Week 4 results

----------------------------------------Navas------------------------------------------------
------------------Vidic----------------Martins Indi-------Badstuber-------------------------
Quaresma---------------------Clasie------------Fernandinho-----------------------Kolarov
-----------------Ribery------------------------------------------------Brahimi---------------
----------------------------------------Morata-------------------------------------------------

Subs: Fabiano (GK sub), Alex Sandro, Diego Reyes, Frank Lampard, Maicon, Vincent Aboubakar, Adrian

Tactics: Great win against Dortmund last week fellas, now we turn our attentions to one of the big boys of the league in Juventus with their aging manager Hero in charge. Our tactic this week is simple, we are not good enough to do an "Italian job" on these boys (sit back for a 1-0), so we are going to fight fire with fire and go at these boys, and outscore them. I want Kolarov and Quaresma to provide width, with Ribery and Brahimi playing in the inside right and inside left hand channels respectively, looking to commit the full backs into coming narrow (leaving space out wide for Kolarov/Quaresma) or being given space and forcing their midfield to drop off (leaving space for Clasie to create). Defensively I want the 3 CB's to play a high line, it's risky but with Martins Indi's athleticism he can cover if needed. Fernandinho to sit on an AM if they play one.

Defensive tactics: As explained above we are going to play a high line, pushing up the pitch and looking to harry and press them in possession. Lets get in their faces, look to create turnovers of possession inside their half to spring attacks of our own. Kolarov/Quaresma I want you to hold your nerve, look to keep their wingers pinned back more worried about you than you are about them. Martins indi to play the "cover" role, with Badstuber and Vidic looking to pickup runners/strikers. Fernandinho to sit on their most advanced midfielder (probably Isco). Morata/Ribery/Brahimi - it is your job to press their backline in possession so for example from goal kicks.....

-----------------Ribery------------------Morata--------------------Brahimi---------------------
Juve LB--------------------Juve LCB------------------Juve RCB--------------------------Juve RB

Therefore we cut off their short ball, and force them to go long where we have the aerial advantage.

Attack tactics: In attack lets look to get the ball to one of Clasie/Ribery/Brahimi quickly. If Ribery/Brahimi pick it up, look to run at their defence, either committing the full back to come narrrow (if so look out wide for the overlapping Kolarov/Quaresma) or if they cut off the wide ball look for the shot/Morata's clever runs. Kolarov and Quaresma your instructions are simple - keep the width and get crosses in when you do. When these guys have the ball lets flood the box in support of Morata.

Set pieces: Vidic/Badstuber/Martins Indi to all go up leaving Clasie/Fernandinho back. Kolarov to whip in all corners and free kicks. Morata on pens.

Substitutions:

If winning/drawing: 65 mins - Whatever we're doing is evidently working, so we will look to freshen it up with the following subs. Alex Sandro for Kolarov and Frank Lampard for Clasie.

If losing: 65 mins - change of formation - go to a 3-4-1-2 formation (see below) - with the following subs Quaresma for Frank Lampard and Aboubakar for Kolarov. Ribery to go RM, Brahimi to go LM, with Lampard coming into AM and Aboubakar up top with Morata. GO ALL OUT ATTACK.

------------------------Navas------------------------
---------Vidic------Martins Indi----Badstuber--------
Ribery--------Clasie----Fernandinh0----------Brahimi
---------------------Lampard--------------------------
--------------Aboubakar-------Morata-----------------

Pre game pump up song: "Don't stop believing - Journey"

Formation



Team Talk
This week against Porto we are playing a more aggressive match than last week with pushing our two wingers forward to keep their flanks pegged back. With the injury to Aubameyang I've moved Depay onto the RW position but with instructions to come inside as much as possible utilising your speed to get at their defence. Pirlo to sit the deepest of the midfielders, to act as the general in a battle marshalling the troops ahead, aware of the bigger picture. Neymar is key today, if their defenders are looking to rough you up then make the most of it, invite the tackles and get free kicks in positions you can hurt them. This is paramount if they're parking the bus, set pieces can unlock the hole in the wall they put up.
Porto play a high paced game last week, let them chase the ball, our quality in possession of the ball and intelligence shall have them chasing shadows until they're worn into the ground, running after Neymar and Depay will be like chasing a Ferrari in a Vauxhall Corsa.

