Week 1 Match 1 - Birmingham v Bolton

----------------------Viviano--------------------
Lichtsteiner-----Zanka-------Agger--------Monreal
-----------------------Rolfes---------------------
-----------Jadson----------------Vidal------------
Kalou---------------------------------------Capel
-----------------------Adriano--------------------

McCarthy, Van Aanholt, Capoue, Lens, Rosidcky, Wickham, Sigthorsson

Play it tight at the back, centre halfs know each other from the International stage, Agger being more experienced will pick up the striker, mark him close and not allow him freedom to turn into the box. Make life as difficult as possible for him. Zanka will sit iin beside him and watch any danger coming from the second striker or midfield runners, he will intecept passes coming through and generally mop up.
Monreal and Lichtsteiner will sit in to start to keep them at bay, only getting forward when poss. Licht is the one more likely to get up and support Kalou as the two really have a go at the LB, cutting inside and allowing the other to go out wide. Monreal will do the same when he goes forward, but the two must defend strong and not allow the wingers any time, space or freedom.
Rolfes will sit in front of the defnce, keep it simple, keep the danger man out of the gamem, use his experience to push him off the ball, force him into mistakes and generally keep him out the game.
Jadson and Vidal sit just in front, Jadson will be the playmaker whilst Vidal helps out defencively, as a box to box player. Jadson will pick up the ball from behind him and drive forward or get the ball out wide or through to the pacy striker, Vidal will get beyond him when we have the ball and look to support Adriano. Jadson has a great eye for a pass so will pick players out with ease. Vidal when defending will drop in and sit beside Rolfes and really get into the faces of there midfield closing down everything/one and really putting alot of pressure onto them to play quick passes and making errors.
kalou and capel both pacey wingers will use there speed to get beyond their markers, use the fb's to support and make runs to pick up return balls and support Adriano as much as they can, they can also cut inside looking for Jadson or Vidal to set them free and to charge into the box..
Adriano is quick and ppowerful, I want him to sit on the last line of defence at all times and use his pace to get away from his markers, he can play out wide also so he at times will get himself out right switching with Kalouto confuse the defence and pull them away from the middle allowing late running Vidal and Jadson more room to get in on goal.

No high balls as we are not the biggest of teams apart from set pieces when Zanka and Agger come up for them, so keep the ball down..

Pens - Adriano

Subs

70 Minutes

Losing/drawing - Wickham > Jadson 4-4-2 go for high balls and use Wickhams height to set up Adriano

Winning - Capoue > Jadson - more defensive - he sits beside Rolfes

80 Mins Losing/drawing - Rosicky > Capel - Kalou up front 4-2-1-3

SUNDERLAND TACTICS VERSUS BIRMINGHAM
Attacking formation
--------------Gordon
Fanni--Godin---Cahill---M’Bengue
--------------Fellaini
--------Parker------Arteta
Turan-------Adebayor---------Menez

Defensive formation
--------------Gordon
Fanni--Godin---Cahill---M’Bengue
---------Parker--Fellaini
Turan-------Arteta---------Menez
-------------Adebayor


Subs: Cudicini, Lugano, Aurier, Parolo, Canales, Riviere, Welbeck

Injured: Taiwo, Forlan

Summary: Attacking – our wingers will have limited defensive responsibility today, so we will expect them to support Adebayor as much as possible. They will play slightly narrower than natural wingers attacking the channel between the CB and the FB, particularly trying to commit the CB. If they can both do this, then the CB’s will have to deal with 3 players.
Defensively, we will play a deeper line and limit the space in behind for the pace of the Birmingham attack.
Any Birmingham player named that does not play, the Sunderland player will pick up the replacement

Gordon - will command the area, coming for crosses. He is in the best position to see what is ahead of him and will be alert to any balls played in behind the back four, acting as sweeper.

Fanni – Your first responsibility will be to pick up the left winger and stop him from playing. Birmingham have just signed Capel,. If it is him, you have the pace to stay with him and you can use your physical strength to bully him out of the game. Let him know he is in the English game now and that he is in for a physical challenge. You will get forward and support Turan today, but do not neglect your defensive responsibilities. When M’Bengue goes forward, you should stay back.

M’Bengue – Your first responsibility will be to pick up the right winger and stop him from playing. In previous games, this has been Kalou, who is a more natural striker than winger. Show him outside and away from goal, where he is not a strong crosser and you will limit his effectiveness. If he drifts inside, pass over marking responsibility to Cahill. You will not be expected to get forward much and should focus on your defensive responsibility. You can make the occasional foray up field, but never when Fanni is forward.

Godin – You should pick up the main striker, probably Luis Adriano, given the injury to Negredo. You have the pace to stay with him and the guile to ensure he doesn’t get much space today.

Cahill – If there is a second striker, you will pick him up. If not, you will be the spare man, attacking crosses into the box and sweeping up any loose balls. We expect Kalou to play right hand side, but to try to drift inside. If he comes inside, then take responsibility for him from M’Bengue.

Fellaini – you role today is to sit and break up play today and to protect the back four. The candidates for the Birmingham midfield are not physically big, so you should use your size and strength to dominate them. On defensive free kicks, you should mark the tallest player, whilst on attacking free kicks, target attacking the smaller defenders.

Parker – you will play box to box today. We are defending deeper today, so you will support Fellaini in filling the extra space in front of our defense. We are allowing our wingers to stay forward, so you will also have the responsibility of watching their full backs. We do not expect Monreal to get forward, but Lichtsteiner will. When he does, you should support M’Bengue is defending the left hand side. You will get forward to the edge of the box and pick up anything that gets cleared from the area.

Arteta – you will play as the playmaker. You will collect the ball in deeper positions and get play moving, feeding the wingers, and Adebayor. Defensively, you will support Parker in pressurising the central midfielders. You will help to stop the supply lines forward from the back.

Turan – your role is important today. We are not expecting the Birmingham LB to get forward, so you will have less defensive responsibility today. Get in support of Adebayor and attack the FB/CB channel. Try to commit the CB, particularly Zanka Jorgensen if he is playing in Bonucci’s absence. This will free up space for Adebayor.

Menez– your role is important today. Parker is going to cover the attacks of their RB,, so you will have less defensive responsibility today. Get in support of Adebayor and using your pace, attack the FB/CB channel. Try to commit the CB, particularly Zanka Jorgensen if he is playing in Bonucci’s absence. This will free up space for Adebayor.

Adebayor – Make them know you are there. Put yourself about. We expect Zanka to play today in Bonucci’s absence, so you should be faced with a partnership of Agger and Zanka. This is not that physically strong and in Zanka’s case, inexperienced at the higher levels.

We aim to get Adebayor, Menez and Turan targeting the CBs, overloading them 3 on 2.

