Week 1 Match 3 - Sunderland v Everton

After last weeks narrow defeat to Aston Villa in a performance that showed great character, Fulham FC would have been looking to play a strengthened version of the team that showed great character last week. Unfortunately we lost our key defensive midfielder Jack Rodwell to injury this week and so we have had to alter our formation:


----------------------------- Sergio Romero ----------------------------------
----Boyata ---------- Marchena ---------- Gamberini --------- Montoya----
----------------------Gago---------------------Kuzmanovic-------------------
--------Donovan (C)-------------------------------------------Jovetic---------
------------------------------ Klose-Defoe--------------------------------------


Subs:
Schwarzer
Evans
Flanagan
Hitzlsperger
Bothroyd
Ben Arfa
Crouch

Yes thats right, Fulham are going to a more standard 4-4-2 this week. While some may take this as a slightly negative decision compared to last week we are hoping that this formation will enable Donovan and Jovetic to exploit their pace down both wings. Donovan in particular is really up for this game as he has just taken over the captaincy. We will look for our new midfield partnership of Gago and Kuzmanovic to boss the game. Gago acting as the midfield general he can be by getting stuck into the opposition and hurrying the Stoke midfield pairing. This will free up Kuzmanovic to play the cute and clever little through balls which he is becoming known through to the wingers or to our strike pairing. Our strike pairing will work very well together as Klose has shown how effective a target man he can be getting onto the crosses off of the busy Jovetic and Donovan whilst Defoe can use his raw pace to burst through the Stoke defence.

Specific Player Instructions:

GK: Romero - Our new keeper who has been bought in on loan with a lot to prove. He will look to feed the ball quickly to Donovan, Jovetic or Kuzmanovic from any corners he wins.

RB: Boyata - We'll be looking for Boyata to look for the simple balls to Kuzmanovic and Gago. He will support Donovan in attack up the right as Boyata has great stamina and will be more than able to keep up with the pace of the game.

LB: Montoya - Like Boyata we will be looking for Montoya to use his natural stamina to support his winger. In this case Jovetic. As Montoya showed against Villa he can be dangerous on the overlap and we will be looking for him to exploit this. However, he must make sure he is back to protect his centre backs. Like Boyata he will also look for the simple balls to Kuzmanovic and Gago.

CB: Marchena - 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 Kuzmanovic.

CB: Gamberini - Like his centre back partner he will look for the easy passes. However, it is important that Gamberini watches what Marchena is doing in order to protect gaps in behind that Stoke may try and exploit.

CM: Gago - One of our new signings and perhaps the most vital. Gago will be our engine room and act both as cover to the centre defensive pairing as well as looking for simple passes to Kuzmanovic, the wingers and Miroslav Klose. As stated in the team tactics Gago will bustle their central midfielders. But he will try stay on his feet as much as possible and play the Gattuso/Pirlo role.

CM: Kuzmanovic - As stated in team tactics Kuzmanovic will look for the killer balls to our wingers and strikers as much as possible. However, he will also have license in the second half to wander forward and attempt to score screamers from distance using his viscous right foot. His technical skill should be the perfect foil to Gago's tenacity.

RW: Donovan (c) - Our new captain, and as the USA captain he is no stranger to leading his team. Early on he will use his natural pace to destroy the confidence of the Stoke left back before starting to cut inside and support the strikers. He showed last week that he relishes the opportunity to attack. He will use his promotion to captain to push his performance to the next level.

LW: Jovetic - A goal last week really lifted his confidence and he will continue his form into this week. We will look for Jovetic to terrorize their right sided players and use his explosive pace to get on the end of Kuzmanovic's and Klose's passes.

CF: Klose - Another key signing this week, Klose will act as a target man for the crosses of Jovetic and Donovan. When our wingers come infield he will not be afraid to drift. We are giving Klose a lot of free license so we expect him to drop short to link up with Gago and Kuzmanovic as well as drifting in past Defoe to catch their centre back pairing unawares. We believe he could be the difference between the two sides today.

CF/ST: Defoe - He is in the squad to terrorize their centre backs with his pace and movement. He will look to link up with Klose as well as making runs through at tricky diagonals to run onto through balls by Klose, Kuzmanovic and Donovan.

Subs

Regardless of score at 70 minutes: Ben Arfa on for Jovetic

Our other new signing. Ben Arfa will come on for Jovetic in order to provide us with a fresh pair of legs on the left hand side. He will continue as Jovetic did although he is less likely to drift in. He will link up with Klose and Montoya, he has shown before for Newcastle, and in this league Liverpool, that his pace can be destructive and we expect him to do the same for us.

Subs if Winning at 75 minutes:

Hitzlsperger for Kuzmanovic - We'll look to sure up our midfield and bring on our other midfielder general. Hitzlsperger will look to sit in beside Gago and hurry their midfielders into making mistakes. Both will then look for the balls to release Donovan and Ben Arfa.

Evans for Marchena. Marchena may have been booked with his aggressive style so we will replace him with Evans who will give our centre defence some youth and pace. Straight swap in central defence personal.

Formation 75 minutes onwards if winning:

--------------Romero-------------------
Boyata - Evans - Gamberini - Montoya
------------Gago-Hitzlsperger---------
Donovan(c)---------------------Ben Arfa
------------Klose- Defoe----------------

Subs if losing or drawing at 75 minutes:

Crouch for Montoya- We will bring on Crouch and switch Klose to just ahead of Gago and Kuzmanovic in the centre of the park in an attacking 3-5-2. He will bring us a new edge upfront hopefully getting on the end of a cross from Donovan/Ben Arfa or a long ball from Kuzmanovic. Boyata will move to become a 3rd centre back alongside Marchena and Gamberini. Kuzmanovic and Gago's roles will become even more essential as they will have to protect the back 3 as well as looking for the key balls to Klose, Donovan and Ben Arfa. Late on if still losing then we will look for Crouch more and more where hopefully he can knock it down into the path of Klose or Bothroyd.

Bothroyd for Defoe - Bothroyd will use his pace and continue the role that Defoe has in the team and attempt to terrorize and defeat the Stoke defence with his natural pace and fitness. He will also look to latch onto flick ons from Crouch as well as long balls/through balls from Kuzmanovic and Klose.