Defence
A back four with Laporte given the role of picking up the main striker as they enter threatening positions, be aware of their movement but ensure you don't get dragged out of position. Bonucci to assist where required but to pick up threats from their wingers/AM etc if they break into the danger zone. Fullbacks to shepherd their wingers on the outside, no rash challenges and going to ground, slow their attacks down and block crosses. Only look to come forward when the opposition have over stretched and there’s a possibility to outnumber them on the counter. Don’t be afraid to hit a long ball for Benzema to run on to.
Pirlo main defensive of midfield trio, look to stay back when our FBs go forward. Vidal to be the warrior in the middle of the pitch, get at the opposition and niggle them off the ball, ensure they don't get into their stride early on. If it means a cynical foul on the half way line so be it, better than one near the box. By squashing up the play it limits their creative players don’t give them room to dictate the game.

Attack
Pirlo playing deep & given the playmaker role, be the outlet for our counters and look for the movement of our attacking options with balls into space. Isco to link up play as the highest positioned central midfielder, stretch their defence out to you. Neymar to play predominately on the left but allowed to drift inside, if heavily marked as expected then look to invite tackles from which you can unleash hell from your free kicks.
Speed abuse on the opposite flank with Depay, playing on the opposite flank to normal and look to bring the ball inside as a result. Benzema lone front man, be ready to pounce on balls from our defence when pinged past the defence and beat the offside trap. Also look to combine with Neymar, hold up play when needed awaiting the movement from your teammates.

Subs
Storari, Mertesacker, Asamoah, Hernandez, Caceres, Marrone, Cambiasso

If winning at 70m: Cambiasso for Pirlo, a 2nd wall for City to penetrate, close play quickly in your own half.
If losing/drawing at 65m: Chicarito for Isco, Benzema to drop deeper while the super sub goes up front and to use his speed and poaching to nick a winner
If losing/drawing at 75m: Asamoah for Benzema, Neymar to move centrally with Asamoah on the flank to add fresh legs against tiring fullback

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
GK: Júlio César
RB: Serge Aurier
CB: Thiago Silva (C)
CB: Marquinhos
LB: Lucas Digne
DM: Blaise Matuidi
DM: Yohan Cabaye
RM: Lucus
AM: Edinson Cavani
LM: Ezequiel Lavezzi
FW: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
SUBS: Nicolas Douchez, Michael Carrick, Pedro, Daryl Janmaat, Ilkay Gundogan, Maxwell, Jean-Christophe Bahebeck

GAME PLAN: Back to the drawing board! After only taking 1 Point from a possible 9, it's time to freshen things up and pick up the first win of the season! Switching to a 4-2-3-1 Formation, the Game-Plan is to stifle the midfield, particularly the likes of Verratti & Thiago and look to punish with the pace from the forward line. Implementing a high-tempo, man marking system, the objective is to close down with the extra numbers in midfield to soak up the pressure and force Dortmund to move the ball sideways / backwards under intense pressure.

DEFENSIVE TACTICS: Thiago Silva will once again marshal the back-line. To combat the pace from the likes of Immobile, Tevez & Chamberlain, we will implement a deeper line to restrict any forward/wider players from breaking into the space behind. We will enforce tight-man marking when Dortmund are on the attack but will always look to remain on our feet where Silva will act as the limited defender, picking up the most advanced forward whilst Marquinhos will pick up the secondary striker / advanced midfielder. Both FB's will remain as Limited Full-Backs, first and foremost job is to defend and look to hold out the wider-players by isolating them on each flank.

