Season 2 Tactics Page

----------------Blaswich
Piszczek -- Benatia -- Hummels -- Schmelzer
------------Gabi -----Guarin
S.Sam --------------------------HM Son
----------Adebayor --Benteke

Subs: Heimeroth, Durm, Brouwers,Schneiderlin, Kruse,Rolfes,Ramos

Team Talk: Up against PSV, Last few games of the season so just going to go for it. It works for Citeh so why not here

Blaswich: They are a fairly tall side so i want you to use your height and come claim the ball in crosses.

Piszczek: Get up the pitch overlap the winger and get balls in the box, When defending force them inside so can't cross the ball.

Benatia: Look to get tight to Bony, Don't let him turn and try beat him in the air when possible or nip ahead.

Hummels: Keep tight to the other forward if there is one, If not look to clear up behind Benatia and watch for any AM's coming on through

Schmelzer: Get up the pitch overlap the winger and get balls in the box, When defending force them inside so can't cross the ball.

Gabi: Sit deep and marshall infront of the defense, Look to get tackles in and do the dirty work. Get amongst their midfielders

Guarin: Go box to box get forwards using your power, Look to be all action put tackles in all over the park and get at them, when getting up the pitch look to create for the front 2 or shoot at goal

Sam: Take on Shaw look to use pace and trickery to get at him, Piszczek will overlap you to so look to double up on him and get in behind them

HM Son: I want you to play wide and cut inside a lot today to create room for Schmelzer, Look to dribble at Pereira and create for the forwards, If forces down the line whip the ball in

Adebayor: Back in to the defenders use your presence to get amongst them, look to turn them and drift in behind them, Look to get on the end of crosses by getting in box asap, look for your tap ins aswell

Benteke: Same as Adebayor, Get up against you defender and bully him, Look to give him a tough time and use your strength to get yourself in behind them. Get in the box and look to cause as many issues for them as possible

Subs: HM Son off Kruse on

Injuries: Alvaro Arbeloa, Florian Thauvin, Erik Pieters, Jeffrey Bruma

-------------Pantillimon--------------
Manolev---Ogbonna--Bartra---Shaw--
----------Paulinho-Lampard----------
-Townsend----Vilhena---Agbonlahor--
-------------Finnbogason--------------

4-2-3-1 Formation. We are sticking to similar tactics today with a change in formation and there are some tactics that have been added.

Pantillimon:

- Come and claim crosses and set pieces as much as possible.
- Do everything you can to play the ball into our possession.

Manolev and Shaw:

- Use the width of the pitch to your advantage and look to pass the ball around as much as possible.
- Get forward in support of the attacks but i want you to get back and cover for the central defenders as well.

Ogbonna and Bartra:

- Stay strong on set pieces and crosses and look to play the ball out from the back. Move the ball forward as much as you can.
- You will receive cover from the midfielders and full backs which should help you out.
- I want you both to go up for corners and look to get a header on the ball.

Paulinho and Lampard:

- I want you both to provide a defensive screen when we come under pressure.
- Look to control the game from a deeper position and play passes forward into the players in front of you.
- Lampard i want you to make runs forward and try and take shots from the outside of the box and even inside the box if you get a chance
- Use the width of the pitch when we can to provide more attacking width.

Vilhena, Townsend and Agbonlahor:

- Look to play passes through into Finnbogason.
- Look to get forward as a unit and combine to keep possession of the ball when required.
- Look for openings out wide to make runs and try to cross the ball in when the opportunity arises.
- If you get an opening at the edge of the box feel free to take a shot.

Finnbogason:

- You are on your own up front today but you will recieve support from the players behind you.
- Look to make runs in behind the defence and attack the goal at every opportunity you can.
- Look to score as much as possible.
- Be as strong as you can and hold up the ball when required to bring the rest of our team into the attacks.

Subs: Butland, Pereira, Ferdinand, Oijen, Kasami, Bony, Cassano.

80th Minute: Kasami on for Agbonlahor.
90th Minute: Bony on for Finnbogason and Ferdinand on for Bartra.

We will line-up the same just different personel, I want this formation to work so we go with it but the slight change as the wingers play slightly deeper however they are two lightening quick wingers in Berardi and Fischer patrolling each flank with the intelligent and technically superb Eriksen behind the strong, pacy and goal machine Lasogga.

My intentions are to pack the midfield with Can, Clasie, Rabiot protecting the back-three of Luca Antei, Blind and Stefan de Vrij.

We will operate with Luca Antei as a sweeper. this will help to stop the opposition threat in the attacking third. With the CF and AM being picked up by De Vrij and Indi  this will leave Antei to pick up stray balls, runs from deep and anything they throw at him. Antei DOES NOT mark anyone, he is a spare man just in case!

if de Vrij or Blind lose there man then Antei is always there as insurance to pick whoever it is up.

With De Vrij and Blind picking up these 2 most central attacking players our defence is narrow. This would give there wingers a lot of space to move forward. We will anticipate this by instructing our two central players – Clasie and Rabiot to track these runs.

With Clasie and Rabiot now tracking the runs of the wingers, it would leave Can outnumbered in midfield. Eriksen will always look to drop into midfield so that we will always have a spare man. This spare man again will be Luca Antei – whose game intelligence and reading of the game will allow us to defend well.

When we are faced with doubling-up from our opposition (i.e. the opposition putting a winger and full back on to one of our defenders), we will use this to our advantage by switching the ball quickly and directly which will lead to our team finding an area of the pitch with no opposition player in. Such tactical nuances will be a distinct part of this game plan today, which will npt be expected. This is an obvious and logical tactical ploy; this logical style of play will also be mixed up at times with a some individual flair – but expect at times for even talented players like Fischer to play a pass instead of attempting to pass his marker.