Formation after 75 minutes if drawing or losing:


--------------Romero-------------------
----Boyata--Marchena--Gamberini----
--------Gago-----Kuzmanovic----------
---Donovan(c)----Klose----Ben Arfa---
-------------Crouch-Bothroyd-----------


Finally, our set piece tactics:

Left Corner: Jovetic/Ben Arfa
Right Corner: Donovan
Free Kicks: Donovan
Penalties: Klose

STOKE TACTICS VS FULHAM

---------------------Kameni

Di Silvestri-----King-----Johnson-----Tremoulinas

---------------Palombo-----Montolivo

Farfan--------------Fernandez------------Guardado

----------------------Quaglierlla

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Subs
Smitthies
Kaboul
Neville
Hargreaves
Ethrington 
Kane

Injured players: Dida, Pennant

General: I feel we have a strong team who have the ability to play Football and rough it up with the opposition. The players play as a team, they will work for each other. We will use the wings to attack aswell as going through the centre. At times we may look for the long ball over to get Quagliarella through.

Freekick 26 yards or more: Montolivo
Freekick 26 yards or less: Fernandez
Corner left: Fernandez
Corner right: Montolivo
Penalty: Montolivo

Kameni, has the job to control and maintain his 18 yard box especially his 6 yard where he has to be loud and clear. If he can claim a ball or punch it out he has to let the defenders know early. I want him to throw the ball out to wingers to start quick counters or to my fullbacks. Sometimes he may kick it out long to Quaglierella, when he is one v one I want him to close the gap and stand up as long as he can to give the striker little room. If he can I want him to tip the ball away from danger when someone shoots to stop the rebounds. He has to constantly shout/talk to the defenders letting them know what dangers are around them or if they are not concentrating.

Di Silvestri needs to keep his displine, when against the winger he'll jockey him and watch the ball, don't dive in and try to force him away fom goal or on his weaker foot. When pushing up he will make overlapping runs making space for our winger. Get crosses into the ball early for our striker to attack. He will also have to remember to keep in line with our defence so his not playing opposition onside.

Tremoulinas needs to keep his displine, when against the winger he'll jockey him and watch the ball, don't dive in and try to force him away fom goal or on his weaker foot. When pushing up he will make overlapping runs making space for our winger. Get crosses into the ball early for our striker to attack. He will also have to remember to keep in line with our defence so his not playing opposition onside.

Johnson will pick up Fulhams main striker, he is up for a physical battle and relishes a physical game. He will attack him and try to give him little time on the ball. He is the one who puts his body on the line and play as the hard defender.

King picks up any other attacker or striker, I feel he has the ability to play against the quicker agility players. He will also bring the ball out of defence and play long balls to the wingers. Both my defenders are diffrent in thier approach and I feel this will work in our favour.

Palombo is the aggresive DM, he will put pressure on the opposition and hurry them up. He will keep the passing simple, nothing special just to keep the ball in our possesion. Try to keep our defensive shape, don't break out so they don't have room between our midfield and defence.

Montolivo plays in the deep lying playmaker role, keep the ball ticking for us starting attacks and being the passer. He has the ability to pick out our wingers or any runs by Quagliarella. Pass and move is his game, but also you will be working to win the ball back with Palombo. 

Farfan is dangerously fast, run at the defender make him commit so you can expose the pace behind him. Look for runs behind the defence as Montolivo will be looking for his runs. Get crosses into the box, it's about pace and delivery for Farfan. He will help his fullback when defending.

Guardado is more of a dribbler he will keep the ball close to him and take on players with skill and trickery. He will play diffrent types of crosses in the box, cross shots, floaters, swingers, far/near post. And look for late runs by Fernandez. Also cut in and shoot. I want Guardado to help his fullback when defending.

Fernandez is our attacking midfielder, he will get forward and look for the Quagliarella runs. Also shoot when you get oppurtunity. Make runs into the box or hang around the edge for any balls. When defending Fernandez will put pressure on Fulhams playmaker the guy who starts thier moves to stiffle thier attacks.

Quagliarella plays on the shoulder of the two centre backs, try to open up the distance between them maki space for others in our team. Try to get into positions that half second before the defenders, any half chance gamble and make the run wheee you think the ball will go. We know he is not a centre forward player so we won't look for him to hold the ball but pass and move into positions.

SUB 65 MIN
Guardado off Ethrington on (Fresh legs)

SUB 75 IF WINNING
Palombo off Hargreaves on, energy and drive in midfield to slow the game down. 

SUB 75 MINS IF LOSING
Farfan will go along Quagliarella and Fernandez in the right 4-4-2, have lethal pace upfront.

SUB 85 MINS IF LOSING
Farfan off Kane on (4-4-2, give the young lad a chance to prove himself unlike other clubs we are giving youth a chance)

SUB 85 IF WINNING
Tremoulinas off Neville on more defensive at the back 

LIVERPOOL

………………………. REINA ……………………..
SRNA ..........MEXES ………ZAPATA ... CISSOKHO
…………….. DEROSSI ….. GERRARD …………...
ALBRIGHTON……..AGUERO …………….. MATA
……………………....TORRES ………………………

DOUCHEZ
GALLAS
ANSALDI
CABAYE
CISSE

CAPTAIN/PEN/FK/CORNER: GERRARD

DIRECT STYLE OF FOOTBALL, ATTACK DOWN THE WINGS OR THROUGH THE MIDDLE. PLAY WITH A LOT OF WIDTH. PLENTY OF MOVEMENT FROM THE FORWARD PLAYERS AND GERRARD WILL BE PLAYMAKER LOOKING TO SLIP THE OTHER ATTACKERS IN.

DEFENCE: WE HAVE EXCELLENT GOALKEEPER AND DEFENDERS WITH LOTS OF EXPERIENCE. CBS WILL STAY TIGHT TO ATTACKERS TRY TO ANTICIPATE PASSES AND INTERCEPT THEM. WE WILL PLAY A MEDIUM LINE. OUR CBS HAVE PACE, MEXES WILL MAN MARK THE MAIN FORWARD AND ZAPATA WILL COVER WITH HIS PACE AND GOOD READING OF THE GAME. FULLBACKS WILL GET UP AND DOWN THE WIDE AREAS. PRIORITY FOR THEM IS TO DEFEND BUT THEY WILL SUPPORT THE ATTACKS PRODIVING WIDTH AND DELIVERING CROSSES.