Subs:
If losing/drawing on 70 minutes, Riviere for Parker
----------Fellaini
Turan--------------Menez
----------Arteta
----Riviere—Adebayor

Pacy young player to run at the tiring defence

If winning on 70 minutes, Parolo for Arteta

----Fellaini—Parker---Parolo
Turan-----------------------Menez
--------------Adebayor

3 solid midfielders protecting the back four, Turan and Menez tracking back and supporting the FBs defensively



Captain: Parker
Vice captain: Gordon
Free kicks/Corners: Arteta / Turan
Penalties: Arteta / Turan

FULHAM TACTICS VS BIRMINGHAM


After a difficult match last week against Blackburn where we should have walked away with at least a point we have further strengthened our side and fully expect to take the three points against Birmingham. We are going to play our comfortable 4-5-1 formation once again.


----------------------------- Sergio Romero ----------------------------------
----Debuchy---------- Marchena ---------- Gamberini --------- Jansen----
----------------------Gago---------------Flamini------------------------------
--------------------------------Kuzmanovic------------------------------------
--------Donovan (C)-------------------------------------------Jovetic---------
----------------------------------- Klose--------------------------------------


Subs:
Montoya
Flanagan
Bocanegra
Sessegnon
Pjanic
Reyes
Defoe

We have two new starters in Flamini and Debuchy and a further four new players on the bench. All of our new players have slotted straight into our existing formation and style of play. This week against Birmingham we are going to go for the juggernaut and try to dominate the game.

Specific Player Instructions:

GK: Romero - Once again Romero will be looking to release our wingers as well as getting the ball moving from the back as quickly as possible. He will look to throw rather than kick as much as possible as this is his strong point.

RB: Debuchy - Debuchy makes his debut for us at right back. He will use his explosive pace to overwhelm the Birmingham left hand side. He will look to overlap Donovan as well as drifting forward in general.

LB: Jansen- Jansen will also use his explosive pace but will use it to exploit the Birmingham right hand side. He will overlap Jovetic and whip in dangerous crosses for Kuzmanovic and Klose to get on the end of.

CB: Marchena - As always Marchena will look to bustle their centre forwards and will not get bossed around. He will tackle hard as always. He will look for the simple balls to Gamberini, Gago and Flamini.

CB: Gamberini - Like his centre back partner he will look for the easy passes. He will also look to bustle to Birmingham strikers.

DM: Gago - Gago will act as our bustling defensive midfielder. Since joining us Gago has consistently been the heart of our midfield. He will force errors from the Birmingham midfielders

DM: Flamini - Like Gago Flamini will force mistakes from the Birmingham midfielders. Both Flamini and Gago will make sure that Birmingham do not settle and therefore will allow us to play our attacking football.

CM: Kuzmanovic - Playing ahead of Gago and Flamini this week so he can boss the game and play his Xavi-esque through balls for Klose and the wingers to run on to. He has several players snapping at his heels and so he needs a big performance this week.

RW: Donovan (c) - Our captain. Early on he will use his natural pace to destroy the confidence of the Birmingham left back before starting to cut inside and support Klose.

LW: Jovetic - Jovetic has plenty to prove this week with two players fighting for his position, he will use his pace to terrorize the Birmingham right back.

CF: Klose - Lone striker again this week for Klose and so he has to act as the target man for Kuzmanovic to play off of. Donovan and Jovetic will look to link up off of Klose as much as possible. He is essential to how we play.

Subs

Sub regardless of score at 70 minutes:

Bocanegra for Jansen - This will allow Jansen a rest as he played midweek in the cup

Subs if losing/drawing at 75 minutes:

Defoe for Kuzmanovic - Defoe will join Klose upfront, he can use his pace to run onto any long balls as well as looking to terrorize the Birmingham centre backs late on in the match

Pjanic for Jovetic - Another new signing, Pjanic will drift inside allowing Bocanegra to attack more. He gives us another attacking option and has shown his flair infront of goal.

Formation if losing at 75 minutes:

----------------------------- Sergio Romero ----------------------------------
----Debuchy---------- Marchena ---------- Gamberini -------Bocanegra----
----------------------Gago---------------Flamini------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------Donovan (C)-------------------------------------------Pjanic---------
------------------------------Defoe- Klose------------------------------------


Subs if winning at 75 minutes:

Pjanic for Kuzmanovic - Straight swap. Pjanic will look to demoralize the Birmingham midfielders and defenders. The Bosnian Messi!

Reyes for Jovetic - New signing Reyes will freshen up the left hand side. He will also use his pace to attack the already tiring Birmingham right back.

Formation if winning at 75 minutes:

----------------------------- Sergio Romero ----------------------------------
----Debuchy---------- Marchena ---------- Gamberini ------ Bocanegra----
----------------------Gago---------------Flamini------------------------------
--------------------------------Pjanic------------------------------------------
--------Donovan (C)-------------------------------------------Reyes---------
----------------------------------- Klose--------------------------------------


Finally, our set piece tactics:

Left Corner: Jansen (Reyes when Jansen goes off)
Right Corner: Donovan
Free Kicks: Donovan/Debuchy
Penalties: Klose

i LiKe Winkle

Birmingham tactics vs Fulham.

Although there is no doubt that Birmingham will be the underdogs in the forthcoming match against Fulham, under a new manager and solid tactics there is no reason as to why the team should not be able to grab at least a point.

-------------------------------------Viviano----------------------------------------------

------------Isla----------------Agger----------Bonnuci-----------Monreal-----------

--------------------------Rolfes--------Vidal (C)--------Capoue--------------------------

------------Capel---------------------------------------------------Lens---------------

----------------------------------------Negredo-----------------------------------------

Subs:

McCarthy
Jorgenson
Van Aanholt
Jadson
Kalou
Rosicky
Adriano

The team above, with 3 strong midfielders and an experienced and capable defence should be able to break up the play of Fulham. It is unlikely that Birmingham will spend an extreme amount of time on the ball, however it is clear that the 3 CM's are good passers and quick ball out of defence will be key to pushing Fulham back.

Goalkeeper

Viviano will know that he has alot to prove to a new manager, and with his place under threat with a new arrival expected he will be on top form. It is key that he doesn't release the ball to early to allow us to regain our shape. When he does release the ball, it should be aimed towards Vidal and Rolfes who should be able to dictate the pace of our play.

Defenders

Agger and Bonucci are a strong Centre-Back partnership who will look to man mark the opposistion forwards out of the match. Strong tackling is more than permissable. The defence should look to play the offside trap against an aging opposistion attack. Both Centre-backs have the ability and experience to read the situation, and therefore they should be able to keep the full-backs in check. Monreal and Isla should keep tight to their opposistion wingers at all times to ensure that they are not a possibility to recieve the ball. With a strong defence who are looking to protect goal, we should be difficult to break. When the defence gets the ball, they should instantly find one of any of the open CM's who can then move it about.

