurs. Today yopu are faced witht teh proposition of Rues and Cardoza. both quality winger but you should be able to contain tehm. Msin thing is dont let them get past you. dont commit or put in any rash challanges, pressure them get close to tehm make them look for suppory, Both Jovetic and Barnetta will be tracking back to help you during the game. Only attack when nessacarly, look to overrlap and create 2 on 1s when yopu do but mainly your job is to defend and stop tehere wingers

CBs King and dawson
Like friedel and tougher proposition this week, be looking to hulk to use he speed so dont lose sigth of him , track his runs, get close and personal and frustrate him and force him to run into areas whre hell pose little threat, as for falcao look for porto to use his hieght to ther advantage. but when this does happen use your hieght and strength to jostle with him , make him uncomfortable and win teh header, but if he does win it watch hulk and he may get on teh end of those flick on, unlike last week if teh ball falls to you get it clear, we cannot afford to give up possesion that close to our own goal aggaint a quality side.

CDM Diarra.
Again like against Athletico another purly edfensive disly, you primary role is to shut down there CM and stop thre play in teh centree of teh park. watch his every move and act upon it dont give him anyone room for manuvre make him play it backwards or out wide and under no curcumstances let him try a shot from range. Only rarly come forward as today you are my rock which is to cement the midfield and sit in front of the back four to pick up any loose balls

RM+LM Jovetic and Barnetta
you are my creative sparks out wied, what you may lack in speed you make up for in creativity and skill. keep there full backs guessing, somethimes come inside and some times go outside, every so often switch flanks so niether full backs become accustom to you, when ouside aim for emmanual in the box to head home but dont be afraid to take it on a and dribble into teh box when cutting inside you also have many options, out 3 attacking players all want the ball or you can try from range bt mainly be creative and dont give there FBs 1 mi nutes rest

CAM Moutinho and Eriksen
Today you are probably the most important players on teh pitch and i beliee the opposition will concentrate on shutting you down dont let them be bnetter than them show your ability. you will both assume a role in behind emmanual and give him support as well as that you will both be trying to make runs off him and behind the centre halfs, you will also give support to teh wingers if they need it but be creative on teh edge of teh box, sometimes shoot sometimes not try and look for teamates in a better position, when attacking at least one of you must assit lass in controling the ccentre of teh park, and when attacking one goes into teh box and one to stay out, you two are teh centre of teh team today , dont let me down

ST Adebayor
Youre job today is to mainly hold up teh ball for teh 2 CAMs. use your hieght and power to outmuscle the CBs and get it go our 4 attacking options. make your self avalible and look for teh runs of moutinho and eriksen beyond you , and those of jovetic and Barnetta out wide. remenber dont be afraid to try your luck from range but only when nessacary, teamsmates may be in better postions.

Subs

S1 Losing 65 off- barnetta- on derdiyok

Eriksen--------Moutinho----------Jovetic
---------Adebayor-----Derdiyok----------


S2 winning 75

off barnetta on Reinartz

Motta----Reinartz----King-----Dawson----Capilvilla
-------------------Diarra---------
Jovetic-----------------------------Eriksen
------------------Mouinho
----------------Adebayor------------



Any 85
off Moutinho on Ibe
Eriksen go as only Cam and Ibe go along Adebayor
if S1 straight swap Ibe CAM
if S2 Ibe go along side Adebayor evryone else stay the same

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs atletico madrid

INJURIES -
Siaka Tiene
Gareth Bale
Nicolai Jorgensen

We are playing against the whipping boys of the league so are expecting to dominate this game from start to finish. My players will try and get an early goal and then hopefully the floodgates will open.


-----------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker------Samba------Otamendi------A Santos
-----------------Rolfes-----Sandro--------------------
Lennon---------------------------------------Gutierrez
-----------------------Ballack--------------------
---------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

Subs - Giefer, Corluka, Van Buyten, Pirlo, Defour, Guarin, Vucinic

Captain - rolfes
Freekicks - ballack
Corner kicks - ballack
Penalties - agbonlahor

Defense
Goalkeeper will look to be confident. He is currently Bayer Leverkusens first choice GK irl. Defense will look to play deep in front of goal. Centre backs will look to put a tackle in as quickly as possible. Walker and Santos will play at a defensive mentality at the start of the game but will look to be more aggressive later on in the game. Help Gutierrez and Lennon by making overlaping runs to put the Atletico defense under pressure. Don't forget your defensive responsibilities and when your in a one on one situation with the opposition winger close him down quickly so he doesn't have time to react.

Midfield
Rolfes and Sandro will be playing as the defense mids and will look to protect the back four. They will cover for either Santos or Walker if they are on attack mode. Gutierrez and Lennon will look to try and take the opposition full backs on by using their pace. They are good 1 v 1 players and will hopefully give the opposition defense a bad time. They will also try and whip in some dangerous crosses for Agbonlahor to head home. Ballack will play the role of the attack mid and will look to dictate the pace of the game. He will make late bursting runs in to the box and try and score a goal.

Attack
Agbonlahor will look to play on the the shoulder of the last defender. He is a clinical strikers and will use his pace to to trouble the opposition defense.

If losing by 55mins I will take off Rolfes and put on Pirlo to play more attacking.

If winning by 55mins I will take off Lennon and put on Guarin to play more defensive.

Fiorentina (vs. Villareal)

Injured:
Leighton Baines
Houssine Kharja
Xherdan Shaqiri

-----------------------Sirigu
Cassani----Koscielny---Rolando----De Silvestri
Farfan------Toulalan------Modric-----------Elia
-------------------Gerrard
--------------------------Cardozo

Subs: Boruc, Nastasic, Camporese, Cerci, Barkley, Draxler, Matri

We are going to play patient possession football when we are in possession, and high pressure from the front when we are without the ball.

When attacking, keep the ball and be patient. Players who aren’t on the ball, should keep moving, make yourself an option for the player on the ball, stretch the Villareal defence and move them about. The player in possession, keep the ball moving with quick, short passing and moving. Wait for the gaps to appear and when do, pounce on them.

When we lose the ball, pressurise straight away. From the front, pressurise the Villareal defence and win it back. The aim is for us to have won back possession before our defenders have to get involved.

Sirigu – Command you box and come for crosses. Control the defence in front of you, organising them. Remain alert for balls in behind, where you can sweep up.

Cassani & De Silvestri – Your jobs will firstly be to track any wingers that are playing. Stay tight and keep them facing away from goals. Prevent them cutting inside by your body position, keep them outside. Block crosses into the box, preventing any service inside. When the chances arise, get forward and support the wingers, overlapping and getting crosses in. Never go forward at the same time, when one of you is forward, the other should stay back. At corners, stay back to allow the CBs to go forward

Koscielny & Rolando – keep a tight unit at the back. If Soldado is playing up front, Rolando will pick him up, if Rossi is playing up front Koscielny will pick him up. If they are playing a lone striker, then whichever one doesn’t have a man will play spare, clearing loose balls and watching out for any midfield runners.


Toulalan – you will play as the DM, sitting and breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the back four. You will provide the base and cover which will allow Modric and Gerrard to play their natural games

Modric – you will play as playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. You will control our attacks, feeding Gerrard, Cardozo and the two wingers. When we lose possession, help out Toulalan defensively, pressurise the ball as early as possible.


Elia & Farfan – you will look to run at the full backs taking them on and getting deliveries into the box. Alternate between attacking the full back on the outside and inside in the channel between FB and CB. When your FB gets forward, move inside to create space for them to overlap. When Villareal are in possession, get back and support your FB defensively. When the ball is on the opposite flank, get into the box, in and around Gerrard and Cardozo.