These tactics have proved that they can work by one of the greatest Ajax teams. The quick movement to an area where they may be a man-short will allow us to keep possession comfortably as well as creating opportunities. We will hope to have the opportunity to find space in the most predictable of positions on the pitch.

Emre can and Eriksen will always be available to receive the ball, and are capable of dissecting their midfield with ease.

Our flexible, hard-working system will allow us to have a spare-man available when they have the ball, but significantly, it will gave flexibility and strength in keeping possession. With Emre Can and Eriksen both floating around the half-way line and attacking third respectively, we can move the ball with ease.

They may find it difficult to react to these players, as if they do move out of position to get closer to Eriksen and Can, the shape of their team may fall apart. If an attempt is made to combat the constant space we hope Eriksen will be receiving. This will only give slick-heeled Berardi and Fischer more space to receive the ball.

My use of Rabiot and Clasie will also be of interest too. As well as having defensive responsibilities, they will be instructed to run from deep to connect with our wingers and forwards. It will be their late runs that will often be the most dangerous to penetrate the opposition. To do this, both Clasie and Rabiot will show superb tactical understanding and discipline, not to mention supreme physical fitness. The combination of quick passing and runs from deep will be a constant menace for their back-line. The implication of this will be that if they try to play a high-line to combat the threat of Eriksen, then they will have to drop deeper and deeper to negate the threat of our quick triangles through the midfield.

We will constantly be looking to stretch their defence with Fischer and Berardi always looking to stay wide in the build-up of moves. It will therefore be unsurprising that either Eriksen or Clasie will be the ones to break the deadlock in this game.

Lasogga will not operate as purely an out and out centre forward – as he will also have a license to come a little bit deeper for the ball and run at defences, putting his pace and ability on the ball to full use. In that sort of scenario I will allow Fischer or Berardi to come a bit more central and make sure that Rabiot or Clasie push out a bit wider to cover - meaning we will still keep a good shape in attack and also be well set out if they do try a counter. When Fischer or Berardi come a bit more central, this is where we will use our technical ability, acceleration and sheer pace to full effect. Berardi, lasogga, Fischer and Eriksen's creative partnerships will give even the sturdiest of defences a very testing time through their combined abilities.

Lasogga is a complete centre forward; a deadly finisher, excellent with the ball at his feet, strong presence in air and hard working for his team. All of these combined with his unique scoring record makes me feel entirely confident that his name will appear on the score sheet many times throughout the season.

Captain:- Eriksen
Penalties:- Lasogga
Free Kicks:- Eriksen
Corners:- Eriksen

Subs:-
Losing/drawing
70 Mins Rhijn for Can, Rhijn to RB, Blind to LB 4-3-3
75 Mins Morata for Rabiot 4-4-2
80 Mins Werner for Fischer

Winning:-
75 Mins - Rhijn for Can Rhijn to RB, Blind to LB 4-5-1
80 Mins - Morata for Lasogga
85 Mins - Eikrem for Rabiot

Injuries
Diego Costa
Éverton Ribeiro
Ross Barkley
Danny Ings

Starting XI
-----------De Sanctis
Clyne---Zouma---Miranda---Davies
-----Mulumbu------Ramsey
Volland-------Pjanic-----JayRod
-------------Sturridge
Subs
Howard, Alex, Balzaretti, Hughes, Di Natale, Serero, Distin

Overview
An attack minded 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers to allow full backs to provide width when attacking. and working in groups of 2 or 3 to get the ball back when defending.

Keeper

When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.

Full Backs
Both are used to the attacking side of the game, and their primary directive will be to push on and make overlapping runs down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line. Defensively the objective is to push the opposition winger out as wide as possible.

Centre Backs
Miranda will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Zouma looking to win the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Miranda will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Zouma making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.

Centre Mids

Mulumbu will look to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Ramsey will be playing a more all round game looking to put himself about, not afraid to run with the ball and get forward to make late runs and be an extra attacking presence. When defending, Ramsey is the more pressing of the 2, looking to keep a tab on the opposition midfield runners whilst Mulumbu plays a little deeper just screening the back 4.




Wingers

When they are on the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be more on cutting inside, and only occasionally putting in crosses, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide the wide option. If the opposition full backs has kept on our full back, the wingers shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
 When defending, they should look to assist Costa in his pressing game by keeping tight to the opposition full backs.

Attacking Midfielder
Pjanic should be looking to just put himself about a bit when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, not afraid to come a bit deeper to get the ball and take on players himself or look to make an attacking pass. he should also look to be making late runs into the box as an attacking option when we have the ball out wide. when defending, he should look to stay tight enough to the opposition defensive pivot he could tell what religion he is.

Striker

When defending, he should not look to expel too much energy, just focus on keeping the centre backs honest. When attacking, he will look to play closely to the opposition centre backs, looking to stay in front of them and betting on himself to outthink and outplay the centre back with his neat touches and bursts of pace, and also look for the 3 behind him to make runs to drag defenders away and make space for themselves and Sturridge. When the ball is out wide he will look to get a couple of steps run up on defenders to provide that slight extra bit of momentum to win the aerial battles.



Set Pieces

Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Rodriguez and Sturridge attack the ball, Mulumbu looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move around the 6 yard box. Ramsey and Volland take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.



Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's.

For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners



Penalties - Pjanic is the designated taker.



Subs


If Winning

72 mins - Balzaretti for JayRod - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.



85 + 87 Mins - Serero and Hughes for Volland and Pjanic - Fresh legs with an element of running down the clock and Hughes slots into a midfield 3

If Losing


78 Mins - Hughes for Mulumbu - go to a conventional 4-4-2 with JayRod alongside Sturridge and Pjanic out wide, with more attacking intent.