Midfield

A strong Centre of Midfield is under review this week, but with Vidal as captain and leading the side from the front they should be able to break up the oncoming play of Fulham. Rolfes, Vidal and Capoue althogh all defence-minded do have the ability to spread play. Essentially, it is the aim of the Midfield to break up the play of the opposistion midfield, and when they have the ball to spread it out wide and look to feed the ball behind the defence. A strong midfield, will be out to prove they can work together with pressure for more attacking minded players such as Jadson on their posistion.

Wingers/Forwards

Both of the wingers will look to recieve the ball quickly from the centre of midfield, and if they can not get behind the defence of Fulham, run directly at it. They both have the ability to cross the ball, and should look to target the strong striker Negredo. Negredo can finish off the balls that are given to him, and fight off the opposition defence. Occasionally, Lens himself may look to cut inside and suprise the defence and take a shot at goal. It is the role of the wingers to really direct the ball towards goal, and they should not bare defence in mind too much. Negredo will be out to prove he should be no 1 striker, ahead of Adriano.

Subs:

Subs at 60 Minutes: Kalou for Lens - to provide a more experienced direction for the team, regardless of the score.

Sub if losing at 75 Mins: Jadson for Capoue, Adriano for Negredo. - Jadson to move into a more attacking role, and to direct the ball fowards to the new fresh striker who can trouble a tiring defence.

Sub if winning at 75 Mins: Rosicky for Capoue - to provide a more intelligent head in the centre of the park to dictate play.

Left Corner: Capel
Right Corner: Lens (or Kalou if on the pitch)
Free Kicks: Vidal
Penalties: Negredo

Birmingham City tactics vs Bolton

Although last week ended up only being a draw, against lowly Fulham, the result will have given the players confidence that they can head in the right direction. Having played reasonably defensivly previously, a couple of new signings has allowed for manager Puntingred to direct the team in a more agressive manner.

-------------------------------Viviano---------------------------------

------Isla-----------Hangeland----------Agger(c)--------Monreal-----

--------------------Rolfes--------------Diarra------------------------

----Gonzales-------------------------------------------Capel--------

----------------------------------------Negredo---------------------

--------------------------------Sow---------------------------------

Subs:

McCarthy
Jorgenson
Van Aanholt
Capoue
Rosicky
Adriano
Wickham

The team above has an experienced and capable defence who should be able to break up any play of the Bolton attack. The two centeral midfielders will operate more defensivly, and seek to provide a good foundation for an attacking platform whilst our new two man strike force should bring home the goals.

Goalkeeper:

Viviano had a reasonably good match last week, and will be coming in with confidence. He will once again look to distribute the ball towards the middle of the park, from where Birminghams' play will be dictated.

Defence:

Brede Hangeland comes into the team this week as a new signing, and he should provide an experienced and intelligent head in the centre of the defence and build a solid partnership with Agger. The Full-Backs, particularly Isla, are being given more license to roam forwards this week and get on the overlap - in the hope that can create opportunities and cause confusion to the opposistion. Once more, Birmingham will look to play a man-marking system to ensure the opposistion threat is nullified.

Midfield

With the departure of Vidal and the desire to move into a more attacking mode, Birmingham have opted for a two-man central midfield. Both diarra and Rolfes will sit in front of the defence and look to break up the opposistion play, and when they do spread the ball out wide. They both have good tackling and passing abilities so this system should work well. If one of them ever goes forwards, the other should sit back.

Wingers/Forwards

Diego Capel has been put into his more natural posistion this week, with the arrival of Mark Gonzales and both of these players should look to recieve the ball quickly from the centre of the pitch and provide width. They will then either aim to cross the ball in to Sow or use the overlap of the full-backs. Negredo will play just off Sow and look to come short to pick up the ball and also recieve it from the wingers. He will be able to either play in our new and prolific striker Sow, or alterntativly use his own strength to muster a chance on goal.

Sub at 75 Mins if Winning: Capoue for Negredo: To move into the centre of midfield and try and see out the result.

Sub at 75 Mins if Losing: Adriano for Negredo: To provide fresh legs up front and cause more problems for the defence.

Sub at 75 Mins regardless: Rosicky for Gonzales: to provide a more direct and established threat on goal.

Sub at 80 Mins regardless: Wickham for Sow: To give the youngster the chance to prove his worth and cause trouble up front.

Left Corner: Capel
Right Corner: Gonzales/Rosicky
Free Kicks: Capel
Penalties: Negredo

Bolton Tactics

Starting XI

-----------------Given
Corluka---Escude---Naldo---Enrique
-----------------Adam
----------Hamsik-----Lucho
Kuyt---------------------------Benayoun
----------------Carroll
Subs
Jussi
Milito
Izaguirre
Jeffren
Sturridge
Di Natale
Davies

Set Pieces
Free Kicks: Adam
Corners: Adam
Penalties: Kuyt

Tactics

Centre Backs
Naldo will pick up Sow and keep a tight grip on him , with Escude holding back ready to help Take on Sow or ready to pick up Negredo, Naldo will go up for set pieces whilst Escude will stay back at all times

Enrique
Gonzalez is a leftie so the aim for Enrique will be to keep him out wide onto his weaker right peg and try to block any crosses if he cuts back onto his left foot. More often than not, we will be asking him to stay back, unless Benny/Kuyt cut inside and there is space in front of him, then he has licence to move forward.

Corluka
Corluka has a purely defensive job today, his job will be to keep an eye on Capel, try and keep him off the ball, but should he get the ball, he will look to keep him as close to the touchline as he can and try to prevent him cutting inside and forcing a cross from out wide.

Adam
His role today is to play as the deep lying playmaker, with 2 purely defensive minded midfielders playing for brum, we arent expecting anyone to be marking adam, so his job will be to get on the ball and spray balls to the people infront of him, a particular target for him will be kuyt, who has an aerial advantage against the full backs. Defensively he is not a strong tackler, but he will be expected to keep Negredo honest and keep tabs on him.

Lucho
He is another playmaker so he will tend to hang back alongside adam and supply balls to the front 4, but he is given licence to go forward as Hamsik on his own could get crowded out by the dm's

Hamsik
He will look occupy the space between our midfield and Carroll, not afraid to drift wide if he needs to try and shake off the 2 DM's or even pull them out of position to allow others space, when he has the ball, he has licence to shoot from range, or ass the ball out wide or even to Carroll to bypass the dm's, Defensively he is a high energy player, so should either of the brum dm's decide to go forward Hamsik will be told to track them. When our wingers are in a position to cross, Hamsik will try and find space around the edge of the box to provide the cut back option.

Kuyt
Kuyt will be a key player for us today, a player with everlasting stamina, he will be tasked to track the full back when defendind, as well as put pressure on the brum back 4 if they hog the ball, offensively, he and benny are adept on playing either wing, so will switch fairly frequently, when we are attacking, a fair few balls from the creative players will be in the air towards him, as we fell he is strong in the air and should beat either full back more often than not, so in the air he will be looking to head to either Hamsik, Lucho or Carroll, when he has the ball on the ground, he should be looking to cross whichever side he is on, but also when he is on the left, he shouldnt be afraid to cut inside and shoot. Wehn Benny has the ball and crosses in, he will look to drift into the box and move to the far post as a second option should Carroll miss the ball.