Gerrard – you are playing behind the main striker today, the same position as you played so successfully with Torres at Liverpool. Get on the ball in and around the box, working off the striker. If you get the chance of shots in and around the area, then take a pop. When we lose possession, you can drop back into the hole and help out the midfield. Pressurise the ball straight away and win back possession as quickly as possible.

Cardozo – you are playing as the main focal point of our attacks today. Our wingers will look for you in the box, whilst Gerrard will be working in and around you. You will need to work hard and keep moving.

Captain: Gerrard
Free kicks/corners: Modric, Gerrard
Penalties: Gerrard

Subs: If losing or drawing on 65 minutes, Gerrard & Elia off, Matri & Cerci on.

Farfan------Gerrard------Modric-----------Elia
---------------Matri-------Cardozo

Lose the DM, and play 4 across midfield with Gerrard playing further back and Matri making an out and out front 2.

If winning on 75 minutes, Cardozo, Farfan and Elia off; Matri, Cerci and Barkley on


Barkley---Toulalan------Modric-----------Cerci
-------------------Gerrard
--------------------------Matri

More of the same, but with fresh legs running at a tired defence.

Starting Line-up: VILLARREAL vs Fiorentina

-----------------------------Sanchez
---Anyukov-----Musacchio------Marchena-----Zapata
--------------------Rodwell---------Motta
---Cani--------------------------------------------Giovinco
---------------------Rossi---------Soldado

Substitues
Rodriguez
Gaspar
Soriano
Ruben
Simao
Lopez

Tactics

Anyukov and Zapata will both be tight on their men. They will both be aware that the wingers will either come inside or run down the line for crosses so stay focused and try to think where the winger will go. Anyukov will go forward occasionally and support in our attacks. Zapata to stay back at all times. Both FBs will go with their wingers and track their runs in behind our defence. Both FBs will not let the wingers to cut in and link up with gerrard and cardozo.

Musacchio will mark the striker. Get your head on the crosses coming in for them and the long balls.inside. Be physical, close 'em down. Marchena will look for the runs made by Gerrard and will stop him from linking up with the striker at all costs. Use your experience and stifle whenever gerrard gets close to the goal or close him down if he is in your territory. We must have to win all the aerial balls in the match. Keep your eyes open for their central midfield players running in and joining in on the attacks.

Rodwell and Motta are both physical, tough-tackling players and they will need to be at the top of their game today. Motta will close fiorentina's players down whenever they have the ball and press them. Dont give time and space to Modric especially to pick a pass. Rodwell will use his energy and stamina and will help in our attacks as well as defending. Do not expose our defence to them.

Cani and Giovinco are on the wings. Both will look to cut in, use their pace to trouble their Fbs and whip in crosses. Giovinco will cut in a lot more than Cani and will take on his man at every opportunity. He is an excellent dribbler and will make full use of his skills. Also shoot on sight and thread balls for the strikers.

Soldado and Rossi will play up front together. Soldado will get on the end of the long balls and make knock downs for Rossi to run onto. Rossi will shoot whenever in range and make good use of his left foot. Hold up the play and pass it short. Both strikers trouble their defenders with your pace and be physical. get on the end of the crosses and corners.

Captain - Marchena
Pens - Rossi
FKs - Rossi, Giovinco
Corners - Cani

Fiorentina (vs. Porto)

Injured:
Rolando
Gianni Munari
Alessandro Matri

---------------------------Sirigu
De Silvestri----Koscielny---Mertesacker----Baines
Elia--------------Toulalan------Modric---------Cerci
-------------------Farfan-------Cardozo


Subs: Boruc, Cassani, Tasci, Ledesma, Gerrard, Barkley, Draxler

We are going to play patient possession football when we are in possession, keeping the ball and waiting for our opportunity. We will play high pressure from the front when we are without the ball, with everyone immediately pressing the ball to win it back asap – the Barcelona stylee!

We have brought Farfan up front this week to specifically target Chiellini and weakness against pace and being run at. We have also switched our wingers this week to target the channels inside the Porto full backs, who both like to attack and are also predominantly one-footed.

Sirigu – Command you box and come for crosses. Control the defence in front of you, organising them. Remain alert for balls in behind, where you can sweep up.

De Silvestri & Baines – Your jobs will firstly be to track any wingers that are playing. Stay tight and keep them facing away from goals. Prevent them cutting inside by your body position, keep them outside. Block crosses into the box, preventing any service inside. When the chances arise, Baines will get forward and support the winger, overlapping and getting crosses in. De Silvestri should limit his forways forward and focus on taking the Porto LW out of the game. At corners, both stay back to allow the CBs to go forward

Koscielny & Mertesacker – keep a tight unit at the back. If Hulk is playing up front by himself, then Koscielny will pick him up, using his speed to stay with him. Mertesacker will pick up any second striker if they play two up, but otherwise, he will play spare, supporting Koscielny and doubling up on Hulk, but also using his height to clear anything played high into the box. You will both go forward for corners.

Toulalan – you will play as the DM, sitting and breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the back four. You will provide the base and cover which will allow Modric to play the creative game.

Modric – you will play as playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. You will control our attacks, feeding Farfan, Cardozo and the two wingers. If Farfan drops deep in space, give him the ball to run at Chiellini. If Chiellini follows, play the ball into the space behind for Farfan to run onto. When we lose possession, help out Toulalan defensively, pressurise the ball as early as possible.


Elia & Cerci – you will look to run at the full backs taking them on and getting the ball into the box. Both of the Porto full backs are more adept at getting forward than defending, so run at them. Van der wiel in particular in susceptible to a tricky winger, so we have put Cerci on his flank to bamboozle him with tricks. They also both struggle on their weaker foot, so we have put you on the opposite flank to normal so that you can attack their weaker side.

Farfan – we have picked you up front for tactical reasons today. Drop back a little bit deeper to pick the ball up, so you can turn and run at Chiellini. He is strong and clever, but susceptible to pace, so you can frighten him to death. If he starts to follow you out, play off his shoulder and run into the space behind him. Don’t let him settle and keep him guessing at what you are going to do next.

Cardozo – you are playing as the main focal point of our attacks today. Our wingers will look for you in the box, whilst Farfan will be working in and around you. You will need to work hard and keep moving.

Captain: Toulalan
Free kicks/corners: Modric, Baines
Penalties: Baines

Subs: If losing or drawing on 75 minutes, Gerrard for Cerci

De Silvestri----Koscielny---Mertesacker----Baines
-------------Toulalan----------------Modric
---------------------------Gerrard
---------Farfan---------Cardozo-------Elia

Gerrard in behind Cardozo and the wingers pushed narrow. Full backs will both bomb on to provide some width


If winning on 75 minutes, Gerrard for Modric; Ledesma for Cerci; Tasci for Koscielny

---------------------------Sirigu
De Silvestri------Tasci---Mertesacker----Baines
Farfan-----------Toulalan----Ledesma-------Elia
---------------------------Gerrard
---------------------------Cardozo

Ledesma extra defensive cover, Gerrard to sit behind the striker, Tasci more confortable in posesión and will retain the ball more effectively

Porto v Fiorentina (week 7)

Injuries: Falcao, Isla.
Captain: Chiellini

Formation 4-5-1

----------------------------Reina--------------------------
Van Der Wiel------Chiellini------Godin--------Pereira
Reus-----------Marchisio-------Martinez---------Cazorla
--------------------------------Coutinho---------------------
--------------------------------Hulk--------------------------

This is it guys, the big one, the true test of where we’ve come as a team and a result today will take us top of the league.
Today I’m playing 4-5-1 when we don’t have the ball but when in possession I’m looking for it to move quickly into a 4-3-3 with the two flanks coming forward. I want you to play a patient game when not in possession, no lunging in for tackles and to frustrate their team with bodies in the way keeping many people behind the ball, force them to keep moving the ball about as they probe for gaps.
Then when we’re in possession I want it to suddenly change gears, use our wings acceleration to hit them on the counterattack.
This is all about making the most of the opportunities so these sudden attacks and set pieces are where I want us to hit them hard with.
We want to put up a wall today yet then hit them with decisive bursts to get the victory.