MIDFIELD: IN THE CENTRAL AREA DEROSSI IS VERY SOLID. HE WILL BE A BALLWINNER FOR US AND CAN ALSO PLAY DECENT FOOTBALL. HE WILL SUPPORT THE ALREADY EXCELLENT DEFENCE AND SHOULD STOP US FROM CONCEDING. HE WILL TRACK THE RUNS OF THE OTHER TEAMS ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS AND TAKE HAMSIK OUT OF THE GAME. GERRARD WILL BE LOOKING TO USE HIS STAMINA TO GET UP AND DOWN THE PITCH BETWEEN THE 2 BOXES HELPING OUT WITH DEFENCE AND ATTACK. HE WILL USE HIS GREAT PASSING AN VISION TO START ATTACKS. HE WILL LOOK TO PICK OUT ATTACKERS OR GET IN A SHOT. GERRARD WILL MAKE LATE RUNS INTO THE BOX.

WIDE: ALBRIGHTON WILL BE PLAYING ON THE RIGHT WITH A LOT OF ENERGY AND A GOOD DELIVERY HE WILL LOOK TO PICK THE BALL UP AND GET CROSSES IN FOR TORRES AND THE OTHER PLAYERS TO ATTACK. HE IS AN OLD FASHIONED ENGLISH WIDE PLAYER WHO LOVES TO RUN UP AND DOWN THE FLANK ALL DAY, HE WILL TAKE ON DEFENDERS AND HE HAS A GOOD HABIT OF POPPING UP WITH GOALS. HE WILL SUPPORT THE FULLBACK AND TRACK THE OPPOSITION WINGER IF WE ON THE BACK FOOT.
MATA IS A VERY TALENTED PLAYER AND WILL LOOK TO LINK UP WITH THE OTHER ATTACKERS AS WELL AS GETTING THE BALL DOWN AND HAVING A GO AT CORLUKA. HE CAN SCORE GOALS AND HAS GREAT PASSING TO MAKE CHANCES FOR HIS TEAM. HE WILL BE LOOKING TO SLIP IN AGUERO AND TORRES AND WHEN HE FORCES DEFENDERS TO COMMIT TO HIM.
BOTH WINGERS WILL PROVIDE PLENTY OF WIDTH AND STRETCH THE PLAY BUT WHEN OUR FULLBACKS ATTACK THE WIDE PLAYERS CAN CUT IN PROVIDING EXTRA OPTIONS IN THE BOX. AT TIMES THEY WILL NEED TO GET BACK AND HELP OUT IN DEFENCE BY TRACKING OTHER TEAMS WINGERS.

AGUERO: PLAYING OFF TORRES WHERE THESE GUYS ARE BEST TOGETHER AND HAVE TELEPATHIC UNDERSTANDING. AGUERO SHOULD PLAY HIS NORMAL GAME THIS INVOLVES A LOT OF CREATIVITY, MOVEMENT, DRIBBLING, GOOD PASSING, TAKING ON SHOTS OR DRAWING OUT DEFENDERS AND PLAYING IN OTHER ATTACKERS. AGUERO WILL BE ON THE MOVE GETTING INTO SPACE SO WE CAN GET THE BALL INTO HIS FEET. AT TIMES HE WILL MOVE UP TOP NEXT TO OR AHEAD OF TORRES.

STRIKER: TORRES WILL BE BACK ON FORM WHEN AGUERO PLAYS OFF HIM. THE TWO WILL COMBINE AS THEY HAVE DONE SO WELL IN THE PAST. TORRES WILL MAKE GREAT RUNS AND LOOK TO GET INTO SPACE TO RECEIVE PASSES. HE WILL HAVE GOOD SERVICE FROM THE WIDE PLAYERS AND IS GOOD AT HEADING. HE WILL ALSO USE HIS PACE AGAINST THE DEFENDERS. A GREAT ASSET OF TORRES IS HIS FINISHING IF HE GETS A CHANCE HE CAN TAKE IT AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PROVIDERS IN THE TEAM TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

SUBS
ON 75 CABAYE FOR TORRES
AGUERO GOES UPFRONT AND HIS SKILL AND CLOSE CONTROL IS A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE FOR THE DEFENDERS. GERRARD WILL SUPPORT HIM AND CABAYE WILL GO CM MOVING BALL AROUND
ON 80 ANSALDI FOR SRNA
FRESH LEGS ON THE RIGHT AND TIGHTEN DEFENCE

Bolton tactics

-------------------Given
Corluka---Marquez---Naldo---Enrique
-----------Bradley---van Bommel
Di Natale------Hamsik-------Sturridge
-----------------Davies
Subs
Jussi
Izaguirre
Dempsey
Marin
Holtby
Jeffren
Rondon

Set Piece taker - Di Natale

Tactics
Nothing fancy just what people would consider to be a pig ugly long ball game, looking to take liverpools midfield out of the game and put pressure on their centre backs

Full backs
their primary concern will be to defend, so they will be staying back at all times (apart from set pieces), and will look to guide the liverpool wingers inside when they can

Centre backs
Both will stay back at all times, apart from corners and set pieces where naldo will look to mix it up in the box, when defending, naldo will mark torres tightly, with marquez playing a yard or 2 behind him to help out when needed

Defensive mids
both will be playing holding games, bradley will directly mark aguero with bradley looking to track any runs from Gerrard or De Rossi, when either have the ball they will look to launch it up to Davies

Hamsik
his primary aim will be to pickup the knock downs from davies and look to create opportunities with the ball. he will also look to keep de rossi busy when defending so he doesnt go forward

Wide men
both will look to play fairly narrow when the ball is launched up to davies, so they do have an opportunity to collect any knockdowns and when the ball is played to them on the ground, they will look to run at the full backs and put crosses in for davies, as we know their full backs are attack minded, i will look for my two wingers to help track them, but not to dive into any rash challenges and just try to block any crosses

Davies
His job is one that will be right up his street today. to win the first ball and knock the ball down for any of the 3 attackers playing off him and to try and find himself some space when crosses are coming in

Set Pieces
As we are the weaker team and will be adopting a more defensive approach, we feel our best chances of goals are on set pieces so all our 6 foot+ players will be in the box on any corners and set pieces (Corluka, Naldo, Bradley, Hamsik, Sturridge and Davies) and will look to attack the ball

Subs
If Winning
60 mins - Marin and Holtby for Davies and Di Natale - Sturridge plays the davies role and the 2 conventional wingers will play wider and look to take advantage of the attacking full backs as we play full counter attacking football

80 mins - Rondon for Sturridge - Fresh legs

If Losing
60 Mins - Marin for Van Bommel - Sturridge moves upfront, but keep the long ball style with an extra player in there

