Season 3 Tactics - the Championship

--------------------------Krul--------------------------
----Sagna--------Mexes----------Rami-------Dominguez----
--------------Diarra--------------Marchisio-------------
---------Dzogaev----------Muller------------------Nolito
------------------------Chicharito----------------------

BENCH
Ahamada
Musacchio
Reveillere
Carrick
Muller
Lopez
Welbeck


TEAM TALK
We want the three points today and will try to dominate the middle of the park, keep the ball and attack free flowing to make it difficult for them to use their usual man-marking strategy. We need a solid base and the front four can interchange.

DEFENSE
- Sagna should drive forward and allow Dzogaev to cut inside, use the pace to match the winger.
- Dominguez should use his strength and tackling ability to beat the winger.
- If they play without wingers then the full backs have license to completely drive forward and overload the opposing full backs.
- Mexes and Rami should be wary of pace coming from the midfield. They should drop deep and be physical against Eto'o.
- If Strootman plays, then he should immediately have pressure put on him by Muller.


ATTACK
- Diarra should stay deep and allow the other players to get forward.
- Marchisio is playing in a box to box role so can get up, support the attacking players and shoot from distance.
- Muller and Dzogaev can both interchange, both can get take shots, dribble with the ball and take on their man.
- Nolito should stick to the left wing like glue and have a go at Arbeloa who is not as good or as quick as he once was.
- Hernandez will struggle in the air against Terry, but he has a lack of pace so should try to run at him. If going for headers position yourself just in front of Cahill.
- We will particularly pick on Terry generally and his lack of pace.
- Try to win set pieces as we have three big men at the back, Diarra and Welbeck are also big strong players who can win a header.


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning then bring on Cleverley for Muller to add energy to our midfield, look to hit them on the counter attack.

If drawing bring on Welbeck for Dzogaev. Muller should move to the right wing as we move to 4-4-2.

If losing bring on Cleverley, Lisandro Lopez and Welbeck for Nolito, Diarra, Dzogaev. Move into an all out attack 4-2-4 with Muller and Lisandro Lopez playing loosely out wide and Cleverley and Marchisio driving forward.

Injury: Chiellini & Cuenca
Captain: Yaya Toure




Subs: Coates, Papadopolous, Cambiasso, Ayew, Thiago, Lewandowski, Alves

Team talk

The penultimate match of the Championship and the title is ours to lose. As a result concentration is key and there is NO such thing as an easy 3 points. I want commitment and focus on the job in hand. Control the game, be patient in the approach and then make the moments counts as you shall get them.

De Gea: Be aware of Drogbas presence today and ensure you make yourself big in the goal, be vocal to the back four with instructions and that they give you maximum protection. Look for players moving into space when you gather the ball.

Abate & Cole: Concentration and timing is paramount, keep a line and know when to pounce and when to hit the offside trap on their counters, force them wide whenever possible and block crosses.

Hummels & Richards: Hummels to mark Drogba, use your excellent awareness to ensure you beat him to the ball whether it's threaded through or crossed from the sidelines, if they play a 2nd striker then Richards is use his pace to keep goalside and time tackles to nullify threats, if not then look to block the threat of wingers coming inside or marauding AMs.

De Jong & Toure:
With their midfield losing both Barry & Nasri then its a makeshift spine to their team which shall be our focus. Your physical presence is to be used early on to grip the centre with both looking to pressure their incoming midfielders, Toure to come forward with the ball and bulldoze through them like skittles.

Cazorla & Giovinco: The beauties to the beasts in the centre, both guys to use their speed and close ball control to push their wingbacks on the backfoot. Mix up your game to keep them 2nd guessing between cutting inside and taking on the man and whipping a ball in for Higs. If the opposite winger has the ball then look to come into the box as an extra striker especially to be a nusiance to Silva. Ensure you back track when needed to assist our FBs.

VDV: In the hole for VDV and to link up play through the channels, pass the ball to the wings and let them attack the FBs or look for clinical through balls to Higuain breaking off his marker or Toure pushing forward. If you find space with the ball don't be afraid to hit one from distance.

Higuain: Silva is their key player so instead look to target Maduro whos struggled with long term injuries. The wingers will look to keep Silva occupied when they cut in so hang on the shoulder of Hedwiges and look to be clinical when the opportunity arises.