GK: Reina – Organisation is vital. Be loud, be assertive, inform the guys in front of you exactly what you want from them. Remain on your toes at all times for long range efforts from Modric and Gerrard whilst looking to make yourself big if the wingers break through from the side. Look to come out for crosses and collect the ball before throwing the ball to one of our wingers to start a marauding run forward.

RB: Van Der Wiel – Today you’re more than likely facing your Dutch teammate Elia, Elia has a fantastic top speed so you have to ensure you remain between him and the goal, be aware for balls going over you and where he is at all times. Force him wide and look to hit the ball into touch. Get Reus to help out when needed. Don’t look to dart forward as much as usual today but if the opportunity arises then look to link up play with Reus.

LB: Pereira – In Farfan you’re also facing a winger with a great burst of speed so look for balls past you for him to run onto and cut them out. If he has the ball hold your ground, keep between him and the goal and force with into the corners. Hold him up as much as possible while Cazorla comes to assist.

CBs: Chiellini & Godin – Today I’m expecting a lone front man of Cardozo, he’s not the fastest player on the pitch but he makes up for it with a quick response and eye for goal so be alert, keep yourself between him and goal and crowd him out. Zonal marking between you as I don’t want either of getting dragged out of space for the likes of Gerrard, Modric and their wingers coming forward.

CMs: Martinez & Marchisio – Return to the first choice pairing in the centre of midfield and a big ask of you both today versus Modric and Gerrard. I want it clean, I want it simple, keep at their heels when they have the ball and when you have it look to move it forward with pace. Martinez I want you to use your height in both boxes to your advantage, boss their tallest player in defensive pieces whilst looking to make them pay when we have free kicks and corners. If our fullbacks look to go forward on counter attacks then Martinez to sit back and plug gaps whilst Marchisio to go forward and look to collect loose balls.

RW: Reus – You’re a loaded gun today Reus, I want you to pull the trigger. Play a steady game and then when it counts hit them with electric bursts of pace bringing the ball inside and running at their defence, look to link up play fast with Coutinho and Hulk as they make decisive runs into the box. Ensure that you track back to assist VDW when Fiorentina are in possession.

LW: Cazorla – Use your skills today to go at their defence, look to work your way inside and link up play with Coutinho and force spaces between their back four. Look to thread balls through to Hulk. Aid Pereira when we don’t have the ball in backtracking on their wings.

AM: Coutinho – Debut for the young Brazilian from Inter Milan and a chance to shine against Italian opposition. Look to pick up the ball and run with it, you have the width of the park and I want to look to work with both wingers, linking up play between them and Hulk with fast breakaway attacks. When not in possession look to assist the two centre midfielders in pressurizing Modric and Gerrard and crowding out the midfield.

ST: Hulk – Missing your partner in crime today but a fellow Brazilian has come to your aid. Work with Coutinho at smashing down the Fiorentina back line. Play deep and look to run at their back two with Coutinho, play quick one twos or feign passes to confuse their defence to break past. Look for the runs of our wingers and be ready to dash through the space between their two centre backs for through balls and rebounds.


Subs: Bracali
Papadopolous
Danilo
Holtby
Kleber
Rodriguez
Kovacic

If losing: 70m take off Coutinho and Reus and bring on Kovacic and Rodriguez, use their speed and fresh pace to shoot forward 4-3-1-2 line.
If winning: 80m take off Coutinho and solidify the back line with Papadopolous playing in a 5-4-1 formation, look to contain the ball and force them further and further upfield before counterattacking with the wingers and Hulk at them at speed to get another goal.

Free kicks: Cazorla left side, Reus right side
Throw ins: Martinez
Penalties: Hulk

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs tottenham

Injuries - bender, samba, defour

After our last match ended against Atletico Madrid ended in a default win in our favour, we will be looking to continue our unbeaten streak against Tottenham.

----------------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker-----Van Buyten-----Otamendi-----A Santos
--------------------Rolfes-------Sandro--------------------
Lennon----------------------------------------------Bale
-----------------------------Ballack--------------------
-------------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

Subs - Giefer, Corluka, Gallas, Pirlo, Guarin, Gutierrez, Vucinic

Captain - rolfes
Freekicks - ballack
Corner kicks - bale
Penalties - agbonlahor

Leno
Command your box. Always keep your eyes on the ball. If the opposition have a freekick in a dangerous position then place your wall and how many players should be in it. If you catch the ball from a corner then throw it out fast to either Bale or Lennon who can use their pace on the wings and hit Tottenham on the counter attack.

Kyle Walker
I want you to stay close to the opposition left winger and not let him take you on. You are a fast player so use your pace to your advantage and keep him quiet. You also have to help Lennon in the attacking aswell. Whenever Lennon has the ball I want you to make an overlapping run. Lennon may choose to pass you or if your tightly marked he will pass someone else. If he does not use you then you will have to come downfield and wait near the halfway line.

Andre Santos
The Brazil international will have a bit more defensive role than his teammate Kyle Walker today. I want you to stay deep and assess the threat of their right winger. If you can handle him then you are doing a good job so far. Sandro will help you and cover for you if he gets past you. I want you to attack aswell and help Bale in creating goal scoring opportunities.

Van Buyten + Otamendi
Van Buyten will play the role of the stopper. His main job is to use his physical attributes to his advantage and close the opposition striker down quickly so he doesnt have time to play his style of play. Otamendi will play the role of the cover centre back. He will sweep up and cover if the striker gets past Van Buyten. Otamendi is a very quick defender and is the perfect combination with Van Buyten. Also Van Buyten is more than a match for Adebayor in the air and will use his experience to mark him.

Rolfes + Sandro
These 2 did a great job in the last match with their tough tackling and their ability to break up the oppositions play so we need another good performance from them again. They will be tasked with winning the ball back from Tottenham and passing the ball to the more creative players on the pitch. They also have a good 'engine' which allows them to play the whole 90mins at 100% and it is important that they stay on guard at all times.

Bale + Lennon
Your job is to help both attack and defense. You both will stay close to the touchline, dribble past the full-back and try and float in a cross for Agbonlahor to finish. When you are on the attack, be aware of how many of your teammates are making forward runs. If there are too many of them going up then it may be better off staying back. Use this time to recover you stamina. When moving forward off the ball, make sure you keep your width. Even if you are planning to make a near post run, stay outside for as long as you can. This way you will be coming in from the blind side of Tottenham's defense and they wont know what hit them.

Ballack
He is the playmaker of the team and will be the player who creates chances for his teammates to finish. He is also a huge goalscoring threat and can also shoot from long range. His role today is to use his good close control and technique to bamboozle the opposition and pass the ball to the wingers. He will try and thread a through ball in between defences and is also an aerial threat. He is good at headers and he can also put in a tackle.