Benayoun
He isnt going to do either full back for pace, so will be looking to use his close control to outsmart the full backs to find space to either put crosses in, play the cut back or even shoot. When on the right he should primarily look to cross the ball into the box, and when on the left, he has the choice of either crossing or even shooting.

Carroll
Carroll will have more support than in previous games so while not playing a target man role, he is the lone striker so will have to hold the ball up at points, when he has the ball outside the box, he will look to pass to one of the 5 players around him and move further forward into the box, if he is outside the box and the defenders are giving him space, then he shouldnt be afraid to shoot from far out, when crosses are coming in, he will look to move to the middle of the box and look to use his strength to win the headers.

Subs
If Winning
75 mins - Izaguirre for Benayoun - Fresh legs and a player who will sit just in front of Enrique
Milito For Lucho - Move to a 5-4-1 and miltio will be the spare man to pick up either player should they evade their man.
Sturridge for Carroll - more pace and will switch to a counter attacking style of football

If Losing
70 Mins - Di Natale For Lucho, move to a 4-4-2 with Di Natale playing alongside Carroll

Birmingham Tactics v Spurs

4-4-1-1

--------------Viviano----------------
Isla-----Agger----Hangeland----Monreal
Bahebeck----Diarra----Capoue----Capel
-----------------Jadson--------------------
-----------------Sow------------------------

GK: Emiliano Viviano
Need him to be vocal in the box, instruct the guys in front of him on set pieces. If he gets the opportunity move the ball out to the wings as quick as possible, if Spurs are in ascendancy then slow the pace down, take the sting out of the game.
LB: Nacho Monreal
Ensure winger doesn’t cut in from the wing and force him into the corners, don’t be dragged out of position up field and ensure he holds the line. Try to break up the movement between winger and Van Der Vaart if VDV is looking to push ball out wide.
CBs: Daniel Agger & Brede Hangeland
Look for the runs of their attacking midfielder and if necessary go in hard early on, make him know who is boss. Watch out for VDV pairing up on the wing but again don’t be pulled out of position for balls threaded through to their striker. Look to go up into their box to dominate on free kicks/corners. Play long ball by Agger if opportunity arrives to use the pace of attackers to hit them fast. Double up on Benzema if neccessary at times with Hangeland going in hard.
RB: Mauricio Isla
Again keep a tight line with the rest of the defence. Put pressure on Van der Wiel and look to break down that wing with speed linking up with Bahebeck to hit on counterattacks.
DM: Mahamadou Diarra
Break down their attacks, don’t be afraid to not play pretty but ensure you nullify any periods of pressure from them as quickly as possible, settle the team down when you get the ball at these times, play it around for a few minutes and take the pace out of them. Stay back on our set pieces and look to pick up on Benzema remaining forward at these times.
CM: Ettiene Capoue
Assist Diarra in defensive midfield duties through the midfield, look to fill the area and make it hard to break down, get the ball out to the wing when possible. Join with Agger and Hangeland for set pieces in their box.
LW: Diego Capel
Look to pull defenders out of position when possible to allow Jadson and Sow to break through. Be wary of their attacks though and pull back on our set pieces to assist in breaking down counterattacks.
RW: Jean-Christophe Bahebeck
Given an opportunity to shine in the first team, use his electric pace combined with Isla to really hit Spurs down this wing and hit low balls into space for Sow, feel free to come in from the wing to link up and use both his feet to go past the defence.
AM: Jadson
Free role to link in play with the two wingers especially the speed of Bahebeck, look to play the ball to feet of Sow and hit Spurs hard and fast. When needed pullback to assist in midfield.
ST: Moussa Sow
Look to draw the defenders out with you to create gaps for Jadson and Bahebeck to burst through. Prepare to spring forward with long balls from defence and use pace to outrun their defence.

Set pieces:

Capel to take corner/freekicks from the left hand side, from corner and a distance bring forward the 2 CBs and Caboue for aeriel threat. Bahebeck to do similar from right hand side. From shooting range freekicks have Jadson take them though occasionally mix in a quick through ball to Bahebeck trying to lose his marker around the back.
Penalty taker is Sow.


Subs:

McCarthy
Gunter
Jorgenson
Lens
Rosicky
Adriano
Wickham

Sub tactics
If winning look to drop the two central midfielders more and swamp their attacks to then hit them with quick counterattacks either over the top or through Bahebeck, if Bahebeck is tiring or is losing the battle on the wing swap for Capel. Swap Sow for Adriano around the 80 min to give a fresh burst of pace up front.

If losing bring on Adriano for Diarra and drop Jadson further back, switch to a more traditional 4-4-2, use the space on the wings more and get in quick balls behind their defensive line for the two attackers to use.

Tottenham FC vs Blue Nose's

Line Up 4-2-3-1

-----------------------------Stekelenburg--------------------------

van der Wiel----------Rolando-----------Mertesacker-----------Radu

--------------------Cambiasso-----------Modric---------------------

Zárate---------------------van der Vaart-------------------Coentrão
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------Benzema

Subs: Ochoa, Walker, Coates, Sandro, Barnetta, Wijnaldum, Gilardinho

Captain: Mertesacker

General: We will be attacking today. Want to unsettle the Birmingham team on a whole. An isolated striker is easy enough to deal with, cut his supply line off. Want our defence to play a little higher up the pitch and play offside trap. On the defensive keep our shape and keep the opposition contained, that way when we break up their attack we can crank up the pace and countre them fast, our wide men are quick and are able on both feet so they will be used on the countre. Their defence is good on the air so more play along the deck is prefered. We will use out width with VDW on the right as Zárate will be cutting inside and Coentrão on the left. This should be enough to strech the Birmingham team and open gaps for runners, throughballs and dribbles. Benzema will be lookign for throughballs, Zárate on the dribble attack and VDV a free role. In all I want you to attack the shizzle out of them, keep possesion of the ball and wear them down. Let bang in soe goals today and give manager Hero a Heros introduction to the Furious League. BOOM-RAH

Stekelenburg: Command the area, communicate with defence at all times. Keep punching to a minimal, catch as much as you can within reason/if possible. He has immense shot stopping abilities.