Subs
If losing/drawing at 70m: bring on Lewandowski & Thiago for VDV & De Jong and go 4-4-2 and have the wingers looking to come inside with speed against a physically sapped defence.
if winning at 80m: Replace VDV with Papadopolous, go 5-4-1 and shore up the defence for the last 10 mins.

Set pieces
VDV to take free kicks.

Team

Formation: 4-3-3 (4-2-1-2-1)

GK - 01 - Anders Lindegaard
LB - 03 - Jérémy Mathieu
RB - 18 - Gregory van der Wiel
CB - 24 - Gary Cahill
CB - 26 - John Terry (c)
DCM - 06 - Yann M'Vila
DCM - 08 - Lucas Biglia
CM - 04 - Kevin Strootman
LW - 12 - André Schürrle
RW - 11 - Marko Reus
CF - 10 - Samuel Eto'o

Subs:
30 - Mark Schwarzer
07 - Youann Gourcuff
09 - Andy Carroll
15 - Christian Maggio
16 - Christian Ansaldi
17 - Marco Verratti
22 - Lucio

-------------------Lindegaard--------------
Van der Wiel -- Cahill -- Terry (c) -- Mathieu
------------- M'Vila --- Biglia --------------
---------------- Strootman ----------------
Reus ----------------------------- Schürrle
------------------ Eto'o -------------------

Team Talk: Here we are then on the cusp of pulling off the dream and winning the Championship this season. Yes we are the underdogs but that could help us as there is less pressure on us. I believe that we can win the match and the league today so prove me right! If we dominate the midfield we can win this!

Lindergaard - Be strong in the air and make sure you help Terry and Cahill with the crosses that come in. Make sure you command your box.

VDW and Mathieu - Make sure that you control any adventures forward and that if you do you get back to defend. I imagine it will be two from Moura, Giovinco and Carzola so make sure that you force them wise whenever possible and then prevent them from getting the crosses in.

Cahill and Terry - Make sure you communicate constantly to nullify the threat that Higuain brings. Terry is to stick to Higs as much as possible and prevent him from breaking through. Cahill to use his pace to nullify any through balls and to watch anyone who somehow breaks through our midfield. In the air you can use your height to dominate.

Biglia and M'Vila - Work together to snuff out any dangers that Bilbao's midfield presents, stay back as much as possible to make sure that at no point we are outnumbered which will give us a platform to break from and hurt Bilbao. The pair of you can make sure that Pastore is given no space to work with. You are both physically dominating as well so make sure that Bilbao's midfield feels this. When we are on the attack look for simple passes to Strootman that don't disrupt our shape.

Strootman - Big game for you today as I want you to play the role that Yaya Toure has for Bilbao all season. Be physically dominant and force the mistakes from the Bilbao midfield. You are positioned just in front of Biglia and M'Vila and are to help them out when we don't have the ball and make sure that in the center of the park we have 3 vs 3 or 3 vs 2 at all points. As soon as we have the ball look to go box to box and drive us forward. Look for easy passes to Reus and Schürrle and offer a 2nd option behind Eto'o.

Reus and Schürrle - You have the pace to really hurt Bilbao today, look to collect the ball from deep before running at and beating your man. Look to alternate between going outside to whip crosses in and driving inside to link up with Eto'o. I want you to terrorize their fullbacks and force them to lose the shape of their back line. When coming inside look to lose your marker and attack their center backs.

Eto'o - A goal on your debut last time out so build on that and fire in the goals that get us the title! I'd imagine that it will be two from Hummels, Vidic and Chiellini all of whom will struggle against your movement so use this to your advantage. Drift in between the two center backs so that neither can man mark you, this will add some uncertainty into their game. If one follows you then this will give room for Reus/Schürrle/Strootman to drive into. Finally, if you beat your man and get a sight of goal then take it. Remember, we win and we're champions!

-----
Corners: Reus/Schürrle - Terry and Cahill come forward as does Strootman to add big players to aim for. Whichever is not taking the corner to lurk outside the box. If losing in the second half then one of M'Vila/Biglia to come forward as yet another body. Otherwise both M'Vila and Biglia to stay back with the two fullbacks to make sure we are not outnumbered if they break. If drawing deep into second half stoppage time then Lindegaard to venture forward as well!