Agbonlahor
He is the lone striker. His job is to try and get behind Spurs defense and is an expert at timing his runs. He will be looking to use his pace to his advantage as he is one of the fastest players in the league. He also has good physical strength and can hold the ball up untill he sees someone making an offensive run. As the lone striker you will be given the job to finish any chances that are given to you.

SUBS
LOSING by 65mins
Change formation to a 4-4-2 . Sandro OFF Vucinic ON
Lennon OFF Jonas Gutierrez ON
Rolfes OFF Pirlo ON

-----------------------------Leno-------------------------
walker-----Van Buyten-----Otamendi-----Santos
------------------------------Pirlo---------------------
Gutierrez-------------------------------------------Bale
----------------------------Ballack---------------------
-----------Agbonlahor-----------Vucinic---------------


WINNING by 65mins
Change formation to a 5-4-1. Ballack OFF Guarin ON
Lennon OFF Gallas ON

------------------------------Leno----------------------------
Walker----Van Buyten----Gallas----Otamendi----Tiene
----------------------Rolfes------Sandro--------------------
----------Guarin------------------------------Bale---------
-------------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

DRAWING by 65mins
Keep the same 4-5-1 formation but put on some fresh legs.
Sandro OFF Guarin ON
Lennon OFF Gutierrez ON

-----------------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker-----Van Buyten-----Otamendi-----Santos
-------------------Rolfes--------Guarin--------------------
Gutierrez------------------------------------------Bale
---------------------------Ballack--------------------
------------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

tacics

week 7

TOTTENHAM VS b.leverkusen

o right lads i know last week was a bit of a miss but hopefully we can get back to winning ways at home, today we are faced with leverkusen who happen to be unbeaten, but the only reason they are unbeaten is that no-one has been good enough to beat them yet, but the funny thing is , we are, and i think you know it, we have a lot of new lads and i want you allto make them feel welcome, with the home crowd behind us i firmly can believe we can win

[quote="cherriesfan"]tacics

week 7

TOTTENHAM VS b.leverkusen

o right lads i know last week was a bit of a miss but hopefully we can get back to winning ways at home, today we are faced with leverkusen who happen to be unbeaten, but the only reason they are unbeaten is that no-one has been good enough to beat them yet, but the funny thing is , we are, and i think you know it, we have a lot of new lads and i want you allto make them feel welcome, with the home crowd behind us i firmly can believe we can win

INJ
Bassong
Moutinho

---------------------MAndanda------------------------
Johnson---------Rienartz---------King-----------Oriol
-----------------------Diarra------------------------
Barnetta------------Eriksen------------------Jovetic
----------Adebayor----------DErdiyok-----------

Subs
Cudicini
Motta
Livermore
Palombo
Sorinio
Ibe
Anichebe

Captain: KIng

Pens Adebayor

FKs Eriksen

GKs Mandanda
First and fremost welcome to spurs, your job today is quite simply keep the ball out of the net,try your best to try and communicate with your team mates, come for balls thta yuo feel safe coming for and dont try and do any thing to you dont have to do, but mst important just keep to task and show why we paid 18 million for you.

FBs Johnson and Oriol
Gain welcome to spurs both of you, your first aggaisnt will probably be your most diificult of the season as you will probably be up against lennon and bale, dont let them exploit their pace against you, dont over commit and try to be one step a head of them, most of the time you will have the wingers supporting you, when attacking try and overlapp and create 2v1s and get it inot the hieght of the strikers.

CBs Rienartz and King.
Ok you have a very inportnat job, they wil probably try and exploit Abonglahors pace against you, king due to your experience he is you responsibility, dont let him get behind you and play safe, rienartz the second striker will be your responsibilty, do the same but just stay close and dont give either striker any room, if they pay one 1 up front doulbe up on the striker and render him useless.

DM Diarra
Practicly same as the last two weeks, control the midfield and try to offload the ball ot tthe more attacking players , sit in front of the front four and help them out, control the CMs or Cams shodow movement and dont give them a chane to offload of play it to there pacy players

Wingerr- Barneta and Jovetic
Right again you two will be staring on the wings, be creative and keep the opponants guessing, come inside go outisde have a pop, you will work in unison with eriksen, also swap wing dont let eiter full back get used to playing against you, when out side we are going witht the hieght up front so try and cros it in to them, look to run beyong as well and chanllange the centre backs, use your skill to create opening when we atatck, i also expect you to get back and help the full backs try and contain there pace on the wing doulbe up with the full backs and then create an attack when you win it back

CAM - Eriksen


Today you are the HUB of the attack, everything revolves around you, look at the wings for teh runs of the wingers and like them be creative , linger on the edge of the box and create chance for your fellow attacking players but dont be afraid to go sole take shots and use your genuine skill, you arnt one of the best young prospect in the world for no reason,look to support everone, look to play through the strikers and use them as outlets, your are the centre of our team today, show everyone why you deserve it.

ST Adebayor and Derdiyok
I have decideed to go with two up front as past experiebces showed me it has worked, today i want you to be strong and cahallendge the CBs also look to distribute teh ball to the attacking mid and wingers, they will provide your service, we will look to exploit your hiegt and power by crossing it in to you, but also look to make runs in behind they backfour, spearhead our attack with power anf force.

subs If winning 75 off derd-on Palombo

-------Palombo-------Diarra
-----Barn----Erik-----Jov
-------Ade-----------

lossing 80 off Diarra- on Ibe

Barn-------Erik-------------Jov
-------------Ibe----------
---------Derd-----Ade--------

Starting Eleven VILLARREAL (vs Atletico)

Formation: 4-4-2

----------------------------Friedel
----Anyukov-----Zapata-----Marchena-----Capdevilla
------Simao--------Rodwell------Valero-----Giovinco
-----------------------Rossi
---------------------------Soldado

Substitutes
Sanchez
Rodriguez
Lopez
Cani
Senna
Ruben

Tactics

Friedel makes his debut for us and will be our first choice goalie now. Has bags of experience and will marshal his defence all game. keep communicating with your defenders and come out for the corners, etc. Make strong punches and command your area.

Anyukov and Capdevilla will be very close to their men. Be physical and show them on their weaker foot. Try to get early tackles in and match them for pace and win the long balls etc. aimed at them. Capdevilla is our new signing and will definitely shore up our defence. Use your experience and dominate your opponent. If he is more pacy than you then play intelligently and don't allow him to run at you. Foul him if necessary and stop him taking advantage. Also get forward and help your wingers in attack.

Zapata will mark their striker and Marchena will sweep the 2nd balls. Be tight on their striker if they play two upfront. Dominate them aerially and get your heads first on the crosses, corners etc. Keep your concentration at the back. The experience we have at the back should help us, Marchena and Capdevilla are both Spanish team-mates and will communicate with each other as will Zapata. Dont allow them to get on the knock downs and clear them before any opponent gets on the end of it. Block the shots.

Rodwell and Valero are in the central midfield together for this game. Rodwell will use his energy and close down atletico's attacking threat. Keep your eyes on Pastore and co. and dont allow them time and space on the ball at all. Block the shots, be physcial and harass them. Rodwell will go forward when we have the ball and support our attacks. Pass the ball for the wingers or look for the 2 strikers up front. Valero will be alongside rodwell in our midfield and will help shield our back 4 from their attacks. Dont expose us to their players running at the defence. We should not be stretched at any time during the match. Keep our shape and discipline. Valero is a great passer of the ball and will look for the runs made by rossi and soldado and will find them.

Simao and Giovinco both will take their men on. Dribble at them with pace, shoot at sight and cross for the strikers. Look for rossi who will at times drop deep and link up with him. Cut inside most of the times and let your FB overlap you. Also help out defensively.