FC Basel v FC Zwag Atletico

Formation: 4-1-4-1


Injured Players
William Carvalho
Endogan Adili
Stephan Andrist
Sauro Gaston

Subs
Vailati
Schar
D. Degen
FRei
Meyer
Streller

Set Pieces
Freekick 26 yards or more: Salah/Pirlo
Freekick 25 yards or less: Pirlo
Corner Right: Pirlo
Corner Left: Pirlo
Defending Corners: Man mark big players pick up thier pick players
Penalty: Pirlo

Team Talk
Reus I want you to target the space behind Coleman he loves to attack so capitalise on that, Villa you have the speed over Zwag CB so make runs behind them stretching them and Reus will take one CB away creating room. Carrick struggles under pressure so Matuidi look to press him and make him underpass his passes. Salah I want you to attack his LB you have the skills and tricks to beat him. Terry pick up Ibrahimovic and Pirlo to help in a positional way reducing the space and angle for him too attack if he drops deep let midfield pick him up. If we contain him we stop most of his attacking threat.

KEEPER
Buffon you are a match winner, stand your ground Ibrahimovic he has never scored against you keep it that way, make goal small and dominate your box. Parry shots away from goal you can't hold on to.

DEFENDERS
I only want one FB to push up at a time, Johnson is a poor mans Robben who also likes to cut inside but not as effective keep him outside and the other side force them to cross from deep nullifying thier aerial threat. Watch the ball and don't dive in you are stronger so when they get touch on ball close them down.

Terry pick up Ibra do not let him settle on the ball and Pirlo will help you sandwiching him between you two, he has a good shot so close down angles. Jagielka pick up any player making a run through middle watch the ball and reading.  

MIDFIELD
Pirlo play as the deep playmaker and position yourself helping the defence, make the game tick for us and if they try to mark you move further up the pitch disrupting their attacking flow. Matuidi you are the power player, drive forward with the ball and make runs forward when defending pressure Carrick he buckles and loses possesion and can't play against physical players. Rosicky more attacking liscence for you, use your guile to to thread balls and get into attacking positions.

Salah and Reus I feel you will have a field day against Zwag FB who are poor defenders, Coleman leaves so much space and Reus with your speed and rasping shots expose it, come inside to link with Villa dragging a CB away. Salah run at your man you have more pace get crosses in for Villa or the on coming midfield both track back and help defending.

STRIKER
Villa you are far more expericned then his CB they are very slowly and you have the beating of them, make early runs to catch them out. Always stay on the move and when you get ball look to pass or if room have a shot always harry them when they have the ball.

SUB 65 MIN
Salah off Meyer on (Fresh legs same formation)

SUB 75 MIN IF LOSING
Rosicky off Streller on (We go 4-4-2)



SUB 75 MIN IF WINNING
Rosicky off Frei on (Defensive minded player in midfield same 4-1-4-1 formation)

FC Basel v FC Zwag Atletico

Injuries: Steve Sidwell, Steve De Ridder, Jesé, Danny Simpson

Line Up:

Subs: Green, Richardson, Toure, Livermore, Mutch, Balde Keita, Klose

Team Talk: Defense man mark, stop you man from crossing/shooting. Be physical, really get stuck in & bully the opposition off the ball. Carrick will protect the back four & distribute. Attack attack attack. Play direct, fast tempo football. Mix play up from the wings & through the middle. Wide men & AM's make forward runs in behind. Get the ball to Zlatan.......he will do the rest!

Formation: 4-2-3-1


Injured Players
Eric Abidal
David Degen
Marco Streller
Phil Jagielka

Subs
Vailati
Zanetti
Gaston
Carvalho
Meyer
D.Degen
Sio

Set Pieces
Freekick 26 yards or more: Pirlo
Freekick 25 yards or less: Oscar/Pirlo
Corner Right: Pirlo
Corner Left: Pirlo
Defending Corners: Man mark big players pick up thier pick players
Penalty: Pirlo

Team Talk
Few new faces bought in which has made us stronger, I have gone with numbers in midfield which will allow us to control midfield with Flamini and McCarthy missing they have lost two first teamers. We will look to use width aswell as centre to attack opposition. If they play wing backs we will look to get in behind them and attack spaces.

KEEPER
Buffon one of the best keepers in the league, make yourself count make yourself big close down the angle look to hold the ball but punch/parry if you can't hold it and hit it long to Drogba.

DEFENDERS
I only want one defender to push up at a time when defending position yourself so they have to come in the inside as they like to go on the outside which will pack the midfield and stifler their attacks. When going forward making overlapping runs giving width and option and get balls in with crosses for Drogba.

Barzagli pick up Benzema get tight on him and if he wriggles away I want Terry to play as the spare man to stop him. Close down angles for him to shoot from forcing him away from goal and using your strength to knock him off the ball. Want a medium line not too high or deep.

MIDFIELD
Pirlo is a better version of Arteta and I want him to control the game drop deep right infront of defenders pick up ball and look to knock it about dictating the pace of the game, move around so they can't pick you up. Matuidi to play as the enforcer and with Flamini missing it should be easier, bully the opposition and pressure them when you get ball drive it forward and play it simple to the attackers.

WINGERS
Rosicky and Villa I want you to come inside when you're attacking and the Fullbacks will give width interchange with Oscar which makes it harder for them to pick you up. Villa more attacking instincts get into box cut inside look to shoot or make runs so Oscar can pick you out. Rosicky play more of the intrinsic passes linking up with players and getting other players involved.

ATTACK
Oscar the golden boy of the side demand the ball in final third make players commit opening space for, slip in Drogba or Villa who comes from the inside. Take on players and you have outstanding work rate pick up Arteta not allowing him to play his game and forcing him back. Drogba power and indimidation, you have the strength to beat the defenders look to knock on the ball for runners the fullbacks will play crosses for you to attack you. Look for goalscoring positions and attack it.