Freekicks - Eto'o/Strootman

Penalties - Eto'o
-----

Definite Subs:
If losing/drawing at 80 mins:
Carroll on for Biglia, - Go 4-4-2, Carroll to terrorize their center backs and use his height and power to get us the win.

--------------- Lindegaard ----------------
Van der Wiel -- Cahill -- Terry (c) -- Mathieu
-------- M'Vila ------ Strootman -----------
Reus ----------------------------- Schürrle
------------ Eto'o --- Carroll --------------

Substandard Liege v Jacamos

Injuries
Ross Barkley
Walter Samuel

Starting XI

Subs: Speroni, Toure, Clyne, Medel, Nilmar, Honda, Milner

Captain: Jagielka
Free kicks and Corners: Xavi
Penalties: Jelavic

Team talk:
Jacamos are a team I know well and we have been working hard in training on what I want from you, now let’s put those strategies into practice. Defensively, we will play high pressure from the moment we lose the ball. We will attempt to retain the ball and then attack quickly , focusing on the flanks.

Szczesney Stand tall, come for crosses, and sweep up anything that is played in behind the defence. Distribute short as much as possible.

Walker & Criscito You are part of a unit, so keep your shape and defend together. Pick up any players attacking from wide, keep tight and do not let them run. Whenever you get the chance, get forward and support the attack, overlapping the widemen and getting crosses into the box.

Coloccini and Jagielka – Jagielka- man mark the main striker and let him know you are there early. Coloccini – play as spare man sweeping up, attacking any high balls into the box, getting there first. If they play a second striker, you pick him up. Keep the ball and pass it short to the midfield, provide an option for a pass when in space.

Capoue The enforcer, you will break up opposition attacks, protecting the back four. When the full backs get forward, you will stay back and cover them

Vidal and Xavi – Vidal, you will play box to box. Helping Capoue in the defensive duties and then driving forward to support the attack. Xavi – expect close attention, but keep calm and retain possession. You are our focal point and you will dictate play, always making yourself available. When both the full backs get forward, then one of you should sit deeper and assist Capoue in covering them.

Vucinic and Ben Arfa – You will start as widemen. Get on the ball and run at the defence, using all the tricks in your bag. Get the ball into the box for Jelavic and the midfield arriving late. When the ball is on the other flank get in centrally to support Jelavic. When the full back gets forward, go inside and create space for the overlap. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it and help the full back tracking the opposition wide players.

Jelavic –Operate in the width of the 18 yard box. When the ball comes forward centrally, hold it up allowing the wingers and AM to get in support. When the ball is out wide, get into the box to get on the end of anything coming in. A sniff of a chance, have a go first time. Defensively, when we lose possession, harass the defenders in possession and force them to play it quickly.

Subs:

If losing/drawing on 75 minutes,:
Honda for Capoue


If winning on 75 minutes:
Milner for Ben Arfa
Honda for Vucinic

------------------------Robinson------------------------------
----------------Rami---------------Musacchio------------------
----Sagna-------------------------------------------Clichy----
-----------------Gustavo--------Marchisio---------------------
-------Dzogaev------------Muller---------------Di Maria-------
-------------------------Welbeck------------------------------

BENCH
Amos
Revelliere
Dominguez
Diarra
Cleverley
Nolito
Hernandez


TEAM TALK
Absolute must win this week. We don't have the greatest of goal differences so an opportunity to improve that would be great. We have to win this week, it's that or bust in order to gain promotion.


TACTICS
Generally we should stick to our shape when defending, but when we go forward the three behind Welbeck can move around free form, while Welbeck should stay up top as the focal point of our attack.


DEFENSE
- We should play a high line as the striker lacks pace.
- Rami should beat Drogba in the air and should command the box.
- Musacchio has pace so should be behind incase any of the midfielders break past their marker.
- Clichy and Sagna should get up and down the touchline and get crosses in as well as forcing their wingers wide.
- Gustavo should pressurize Nasri as he is their main creative player and will make the chances for them, make sure he has no time on the ball.
- Di Maria and Dzogaev should stay up, their full backs aren't particularly attacking in any case.


ATTACK
- Their full backs are older and we can batter them pacewise. Attack them and get crosses into the box.
- Welbeck will struggle against Thiago Silva so should position himself on the other centre back. If Thiago man-marks Muller should run into the space created.
- Muller should look for intelligent runs in behind and try to stretch the defense.
- Di Maria and Dzogaev should look to cut inside and take shots as the full backs drive forward.
- Generally free form running behind Welbeck.