Defence: Communication is key, talk and help each other out. Rolando and Mertesacker have different attributes which will complement each other. Both will go forward for attacking corners one attacking front post, other centre and alternating each time. When VDW has pushes forward we are able to shift into a three man defence to temporally cover untill he is back in position, this witll be Rolando, Mertz and Radu.
Rolando: Man mark the target man, not too tight but don’t let him play off your shoulder, stay goal side of him at all times. Challenge for all headers and get the tackles in, not too rough as we want to avoid cards.
Mertesacker: Man mark the SS if there is one, stay tight on him when he pushes forward not letting him turn and challenge him for every ball. If there isn’t act as sweeper. Use your height to win all ariel balls. Get stuck in but not too rough in order to avoid picking up cards.
van der Wiel: Mark opposition wingers, try block all crosses, keep them wide and don't let them cut inside. Do not go to ground. As Zárate will be cutting in supporting Benzema I want you to get up the flank, overlap Zárate and give him the option out wide, keep your width, get crosses into the box and mix them up from in the air to along the ground, try more across the ground for Zárate and VDV to get onto. Can push all the way to the touchline. Oh and did notice that Isla will be putting pressure on you, as your both RB's Coentrão will be taking full advantage.
Radu: Stong LB so I want yo ustilise that. Mark opposition wingers, try block all crosses, keep them wide and don't let them cut inside. Do not go to ground, stand up strong. When VDW is on the attack stay back. Support Coentrão, try feed him down the channel. Cross from deep aimed for Benzema but with us being better with the ball on the deck keep it on the deck more often, Modric, VDV and Coentrão all to feet.

Cambiasso: Midfield general. Want you to get all over the pitch. If there is a AM then keep an eye on him, mark when he gets into an advance position, any other time get across the pitch. Protect the back four. Go for headers, get tackles in, own the pitch, make it yours! Attacking wise I want you to distribute the ball, the wide men will keep the width so be the middle man in switching from flank to flank, keep the ball moving at all times. If you see a gap send Benzema though.

Modric: Work hard to win the ball in the centre, track back and help Cambiasso. However you are the creative midfield man today, thread the ball through to the flanks and strikers. I also want you to dictate the pace of play, switch it up on attack, when breaking up an attack calm it down and get re-organised. Quick one-two play with VDV and Benzema can open up opportunities. Mix play up, try a ball over the top if you see Benzema going, When on quick counters get into advanced positions, drift around the edge of the box, be there for passes to “start again”, loose balls or to simply get in the box late attacking the ball.

Coentrão: If the opposition fullback pushes forward mark him, is he roams anywhere else....say to put pressure on VDW let him go. I want you to attack Isla, pin him back so he cant move out his area. Attack him, use the flank, keep the width and work on getting balls in the box and across the floor to VDV and Benzema. Zárate will be making runs towards the back post so look to search him out. You can drift inside every so often and if in a good shooting position have a go. Play throughballs to Benzema and the on running VDV.

Zárate: Track back if the opposition fullback pushes forward. BUt to be fair you should be attacking him that he will be pinned back. If out wide VDW will be coming up to support, use him either setting him up for a run or cross or just for 1-2's so you can get into a position infield. Feel free to go on runs, your dribbling ability is great so use it to attack opposition players, take them on, catch them on the back foor. Cut inside. Play 1-2's with any of the front men, play them at a fast pace as this will get us in behind the opposition backline. Shoot on sight inside the box, use judgement from outside the box. Make runs Also try a few through balls for Benzema.

van der Vaart: Defensivly id like you to put pressure on the opponants, force mistakes and keep them in their area. When we dont have possesion drop deep a bit and assist Cambiasso and Modric. Attacking wise you have a free role. Supposrt Benzema, get the ball from flank to flank, make forward runs and long shots. Do what you feel is best.

Benzema: You are the front line. Hangeland will beat you in the air so head more to Daniel Aggers side and attack him more. You can beat him for pace so play off his last shoulder. Mark forward run, support will be in the form of Zárate and VDV. Quick intregate passing between you three can open up the opposition and cause them trouble. Shoot on sight on the box.

Set Peices:
Pen: Benzema
Corners: - Coentrão, aim for Rolando and Mertesacker.
Free kick long: Cambiasso
Free kick right: VDV/Coentrão
Free kick left: Zárate/Modric

Sub:
Losing or Drawing 68th minute - van der Vaart off for Barnetta. Barnetta to play on the right with Zárate upfront to partner Benzema. Push further forward, more throughballs crosses etc to gain goals. High tempo and keep it high with direct passing.

If losing by 2 goals anytime from 60th minute to 70th minute - Zárate and van der Vaart come off for Barnetta and Gilardinho. Barnetta to play RM and Gilardinho to partner Benzema up front. Get more crosses in for Gilardinho who can go for goal or flick on for Benzema. Get more throughballs to Benzame. We are down by 2 goals so just go all out attack for goals.

Winning 65th minute - VDW to stop attacking, stay back more. Zárate to stay out wide and keep the width. van der Vaart to come off for Sandro. Sandro will sit next to Cambiasso and Modric will assume VDV position behind the front man but bit deeper so effectivly a midfield trio.

Any score 79th minute - Benzema to come off for Gilardinho. Gilardinho to play up top off the last shoulder. Get more crossed in the box for Gilardinho

Birmingham Tactics v Aston Villa

4-4-2

--------------Viviano----------------
--Isla------Escude---Dede-----Monreal
Bahebeck--Capoue--Banega--Capel
-----------Sow----Babacar------------

Captain: Banega

General: We want to really show Villa how to play football today, our team is young, exciting and eager to show the new manager exactly what they can do after their defeat last week to top of the table Spurs. Average age of our team is 23 and there’s a great amount of pace in the team and I really expect them to rip apart the Villa defence on counter attacks with fast flowing football at its finest. Defend deep and swamp out their attacks for long periods and then make them pay with pace.

GK: Viviano
Need him to be sorting out the defence in front of him, big responsibility on his shoulders this week as two new centre halves in front of him. Try not to punch the ball and if Villa are in control then take time with goal kicks.

LB: Monreal
Ensure winger doesn’t cut in from the wing and force him into the corners, don’t be dragged out of position up field and ensure he holds the line. Try to keep the winger isolated and stop them providing balls through to the striker. If they are doubling up on Monreal call for Capel to assist.

CBs: Escude & Dede
Look for the runs of Defoe and if necessary go in hard early on, make him know who is boss. Dede to pick up their tallest guy on set pieces and to go into their box on our set pieces. Keep a deep defensive line so not to be hit with quick balls through and to hit on counter when necessary.

RB: Isla
Again keep a line with the rest of the defence. Put pressure on their right wing and look to break down that side with speed linking up with Bahebeck to hit on counterattacks.

CM/DM: Capoue
Break down their attacks, don’t be afraid to not play pretty but ensure you nullify any periods of pressure from them as quickly as possible, get back to assist in defence when required and make it tight for them to break down. When available spread the ball wide to wingers for counterattacks. Frustrate them!

CM: Banega
Big responsibility on Banega in his first game at the club and immediately handed the Captain’s armband. Marshall the midfield, look to get into space when possible and link up play quickly from defence to attack. Speed is of the essence in this game, we need to turn long periods of defence into decisive breaks of attack. Dictate the speed of the game, slow it down when pressured and then launch blistering attacks when able.