SUB 75 MIN IF WINNING
Pirlo off Carvalho on (Fresh legs in midfield same formation and defensive minded player)

SUB 75 MIN IS LOSING
Rosicky off Meyer on (We go 4-4-2)

Injuries:
04 - Mathieu Flamini
18 - Bertrand Traoré
11 - James McCarthy
14 - Darijo Srna


Team: 3-3-2-1-1/5-4-1 (Diamond)


01 - C.Abbiati / 05 - C.Kouyaté / 06 - M.Arteta (c) / 07 - S.Niguez / 08 - S.Gerrard / 10 - K.Benzema / 12 - A.Lallana / 13 - A.Kolorov / 15 - I.Martinez / 17 - C.Maggio / 23 - V.Chiriches


-------------------- Abbiati -------------------
-------- Kouyaté --- Inigo --- Chiriches --------
Maggio ------------- Saul -------------- Kolorov
--------- Arteta (c) ------ Gerrard -------------
------------------- Lallana --------------------
------------------ Benzema -------------------


Subs:
22 - J.Jaaskelainen / 02 - W.Reid / 03 - S.Aurier / 09 - J.Defoe / 16 - A.Nocerino / 19 - J.Ward-Prowse / 26 - J.Cole


Team Talk: Here we are then lads its the final ever game for FC WHUDYTYA and we have everything we need to get that final 3 points. Injuries have hit hard again but we have a great mixture of youth and experience throughout the side. Their main danger will come through Oscar and as such we will look to mark him with Saul who can be helped by Arteta. Knock him off his game. Their defence has limited pace so we have our wingbacks and Lallana running at them with the constant danger provided by Benzema up front. Lets do this!


Abbiati - Control your box and release the ball to the wingbacks/Arteta


Kouyaté/Inigo/Chiriches - Inigo to play the central role and mark their lone striker. I'd imagine it will be Villa as Drogba wouldnt work in front of Oscar. Chiriches and Kouyaté to watch for the wingers cutting in as well as dealing with Oscar if he happens to get through the double marking


Saul - The terrier. Marking Oscar today, dont worry you will be supported! If they go 4-2-3-1 then I'd imagine Meyer/Rosicky will also be getting forward but Gerrard can keep them busy. Play it simple in attack, get it to Arteta/wingbacks


Kolorov/Maggio - As always you are our key wide men. Look to pin them back as their wingers will not backtrack and their fullbacks are hardly pacey. Look to beat them for pace before dragging it back for Lallana or whipping in a cross for Benzema to finish. make sure you get back so we can frustrate them


Arteta - The architect. Deep lying playmaker today for you. In defence drop back alongside Saul to doublemark Oscar. Use your experience to marshall the troops before winning the ball back. When we have it look to hit the rampaging wingbacks or thread it through to Gerrard/Lallana or even over the top to Benzema


Gerrard - The architect no.2/the other man. Alongside Arteta your role is to play those gorgeous balls to get us into a key position. In defence I want you to pick up their B2B-er and pin him back. You will be stationed further up than Arteta and it is key you stay there as an outlet for Arteta. In attack look to move the ball forward before going forward yourself. Offer the "other man" when the ball comes in from the wings


Lallana - As you have for the past two weeks I want you in the hole behind the striker. Roam around to drag Matuidi (or their DCM...) out of place so that Gerrard has more room to operate in. When wide look to create room for/release the wingback to explode into. Centrally dont be afraid to have a shot or to link up with Benzema. You can be key today!


Benzema - Our jewel in the crown. You are a total forward and that is what is expected today. I want you to drift between the centre backs as this will provide the room for Lallana and Gerrard as well as to allow you to get ahead of them for the crosses coming in. You have one game to pay back £30 million, so we need... GOALS... GOALS... GOALS!


---
Corners - Gerrard
Freekicks - Indirect - Lallana
Freekicks - Direct - Kolorov
Penalties - Arteta
---
Subs:

Regardless of score at 70 minutes - Gerrard off, Ward-Prowse on. Fresh legs with more youth in the middle

Regardless of score at 80 minutes - Chiriches off, Aurier on. Aurier to RCB, Kouyaté to LCB. Youth again to freshen things up

Injuries
Alessandro Florenzi (sold)
Fabinho (sold)
Nigel de Jong (sold)
Koke (sold)

Starting XI



Irazioz
Lahm----Naldo----Subotic---Cole
Alonso---Khedira
Robben-----Reus------Callejon
Negredo




Subs:Speroni, Leandro Castan, Veltman, Osman, Iturbe, Propper, Anelka

Captain: Lahm
Free kicks and Corners: Reus
Penalties: Reus

Team talk:

7 wins and 1 draw, we are confident and I want the win to ensure the title comes our way, without having to worry about other results. We want to play quick moving, pacey, attacking football today, with our mobile set of AMs. We have Reus operating behind Negredo, and with two tricky wide men either side. These three are all comfortable across the line, so interchange and keep the opposition guessing. We are going to make them worry about defending and forget about attacking!

Defensively, we have a back four, who will sit as a unit, and Alonso and Khedira sat in front for protection. Munching have an aerial threat, so we have brought in Naldo to cope with that alongside Subotic. Our forward players will all press the ball to win it back as high up the pitch as possible.

GK Stand tall, come for crosses that are close to you making them need to aim crosses further out. Distribute short as much as possible. Be on your toes for balls in behind the defence and sweep them up.

FBs Pick up the opposition wingers and force them away from goal on the outside, and for them to have to cross from deep. Get close enough that they don’t have space to turn and run, but not so close they can spin in behind you. Get forward when you can and overlap the winger, and get in crosses

CBs – Naldo will pick up the main striker, stay tight to him and don’t give him an easy time. You have been brought in for your height and strength, so use it. Subotic will pick up any second striker, or play spare. He will sweep up loose balls and watch for runners from midfield.