70 mins - Holtby for Di Natale - Fresh Legs

80 mins - Jeffren for Enrique - Go to a fully attacking formation of 3-4-3 of
------Corluka---Marquez---Naldo
Marin---Bradley---Hamsik---Holtby
------Jeffren-Davies-Sturridge

and just launch balls up with only bradley guarding the back 3

Spurs vs Blackburn

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

------------------Rolando-------Mertesacker---------Dawson--------------

van der Wiel---------------------Cambiasso------------------------Coentrão

----------------------------------Modric-----------------------------------

------------------Götze--------------------------van der Vaart------------

-----------------------------------Benzema

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

Captain: Mertesacker, lead by example

General: Expect a tough time against the table toppers but we are the current Champions and are more than capable of taking all three points. From scouting Blackburns previous matches I expect a 4-3-3 formation with the same back four so I am going to ask Coentrão to attck Onouha. Im expecting a compact central midfield and two wingers who will support most likely Gyan. I want my backline to play the offside trap. Zonal marking and pressure on the opposition in the centre and final third. When they get into our third I want man marking and pressure applied to get the ball back. Götze will be our suprise package, he will have a free role to support Benzema. Play some quick direct football, go straigh for the kill, we cant give Blackburn time or room to work.

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. You all have different attributes which will complement each other. Rolando and Dawson will go forward for attacking corners one attacking front post, other centre and alternating each time.

Mertesacker - 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. With the ball send it to the flanks. Talk to Rolando and Dawson, make sure when you push up they come too and keep their line, this is important for the offside trap.

Rolando - Keep an eye on the winger. If he gets past our wingback be there to cover. If our wingback is out of position be there to step in, block crosses, push out wide, hold them off, this is important as we don’t want them beating you and leaving Merts wide vulnerable. Attacking send the ball to the flanks or to Modric. Mertesacker will give guidence on our defensive line, when to push up, drop off etc.

Dawson - Keep an eye on the winger. If he gets past our wingback be there to cover. If our wingback is out of position be there to step in, block crosses, push out wide, hold them off, this is important as we don’t want them beating you and leaving Merts wide vulnerable. Attacking send the ball to the flanks or to Modric. Mertesacker will give guidence on our defensive line, when to push up, drop off etc.

van der Wiel - Defending want you to keep an eye on the winger, which has been Elia in the last two matches, keep him wide, dont let him cut in and just genreally stop him supporting the striker. Get up the flanks, attack whoever the fullback is, D.Aogo (last two matches) or new recruit Cissokho. If Cissokho is playing its his first match so really go for him, look to get at him quick and give him a torrid time in his first match. If Aogo is playing be a bit more conserved but still attack him. If Götze drifts into the channel then feel free to come inside. Dont want you heading all the way to the touchline as I want you to be able to get back into position. If Coentrão is forward do not push forward. Get crosses in high or low for Benzema, get them in low for Götze.

Coentrão - Defending want you to keep an eye on the winger, which has been Kuyt in the last two matches. Stop him from cutting in. Dawson will be covering you so if he beats you let him go, I want you on the wing good to attack, not being dragged out of position. Attacking really get stuck into Onouha (RB for last two matches), you pace and final ball can cause a lot of problems. VDV may drift out wide, use this to play quick intregate passes to break your way through, you can come inside if VDV drifts out wide. Your versitilty will allow VDV to drift around the top left third more, im hoping this isnt expected and we can take advantage of it. If in the position to shoot do so. Play through balls from the channel to Benzema. Get the crosses in, aim for Benzema high or low but get them low for Götze.

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 - Help Cambiasso with defensive duties. Dictate the tempo. Spread the ball to the flanks. Look for Coentrão runs and Benzema.

van der Vaart -Drift out to the left flank, create from there. Link up with Coentrão and try get him through on goal. Play Benzema in on goal over the top. Crosses high for Benzema and low for Götze.

Götze - free role. Dribble at player as you ahve great ability in that department. work off Benzema, support him as much as possible. If on goal go for it.

Benzema – Out and out striker today. Play off the shoulder. Make forward runs and look for through balls.

-----------------Akinfeev
----------Bruno Alves----Bonucci
---Srna-------------------------Capdevilla
---------------Carrick---Vidal----Antonini
-----Ben Arfa------Hazard
---------------------Amauri

BENCH
Parish
Miguel
Cuellar
Gibson
Tosic
Cahill
Coulibaly


TACTICS
Turan is their key player and Antonini should track back to double up on him. Overall we have a fairly neutral mentality. Our defense is very strong and we feel it is capable of dealing with Forlan and Adebayor.


DEFENSE
Bruno Alves and Bonucci need to work together to stop Adebayor and Forlan. Carrick will drop very deep to stop Forlan, leaving Adebayor stuck in a two on one situation. He will struggle as both our centre backs have good pace and strength so should try to get him off the ball. We can play a high line, with an offside trap and use the pace of our defense to get us back in time if they manage to exploit it. Srna and Capdevilla can get up and down the touchline, but be mindful of their wingers and make sure they use their pace to match them and force them out wide.


MIDFIELD
Carrick should drop very deep, his role is to stop Forlan, nothing more. He should be that shield in front of the defense, and also should be disciplined. This allows Vidal more freedom. He can get forward, dictate the play and spray passes all over the field. Antonini should look to be in a workhorse role. He should help Capdevilla deal with Turan, but always one should stay back if the other gets forward. Antonini can get forward at times and cross the ball. This will confuse their right back who will be unsure who to keep an eye on. Ben Arfa should stay forward and cause problems for Taiwo, and this should also prevent the left back getting forward in support. Hazard has a role as an attacking midfielder today, but it is a free role, he can get wide as he sees fit. Often he will swap positions with Ben Arfa. He can score goals, he should have confidence in his shooting ability so should go for the long range shots. As Srna gets forward, Ben Arfa should get infield.


ATTACK
Our wide men, both full backs and wingers are good crossers of the ball. They should try to get the ball to Amauri who is a capable goalscorer. He is also good in the air and should try to win the key headers. He has a height advantage over Godin so should deliberately get to Godin, so that he can outjump him. He should also try to hold up the play when he receives the ball, enabling him to get the likes of Ben Arfa and Hazard into the game. Note that when Sunderland get chances from set pieces Amauri should get back and help out defensively as his height will be useful, but Hazard and Ben Arfa should stay forward and be ready for a quick counter attack. As Sunderland's centre backs are likely to get forward, this will create a 2 vs 2 situation for their defense to defend against.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Capdevilla
Right Corner - Vidal
Free Kicks - Hazard/Ben Arfa
Penalties - Amauri


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning then bring on Gibson for Ben Arfa. Hazard should move to a wide position, while Gibson should play in a box to box role. He will bring extra energy to the game and his long range shooting ability will give Sunderland something different to think about.