LW: Capel
Look to pull defenders out of position when possible to allow Babacar and Sow to break through. Be wary of their attacks though, double up on their runs down the wing and pull back on our set pieces to assist in breaking down their counterattacks.

RW: Bahebeck
Impressed last week and again given a starting place in the team, combine with Isla down the wing and thread a mixture of balls through to the head of Babacar or to the feet of Sow.

ST: Babacar
Big chance here for the exciting young talent to shine. Regarded by many as the new Drogba, the 6ft 4in 18 year old with an electric burst of pace can link well with his fellow French speaking forward, receive long balls and quickly hit passes though to Sow, look to intercept speedy crosses from Bahebeck and scare the life out of their aging defence.

ST: Sow
Look to draw the defenders out with you to create gaps for Babacar and Bahebeck to burst through. Prepare to spring forward with long balls from defence and use pace to outrun their defence.

Set pieces:

Capel to take corner/freekicks from the left hand side, from corner and a distance target Dede, Caboue and Babacar for aeriel threat. Bahebeck to do similar from right hand side. From shooting range freekicks have Sow take them though occasionally mix in a quick through ball to Bahebeck trying to lose his marker around the back.

Penalty taker is Sow.


Subs:

McCarthy
Gunter
Jorgenson
Lens
Rosicky
Adriano
Negrado

Sub tactics
If winning look to drop the two central midfielders even more and swamp their attacks to then hit them with quick counterattacks either over the top or through Bahebeck, if Bahebeck is tiring or is losing the battle on the wing swap for Capel. Swap Babacar for Diarra around the 80 min and swap to a 4-1-4-1 to ride out the last ten minutes.

If losing bring on Negrado for Capoue and go to a 4-3-1-2, hit the ball through the midfield quickly as their central defenders tire.

UPDATED TACTICS. I DID NOT LOOK AT MY OPPOSITIONS TEAM.
-----------

i have been re-hired by aston villa after taking a long overdue holiday and will look to get off to a good start with a win.

Formation - 4-4-2

-------------------------akinfeev-------------------
Srna(C)-------bruno alves------marquez------capdevilla
---------------------------------------------------------------
Hazard-------cleverley---------vidal--------ben arfa
----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------defoe---------bellamy-------------------

Subs - Parish, Cuellar, Josue, Tosic, Granero, Tim Cahill, Amauri

CORNER KICKS - BEN ARFA
FREEKICKS - BEN ARFA
PENALTIES - DEFOE
CAPTAIN - SRNA
VICE CAPTAIN - AKINFEEV

GK AKINFEEV - command your box. If opposition shoot from outside box punch the ball away to safety. Whenever you have the ball keep it simple and pass to the defenders.

RB SRNA - main job is to defend. Attack whenever you feel that we need more width to our play. When capdevilla is attacking you will stay back and defend. Keep the opposition winger on a tight leash. Don't let him run at you and close him down as fast as you can. Will look to play the offside trap whenever possible.

CB'S - BRUNO ALVES + MARQUEZ - these 2 players will look to stay deep and defend. Close the opposition striker(s) down and use your height to your advantage by winning the aerial battles. Keep the defensive line in check and step up to play the offside trap whenever possible.

LB CAPDEVILLA - same job as Srna but you have the option to shoot from long range if you see an opportunity as you are deadly accurate shooting wise.

WINGERS - HAZARD + BEN ARFA - will look to cause the opposition full backs problems with their pace, trickery and direct style of play. Change sides if you are not getting any luck and dont be afraid of using your weaker foot as it causes the element of surprise. You both will also have to track back and help your teammates Srna and Capdevilla when defending.

CENTER MIDS - CLEVERLEY + VIDAL - Both have a great amount of stamina and can last the full 90mins. They will look to be my box to box mids and help attack and defend. If one attacks than the other stays back to defend and vice versa. They are both good passers of the ball and have an impeccable dribbling ability. Make late surging runs into the opposition penalty area to get a goal but do not forget your defensive duties.

STRIKERS - DEFOE + BELLAMY - there 2 are speed freaks and their main attribute is their ability to time their attacking runs to perfection. They are not the tallest of strikers but they make up that with their good finishing in front of goal.


IF I AM LOSING BY 60MINS - i will change the formation into a 3-4-3 and go on the attack to try and get a goal back. I will take of Marquez and Vidal and put on Granero and Tim Cahill.

-------------------------akinfeev-------------------
Srna----------------bruno alves-------------capdevilla
---------------------------------------------------------------
Hazard----------------cleverley---------------ben arfa
-------------------------Granero-------------------------
-----------defoe------------------------bellamy-------------
--------------------------Cahill-----------------------------------

IF I AM WINNING BY 60MINS - i will change the formation into a 5-4-1 and go on the defensive and soak up the pressure and hit the opposition on the counter attack. I will take of bellamy, defoe and hazard and replace them with josue, cuellar and amauri.

-------------------------akinfeev-------------------
Srna----alves---cuellar----marquez----capdevilla
-----------josue-----cleverley-----vidal-----------
----------------------------ben arfa-------------------------
-------------------------Amauri-----------------------

IF I AM DRAWING BY 60MINS - i will stay with the same formation but i will do some subs to freshen my team up. I will take off ben arfa and bellamy for tosic and tim cahill.

-------------------------akinfeev-------------------
Srna(C)-------bruno alves------marquez------capdevilla
---------------------------------------------------------------
Hazard-------cleverley---------vidal----------tosic
----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------defoe---------cahill------------

Birmingham Tactics v Everton

4-4-2 (diamond)

--------------Viviano----------------
--Isla------Escude---Dede-----Monreal
-------------------Capoue----------------
------------Martin----Banega--------
--------------------Jadson--------------------
-----------Sow----Balotelli------------

Captain: Banega

General: Let’s gatecrash the party guys. Everton
GK: Viviano
Need him to be sorting out the defence in front of him, big responsibility on his shoulders this week as two new centre halves in front of him. Try not to punch the ball and if Everton are in control then take time with goal kicks.

LB: Monreal
Ensure winger doesn’t cut in from the wing and force him into the corners, don’t be dragged out of position up field and ensure he holds the line deep. Try to keep the winger isolated and stop them providing balls through to the striker. If they are doubling up on Monreal call for Capel to assist.

CBs: Escude & Dede
Look for the runs of their fastest forward and if necessary go in hard early on, make him know who is boss. Dede to pick up their tallest guy on set pieces and to go into their box on our set pieces. Keep a deep defensive line so not to be hit with quick balls through and to hit on counter when necessary.

RB: Isla
Again keep a line with the rest of the defence. Don’t venture forth this week and frustrate their guys coming at you.

DM: Capoue
Break down their attacks, don’t be afraid to not play pretty but ensure you nullify any periods of pressure from them as quickly as possible, get back to assist in defence when required and make it tight for them to break down. When available hit the ball long for our speed to counterattack. Frustrate them!