SUBSTITUTIONS
- If winning bring on Cleverley and Nolito for Dzogaev and Marchisio to freshen up in midfield.
- If drawing then bring on Hernandez and Cleverley for Gustavo and Muller/Dzogaev, moving to a 4-4-2 and attacking to try and win the game.
- If losing then bring on Hernandez, Nolito and Cleverley for Clichy, Sagna and Musacchio. Rami is a one man army at the back, while everyone else goes mental trying to score. But we won't ever be losing this game so it's all good.

Injury: Toure & Cambiasso
Captain: Chiellini




Subs: Pastore, Giovinco, Alves, Papadopolous, Xhaka, Cuenca, Ayew

Team talk

Today we go to war. Im expecting Hangover to play a physical team, to attempt to dominate midfield with our loss of Toure and Cambiasso, so in the face of battle we use our strengths and exploit their weaknesses. They will come to impose themselves physically in the midfield so were playing 5 at the back to nullify that as they have next to none in creativeness, theyll attack down the wings but with the speed of Cole and Richards this can be combatted and a 3 strong central defence of Hummels, Vidic and Chiellini then Eto will be physically pushed out of the game. We then use our speed and creativeness going forward to strike quickly on counters as they push further forward.

De Gea: Be aware of Eto's presence today and ensure you make yourself big in the goal, be vocal to the back four with instructions and that they give you maximum protection. Take the speed out of the game when you have the ball when they have periods of pressure.

Richards & Cole: Concentration and timing is paramount, keep a deep line and know when to pounce and when to force them into the corners, sucker them in and use the wings to thread balls through to our speed merchants.

Hummels, Chiellini & Vidic: Chiellini to manmark Eto as he's most aware of his game from his time in Serie A, Vidic to double up on him when required or look to a 2nd striker if played (Carroll probably) , Hummels to use his excellent awareness to be the mop up man, watching for wingers coming inside or a break through from the midfield. Also is the outlet from defence as can use his ability to go forward to take pressure off us.

De Jong & Isla:
I'm expecting them to pack the midfield with industrious and hardworking midfielders but ones that won't be creating chances, De Jong is there to keep them engaged in that, let them get entrenched in a groundbattle whilst Isla comes in to take over the box to box role that Toure normally takes up but can certainly get embroiled in slowing the game down when needed.

Cazorla & Moura: The outlets, today will be a tiresome task on running from deep with the ball and to use your fantastic speed, creativeness and vision to take the ball forward and punish them on the break. Especially to target the gaps left by VDW who is not the greatest at back tracking so this will be our main avenue of attack.

Higuain: Hang on the shoulder of Terry and use everything within your power to niggle him, whisper in his ear about getting it on with his team mates wives, anything that will get him to see red as this will result in mistakes and then you can strike.

Subs
If losing at 70m: bring on Giovinco and Pastore for Vidic and Isla, go 4-3-3 and use the extra speed and creativeness to really change the style of the game whilst their luddites chase the ball.
if winning at 80m: Replace Higuain with Giovinco, use his speed from deep to hit them on the counter for an extra goal

Set pieces
Moura to take free kicks.

---------------Buffon---------------
--Piszczek-Ogbonna--Ferdinand-Lahm(c)--
--------Martinez------Alonso---------
--Young-------Gerrard--------Shaqiri--
------------Lewandowski-------------

Subs: Pantilimon, Amorebieta, Schmelzer, Gerrard, Fellaini, De Jong, Milito

Injuries: Dante + Srna
Captain: Big Philipp Lahm
Set pieces: Gerrard


Team talk: We have been promoted so well done to you all for a fantastic season. My thanks go to Mr. Afro (whom we are playing today) but I'd dearly love to beat him. They are very solid in midfield so we will look to outmuscle and break up play there before going on the counter.

Buffon: You know the drill: Stay in goal and prevent the ball going in. Catch crosses and distribute the ball quickly but carefully.

CB's: You are both big and bad but that counts for nothing if you don't use your brains. Ogbonna: If Jelavic (or any other striker) starts keep track of him when he comes near you and pick up his runs. Force him to take more than one touch. Ferdinand: Stay back and clean up.