If drawing then bring on Gibson and Cahill for Ben Arfa and Carrick. Gibson and Vidal together at CM, Cahill playing off Amauri. We should resort to more high balls/crosses. Gibson should take long range shots and we should put the Sunderland midfield under extreme pressure. Cahill should help out defensively but he is in a supporting role.

If losing then bring on Coulibaly and Cahill for Carrick and Antonini. We will play in a 4-4-2 diamond. Ben Arfa will move to the left, Hazard right, Cahill attacking midfield. We will bombard them with high balls and the centre backs should push up for set pieces. We will be very physical and dirty in order to snatch a point/the win. Gibson should come on in the closing moments to go for a long range strike or two.

Sunderland (vs Villa)

----------------Gordon
Friedrich-----Godin---Cahill-----Taiwo
Turan----Biglia---Parker----Menez
------------Forlan
------------------------Adebayor


Subs: Cudicini, Lugano, Aurier, Johnson, Koke, Canales, Agbonlahor.

Injured: Fellaini, Fanni

Summary:
Attacking – a brand new Villa defence which has not played together at all and has no understanding together. We are going to stay mobile and try and exploit this lack of understanding. Menez to stay forward and exploit the gap left by Srna going forward
Defending – Full backs to be less attacking and pick up the Villa wingers, whilst Parker is going to cover the defensive responsibilities of Menez to allow him to stay forward.
Any Villa 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.

Friedrich – Your first responsibility will be to pick up the left winger and stop him from playing. We expect this is to be Ben Arfa. He is lightweight and inconsistent, so use your physical presence to let him know you are there. Get to him early and force him into his shell. We don’t expect him to help his FB much defensively, so when you can get in support of Turan and double up on the Villa LB, who we expect to be Antonini who is new to the league. When Taiwo is forward, stay back.

Taiwo – Your main responsibility will be to pick up the right winger and stop him from playing. We are expecting this to be Hazard who is a tricky customer. You have the pace to stay with him, so use your strength to keep him outside, where crossing is not his strength. Get forward occasionally and support Menez, but not at the expense of leaving Hazard in space. When Friedrich is forward, stay back

Godin – If Villa play one up, you will be the spare man today, using your pace and reading of the game to pick up any loose balls and any runners from midfield, in particular Cahill. Don’t let him arrive late and you take away most of his threat. If they play two up, you will pick up the second striker.

Cahill – You will pick up the main striker today, expected to be new signing Amauri. Amauri is a striker of limited ability and as long as you stay awake, you should easily take him out of the game.

Parker – you role today is to protect the back four, and especially stepping across to support Taiwo. We are not expecting an out and out AM from Villa today, so you won’t have anyone in particular to pick up. Vidal may play box to box, so be aware of him when he does get forward. We are asking Menez to stay forward today and limit his defensive responsibility. You should particularly cover Taiwo in defending the left flank.

Biglia – Use your energy to get about the pitch, playing box to box. You have shown for Argentina, you can play the defensive role, supporting Parker to block off any supply line forward. For Anderlecht you have shown your attacking flair too, so get in support of the forwards. Up and down all day, that is your job today.

Turan – We are expecting you to be up against Antonini today. He has a good engine so you will need to be aware defensively to support Friedrich. However, he is new to the league and comes from being a bit part player to in Serie A. Scare him with the pace of the Premier League and exploit his lack of match sharpness.

Menez– your role is important today. We are expecting the Villa RB to be Srna, who is likes to get forward and is better at that than defending. Parker will be covering you defensively, so stay forward and attack the gap Srna leaves in behind when he goes forward. Go inside and out running with the ball and exploiting the fact that the Villa defense is entirely new and have played next to no games together.

Forlan – you have a free attacking role today. Get on the ball and look to feed the other forward players. You have reign to drop deep, or to get into the box. Do whatever you feel is going to cause the mosr damage. Defensively, put pressure on the defenders and don’t give them time on the ball

Adebayor – We are expecting a new CB partnership today of Bonucci and Alves. Both are new to the league and have not played together before. Use this lack of understanding to your advantage, keeping mobile and not letting them settle. Put yourself about and stretch the defenders, don’t give them a minutes rest. Forlan will look to put you through, whilst try and get on the end of crosses from Menez and Turan.

Subs:
70 minutes any score

Agbonlahor on, Menez off
Johnson on, Turan off

Agbonlahor----Biglia---Parker----Johnson
------------------Forlan
------------------------Adebayor

Agbonlahor brings pace, Johnson brings trickery, and both will run at a tiring defence that has already been given the run around by Adebayor, Menez, Turan and Forlan.

75 minutes if losing

Biglia off, Welbeck on

Agbonlahor----Parker----Johnson
------------------Forlan
----------Welbeck------Adebayor
An extra man up front


75 minutes if winning

Forlan off, Koke on

------Biglia----Parker----Koke----
Agbonlahor------------Johnson
--------------Adebayor

3 defensive midfielders, Adebayor supported by two fast tricky wingers.


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

After a brilliant win against Spurs last week Fulham are now moving in the right direction and the club is buzzing. This week we are going to stay with our 4-4-2 and hope that it catches Everton out as well.


----------------------------- Sergio Romero ----------------------------------
------Debuchy-------- Marchena ---------- da Silva--------- Jansen----
----------------------Gago---------------------Flamini-------------------
--------Donovan (C)-------------------------------------------Jovetic---------
------------------------------ Klose-Defoe--------------------------------------


Subs:
Gamberini
Flanagan
Rodwell
Kuzmanovic
Bothroyd
Reyes
Sessegnon


We will continue in a similar vein to last week with both Gago and Flamini disrupting the Everton play. This will allow Klose to drop deeper and release both Donovan and Jovetic. Defoe will use his pace to demoralize the Everton defenders.

Specific Player Instructions:

GK: Romero - As always he will look to throw the ball out quickly to release our wingers and fullbacks.

RB: Debuchy - Debuchy has shown that he can overlap Donovan and use his pace to add to our attacks. He will also look to receive the ball from Gago and Flamani

LB: Jansen - As with Debuchy but on the left flank. His natural stamina and pace means he can overlap Jovetic as well as make sure he is back to defend.

CB: Marchena - Marchena will look to bustle their centre forwards and will not get bossed around. He will tackle hard as always. He will look to pick up Gago and Flamani with short balls.