Central Mids – Alonso sit deeper, get on the ball, keep possession  and pick your passes. Get on the ball and feed the forwards. Mix it up to keep them guessing and to keep them stretched. Khedira will play box to box today, getting in the faces of their midfield and roughing them up a bit. Defensively, sit and protect the back four, breaking down attacks before they reach our defence and providing the protection for our full backs to get forward.

Wingers – Get on the ball and run at the defence. Keep them guessing by mixing it up between attacking wide, or the channel between FB and CB. When wide, get the ball into the box for Negredo. When the ball is on the opposite flank, get into the box at the back post. Work in tandem with Reus, interchanging and keeping the opposition guessing When we lose the ball, press it high up the pitch and win it back as quickly as possible

Reus – you are playing in a free role to try and create chances for the front man. Keep moving and really working the defence. Look to get it into Negredo for his to hold up. If the ball is wide, get close to Negredo for knockdowns or loose balls. Work with the widemen, interchanging and keeping the opposition guessing.When we lose the ball, press it high up the pitch and win it back as quickly as possible

Negredo Front line of the attack. Occupy the centre backs and bully them. Keep them occupied and create space for your teammates. When the ball comes in centrally, hold it up and bring others into play. When it is wide, get on the end of the balls into the box. When we lose the ball, press it high up the pitch and win it back as quickly as possible



Substitutions:

If losing or drawing on 75 minutes, Florenzi and Koke off, Drogba and Iturbe on



Irazioz
Lahm----Naldo----Subotic---Cole
Alonso---Khedira
Robben-----Reus------Callejon
Negredo

------------------Guaita
Piszczek -- Benatia -- Hummels - Schmelzer
----------Yaya Toure --Schneiderlin
Pedro-------------Kruse-------------Sam
-----------------Adebayor

Subs: Blaswich,Durm,Brouwers,HM Son, Recio,Bell.

Team Talk: Final day of the season and we can throw a spanner in the works on the retiring Afro's party, Their centre of midfield won't really get forward, So we're going to sit deeper so their wingers can't run in behind.

Guaita: I want you to sweep up the balls played in behind the defense as a sweeper keeper and look to come for crosses to stop Negredo. Release to a full back for a quick counter.

Defense: Sit deep to negate there pace in behind.

Piszczek: Expecting your be up against Reus or Callejon, So only go forwards when we have the ball, Look to overlap Pedro to give him the option. When defending force them inside and don't let them get a cross away.

Benatia: I want you to get tight to Negredo he is a strong guy so look to bully him when possible and make his life difficult, Look to get above him aerially. If he turns you then try get a tackle in

Hummels: Look to cover Benatia for if Negredo turns Medhi, Look to track the AM possibly Reus? if they come near you and make sure they cannot link up with Negredo. Put a tackle in and try to intercept balls into him. No room in behind so Guaita will come clean up if knocked in behind

Schmelzer: You will be up against Robben, We all know his trick run dribble cut inside so look to force him in down the line and make him cross the ball with his right foot, If cuts inside look to block any shot attempts. Go up the pitch when we have the ball and overlap Sidney Sam and whip balls in.

Yaya Toure: Khedira & Alonso aren't likely to get forwards much, So look to run from deep using your power and look to beat them and bully them about with your physicalness, Go box to box and make sure your a threat at their end of the pitch, When defending look to get on Alonso .

Schneiderlin: Sit infront of the defense and look to dictate our play, Spray the ball about out wide or into Kruse, When defending track the AM if need to and go out and help defend against Robben who will cut into your area. Don't be afraid to go long.

Pedro: Your be up against Cole, He's legs are getting the best of him so use your explosive pace to get beyond him and whip balls in for Adebayor, If Piszczek comes forward look to cut inside and give him the wing and make runs between CB/LB. Remember to track back to double team winger

Kruse: Your playing as second striker today, Sit between the defense & their DM pairing, Look to drift about using your pace to keep them moving opening gaps, When the ball goes up to Adebayor look to run in behind their defense. when defending track on Khedira give him no time. Look to target Subotic with your pace.

Sam: Obviously your be up against Lahm today, I want you to dribble at him with pace and look to cut inside and link up with front 2, Look to lay off and get beyond the defense. Schmelzer will overlap as Robben won't track back, Look to take advantage of this by twisting him inside out.

Adebayor: Look to get onto Castan today, Use your height advantage for knockdowns and link up play, Look to roll him with the ball getting behind him. Subotic will try mark you just keep moving onto Castan forcing a hole for Kruse to run into. When get a chance finish clinically.

Subs: Heung Min Son for Sidney Sam - 70 mins

Injuries: Branislav Ivanovic, Romelu Lukaku, Gareth Barry, Kaka

Starting XI: Adrian; Dede, Luisao, Dante; Andoni Iraola, Davide Santon; Marco Verratti, Thiago Motta; Gerard Deulofeu, Cristian Tello, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

3-4-3
Adrian

Dede - Luisao - Dante

Iraola - Verratti - Motta - Santon

Deulofeu - Aubameyang - Tello


Subs: Mark Schwarzer, Benjamin Mendy, Zanka, Oscar de Marcos, Francesco Totti, Diego Milito, Emile Heskey

------------------

Manager's note: Last game of the season, we want to finish as high up the table as we can, a very respectable third place finish is ours if we continue like we have been all season. Changing things up a little today knowing the likely Ajax system and their 1-2-1-2-1-2-1. Playing a tough to break down 3-4-3, but the front three have licence to do as they please, almost Napoli-esque. Verratti will be our playmaker from deep, with Motta the enforcer alongside him. Santon and Iraola have licence to get forward and support the front three, utilise the narrowness of the Ajax side and use the wide areas effectively. Heskey will make his debut late on as frankly none of the Ajax players will know how to handle him.