The Wide players will also look to support by dropping to the half-way line when defending. With Dortmund missing Sven Bender they are lacking a real 'Bite' in midfield. Matuidi will play the enforcer by plugging the gaps. Stop the Dortmund Midfield from ticking over by pressing Verratti or Thiago. Cabaye will look to double-up and float-over by supporting both Full-Backs.

ATTACKING TACTICS: Without possession, Ibrahimovic along with the 3 advanced midfielder's will look to hold a line and press plugging the gaps between the Defence & Midfield. Force them to really move the ball and force mistakes to win cheap throw-ins and corners. With Lucus, Cavani and Lavezzi all in the side, we generate real pace so when attacking, look to draw the defensive players out of position with short, slick passing offering plenty of movement and interchanges for each other. Cavani will play as a shadowing striker where he will pick up the flick-ons and knock-downs from Ibrahimovic. With Cabaye we have a player capable of picking up and spraying the diagonal pass so if the opportunity presents itself, look to get into a one-on-one foot race against the wider-players where the likes of Thiago, Chamberlain and Kagawa will fail to track-back.

SUBS:
On 70 Mins: Pedro will replace Lucus. Using fresh-legs, hit the by-line and look to win any fouls, free-kicks, corners or throws from the tiring FB.
On 75 Mins: Michael Carrick will replace Yohan Cabaye. Keep things ticking over in midfield and look to always move the ball forward.
On 80 Mins: Daryl Janmaat will replace Serge Aurier. Like for like swap where Janmaat will be more than able to cope with any pace.

Subs: Langerak, Ginter, Schmelzer, Kagawa, Immobile

GENERAL: We the pace they've got I want us to play a counter attack system. get behind the ball and look to move it as quickly as possible to our forwards. We'll generally look to get ball to our wingers if that does not work Thiago and Verratti to take turns going forward.

DEFENSIVE TACTICS
* Show winger inside with our CM blocking off the route
* Pepe to pick up Ibra use power and force & Subotic pick up Cavani if he is central or any other attacker
* Motta to screen the CB Verratti & Thiago pick up any other players
* The forwards to press higher up the pitch so we can win the ball in their half and attack

ATTACKING TACTICS
* 1 FB to attack at a time so we have 3 at the back at all times
* Verratti & Thiago to take turns to get forward helping the attack
* Oxo give us width and get balls in while Remy cuts inside to link up with Tevez. Tevez to keep on the move drop deep or go forward

Subs: Helton, Darmian, Ramos, Keita, Martinez, Ramires, Jovetic

Tough but winnable game against Chelsea, they have some world class players in their side, however we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Kroos, Iniesta and Hazard. This is a must win game to stay in the title hunt.

De Sanctis - Distribute from the back to the fullbacks/CM's, stay in communication with your defence throughout, be wary of long range efforts and ensure you stay big for any one on ones. On occasion go long for Aguero.

Boateng/Chiellini - Boateng to mark their central striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Chiellini to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. When in possession bring the ball out of defence and use the midfielders ahead of you to help us play out from the back. Both of you go forward for setpieces.

Debuchy/Marcelo - Both of you to force the Chelsea wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. If they play 3 strikers, form a narrow back four with Boateng and Chiellini. When we have possession, push forward and support Tello/Ronaldo as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Aguero and link with Hazard. Track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Kroos/Iniesta - Kroos to patrol infront of the back four, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out. Iniesta the box to box man, assist Kroos and the CB's in dealing with the Chelsea attack when we don't have the ball, but in possession get forward, use your physical presence and ball playing ability to our advantage, link with Hazard and look to create chances for Aguero. Remain composed throughout.

Hazard - Playing the AM role, with the ball I want you to drift left and right, drag their DM out of position as they will be assigned to track your runs, swap with Tello and Ronaldo on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Tello, Ronaldo, Aguero, Iniesta and Kroos, look for Aguero on the last defender for a through ball and also shoot if you get the opportunity. Get yourself between their DM and the ball, make them go through you and foul you to stop you, thus creating setpiece chances for Ronaldo.