CB: da Silva - Our debutant with a lot to prove. We have given him the nod ahead of Gamberini. He is a very clever player and will track the runs of the Everton striker(s). He will pose a real threat from corners.

CM: Gago - Gago is half of our pair of bustling midfielders. He will get into Evertons face and disrupt their play. He will look for the full backs and Klose.

CM: Flamini - Flamini is the other half of our midfield duo. Like Gago he will muscle the Everton midfield out of the game.

RW: Donovan (c) - Our captain fantastic. He will use his pace and vision to drift wide to receive the ball and terrorize the Everton left back. He will also make sure he tracks back in order to support Debuchy.

LW: Jovetic - He will use his pace to stay wide allowing Jansen to drift forward and offer an underlap. He will try to release Defoe as much as possible.

CF: Klose - Another key signing this week, Klose will act as a target man for the crosses of Jovetic and Donovan. When our wingers come infield he will not be afraid to drift. We are giving Klose a lot of free license so we expect him to drop short to link up with Gago and Flamini as well as drifting in past Defoe to catch their centre back pairing unawares. We believe he could be the difference between the two sides today as he will make sure that he pulls any man marking with him as well as being busy all over the pitch.

CF/ST: Defoe - A goal last week has really upped his confidence and he will make sure to run off of the last defender and use his pace against the Everton centre backs.

Subs

Regardless of score at 70 minutes: Reyes on for Jovetic

Reyes will freshen up our attacks and offer a different prospect to Jovetic. Reyes will drift inside far more than Jovetic has done to confuse the Everton right back.

Subs if Winning at 75 minutes:

Rodwell for Flamini: Rodwell will be a straight swap for Flamini and keep up the high energy bustling style of our midfield up.

Gamberini for Marchena: Marchena may have been booked with his aggressive style so we will replace him with Gamberini who will give our centre defence some youth and pace. Straight swap in central defence personal.

Formation 75 minutes onwards if winning:

--------------Romero-------------------
Debuchy- da Silva- Gamberini - Jansen
------------Gago-Rodwell---------
Donovan(c)---------------------Reyes
------------Klose- Defoe----------------

Subs if losing or drawing at 75 minutes:

Bothroyd for Defoe: Bothroyd will use his pace and continue the role that Defoe has in the team and attempt to terrorize and defeat the Everton defence with his natural pace and fitness.

Sessegnon for Flamini: Sessegnon will offer us an attacking midfield option as we push for the winner/equaliser. He will look to dominate and latch onto any mistakes from Everton. He will also give the team a push to get forward and get the victory.

Formation after 75 minutes if drawing or losing:


--------------Romero-------------------
Debuchy- da Silva- Gamberini - Jansen
-----------------Gago---------------------
Donovan(c)-----Sessegnon-----------Reyes
------------Klose- Bothroyd----------------

Finally, our set piece tactics:

Left Corner: Jovetic/Reyes
Right Corner: Donovan
Free Kicks: Donovan
Penalties: Klose

“EVERTON” v Fulham (Injured: M’Vila & Meireles)
attacking formation:
------------------------------ A.Begovic ----------------------------
Rafinha ---------- P.Jagielka ---------- M.Sakho -------- G.Clichy
---------------- T.Huddlestone ------- J.Vertonghen --------------
---- Gervinho ---------------- L.Suarez ----------------- J.Mata ---
--------------------------------- D.Bent -----------------------------
Subs:
1)B.Foster 2)J.Bosingwa 3)J.Makoun 4)A.Ramsey 5)R.Alvarez
6)L.Podolski 7)H.Rodallega
Captain: P.Jagielka
Freekick: L.Suarez/T.Huddlestone
Corner: J.Mata
Pens: D.Bent

Our style of play will be slick passing game, every member of our 11 is comfortable on the ball. 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. The amazing thing about this team is the energy, speed and power that the players possess. Our quick passing game should ensure we have the lions share of possession but if Fulham try to pack the midfield our wingers will tuck in and Suarez will drop infront of the midfield to a 4-4-1-1 so we pass our way out of midfield and break quickly via the wings and forwards.

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 to some extent (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 the Fulham main striker (Klose if playing), with our relatively high line he will be forced to try and hold the ball up and Sakho will anticipate the best time to get a tackle in (If Klose is the main striker the high line could cause him problems as he is not the most technically gifted and will struggle to beat our CB’s for pace or with a bit of skill). Jagielka will be looking to sniff out any other danger (be that from another striker or attacking midfielder) and will cover Sakho using his physicality, pace and good anticipation skills.
Fullbacks will look to deal with any danger coming down the Fulham 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 & Vertonghen 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 to burn past the defense and get through on goal.

Centre Mid – Vertonghen is playing the defensive midfield role today. He will not venture forward but will stay back protecting the defence, cutting out opposition attacks and helping us win the midfield battle. He can be decent going forward but today we ask him to play a more defensive role and just to keep it simple picking the simple passes and letting our attackers deal with the creativity. If Fulham play an attacking midfielder then Vertonghen will track him and pay close attention to him, otherwise he will just look to cut out danger as it materialises. Huddlestone will partner him in midfield looking to help out with the defensive duties as well as getting the ball moving forward with some fast, quick passing. Huddlestone has more of a license to go forward and he wont be afraid to take on shots from long range. When not in possession Huddlestone will look to close down any advancing midfielders as quickly as possible and pressurize them (obviously not the same midfielder Vertonghen is picking up!). Huddlestone will look to move the ball forward as quickly as possible trying to pick out one of our attackers.

Wings – Gervinho has an opportunity to shine today. He is most likely up against Jansen, a decent player but one who cannot match Gervinho for pace. Gervinho can definitely beat with his trickery and skill. Gervinho 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. Mata is another direct, pacey winger mixed with creativity and an accurate shot. 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 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. His creativity should open up some changes for Bent and Suarez. 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 Suarez floating & Huddlestone arriving late 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.

Suarez – Starting in the hole behind Bent today Suarez has shown he can give even the worlds best defenders nightmares. He will look to run at the defenders at speed, bamboozling them with his dribbling and trickery to make space for the shot. He can strike or bend them in from inside or outside the box and will look to take on the shot when in range. At times he will push further upfield next to Bent or even further forward than Bent looking to get into scoring positions. From his starting position he can look to create and play in our other attackers. When not in possession he will drop back to pressurize the deepest Fulham midfielder.
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 Fulham 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.
Both strikers have great movement and the ability to find space and we are hoping this test will be to much for the Fulham rearguard, especially if their new CB signing makes his debut and that have not had time to gel together yet.