Rossi will play just behind Soldado. He has played before in this position for Villarreal and this will help him use the ball more. Get the ball from the midfield and the wingers and find Soldado. If he has space on the edge or near their area then pull the striker with his left foot. Thread balls for Soldado, make one-twos with wingers and the striker and be a nuisance all match. Run in behind their defenders, go a little deep to get the ball, run at them, create space for Soldado by confusing their defenders with your runs, get on the end of Soldado's knock downs and get us a goal.

Soldado will be up front. He will get on the end of the crosses and get his head on the long balls for Rossi and the wingers to run onto. Shoot and keep running all game. We need him to score more for us.

SUBS

IF WINNING - After 75 mins - Senna ON Simao OFF. Be more defensive and cautious. Senna to play in the midfield with rodweel, valero and giovinco and be more defensive and stay back all times.

Atletico v Porto (week 7)

Injuries: Danilo, Kovacic.
Captain: Chiellini

Formation 4-4-2

----------------------------Reina--------------------------
Van Der Wiel------Chiellini------Godin--------Pereira
Reus-----------Marchisio-------Martinez------Cazorla
----------------------Falcao----Hulk----------------------

So close last week guys, so close. We were a whisker away from beating the league leaders but we need to ensure this week that maintain this form and not let Atletico into the game. Today I want goals, goals and more goals, I want you to ensure that if Fiorentina drop any points that we finish on a high goal difference come the end of the season. Push higher up today and I want you to maintain a high level of pressure, make the quality of our team pay as the opposition run out of energy chasing shadows. We have our strongest eleven on the pitch today so I want a statement of intent made that we’re ready to pounce the moment Fiorentina falter.

GK: Reina – Be alert today, their main threat will come from Pastore through the centre and Turan down the right wing so ensure you have a clear line of sight on both of these when they have the ball. Direct your defensive line, instruct them on set pieces and ensure they know exactly what you require of them. Be out early for crosses and then look to quickly turn defence into attack by throwing the ball out to the flanks.

RB: Van Der Wiel – You’ve got a big task on your hands today in looking after Turan but you’re faster than him and have a better response rate so I expect you to beat him down the wing and snuff out balls played to him. When he has the ball keep yourself between him and the goal and get Reus to track back if they try to double up, this week look to go forward a bit more, you’re great at marauding runs but make sure that you get any space you’ve left behind covered.

LB: Pereira – Reyes still has a great burst of speed so be aware of that, you can match him but you have ensure you’re focused on the task in hand, be aware of the opposition trying to push balls past you and intercept them and launch them back down the wing itself using Cazorla to immediately put them on the back foot.

CBs: Chiellini & Godin – Last time Atletico played they went with both Lopez and Schurrle upfront and I expect the same today especially with Diego out injured. Both of them are fairly decent speed merchants so keep between them and the goal, speak to each other at all times and use your tactical prowess to diffuse any threatening runs at you.

CMs: Martinez & Marchisio – Martinez I want you to play the anchor role today and cut out the threat that Pastore provides, look to physically dominate him and then get the ball quickly out to the wings. Get into both boxes for set pieces and use that height to make it count. Stay back when VDW goes forward to plug gaps at the back. Marchisio I want to move the ball about the pitch, 1 touch and move, 1 touch and move, have the opposition chasing your tail as you use your fantastic touch and stamina to grind them out. Hang just outside the area on corners/fks and be the first to pick up the loose ball and continue the pressure on them.

RW: Reus – I want you to make Lopez suffer today, turn him inside and out as you run at him, mix up your tactics and alternate between cutting inside and hitting quick balls between the defensive line for Hulk to pounce on and going round the back to place a sweet ball onto Falcao’s head. Don’t forget your defensive duties though when we don’t have the ball and help out VDW.

LW: Cazorla – I want you today to beat your man down the wing, keep the ball close to your feet and mesmerise our old player Pereira down the wing, look mainly to beat him down the side and then hit balls across the ground to Hulk and in the air to Falcao. If Reus is attacking look to come into the box and be an extra man.

ST: Hulk & Falcao – Return to the dream team upfront. Hulk play in a free role and drag the defensive pair ragged, drop deep and pick the ball up and then run at the back two linking up with Falcao. Falcao I want you to sit on the shoulder of their deepest defender dropping in and out of the offside trap to keep them deep and on the back foot. Look for the wingers to float balls over to you so be first up for the ball and hammer it into the corners.


Subs: Bracali
Papadopolous
Holtby
Kleber
Rodriguez
Isla
Coutinho


If losing: 70m take off Marchisio and Reus and bring on Coutinho and Rodriguez, use their speed and fresh pace to shoot forward 4-3-1-2 line.
If winning: 80m take off Falcao and bolster the back four with Papadopolous in a 5-4-1 formation, look to contain the ball in front of this wall and force Atletico to get more and more desperate before counterattacking with the wingers and Hulk at them at speed to kill them off.

Free kicks: Cazorla left side, Reus right side
Throw ins: Martinez
Penalties: Hulk

Fiorentina (vs. Spurs)

Injured:
Jeremy Toulalan
Laurent Koscielny
Julien Draxler

----------------------Sirigu
De Silvestri--Mertesacker---Rolando----Baines
-------------Gerrard--Soriano--Modric
Farfan-----------------------------------Elia
---------------------Cardozo

Subs: Boruc, Cassani, Tasci, Cerci, Munari, Barkley, Matri

We are going to play possession football in the central areas, but looking to quickly feed the wingers to run at and attack the Spurs full back area, which we identify as their main weakness. Both full back’s are more comfortable going forward than defending, so we are looking to exploit that, particularly on our right/their left, where we don’t expect the Lb to get much help from the winger.

We identify the main danger from Spurs coming from the AM position and have put numbers into that area to stifle the space for Eriksen to operate in and subsequently cut off the supply going forward.

Sirigu – Command you box and come for crosses. Control the defence in front of you, organising them. Remain alert for balls in behind, where you can sweep up.

De Silvestri & Baines – First and foremost I want you to pick up the two wingers. Both are wingers who prefer to go inside, rather than stay outside and get crosses in, so use your positioning to keep them on the outside and force them to supply from wider positions than they are comfortable in. If they do get inside, we have put numbers centrally, so they will be going down a crowded alley and stifling the space that their own AM likes to operate in – bonus!! Baines - you should try and get forward to support the attack as much as you can. De Silvestri – you can get forward occasionally, but not at the same time as Baines and not to the detriment of your defensive responsibilities of picking up Jovetic. At free kicks and corners, De Silvestri should stay back.

Rolando & Mertesacker – We expect one up front for Spurs today, in Adebayor, so Rolando you will pick him up as you have the pace and strength to stick with him and not get muscled of the ball. Mertesacker if Spurs play a second forward, then you will pick them up otherwise you will play as the spare man, picking up any loose balls and attacking the crosses into the box from outwide. Go forward for corners as you both provide a formidable presence in the box.

Soriano – you will play as the DM, sitting and breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the back four. You will provide the base and cover which will allow Modric to play the creative game. Alongside Modric and Gerrard you will stifle Eriksen trying to take him out of the equation. Fill the space that he operates in and don’t give him time to even breath.

Modric – you will play as playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. You will control our attacks, looking to feed our wingers. Set them free to attack the full back areas. If Cardozo has the Spurs CBs sticking tight to him, then look to his movement outwide and play the ball into the vacated space for the wingers to run into. Defensively, you must help Soriano out protecting the back four and picking up the Spurs AM.