CM: Banega
Captain again for the day after performing well in his opening match. When needed aid Capoue in tracking back and mark tightly.

CM: Martin
Marshall the midfield, look to get into space when possible and link up play quickly from defence to attack. Speed is of the essence in this game, we need to turn long periods of defence into decisive breaks of attack. Dictate the speed of the game, slow it down when pressured and then launch blistering attacks when able.

AM: Jadson
Back from injury and playing as the point of the midfield diamond formation. Look to link up quickly with Martin and the forward two, hit fast with quick interlinking play, send balls through the middle for the strikers to run onto.

ST: Balotelli
In on loan from City and straight into the first 11. Balotelli should shine in this team of young, fast and exciting talent. Play off the shoulder of their centre backs and look to break onto through balls, Don’t be afraid to shoot from distance.

ST: Sow
Look to draw the defenders out with you to create gaps for Balotelli and Jadson to burst through. Prepare to spring forward with long balls from defence and use pace to outrun their defence.

Set pieces:

Martin to take corner/freekicks from both sides, from corner and a distance target Dede, Caboue and Balotelli for aeriel threat. From shooting range freekicks have Sow take them though occasionally mix in a quick through ball to Balotelli trying to lose his marker around the back.

Penalty taker is Sow.


Subs:

McCarthy
Gonzales
Diarra
Capel
Rosicky
Adriano
Babacar

Sub tactics
If winning look to drop the two central midfielders even more and swamp their attacks to then hit them with quick counterattacks either through the midfield or over the top to a breaking Balotelli, swap Jadson for Diarra who’ll join Capoue in defensive midfield duties.

If losing bring on Babacar for Jadson and go to a 4-3-3, hit the ball through the midfield quickly as their central defenders tire.

“EVERTON” v Birmingham (Injured: Suarez & Gervinho)
------------------------------ A.Begovic ----------------------------
Rafinha ---------- P.Jagielka -------- M.Sakho ---------- G.Clichy
--------------------- Y.M’Vila --------- R.Meireles ------------------
---- J.Mata ------------------ M.Hamsik ------------- R.Alvarez ---
-------------------------------- D.Bent ------------------------------
Subs:
1)N.Douchez 2)J.Bosingwa 3)J.Vertonghen 4)Douglas Costa 5)A.Ramsey
6)T.Huddlestone 7)H.Rodallega
Captain: R.Meireles
Freekick: M.Hamsik/R.Meireles
Corner: J.Mata
Pens: J.Mata

Our style of play will be slick and quick passing game. We have craft & creativity in the central and wide areas. Look to move the ball around the field quickly trying to find openings in the opposition defense. When not in possession we look to close the opposition down very quickly and pressure them, hustling them & getting in their faces to win the ball back and start another Everton attack. One of the amazing things about this team is the energy that the players possess. Our quick passing game should ensure we have the lion’s share of possession.

GK – The Bosnian is a 6ft 5 monster. A great shot stopper but even better at commanding his area, he is excellent at coming to claim crosses and will apply these skills to the game in hand. He has the best view of the attacks developing and will help organize the defense barking out instructions from the back.

CB’s – Keep a defensive line at least 25yards from goal thus nullifying pace threat (our defenders are fast anyway) whilst not exposing us to massive threat from the air especially as both CB’s are good in the air. Both Jags & Sakho are real leaders at the back! Sakho will man mark Balotelli if he plays centrally (otherwise man mark their best striker), Sakho will be tight to him and force him to play with his back to goal. Sakho will also wind him up throughout the match whispering wind ups to him throughout the 90 minutes trying to get the hot head to lose his temper. Jagielka will be looking to sniff out any other danger and will cover Sakho using his physicality, pace and good anticipation skills.
Fullbacks will look to deal with any danger coming down the Birminghams wide areas. Both are good defenders and will look to jockey the wide players down the line and block their crosses, If they try to cut infield the fullbacks will track them and they will be smothered between the fullbacks and DM. The fullbacks both have pace and could be up against some speedy wingers today, so they will match them for pace and wont dive in but bide their time until the right opportunity to get the challenge in. The fullbacks can offer support going forward providing width and allowing our wingers to cut infield. If either fullback goes forward the other will tuck in so we have in effect 3 cb’s at the back & M’Vila will hang back ready to cut out any attempts of a counter. On a quick counter attack both fullbacks will look to see if they can play a ball over the top for the wingers or striker to burn past the defense and get through on goal.

Centre Mid – Our midfielders will look to move the ball around quickly and help us to control possession. When we lose possession they will work to close down the opposition immediately, not allowing them any time on the ball. We have a good combination of power, pace and stamina in the middle of the park so we can mix it up a bit. M’Vila will act as the DM & he will be asked to protect the defense today, he will patrol the area ahead of the defense anticipating danger and cutting it our before it materializes into anything serious. Defensively he will look to close down any attacking midfielders and snuff out the attacks. He will not be man marking in particular but will be looking for the Birmingham midfielder who advances furthest forward at any one time. Meireles is playing the box to box roll. He offers quality going forward without leaving his defensive responsibilities. When not in possession he will look to close down any advancing midfielders as quickly as possible and pressurize them. All of our midfielders can move the ball around looking to link up with or play in the wingers or forward. Meireles will look to create from midfield using his passing and vision to play in our more attacking quartet.

Wings – Juan Mata has an opportunity to shine today. He is most likely up against Monreal, a decent player but one certainly not capable of containing Mata. Mata can definitely beat Monreal with his trickery and skill as well as with his pace. Mata will take him on with his trickery and pace always looking to burst past him outwide to whip a cross in or cut infield and drag him out of position going for goal or leaving space for the fullback to overlap. We want Mata to create for us today linking up play with team mates and opening up spaces in the Birmingham defence with his passing and movement. Ricardo Alvarez is another direct, pacey winger mixed with great trickery and a lethal shot. Inter Milans new signing has just broken into the Argentina squad in real life and has the quality to be a big hit in Furious League. He will be operating from the left looking to cut in and attack the space between the fullback and the CB trying to create an opportunity for a power shot or a chance for a team mate. He will also look to take on the RB and get in a cross or cut back in to his team mates. He is most likely up against the minature Isla who Alvarez should comfortably be able to dominate in the air standing at 6ft 2, therefore if Alvarez is in the box we can look to hit him with crosses. When a wide player has the ball in a wide position the opposite wide player will burst in at the back post & Bent will gamble at the front post with Hamsik floating giving us good options to receive the cross. When defending the wingers will tuck in to form a hard to breakdown and compact midfield, they will try to offer protection to the fullbacks when we are not in possession.

Hamsik – Playing in the AM role Hamsik will look to be the playmaker today. He will pick the ball up and look to pick out a killer pass to our wide players or striker. He can also go for goal himself, making space for a shot and going for goal from inside and outside the box. He will look for the runs of Bent and try to play the through ball for Bent to latch onto. Hamsik will sometimes drop back a bit to get our attacks going from a deeper position and sometimes he will push up further playing just off Bent. This movement should keep any defenders and dms on their toes. When not in possession Hamsik will play his part in our high pressure game and will pressurise the deepest Birmingham midfielder, hustling him to win back possession.