Subs:
On 70mins Makoun on for Vertonghen – Our high pressure game will require some fresh legs and Makoun will take to the field offering exactly that as he looks to break up play and protect the defence.
On 75mins Podolski on for Gervinho, Mata goes to the right and Podolski goes wide left. His fresh legs will give the Fulham defence something different to think about.
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.

Bolton Tactics Vs Stoke

Lineup
-----------------Reina
Kelly----Naldo----Agger----Enrique
-----Van Bommel----Adam
Benayoun------------------Sturridge
---------Di Natale----Aguero
Subs
Jussi
Corluka
Milito
Bradley
Davies
Rochina

Set Pieces
CKs - Adam
FKs - Adam/Agger
PKs - Di Natale

Tactics
with the introduction of Aguero we are taking a slight step away from our usual formation of 4-2-3-1 and playing a more typical 4-4-2 which turns into a 4-2-3-1 when defending, we anticipate stoke to play a 4-2-3-1, but also have contingency plans should they play with a 5-4-1 formation

Reina
Plays his usual game, when he has the ball in his hands he will always look for a quick kick/throw out to set up a counter attack.

Centre Backs
Naldo will pick up Cardozo as he has the aerial ability and pace to keep him quiet, whilst Agger will be there to help if he is needed, or to keep tabs on the AM or runs from deep, Agger will be given licence to take the ball forward out of defence and move forward. On set pieces, both men will go forward and look to use their height in the box.

Enrique
Defensively, his job will be to keep the opposition winger on his weaker foot and try to force him to cross with the weaker foot, if however the winger does get onto his good foot, then the objective will be to block the cross, and if the winger tries any trickery, just to keep his eye on the ball. offensively, his job will be a little less attacking than usual, as we dont have a big man to aim at, but he should act as an overlap option for sturridge/benny and when he does cross, aim for di natale or sturridge.

Kelly
We anticipate him to be matched up with young today, and his task today will be to stop him cutting inside, we feel he can cope with youngs pace as he is no slouch himself and look to keep him out wide. offensively, his job will be the same as enriques, although, only 1 will attack at a time to ensure we have at least 4 men back at all times.

Van Bommel
his job today is to work with the cb's in stopping Cardozo and the 1/2 am(s), if only 1 am is playing, he will keep tabs on him, and not allow him to link up with cardozo, if the am does get past him, he will leave him to Agger and not put any rash tackles in, If there are 2 AM's he will work with Adam and the cb's and will not directly man mark either, just keep the one that is on his side in check and leave the other to Agger and Adam

Adam
Adam is the playmaker of the side, he will look to find space between stokes midfield and attack, and play calm passes to any of the front 4 in space, should he need to play a long ball, he will look to target sturrdige who would have a height advantage against either full back, if there is space in front of him he can run forward with the ball and shouldnt be afraid to test the keeper from long range. Defensively he wont look to dive into tackles, but will look to use his strength to ease the player off the ball if he needs to.

Benayoun
He wont be hugging the touchline like a conventional winger, he will play just inside of the full back and will look to give himself the choice of either cutting inside or going out wide, he will also swap wings with Sturridge regularly. hr will be look to use his close control and trickery 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 aiming for Di Natale or Sturridge, and when on the left, he has the choice of either crossing or even shooting.

Sturridge
Sturridge's job today will to essentially play a fluid game, looking to play on either wing, or interchanging with the strikers when they try to drag the centre backs out wide, when he is playing wide, he should stay fairly close to the touchline and look for space to recieve balls off Adam either on the air or along the ground, when he has the ball at his feet, he will look to do the fullbacks for pace out wide, or cut inside and shoot when hes is on the right. When he is in the box, he will look to find space between the centre backs when crosses are coming in.

Di Natale
He will be the furthest forward player today, when he doesnt have the ball, he will look to drift slightly wide to find space behind the opposition full backs and centre backs to give himself space to run for a quick counter attack, when he has the ball, he wont be afraid to run at the centre backs, if they decide to back off him, he wont be afraid to shoot from outside the box. When he has interchanged with sturridge, and is playing wider than usual, he will look to use his pace to bypass the full backs, or try to draw the foul. When he is in the box and crosses are coming in, he will look to use his jumping ability to hassle the centre backs and try to draw mistake or even head the ball himself.

Aguero
Our key man today, we are expecting him to be tightly marked so his job will be to take both a DM and a CB out from their usual positions, to allow space for others to attack, when he is on the ball however, he wont be afraid to take on players, and desplite his small frame, will look to ride tackles and use his trickery take the ball into the box to shoot, when there is a cross coming from wide, he will look to hang around the edge of the box, to be the supply for a cut back, or to pounce on any weak or misdirected headers from the defenders. when he is playing wider, he will be looking to play 1-2's to find himself in space infield and isnt afriad to shoot from outside the box.

Subs
If Winning
65 mins - Bradley and Corluka for Benny and Adam - same formation, corluka will just sit infront of kelly, and bradley is more of a tackler

If losing
70 mins Davies on for Di Natale change to a 4-3-3 with beny as a cm, and launch ball up to sturridge and davies, looking to play knockdowns for aguero

spurs vs liverpool


-------------------Stekelenburg
---------------Rolando-----Mertesacker
----Weil-------------------------------------Coentrao
-----------Sandro-----Modric-------Cambiasso
----------------------Vaart
-----------------Zarate-----Benzema


BENCH
Ochoa
Coates
Radu
Pablo
Gotze
Martinez
Gilardinho


TACTICS
We have a big game against Liverpool, my second game in a week against them. This game is a must win and we feel well equipped to do just that. We have a combative midfield and if we can dominate there then we should win the game.


DEFENSE
Van Der Weil and Coentrao should be very attacking, Coentrao can get forward in particular to trouble Friedrich (or whoever their right back is) especially because of his lack of pace. Van Der Weil can push up too, getting crosses into the front men. Mertesacker should be the main defender going in first in the aerial battles with Torres etc. while Rolando stays back and helps out if necessary, he has more pace. The defense should try to get the ball wide or to Modric if they get the ball, overall stick to the flat back four and remain organised.


MIDFIELD
Modric should spray passes all over the pitch, especially keep an eye out for Benzema who should try to play on the last man. Mexes in particular is aging and isn't the quickest. Sandro and Cambiasso should both be scrappy and help cover the full backs when necessary. Van Der Vaart is a very skillful player who has an eye for goal and is encouraged to take long range shots if the opportunity presents itself. Modric and Sandro can both drive forward as well. If Cambiasso gets forward to use his long range shooting ability (which won't be often) then Sandro gets back to cover.