Adrian 1st half/Schwarzer 2nd half, stay in communication with your defence, stay alert for any long range efforts and stay big for one on ones. Distribute the ball to either the CB's, the wingbacks/fullbacks, or the CM's. On occasion look to hump it long to the front three if Ajax have over committed players forward.

Dede/Luisao/Dante, work as a trio, outnumber Lasogga two to one, and make sure Ajax have no available outlet. Don't allow him to drag you out of position, stay together at around the 25 yard mark to limit the ball over the top and if he drops deep Motta will pick them up. Mark zonally until Ajax are breaking forward then whoever is closest mark that attacker. Do whatever it takes to beat them to any passes or through balls. In possession, look for the CM's or wingbacks, or potentially go long towards the front three. When Ajax sit back, Dede to push into midfield and make sure we're not outnumbered there.

Iraola/Santon, I want you both to stay with the Ajax wingers, force them outside and block their crosses at source. When we have possession, push forward and support Deulofeu and Tello as they will try to run at the Ajax back three, and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Aubameyang. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Motta/Verratti, you two know each other's game as you often play together at PSG. Verratti is the playmaker, supply the front three and the wingbacks when you have the ball and focus on general ball retention. Motta is the enforcer, but also adept in possession. Between you I want Ajax's midfielders to know they've had a tough afternoon. Without the ball both of you are DM's by default, stop Eriksen from having an impact on this side and force him deeper, as shown since joining Tottenham he is less effective the further away from goal he becomes. Verratti to utilise the ball over the top to set Aubameyang free on goal on occasion.

Deulofeu/Tello, both playing out wide but both have the tendencies to cut inside. Look to supply Aubameyang with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Use your pace to give the narrow Ajax side a problem. Link up with the midfielders and the overlapping fullbacks of Iraola and Santon, lets make the most of the 2 on 1 advantage we will have out wide, and capitalise on the space Aubameyang's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist the wingbacks defensively.

Aubameyang, lone striker but I want you to mark the deepest Ajax CB. If they double mark you, drop deeper to allow Deulofeu or Tello to run into the space. Look to turn and shoot, hold up the ball and supply Deulofeu/Tello, or Motta breaking from deep, as they make forward runs around you. Be bold for crosses, get a couple of yards run up to beat their CB's in the air and be your clinical self. Use your lightning pace to torment their CB's as much as you can, and use your pace to run in behind when counter attacking.

------------------

Sub 45 mins:
Adrian off, Schwarzer on. Traditional end of season "half time changing of the keeper". Same tactics apply to both of you.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Deulofeu off, Heskey on. Aubameyang to RW, Heskey to CF. Both wingbacks to fullback and both wingers to wide midfield so 3-4-3 becomes 5-4-1. Heskey the target man, hold up the ball and bring the wide men into play as we absorb pressure.
If drawing: Luisao off, Heskey on. Wingbacks drop to fullback to make a back four, Heskey joins Aubameyang upfront as we switch to almost a 4-2-4. Will need the wingers to continue tracking back though. Push for the win.
If losing: Luisao and Motta off, Heskey and Totti on. Wingbacks drop to fullback to make a back four and Heskey joins Aubameyang upfront. Totti into the hole ahead of Verratti to create space and chances for others. Playing a 4-1-3-2 system as we push for goals.

---------Cillessen----------
Rhijn----Vrij----Indi----Blind
------Bender--Eriksen------
Berardi---Klaassen---Werner
----------Lasogga---------

Rabiot, Clasie, Gnabry, Gauld, Morata


Last game of the season so we want to go out with a victory, gone back to 4-2-3-1

Back 5 know each other well, communication is key. De Vrij picks up the main CF and will look to keep him quiet, always watchful of his movement even when we attack. Look to be on him quickly so he doesnt have the time or space to move in on goal. Indi will sit spare beside him, take a step back in case Vrij loses his man, also be ready to move out to help the fullbacks, he attacks all high balls and clears any danger. The fullbacks must defend first and foremost, look to keep the wingers away from the danger area and force them outwide, keep the crosses in to a minimum. When we attack then one goes at a time and supports the winger, drive passed them on the outside to make an over lap, wether the winger uses them or not its upto thm, but at the very least the fullback will take there marker away and free up some room, if Blind or Rhijn do get the ball look to get a cross into the anger area for lasogga to attack.

Lars Bender leads the team, he is very influential in the middle of the park, will be our DM and will keep things simple, hound there AM down and force him into silly mistakes, dont give him any time to dictate the play. Always on his toes and not too far away at any time. Once the ball is won simple short passes to those around him. eriksen drops deeper to allow Klaassen onto the pitch. Eriksen is very quick and has a great eye for goal, have put him in a free role today so he can really have a go, we want to peg them back so he and Klaassen can do this to great effect, he possesses a brilliant sense of timing on the ball, and he can bring those around him into the game very well. Moreover, his attacking strengths make him a very potent weapon in the middle of the field. Will look to thread in Lasogga and play neat one twos to allow Berardi, Werner and klaassen the chance to cut in and/or support Lasogga or indeed have a go at goal. He will move all over the pitch so can switch with the AM's at any time as he will br given freedom to drift but if he does, still tho when they attack he must be disciplined and sit alongside Bender and help him break up play.Klaaassen is the main driving force behind lasogga, great eye for goal and will look to link up with CF, given a free role so will bomb up and down the pitch, will at times switch with Eriksen as he drives passed.

Berardi and Werner are two top young wingers imo. Berardi uses pace and trickery to great effect, his lung bursting runs and endless energy will leave there fullback struggling also has a great eye for goal so will be a real danger, will look to Klaasen and Lasogga in the centre as he will pass and go and look to link up straight away with the two forwards, so he can cut inside and unleash his powerful and accurate shooting range, will have Rhijn behind him and the two will bomb forward when they can but also be back to defend the lines. Werner on the other hand uses his pace to great effect, with Blind up in support he will give and go and drive passed the fullback get to the bye line and cross in or whenever possible when Lasogga is in good position. He will at times also cut inside looking to pass and drive passed the defence for a return ball to go for goal.