Tello/Ronaldo - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Chelsea fullbacks and get crosses in, but both of you will also have our fullback overlapping giving you the chance to cut inside and get shots in. Swap wings on occasion. Look to supply Aguero with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Hazard, and capitalise on the space Aguero's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Aguero - you will be expected to occupy the Chelsea centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Tello off, Martinez on. Switch to 4-5-1. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: No changes, but a reshuffle. Drag players out of position and try something different to win the game, ensuring we don't overcommit.

If losing: Boateng off, Jovetic on. Switch to 3-1-4-2 and push for goals;

Blackman
Alaba
Terry
Otamendi
Ivanovic
Matic
Schneiderlin
Koke
Cesc
Muller
Lewandowski

4-4-2 diamond set up with Matic sitting deep in front of the back 4 and working with Koke and Schneiderlin on the sides aiming to prevent the ball getting into their front men, a classic Mourinho style park the bus.

Looking to frustrate them then get the ball into Cesc who will look for the quick pass into the front 2 and look to cause them problems.

Muller will drop onto Martinez if they have sustained possession while the others crowd the midfield.

Full backs to focus on the defensive side of their game, but Alaba to support the attack if we have a counter opportunity

Protect the goal keeper when the ball is in the air, Terry to lead us here

---------------Ospina----------------
Alves--Ogbonna--Veltman--Ansaldi
--------------Khedira-----------------
--------Modric-------Marchisio-------
Turan-------Mandzukic--------Gotze

Today we are up against Bayern Munich who have won all 3 in the league so far and are looking strong, our gameplan from the start is to target the wide areas, particuarly the right hand side due to the injury to Bernat and deliver the ball into the box whilst also looking to unlock the door through the centre. We want to look to possess the ball as much as we can to create the most chances.

Defensive Instructions:
Ospina, look to come and collect the ball in the air and command your area. We need to be on our toes and be aware of Costa's prescence in and around the box as he is likely to be looking to get in and around the defence and cause us problems and muscle us off the ball, this seems to be what Nando likes to instruct him to do so we need to be prepared for it today. Move with him and try to isolate him off the ball. Ansaldi you are likely to be coming up against Robben which means you will need to be on your toes as he likes to cut inside and try to take it past the full back. We want to be solid as a back 4 and keep organised and compact throughout. Khedira you are going to sit in front of the defence to help them do this and squeeze that space, protecting the back 4 and filtering attacks out as they come through the central midfield area.

Attacking Instructions:
We are going to be looking to keep possession with a patient build up. Modric you will be running things, moving the ball about and controlling the midfield and also moving forward with support of Marchisio looking to unlock the Bayern Munich door by going through the middle or spraying the ball out wide. Look to target the right hand side where Turan will be waiting to pick up possession. Gotze and Turan when the ball arrives out in wide areas i want you to exploit them by crossing the ball into the box or cutting inside. We will have Mandzukic working hard in the box making himself known giving you an option in there so use it to our advantage. Mandzukic i want you to be making plenty of movement today, be the first to the ball and command the box. You will have plenty of support from the midfield behind you and out wide so you should get plenty of chances throughout the game and i want you to put them away.

Subs:
85th Minute - Rosicky on for Marchisio.
90th Minute - Welbeck on for Mandzukic.
90th Minute - Tiago on for Khedira.

----------------------Casillas
Lahm (c) --- Hummels -- Koscielny -- Felipe Luis
--------Schweinstiger -- Cazorla
Robben ------------Ozil-------------Reus
----------------Costa

Subs: Benatia/Bellerin/Alonso/Fekir/Oli Torres/Dybala & Kane

Corners: Cazorla
Free Kicks: Cazorla/Reus/Ozil
Pens: Cazorla

Team Talk: We're currently top of the league after dispatching Marky's Madrid side. So shall look to continue against the Milkybar Kid's Arsenal. He's missing he's main CB in Varane & Hector Herrera. Shall look to press them up the field, if they dictate play sit deeper and go on the counter when Alves/Gibbs leave gaps.