Gerrard – you will play box to box today. You will drive through the centre and get to the edge of the box to unleash shots and feed Cardozo. You will cover every blade of grass. Defensively, you should help out Soriano in protecting the back 4, but also keeping an eye on the Spurs AM. Also be aware of the Spurs RW when Baines gets forward.

Elia & Farfan – you will look to run at the full backs taking them on and getting the ball into the box. Both of the Spurs full backs are more comfortable attacking than defending, so get at them and run at them, pushing them back. When the ball is on the opposing flank, get into the box. Defensively track back and help your FB out defensively.

Cardozo – you are playing as the main focal point of our attacks today. Our wingers will look for you in the box, whilst Gerrard will be looking to get up and in support of you centrally. Modric will also be looking to play the ball over the top to you when there is space in behind the Spurs CBs. You will need to work hard and keep moving. If Spurs double up on you, then move outwide and create space for Elia or Farfan to run into

Captain: Gerrard
Free kicks/corners: Modric, Baines
Penalties: Baines

Subs: If losing or drawing on 65 minutes, Soriano off, Matri on

--------------------------Sirigu
De Silvestri--Mertesacker---Rolando----Baines
--------------------Gerrard----Modric
Farfan-------------------------------------------Elia
--------------------Matri------Cardozo

Modric and Gerrard to both play box to box, two out and out strikers.

If winning on 75 minutes, De Silvestri, Farfan, Cardozo off; Cassani, Barkley, Matri on

--------------------------Sirigu
Cassani-----Mertesacker---Rolando----Baines
--------------Gerrard--Soriano--Modric
Barkley-------------------------------------------Elia
--------------------------Matri

Fresh legs and more of the same.

Fiorebtina vs SPURS

Right lads another tricky away game, i believe our game plan is good enough to stifle there attack and give us the win. more defensive this week so no heroics, have a goodgame boys and i want all 3points

INJ
Rienartz
Anichebe

-----------------------------Mandanda-------------------------
Johnson----------Bassong--------King----------------Oriol
------------------------Palombo-------Diarra--------------
--------------------------------Moutinho---------------------
Eriksen---------------------------------------------Jovetic
----------------------------Adebayor------------------

subs
Cudecini
Sorensen
Barnetta
Livermore
Derdijok
Ibe


Captain KING

FKs Eriksen

PENs Adebayor



Mandanda:
Now youve settled in try and further communicate with your players a bit more, same as alway just dop your job and keep the cball out of the net.

FBs Johnson and Oriol.
Today we are playing more defensive, stay back and donot go forward unless it is absolutly nessacsary, push therewingers outside and isolate them, do not over commit.

CBsBassong and king.
what i want you to dois what happened last week, man marking, led, you take the stronger forward , if like last week they play one up top, i want you two to double team him and make him useless, youll also have the DMs supporting you.

DMs Palombo and Diarra
your role is to sit infron tof the back 4 and help them out, go forward on occasion but your main objective is defend, stay close to theyre CMs or CAMs and keeep them quiet, shut down there play , win the ball and distribute it accordingly. aslo move outwide to support your full back if it becomes apparent they become isolated with little winger hepl

Wingers Eriksen and jovetic.
right today i have elected to start you two, even though you are playing as wingers dont nessacarily becoem them, your main rolee is creating chances out wide wether that be going down the wings cutting in or passing i dont mind just mix things up and confuse there full backs. dont be afraid to shoot from distance but look to pass first, you got alot of talent around you so dont be afraid to use it.

CAm Moutinho
you will be playing i nside of the twowingers and you are my main playmaker, aways look for the ball and make yourself avalible. use the players around you and trouble there midfield and defense, liek the wingers same rules apply. be creative and have an end product

St Adebayor
Today you are my lone striker, look to hold up the ball and bring others nto the game, use your hieght to win heads and make yourself avaliblre for crosses, aswellas that look to make runs in behind there defense to create space.

SUBS
Losing 65
Off palombo On derd. Dediyok goes up front switch to a 4-1-3-2

winning 80 off moutinho on soreson, switch to a 5-2-2-1 sorenson going CB.

losing or drawing 75 offf palombo on barrneta switching to a 4-1-2-2-1
barnetta replacing eriksen out wide and eriksne slotting along side moutinho at CAM

villareal vs BAYERN LEVERKUSEN

Injuries
Walker
Sandro
Jorgensan

STILL UNDEFATED! But the problem is that we are picking up too many draws in games we really should be winning. Hopefully we can get back on track with a win against Villareal.

-------------------------Leno-------------------------
Corluka-----Samba-----Otamendi-----A Santos
------------------------Rolfes---------------------
Lennon-----------------------------------------Bale
------------------------Defour---------------------
--------Agbonlahor----------Vucinic---------------

Subs - Giefer, Tiene, Van Buyten, Pirlo, Guarin, Gutierrez, Amauri

Freekicks - defour
Cornerkicks - left = bale right = lennon
Penalty - vucinic
Captain - rolfes

Defense
Leno will command his box and be confident when going to collect the loose ball. When you have the ball quickly throw it out to either Bale or Lennon so they can hit the opposition on the counter attack. Their centre forwards Soldado and Rossi are quick players but we have the physical powerhouse Chris Samba to snuff them out. Corluka and Santos will play at a defensive mentality at the start of the game but will look to be more aggressive later on in the game. Help Bale and Lennon by making overlaping runs to put the Villareal defense under pressure. Don't forget your defensive responsibilities and when your in a one on one situation with the opposition winger close him down quickly so he doesn't have time to react.

Midfield
Rolfes will be playing as the defense mid and will look to protect the back four. He will cover for either Santos or Walker if they are on attack mode. Bale and Lennon will look to try and take the opposition full backs on by using their pace. They are good 1 v 1 players and will hopefully give the opposition defense a bad time. I am pretty sure Villareal will play Capdevilla and Anyukov as their side backs and with due respect, Capdevilla is past his peak and Lennon will destroy him pace wise if he gets on top speed. They will also try and whip in some dangerous crosses for Agbonlahor or Vucinic to head home. Defour will play the role of the attack mid and will look to dictate the pace of the game. He will make late bursting runs in to the box and try and score a goal.

Attack
Vucinic and Agbonlahor will look to play on the the shoulder of the last defender. They are clinical strikers and will use their pace to to trouble the opposition defense. Agbonlahor brings the pace while Vucinic brings the goal poaching.

If losing by 55mins I will take off Rolfes and put on Jonas Gútierrez to play more attacking.

If winning by 55mins I will take off Defour and put on Guarin to play more defensive.

Villarreal vs leverkusen

Injuries: Angel lopez, de Guzmann

Starting Eleven:

-------------------------------Friedel
-------Anyukov-----Musacchio------Marchena-----Capdevilla
------------------------------Rodwell
----------------------Motta-----------Valero
------------Simao----------------------------------Giovinco
------------------------------Soldado

Substitutes:
Sanchez
Zapata
Rodriguez
Cani
Rossi
Senna

Team talk

A crucial home game for us. Just a couple of things: dominate the midfield, dominate possession, keep the ball, out number them in the midfield and we get the points. Defend from the front, don't let them settle.

Tactics

Friedel is as reliable as ever and will not commit mistakes in this very crucial game for us. Command the area, use your experience and shout at your fullbacks to make them aware of Bale and Lennon's runs. Come out and make decisions to punch or hold.