Bent – Our goalscorer (hopefully!) will be leading the attack. As we are playing possession and slick passing we will rarely go long for him to hold it up unless we are under the cosh or there is an opportunity to release him with a long ball. However his team mates will look to link up with him and play off him if they can get the ball into his feet. Bent is a composed finisher and we are hoping the wide players can put crosses in for him to bury or his team mates can lay off or release him to him to smash home. Bent has the great ability of always being in the right place at the right time to nick a goal. When the ball comes into the box he will always be looking to get in between the 2 CB’s. Bent has pace and power as well as good ball control so he should prove a real test for the Birmingham defense today. Bent will sometimes hang on the shoulder of the last man looking to bend runs in behind him to collect a through ball.

Subs:
On 70mins Ramsey on for Meireles – Our high pressure game will require some fresh legs and Ramsey coming on offers exactly that playing the same role as Meireles.
On 80mins – Rodallega on for Bent - All action last 10 minute performance by Rodallega, putting himself about, chasing down lost causes and basically doing everything he can to get us another goal.
On 80mins – Douglas Costa for Alvarez – The livewire Brazilian will give the Birmingham defence something very different to think about in the last 10 minutes of the match. He will use his fresh legs to burn at the Brum defence and take advantage of any tired defenders.

is this where i post my tactics for tomorrow's game?

cos someone already posted bolton's tactics

Yeah, you post on here, as will the Brum manager

We recycle the pages, so all the tactics you can see are from old weeks. It's worth taking a look at them though as they will give you a good idea of how managers usually do their tactics.

Team Talk

Let’s make a real statement today.
Go out on that pitch today and show that you are the most exciting, most entertaining team, that you are the future, that you can go and win this league!
I want fluid passing, I want it slick and fast, quite a number of you guys came through the Brazil Youth set up together so you know each other well, you can read each other’s game and I want you to show that where it counts. Move that ball around the pitch, onto the wings, into space, be intelligent as you can control this game. I want 11 men going out there as a team, not a collection of individuals, every single one of you is vital to this teams success and everyone of you has a part to play. When you don’t have the ball track back and assist, make their team work hard and chase the ball, tire them out through control and movement. Dictate the game and get the win!

GK –Vivano, you’re an immense guy at 6ft 5, you need to be vocal to your defensive line, instruct them on set pieces, call to them when you’re claiming the ball and look to be the first man of attack with a quick accurate ball through to our forwards. Look to catch the ball rather than hitting it and amke this the perfect start to the season where you can go on to challenge Buffon for the Italy jersey!

CB’s – Rolando & Albiol, you’ve got a big job to do today, ensure that Aguero’s threat is nullified. Albiol I want you to man mark him, use your native Spanish to wind him up, niggle him early on and ensure he doesn’t exert himself on the game, Rolando if necessary double up on him but ensure you don’t leave gaps for others to exploit.

Fullbacks - Isla & Yanga-Mbiwa, look to deal with any danger coming down the Bolton wing, move them out wide and block any crosses coming in. If they try to cut infield then track them back and ensure they don’t link up play with Aguero. On attack look to give the ball quickly to our two wingers to launch them in full flow at the opposition.

Centre Mid – Martin & Fernando, our midfielders will look to move the ball around quickly and help us to control possession. When we lose possession they will work to close down the opposition immediately, not allowing them any time on the ball. We have a good combination of power, pace and stamina in the middle of the park so we can mix it up a bit. Fernando will act as the DM & he will be asked to protect the defence today, patrol the area ahead of the defence anticipating danger and cutting it out before it materializes into anything serious especially regarding Aguero. Defensively he will look to close down any attacking midfielders and snuff out the attacks. He will not be man marking in particular but will be looking for the Bolton midfielder who advances furthest forward at any one time, communicate with your team mates at all times. Martin is playing the box to box roll. He offers quality going forward without leaving his defensive responsibilities. When not in possession he will look to close down any advancing midfielders as quickly as possible and pressurize them. All of our midfielders can move the ball around looking to link up with or play in the wingers or forward. Martin will look to create from midfield using his passing and vision to play in our more attacking quartet.

Wings – Willian & Costa, You both have a chance to really shine today, you know each other and Jadson really well from your time together in Brazil and at Shaktar so I’m expecting great fluidity between you. You can work either wing so look to swap position when needed, drag their fullbacks out of position as much as you can. Look to use your close ball skill to beat their defenders, your trickery and skills should easily beat them and open up huge gaps in their back line. Don’t be afraid either to have a try on goal from outside the box, you both have explosive shots in your arsenal and can easily catch out Reina. If one of who has the ball out wide look for the other to cut into the box and pick up loose balls near the back post. If the opposition has the ball track back and assist the fullbacks, make it hard for them to break down the wings.

Attacking Midfield – Playing in the AM role Jadson will look to be the point of the Brazilian diamond. Pick the ball up and look for a killer pass through to Balotelli or switch it over to one of the wingers. Go for goal yourself when available, like your compatriots you have a blistering shot when needed. He will look for the runs of Balotelli and try to play the through ball for Balotelli to latch onto. Use your movement and intelligence to ensure the opposition cannot track you and really keep them on their toes. When not in possession pressurise Lucas, he’s prone to mistakes and you can capitalise on this, hustle him to win back possession.

Striker – Balotelli, you’re a frustrated genius and I want to give you the chance to show the world your true potential, behind you I’ve assembled some real quality to ensure you get some beautiful balls through, be ready to pounce on any quick threaded ball through or their goalkeeper knocking out a shot from outside the box. Ignore any attempts by their defence to niggle you or wind you up, they know that’s the only way they can stop you as your skill is vastly superior to theirs, let your feet do the talking by banging in a couple of beauties for me today!

Set pieces: Willian and Costa to take free kicks and corners from their respective sides. Balotelli as penalty taker.

Substitutes:

At any time in 2nd half: If Balotelli is showing signs of disinterest or is getting niggled by the defence immediately replace him with Sow.
If leading after 70m: Bring off Jadson and replace with Capoue, have him partner Fernando in defensive midfield and crowd out their attacks.
If losing after 70m: Take off Jadson and bring on Sow, go to a 4-4-2 and attack more down the wings with pace when their fullbacks are tired.

You have no starting XI

-----------------Viviano---------------
-------------------------------------------
Mbiwa----Albiol-----Rolando-----Isla
------------------------------------------
-----------Fernando---------------------
---Costa--------Martin---------Willian---
----------------Jadson--------------------
------------------------------------------
-------------------Balotelli----------------

4-5-1 formation

i thought the league was finsihed....

Hero - is that Chris or Alvin Martin at CM?

It's Steve the comedian guy.