Defensive Tactics
- They aren't the paciest of sides so look to push up with a high line to stop Mandzukic being effective with the full backs & Koscielny doing covering work.
- Hummels to get tight to the fiery croatian and look to hassle him when he gets the ball and look to dispossess him and use your strength to keep him away
- Koscielny to use his pace to cover if Mandzukic gets in behind Hummels, Otherwise look for an AM getting forwards and track the runner.
- Lahm look to show Turan/Gotze inside so he can't cross the ball into Mario, If he goes down the line look to block the cross. When forced inside Schweinstiger will double up if need be.
- Felipe Luis look to show Turan/Gotze inside and use your pace to stop them getting beyond you even running behind. Block crosses into the box and try and keep them on the wing.
- Schweinstiger look to get out and onto Modric who will sit and play from deep, Look to hassle and give him no time on the ball, If the winger cuts inside look to meet him with a hard tackle, Look to get about and put a physical presence on their midfield.
- Cazorla to sit and just look to block the supply into the AM/Mandzukic, Look to get out to them soon as on the ball press them about the pitch.
- Ozil just sit on Modric from deep and look to double up with Schweinstiger on him.
- Wingers don't track back look to exploit the space Alves/Gibbs will leave to keep them home.

Attacking Tactics
- Lahm & Felipe Luis to get up and overlap the wingers and look to whip balls in for Diego, Look to make smart runs in behind even if means underlapping the wingers.
- Schweinstiger to go box to box look to get up and down the pitch and make late runs into the box for scoring opportunities. If they get tight to Santi then sit and be playmaker from deep. Sit deep when Santi moves forwards
- Cazorla to be playmaker and keep the play ticking over look to venture forwards and get the ball out wide quickly as possible, Look to link up with Mesut and go beyond and look to get about 20 yards out and have a go at goal
- Robben to run at Gibbs and look to twist him inside and out, Watch for Lahm overlapping outside and use that chance to cut in and whip a ball in or shoot at goal.
- Reus get the ball run at Dani Alves and look to get beyond him and cause him issues with your pace. Don't be afraid to cut in and let one fly. Felipe will get beyond you when in possesion.
- Ozil i want you to sit in the gaps in between midfield and defense and look to slide balls in behind for the wingers, Look to use their pace and take advantage of the gaps the full backs leave on the counter, Look to dribble at the defenders and play eye of the needle balls in behind for Diego
- Costa pick the smaller CB and just back your frame into him and look to bully him physically and roll him when the ball gets played into your feet. Look to make diagonal runs in behind so pulls defenders out for the wingers to get in.


Subs: If leading Alonso for Cazorla - 2 DM's to sit infront of the back 4
If Losing then Kane/Fekir for Ozil/Cazorla and go 4-4-2

This week we are up against one of the strongest teams in the league, trebs and his Barca bum buddies. They have 2 of their main players injured in Pogba and James so we will have the superior strenght in midfield. With our best player Griezmann injured I have decided to change the formation into a 4-3-1-2 and congest the centre of midfield to stifle Midget Messi and Sharky Suarez.

---------------------------------------------------Oblak---------------------------------------------------
Juanfran ----------------- Toprak ----------------- Miranda --------------------- Alba
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------ De Rossi -----------------------------------------
------------------------- Ramsey ----------- Xavi --------------------- Pjanic ------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------- Ibarbo --------------- Giroud --------------------------------------------

Subs - Alderweireld, Rafinha, Arteta, Mario Suarez, Jese, Torres, Perez

Captain DE ROSSI
CK'S PJANIC LEFT. RAMSEY RIGHT
FK PJANIC
PK GIROUD

DEFENCE
Oblak will look to command his area. His height will help him deal with aerial balls and will use his good reflexes to save any shots. Full backs will look to start of with a neutral mindset and make syre they are not caught out of podition early on. As the match goes on, Alba and Juanfran are to help out in attack aswell by making overlapping runs and supporting my midfielders. Get in crosses if you can aswell. Alba you will probably be up against Messi, the supposed best player in the world. He likes to drop deep and make pass and move runs so stick close to him. The midfield 4 that I have chosen are good at helping out in defence so they will help you on dealing with Messi. Cuadrado on the left wing will probably try cutting in from the right so try and stop him from doing that.