Lasogga up is a big powerful striker, full of goals and they can come from anything, two good feet and good in the air, he must get into positions that allow him to become a threat, will have plenty support so wont become isolated up top on his own. Always moving and jigging about, taking players away freeing up room for the likes of berardi and Werner to move into. When there defenders have the ball run them down and force them to play it out or mistime the passes. If he cant go for goal but is inpossession of the ball look for those coming up to support and lay it off/knock it on for them to beat the defence. He is great at holding up play so will do this if needed for others to come in.

Captain - Bender
Pens - Berardi
Free Kicks - Eriksen
Corners - Wingers

Subs

70 Mins
Gauld > Werner, Morata > Lasogga, Gnabry > Berardi just fresh legs and give them a run out to show there worth

Injuries: Tonny Vilhena, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Andros Townsend

-------------Pantillimon--------------
Arbeloa---Ogbonna--Bartra---Shaw--
--------------Paulinho---------------
-Depay--------------------Agbonlahor
--------------Thauvin----------------
--------Finnbogason--Bony----------

4-1-2-1-2 Formation this week. We are up against FoolEm FC this week and they have played a system in recent weeks where they use their full backs for the width and they have a system where they use 2 or 3 players to retain possession each time - I want you all to counter this by making passes to the team mate but looking to move the ball quickly so that the pressure doesn't build up on you.

Pantillimon:

- Come and claim crosses and set pieces as much as possible.
- Do everything you can to play the ball into our possession.

Arbeloa and Shaw:

- Use the width of the pitch to your advantage and look to pass the ball around as much as possible.
- Get forward in support of the attacks but i want you to get back and cover for the central defenders as well.

Ogbonna and Bartra:

- Stay strong on set pieces and crosses and look to play the ball out from the back. Move the ball forward as much as you can.
- You will receive cover from the midfielders and full backs which should help you out.
- I want you both to go up for corners and look to get a header on the ball.
- FoolEm FC usually play with 1 striker up front and if this is the case i want Ogbonna to man mark him.

Paulinho:

- I want you to use your energy to get up the pitch with the attacks but i want you to drop off slightly to wait for anything to come to you.
- I also want you to shield the defence and sweep as an extra defender when required.
- When you pick up the ball, look to place passes out wide as well as into Thauvin who will be picking the ball up from deep at times.
- I want you to do everything you can to be available for a pass at all times.

Agbonlahor and Depay:

- FoolEm have been using a system in recent weeks where the full backs provide the width for the team so i want you to to run at the full backs down the wings with your pace.
- I want you both to defend solidly when it is required as this will help to defend on their attacks.

Thauvin:

- I want you to pick the ball up from deep when you can and use the ball to control the game.
- At times i want you to drop off which may draw the FoolEm defence out and then look to play the key pass through to Finnbogason and Bony.
- Look to move the ball around quickly to counter the 2 or 3 man pressure that FoolEm seem to apply when they are not in possession of the ball, this should release pressure on you and the team when we are in possession of the ball.

Finnbogason and Bony:

- I am playing both of you up front today and i want you to work together to get into the FoolEm penalty area as much as possible.
- I want you both to always be on the move and look to play passes between you.
- I also want you both to make runs when you don't have the ball to make space for the passes to come through from the midfield.
- I want you both to hold the ball up when required to bring each other into the attacks.

Subs: Butland, Pereira, Manolev, Schaars, Oijen, Kasami, Cassano.

80th Minute: Cassano on for Bony.
90th Minute: Manolev on for Arbeloa and Kasami on for Thauvin.

Injuries
Jay Rodriguez
Stefano Denswil
Alex
Kevin Volland

Starting XI
-----------De Sanctis
Flanno---Zouma---Miranda---Davies
-----Mulumbu------Ramsey
Sturridge-----Barkley-----Pjanic
----------------Costa
Subs
Howard, Distin, Balzaretti, Hughes, Di Natale, Ribeiro, Ings

Overview
An attack minded 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers to allow full backs to provide width when attacking. and working in groups of 2 or 3 to get the ball back when defending.

Keeper

When distributing the ball, he should look to keep it simple and play the percentage pass. At crosses and set pieces, should look to punch rather than flap at pressurised catches.

Full Backs
Both are used to the attacking side of the game, and their primary directive will be to push on and make overlapping runs down their respective sides, keeping the pitch as wide as possible to try and stretch the opposition defensive line. Defensively the objective is to push the opposition winger out as wide as possible.

Centre Backs
Miranda will compete with the striker for the aerial balls played up to him, with Zouma looking to win the 2nd ball. When the ball is on the floor, Miranda will be the defender who looks to meet the striker looking to stifle his space and rush his decisions, with Zouma making the covering run. When on the ball, if the opposition are giving them space to come out with the ball, then they should look to take it forward, if not, keep it simple and play it to a man in space and retain possession.

Centre Mids

Mulumbu will look to create himself little pockets of space so he can get on the ball and keep the game ticking over, Ramsey will be playing a more all round game looking to put himself about, not afraid to run with the ball and get forward to make late runs and be an extra attacking presence. When defending, Ramsey is the more pressing of the 2, looking to keep a tab on the opposition midfield runners whilst Mulumbu plays a little deeper just screening the back 4.




Wingers

When they are on the ball, the emphasis for both wingers will be much more on cutting inside, and only occasionally putting in crosses, if they do cut inside, the full backs should have moved forward to occupy the touchline and provide the wide option. If the opposition full backs has kept on our full back, the wingers shouldnt be afraid to go into the box, as defenders will be extra cautious to not give away a penalty. When the opposite winger has the ball, the winger without the ball should look to find space between the CB and full back to add an extra body for any crosses or capitalise on any defensive errors.
 When defending, they should look to assist Costa in his pressing game by keeping tight to the opposition full backs.