Anyukov and Capdevilla will both mark their wingers tightly. Anyukov will stay tight and close to Bale and if necessary foul him and bring him down near the half-line or just bang into him to stop him otherwise if he beats you then he will run at our defence and expose it. Anyukov also challenge him for long balls and dominate him. He will take you on the outside on his left foot so be very aware of that and stop his crosses. Dont let him nutmeg you around the edge of the are or the by-lines.

Capdevilla does not has the pace to match Lennon so he will stay back all game and stay with Lennon. Stop him running at you, use your experience and use it in this match. Dominate him physically and keep him under your control at all times. Stop his crosses and he will also take you around the outside at most times so be aware of that and track him throughout the match.

Musacchio and Marchena will mark Agbonlahor and Vucinic respectively. Keep close to them and out-pace and put-muscle them during the match. Challenge them aerially and especially Musacchio don't be out-paced by gabby. Keep your concentration during the 90mins and snuff out their centre forwards threat. Get your head on the crosses and Marchena to sweep the 2nd balls and knockdowns.

Rodwell is asked to play a more defensive role today and he will stay back but will sometimes play his box-to-box role today, when we have the ball and if they are outnumbered in attack only then he will go forward, otherwise stay BACK. We need to outnumber them in the midfield and if do that and keep the ball then, we are at home and will dictate the play. Rodwell's task is simple: just get stuck in them, harass and harry them when they have the ball and keep your eyes on the wingers during the match. their main threat is their wingers and if we keep 'em quiet then all their supply will finish. So Rodwell to make strong and physical tackles in the centre of the park. Do not expose our defence at all in this game.

Motta and Valero will play just in front of Rodwell and will help out in defence as well as going forward. Motta will help out in defence more and will come forward and give the ball wide to the wingers or short in the centre of the park. Valero has immense passing range and we will use it to good effect in this match. He will be our main attacking threat from central midfield and will play killer through balls for Soldado and the wingers. Also close them down as soon as they get the ball and do not let them be comfortable on the ball. Keep running all match. Valero will also join in the box for crosses etc.

Simao and Giovinco keep running at their defenders and run with pace to draw fouls. Cross for Soldado, cut inside and Giovinco use your vision and bang in thru balls for Soldado and look for Valero's balls over the defence. Both wingers make runs in behind their defence and stretch their defence. Simao will exploit Santos' attacking instincts and punish them on the RW. Cross, hit shots and look for the striker. Also very IMPORTANT double back and help out the fullbacks.

Soldado is the lone target man. He is in fantastic form and will need to get a goal for us today. Get your head on the crosses, long balls, make knock-downs, make runs to let runners from midfield and wings come inside and take your markers with you out of position. Shoot and be a menace. Use your pace and do not out muscled y Samba, he is slow and we will exploit and target him.

Captain - Marchena
Pens - Rodwell
Corners - Simao
FK's - Giovinco, Valero

SUBS
IF LOSING - AFTER 65 mins - Rossi ON for Valero - Play more attacking and direct football, rossi up-top with Soldado and be more direct. 4-4-2

IF WINNING - AFTER 70 mins - Senna ON for Simao. Stay back and cover your fullback and do not put a foot over the half-way line. Stay back and defend with the team.

Fiorentina (vs. Atletico)

Injured:
Artur Boruc
Gianni Munari
Apostolos Vellios

Week 9
Leverkusen v Porto

Injuries (VDW & Martinez)
Captain: Chiellini

Formation 4-5-1


Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
This is our principle at Porto, an impenetrable wall at the back with an unstoppable force going forward.
This week we’re up against the speed merchants of the league in Leverkusen. To nullify the threat that their wingers pose I want us to play with great timing, be at the player as they’re receiving the ball and stop them getting into space, stop them from building up momentum, from the off I want pressure on their team and be winning the ball back quickly putting them on the back foot. With the forward threat we can pose then it will continue to force them onto the backfoot nullifying their pace.

GK: Reina – Be on your toes for the speed of their attack from the flanks and Agbonlahor. Look to come out early for crosses from the wings and then set the ball lose to our players forcing them back immediately. Be vocal to the backline, make them aware of exactly what you want them to do in regards to set pieces. Don’t punch the ball unless absolutely necessary.

RB: Danilo – Today you’re up against Bale which is no easy task but the Welshman is a big confidence player and for every good game he has, there’s plenty of shockers. Today I want him to have a shocker. Get at him early on, time your tackles just as he’s receiving the ball which will stop him gaining speed and getting past you, a few of these early in the game and Bale will lose faith and swiftly become anonymous. If Bale has dropped deeper and is running at you with the ball stay on your feet and slow him day pushing him into the corners as Hulk will come back to assist. Then look to link up play with Hulk, the two Brazilians combining down the wing with a little samba flair will have the Pob lookalike wishing he’d stayed at home.

LB: Pereira – You have a similar task to Danilo today in that you’re up against a one trick pony in Lennon. Pressure him straight away, time your tackles just as he’s receiving the ball so he cannot build up acceleration and his confidence will sap straight out of him. Keep between Lennon and the goal if he’s dropped deeper and is running at you and block any through balls that he’ll be sending onto a marauding Agbonlahor. Be aware of the opposition FBs trying to thread balls down the line and intercept them before launching attacks back down the wing linking up with Cazorla.

CBs: Chiellini & Godin – We will have either Agbonlahor alone or partnered by Vucinic, either way timing is key. If it’s Agbonlahor alone then ensure he doesn’t cut through between you and put pressure on him as he’s getting the ball, stop him getting through on goal whilst the other looks for runs from the wings cutting inside, if Vucinic also starts then look to have one on each and again anticipate balls too them, speak to each other constantly so you know exactly what is required from each other.

CMs: Fellaini & Marchisio – Fellaini I want you to play the anchor role today and cut out the threat that your Belgian compatriot Defour provides, look to physically dominate him and then move the ball forward. Be aware of the speed that their wingers possess so if our fullbacks go forward be ready to protect the back line. Get into both boxes for set pieces, at 6ft 4 ½ you’re a giant on the pitch so we’ll be targeting you with balls into the box.
Marchisio Hang just outside the area on corners/fks and be the first to pick up the loose ball and continue the pressure on them. Don’t give them time to settle and use your fantastic stamina to be at them for 90 minutes. Assist Eriksen going forward and build up an understanding with him of simple one touch play to unlock the Leverkusen defence.

RW: Hulk – I’m playing you on the wing today as I want your speed and physical presence to really threaten your Brazilian compatriot Santos, you know he’s not comfortable defending but today that’s what he’s going to doing in abundance. Pick the ball up early and run at him, alternate between cutting in to hit a ball from the edge of the area at goal or drag it out wide past the man and curl a sweet cross onto the nut of Falcao. Assist Danilo though too if Leverkusen have the ball, don’t let him get doubled up on.

LW: Cazorla – Up against Walker today and he’s got bags of potential, that’s potential though, whilst you have the talent right here, right now. Show him a masterclass with your close ball and turning skills. Use 1 touch passes with Pereira to beat Walker and get behind the Leverkusen backline. Ensure you don’t forget to assist Pereira when required though.

AM: Eriksen – Straight into the side and given a golden chance to showcase exactly why so many top clubs were scouting you. I want you to really mix your game up today, dummy runs, shoulder feints, roulette skills and cut back passes. Use your high level of technique to have their defence second guessing for the full 90 minutes. Work with your new team mates with slick, intelligent pass and movement to get past their defence to link up with the final piece of the jigsaw...Falcao

ST: Falcao –I want you to sit on the shoulder of their deepest defender dropping in and out of the offside trap to keep them deep and on the back foot. Look for the wingers to float balls over to you so be first up for the ball and hammer it into the corners. Eriksen will be looking for crisp one touch passing through to you so be alert and ready to pounce.