ATTACK
Zarate should work the channels. Often there is a good amount of space between the full back and centre back. He has the freedom to move around, run across the defense and be a nuisance. When he gets the ball he has skill and should make runs from deep. Benzema should try to play on the shoulder and be clinical in front of goal, he is the main striker today. If their defense plays a high line then this plays perfectly into our hands because we can use our pace to break. If they play deep then we can use the long range shooting ability which is present throughout the side to have free strikes on goal.


SET PIECES
Left Corner - Sandro
Right Corner - Zarate
Free Kicks - Coentrao/Modric
Penalties - Benzema


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning then bring on Pablo for Van Der Vaart, Zarate and Pablo on the wings to a 4-5-1. Sandro and Modric box to box, Cambiasso DM.

If drawing then bring on Gilardinho for one of the strikers and Gotze for Van Der Vaart. Freshens things up in attack and increases the speed, giving Liverpool new threats to worry about.

If losing bring on Pablo for Sandro, move to a 4-2-1-3 with Modric and Cambiasso in the deeper roles, Zarate and Pablo flanking Benzema. Gotze comes on later for Modric if we're still losing.

Liverpool Tactics

Starting Team and Formation

------------------ Given -------------------
--------------------------------------------
Friedrich --- Juan ------ Mexes ----- Criscito
--------------------------------------------
---------- De Rossi ---- L. Diarra -----------
--------------------------------------------
J Navas ------- Gerrard (c) --------- Podolski
--------------------------------------------
---------------- F. Torres ------------------

Subs:

GK Ben Foster
CB William Gallas
FB Christian Zapata
AM Dimitri Payet
WG Magaye Gueye (U21)
FW Gabriel Agbonlahor
ST Papiss Demba Cisse

General Tactics

We hope to continue on from last week with another victory. My players know that complacency will not be tolerated and I want them to give their all for the final game and ensure a win.

Some new players have come in, namely experienced Brazilian Juan, who partners old mate Mexes to make a strong pairing. Elsewhere German international Podolski comes in on the wing who adds oodles of class.

We'll be strong and competitive at the back, with Lassana and De Rossi forming the foundation to play from in midfield. We'll use the pace on the wings to get around the back of Tottenham and create space for our finishers.

Victory today will ensure we have champions league football next year. The players know how important that is, and it is therefore the biggest game of the season for us. Like last week, the three points is what I'm after today.

Player roles

Goalkeeper: Given keeps his place after a good performance last week. Foster fills in on the bench to add great cover. Given should be strong in his area, commanding crosses and corners. He will also provide leadership from the back, dictating the defence as he wants. Shay and Ben are two great shot stoppers, so if he was to come into a one on one situation, we are confident in their abilities.

Full Backs: Initially Friedrich and Criscito will play defensively and see what Tottenham are about. It's important they don't get ragged early on. They will look to feed the wingers and let them go forward. After the game opens up a bit, they will be given a licence to go forward and overlap the wingers to create some space down the flanks.

Centre Backs: The emphasis will be on strength and organisation for Juan and Mexes today. They'll be used to playing with eachother, and constant communication will enable them to wipe out any attacking threats from the opposition early. Both are fantastic athletes and will be able to keep this up for the game. We have a wealth of depth on the bench here in Gallas and Zapata should we need to change things arround.

Centre Midfielders: Diarra and De Rossi will continue on from last week. Lassana can play the holding role and gobble up balls like a hungry hippo. De Rossi is the link man that brings the defence and attack together. On the bench we have some exciting talent in Payet.

Wingers: The wingers offer pace, skill and flair. They've been encouraged to take people on and get involved at every opportunity. The shackles have been released from Lukas at his new club. Steven will often be looking for support out wide and they need to offer themselves. It is important also to remember their defensive duties - they need to work hard and get back to help out. We have a number of wing options on the bench so Jesus and Lukas need to work hard.

Attacking Midfielder: Steven knows the importance of this game, and will reflect that in his performance. With Fernando, they know how to play with eachother and will be intelligent in attack. He offers a sublime attacking threat, driving into the box from midfield. He is also a workhorse, and will get back to make tackles and protect his side.

Striker: Torres, after a great performance last week is high on confidence. He now has brilliant service from Navas, Gerrard and Podolski, what a lucky guy. He needs to bang them in though, and I'm sure he will.

Set Pieces

Penalties: Taken by Gerrard - the definition of cool under pressure.

Free kicks: Taken by Gerrard or De Rossi if direct, Navas if out on the wings.

Corners: Taken by Gerrard or Navas, centre backs to come up and threaten in the box. Full backs to stay back with Lass.

Plans

If winning after an hour: Keep going for ten minutes an pile the pressure on. Then calm it down, but don't get lazy. Bring on Agbonlahor for Podolski or Navas, adding pace down the wings and pinning Spurs back. Payet to come on for De Rossi and work his socks off, becoming a box to box midfielder. Gallas on for Juan or Mexes, whoever is blowing. He adds real experience and focus at the back.

If losing after an hour: Bring on Agbonlahor for Lassana straight away and switch to 4-4-2. Move Gerrard back a peg to become the link man between De Rossi and the forwards. Gueye to come on after 75 mins for one of the wingers and look to take on players and create service for the forwards. Zapata can be used to cover any of the back four due to his versatility.

COME ON YOU REDS!

sunderland vs EVERTON

-----------------------------Lloris-----------------------------
Bosingwa---------Mertz--------Chiellini------------Clichy
-----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------M'Vila-------Hamsik--------------------
Gervinho------------------------------------------------Mata
---------------------------Suarez
---------------------------------Bent

Subs: Begovic, Azpilicueta, Sakho, Merieles, Ramsey, Álvarez, Lavezzi

Captain: Chiellini

General: Attack. Goo all out attack. play at a high tempo, keep the ball moving. Play offside and counter attack.

Def: Back four dont attack, play a mid line ready to step up. Fullback cross from deep.
Mid: M'Vila p[rotect back four and get tackles in. Hamsik create, feed the flanks and the forwards.
Wingers: Hug touchline, get grosses in from anywhere, aimed for either striker.
Suarez: support Bent. Drop off and come deep at times to collet the ball. Go on runs. Use your giant teeth to bite people.
Bent: bang the goals in as per usual.

BOOM< Bish Bash Bosh, Job Done!