MIDFIELD
De Rossi will be the defense mid, he will look to put in tackles and hound the Arsenal AM. Don't stray out of position and use your brilliant interception ability to steal the ball and launch a counter attack. Ramsey and Pjanic will be the box to box midfielders. They will look to pass the ball forward and make attacking forays through the middle. Keep things simple, shoot if you see a chance. Xavi will be the deep lying playmaker. He will look to split the opposition defence from deep with his excellent vision. Dont stray too far forward but keep things simple withvyour superor ball control and 1 touch play. They will also help out in defence by tracking back when we don't have possession of the ball.

STRIKE
Up front will be the frenchie Giroud. He will be the target man and will look to use his height and physical presence to his advantage. Link the play, pass the ball to the wingers and use your excellent positional play in the 6 yard box to score. He will be partnered by the pacy string tank Victor Ibarbo. He will try and exploit Godin's main weakness, his lack of pace. Time your runs and finish any chance you see.

Subs if LOSING BY 65MINS
Put on Torres for De Rossi and Pjanic moves to AM. Change formation to 4 1 2 1 2 with Torres partnering Giroud up front. Put on Jese for Xavi with Ibarbo and Jese to play on the wings. ALL OUT ATTACK!

Subs if WINNING BY 65MINS
Take of Pjanic and put on Mario Suarez play deep defensive hoofball. EVERYONE WILL DEFEND.

Subs if DRAWING BY 65MINS
Torres for Giroud, Suarez for Pjanic and Jese for Ibarbo. Keep same formation.

BENCH: ter Steigen, Vermaelen, Siquiera, Rabiot, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto, Sandro Ramirez

TACTICS
We need to start winning games or the title is over. We have a new tactic for this week, a new formation, aimed at getting the best out of Messi and Suarez. We want to play with two wide men and look to get really wide and stretch their defense, to create a two vs two in the middle with Messi and Suarez against their centre backs. We have a strong defense and we feel that we can deal with Giroud and any support he has. With Greaseman out, we feel we can isolate the striker.

DEFENSE
Look to quickly pressurise their midfielders, the likes of Pjanic and Ramsey will probably be looking to get forward to support the striker, and Luiz and Rakitic are capably of quickly winning the ball back. Luiz should be a little deeper to protect the back four with Rakitic a bit higher up. Even our four attacking players will work for the team and shouldn't allow deeper players like De Rossi and Xavi time on the ball. If they play with wingers, the full backs should match them for pace, force them out wide. If not, then that basically gives Gaya and Danilo license to play at LM and RM with Cuadrado and Pastore even more attacking.

ATTACK
Cuadrado and Pastore should get wide to really stretch out their defense, look to run at them with pace, and create more space and time in the middle for Messi and Suarez. The two strikers should drift around the final third, sometimes dropping deep, sometimes getting in behind their defense. Take on their centre backs in one on ones. Luiz and Rakitic should look to quickly play the ball out wide or to the front two without hesitation, I want one to stay back and the other to get forward, just outside the edge of the box as the simple option to pass to. The full backs also have license to get forward, either on the overlap or the 'underlap' - i.e. getting on the inside of the wingers.

SET PIECES
Left Corner - Rakitic
Right Corner - Cuadrado
Free Kicks - Messi
Penalties - Messi

SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning, Rafinha for Cuadrado to add an extra midfielder.
If drawing, Rafinha for Luiz, get forward with Rakitic a little deeper.
If losing, Rafinha and Sandro Ramirez for Rakitic and Danilo. It doesn't get any more attacking than this 4-3-3.