Subs: Bracali
Eliseu
Casemiro
Reus
Rodriguez
Isla
Kovacic


If losing: 70m take off Marchisio and Cazorla and bring on Reus and Rodriguez, stick Hulk up front with Falcao and use these fresh legs and added goal threat to bombard the Leverkusen goal.
If winning: 80m take off Eriksen and bolster the defence line with Casemiro sitting in front of them in a 4-1-4-1 formation, look to contain the ball in front of this wall and force Leverkusen to get more and more desperate before counterattacking with the wingers and Falcao at them at speed to kill them off.

Free kicks: Cazorla left side, Hulk right side, Eriksen centre
Throw ins: Fellaini
Penalties: Falcao

Athletico Madrid team vs Fiorentina

---------------------------- Courtois -------------------------
Pereira ------ Dominguez ------ Perea ------ Filipe Luis
Salvio ----------- Thiago ---------- Diego -------- Reyes
----------------------------- Pastore -------------------------
---------------------------- Schurrle --------------------------

Substitutions
Asenjo
Antonio Lopez
Miranda
Gabi
Juanfran
Koke
Diego Costa

FK - PASTORE
CK - REYES
PK - SCHURRLE
CAPTAIN - THIAGO

Tactics
Today is the day that the new badman manager takes over Athletico Madrid. I may be a Real Madrid fan but I am being paid to turn the fortunes around at this club. 8 games and 8 losses. What a disappointing record. I hope to win these last 2 games of the season and end it on a high. Forget about the previous 8 games. Our season starts NOW!
I will play a 4-4-1-1 today with the emphasis on crowding out Fiorentinas midfield.

GK Courtois - Use your height to catch all the aerial balls. Don't be afraid to come out of your area to gather any loose balls. All in all just be confident and you'll do well.

FULL BACKS - Maxi Pereira + Filipe Luis - You 2 are the right back and left back and your main priorities will be to defend. Don't let the wingers take you on and you'll do fine. Also help Salvio and Reyes in attack.

CENTRE BACKS Dominguez + Perea - Keep a flat back line. Use your aerial abilities to win headers. Stay compact and don't make unnecessary mistakes.

CENTRE MIDS Thiago + Diego - Thiago will stay back and help the defence while Diego will be the playmaker of the team. He will make attacking runs into the opposition box and will help Pastore in creating attacks.

WINGERS Salvio + Reyes - Use your dribbling ability to take on the full backs. Put dangerous crosses into the box and also track back to help our full backs. Have a shot from distance if you see an opening.

ATTACK MID Pastore - The playmaker of the team. Use you great passing ability to create chances for your teammates. Shoot if you see some space.

CENTRE FORWARD Schurrle - Hold the ball up when alone up front. Quick pass and moves are your strengths so use them as much as you can. If you see an opening then shoot.

Substitutions

On 70 minutes Diego Costa for Schurrle
Antonio Lopez for Filipe Luis

The INJURED players are
Roque
Turan
Adrian

BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs porto

Injuries
Corluka
Ballack
Guarin

We are playing Porto this week at our home stadium and will look for the 3 points which will help us close the gap to the top of the table. We will continue with the 4-5-1 formation as we are undefeated using this tactic so far this season. The main strategy will be to close down their attacking players when they in possession of the ball and use the width of Lennon and Bale to trouble their full backs and create chances for our strikers.

---------------------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker-----Samba-----Otamendi-----A Santos
-----------------Rolfes-----Sandro--------------------
Lennon---------------------------------------Bale
-----------------------Vucinic--------------------
---------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

Subs - Giefer, Tiene, Gallas, Pirlo, Defour, Gutierrez, Amauri

Leno
Leno will command his box and be confident when going to collect the loose ball. When you have the ball quickly throw it out to either Bale or Lennon so they can hit the opposition on the counter attack.

Kyle Walker
I want you to stay close to the Porto left winger and make sure that he does not get past you. If you feel that he can be contained then you are allowed to help Lennon in attack. Make overlapping runs which will put pressure on the Porto left back who will probably be Alvaro Pereira, who is an attack minded player.

Andre Santos
He will have a similar role to Walker. Make sure the Porto right winger does not beat you and also help Bale in attack aswell.

Chris Samba and Nicolas Otamendi
Porto will probably play with 2 upfront but if they play 1 instead I believe our centre backs will be able to contain their striker. If they play Falcao then I want Samba to stick close to him and don't give him space to breathe. Don't let him turn you and watch out from corners or freekicks as Falcao is deadly at headers. Otamendi will be the pace of the defense and will cover for Samba in case Falcao/Hulk gets past him.

Rolfes and Sandro
These 2 will play the role of the defense mids and will look to break up the Porto attack and cover for our side backs if they are out of position. Don't be afraid to put a tackle in and use your physical strength to out power their attacking players. Keep passing simple and dribble out with the ball if you see space in the centre of the pitch.

Aaron Lennon
Use your pace to your advantage and cause trouble to the Porto left back, who will probably be Alvaro Pereira. Pereira is a good player but he has an attacking mentality which we will expose. We will look to use Lennons pace to hit Porto on the counter attack. If you are not able to find any space to take Pereira on then use your good crossing ability to put some dangerous balls into the box for out attackers to finish.

Gareth Bale
The welshman will be the focal point of our attacks as we will look to test their right back and embarrass him as Bale schools him on the art of attacking. I want you to use you great burst of speed to take the Porto right back on and trouble him all night long. Look to draw a foul from him and if he gets booked early on then try and get him sent off. When moving forward off the ball, make sure you keep your width. Even if you are planning to make a near post run, stay outside for as long as you can. This way you will be coming in from the blind side of Porto's defense and they wont know what hit them.

Mirko Vucinic
You will be playing as as a Second Striker today. Your main job is to bring the Porto centre backs out of their natural position and then use Agbonlahor's pace to unlock the Porto defense. You will drop deep into midfield (like Van Persie) and make sure we control possession. You will also have chances to score which im positive a player of your calibre will bury.

Gabriel Agbonlahor
Use your terrifying speed to your advantage by making runs off of the shoulders of the Porto defense. The Porto defense will probably try and close you down quickly so don't do anything fancy and pass the ball to a free team mate. Take your chances when given the opportunity to score.

SUBS
LOSING by 65mins
Change formation to a 4-1-2-3 . Sandro OFF Amauri ON
Lennon OFF Jonas Gutierrez ON
Rolfes OFF Pirlo ON

-------------------------Leno-------------------------
walker-----Samba-----Otamendi-----Santos
------------------------Pirlo---------------------
Gutierrez-----------------------------------------Bale
------------------------Vucinic---------------------
--------Agbonlahor----------Amauri---------------


WINNING by 65mins
Change formation to a 5-4-1. Vucinic OFF Guarin ON
Lennon OFF Gallas ON

------------------------------Leno----------------------------
Walker----Samba----Gallas----Otamendi----Santos
----------------------Rolfes------Sandro--------------------
----------Defour------------------------------Bale---------
-------------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------

DRAWING by 65mins
Keep the same 4-5-1 formation but put on some fresh legs.
Sandro OFF Defour ON
Lennon OFF Gutierrez ON

-------------------------Leno-------------------------
Walker-----Samba-----Otamendi-----Santos
-----------------Rolfes-----Defour--------------------
Gutierrez---------------------------------------Bale
-----------------------Vucinic--------------------
---------------------Agbonlahor-------------------------