Attacking Midfielder
Barkley should be looking to just put himself about a bit when we have the ball in the middle of the pitch, not afraid to come a bit deeper to get the ball and take on players himself or look to make an attacking pass. he should also look to be making late runs into the box as an attacking option when we have the ball out wide. when defending, he should look to stay tight enough to the opposition defensive pivot he could tell what religion he is.

Striker

When defending, he should be the first line of defence, using his high energy game to pressurise the defenders into making quick decisions When attacking, he will look to play a high energy game by being a willing runner down the channels and constantly drift around the defenders looking to get himself that half a yard of space to receive the ball and do what he does best. When the ball is out wide he will look to get a couple of steps run up on defenders to provide that slight extra bit of momentum to win the aerial battles.



Set Pieces

Corners - Pjanic takes the corners, the 2 CB's go into the box, the FB's stay back to prevent counters, the CB's, Costa and Sturridge attack the ball, Mulumbu looks to annoy the opposition keeper looking to limit his ability to move around the 6 yard box. Ramsey and Barkley take positions just outside the box to pick up any weak defensive headers or knockdowns.



Free Kicks - Pjanic takes Direct FK's.

For Indirect FK's, follow the same directives for Corners



Penalties - Pjanic is the designated taker.



Subs


If Winning

72 mins - Balzaretti for Pjanic - The wingers tuck back, but with the knowledge to get out quickly for the front 3 to try and counter if the opposition over-commit for a route back into the game.



85 + 87 Mins - Ribeiro and Hughes for Barkley and Sturridge - Fresh legs with an element of running down the clock and Hughes slots into a midfield 3

If Losing


78 Mins - Hughes for Mulumbu - go to a conventional 4-4-2 with JayRod alongside Sturridge and Pjanic out wide, with more attacking intent.

Line up:

Subs: Green, Richardson, Kirchhoff, Mutch, Ravel, Balde Keita, Gouffran

Team Talk: Last day of the season lads. Go out there & have fun.

Boruc: Keep big. Control your box. Claim any balls that come around your 6 yard box.

Coleman & Oviedo: Mark your winger, try keep him wide. You can get forwad today, when wide get to the touchline & put crosses in, cutbacks. When inside have a shot on goal.
Dawson & Matip: Dawson to man mark the main striker. Challange for everything, be a bit physical with him & give him an early "warning" knock. Matip to sweep/cover & watch for other runners. If two strikers you mark the quicker one out of the two.

Carrick & Livermore: You will both hold the midfield. Work around the central area, be on for a pass. Protect the back four. If fullbacks are out of position get across to cover. Distribute the ball to the front men.
Cabaye: Box to box role. Want you to assist defensivley & get forward. Always be on the move. Pick out the front men then make a run to get back on the ball. Shoot from where you feel within 20 yards from goal. Try play our wingers in behind.

A.Johnson & Jesé: Need to both to bge quick on the counter, really up the pace & move up the pitch quick. Can go outside to cross but I want you playing more as wide forwards. Get closer to Zlatan & play off him. Shoot on sight in the box, around the 18 yard like have a pop or try play a team mate in.
Zlatan: Play off the last defender. Keep the pitch big. Use you movement to find space, go for goal from where you want. Hold the ball up when needed, bring others into play. When the ball is wide get in that 6 yard danger area & attack crosses.

BENCH
Malafeev
Basa
Bannan
Birsa
Maxim
Welbeck
Adrian Ramos


TACTICS
We need to win convincingly today in order to win the title, goal difference might come into play so go for it to win the title against a side with nothing to play for. When we don't have the ball we should keep things tight in a 4-5-1, but in possession attack with a 4-3-3 with attacking full backs. Their full backs like to burst forward and aren't the best defensively, so our wingers should look to have a go at them and get as narrow as possible. Our full backs should also look to get forward when possible, with the central midfielders providing cover.


PLAYER ROLES
Enyeama - Don't let them score. Keep a clean sheet, look to distribute the ball forward quickly.

Chambers/Evra - Have a real go down the flanks providing us width. Attack to peg their wingers back as much as possible. They have wingers that like to come infield, so force them out wide onto their weaker foot and force them to cross the ball.

Chiellini/Evans - Chiellini, use your strength to man-mark Ibrahimovic out of the game, be intelligent and track him. Don't let him get a shot away or have the space to play with any of his usual flair. Evans should sweep up in behind as the covering man.

Xavi/Bender/Bentaleb - Xavi and Bender should stay a little deeper to allow our full backs to get forward, looking to pass the ball and defend the space in front of the back four. Bentaleb should play more attacking, looking to run at them with ball, and when not in possession look to get in Cabaye's face and not let him have any time in possession of the ball.

Sanchez/Januzaj - When we don't have the ball we will drop back to a five man midfield and you two should get back to help us win back possession. But when we are in possession, get forward and have a go at their defense, their full backs will get forward so exploit that space. They will probably try to force you out wide, if they try this, then get extremely narrow, they can either track you (and leave loads of space for our full backs to get free crosses in at will) or let you have the space to try long shots.

Benteke - Use your physical side to bully their centre backs, winning the ball in the air to cause a threat. Look to hold up the play as much as possible, beat them to every header and force them to play as deep as possible allowing plenty of room for the supporting players.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Januzaj
Right Corner - Bentaleb
Free Kicks - Sanchez
Penalties - Xavi


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning bring on Bannan for Bentaleb, straight swap.
If drawing/losing bring on Welbeck, Basa and Maxim for Bender, Evra, Chambers. Go to three at the back, with all of them getting forward at set pieces, Maxim behind the two strikers in a 3-4-1-2.