FB's: Piszczek: You are allowed to attack down the right today. Work with Young to create a deadly unit. Double up on the opposition LB and cross into the box. Lahm: Keep the defence organised. Force your man outward which will make him cross into the box.

DM's: Martinez: When Piszczek goes forward I want you to slot in at RB in preparation of a counter attack. Both of you: Look to break up play in the middle by chasing the ball about, putting in tough challenges and playing the ball forward relentlessly. Look to act rather than react against Xavi; get the ball before it reaches him and keep him out of the game.

Wingers: Young (and Piszczek): Piszczek is working with you today. However, if there is no joy down the right then look to attack the CB's directly. Piszczek will keep the FB busy. Shaqiri: Weave a bit of magic on the wings and get the ball in to either Lewandowski or Gerrard arriving in the box late. If forced out wide play stay back and play it to Gerrard.

Gerrard: Support Lewandowski when we attack. When the opposition have the ball hassle the back 4 and Motta, make them play the ball quickly in the hope they lose possession. Have the odd ranged shots but don't waste possession. Try and play the right pass at the right time.

Lewandowski: Go and smash the enemy defenders! Seriously, look to time runs to perfection in a Jelavic-like way and keep moving to irritate the opposition CB's. The ball will be coming in from the wings and back down field so keep your eyes open.

Subs: If winning on 70 minutes, Piszczek off and Schmelzer on. Lahm moves to RB, Schmelzer to LB. Also, Shaqiri off and Muniain on in a like for like swap. Martinez moves to CB to create a back 5.

--------------Buffon-------------
-Lahm-Ogbonna-Martinez-Ferdinand-Schmelzer-
--------Martinez----Alonso--------
--Young------Gerrard------Muniain-
--------------Lewandowski--------------

If losing or drawing on 65 minutes: Gerrard and Martinez off, Fellaini and Belhanda on (like-for-like swaps). Look to be more attacking.

If losing or drawing on 80 minutes, Alonso off and Milito on. Go mental.

Injuries: Kaka
Formation: 4-5-1/4-3-3
Starting XI:
GK - Hugo Lloris
RB - Ignazio Abate
CB - Kyriakos Papadopoulos
CB - Daniel Agger
LB - David Alaba
CDM - Sven Bender
RCM - Steven Defour
LCM - Axel Witsel
RW - Hulk
LW - Gareth Bale
ST - Emmanuel Adebayor

Subs:
John Ruddy
Martin Skrtel
Jetro Willems
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Moussa Sissoko
Pablo Hernandez
Papiss Cisse


Team Instructions/Tactics:
Lloris - Be commanding in your area and make world class saves. Look to distribute through the full backs, or go early to Adebayor.
Abate and Alaba - Show your wingers outside and then block off the cross. You both have the pace to deal with there wingers. Look to support Hulk and Bale in attack if you can, but defensive duties come first. When you get the ball off Lloris, look to get into the 3 midfielders or the wingers.
Papadopoulos and Agger - They usually play one up front. Papa I want you to pick up the man, and Agger to sweep behind. They don't have any strikers to worry you two, so keep your concentration throughout.
Bender - They usually play an AM. They like to run play through him, whether it be Eriksen or Lamela. If they do play an AM, nullify him, and we win the game. When you get the ball, give it to the wings or Defour/Witsel.
Defour and Witsel - You two are the driving force today. Be strong in the midfield battle. They are without Sahin, so look to dominate there midfield. Both get forward and back, look to get the ball out to the wingers so they can cause havoc. Don't be afraid to shoot from distance either.
Hulk - You should have a field day against Evra/Oviedo today. Look to keep them guessing by cutting inside and shooting, as well as going to the byline and crossing. You can single handedly win this game for us, do it today. Also help back with Abate when you can.
Bale - Again you can dominate there full back today. Look to use your pace to go round him and whip balls into the area for Adebayor. Also get back in and double up with Alaba. You have the ability to tear apart there average FB, do it today.
Adebayor - Big role for you today. I want you to be the target man. Look to hold up the ball if we go early from the back, and distribute it out wide. If we don't look to link up play, and give it out to the wings, and look for the cross. Finish any chances that come your way, win us this game.

Free Kicks: Hulk
Corners: Bale
Penalties: Adebayor

Subs and Tactical Changes:
If winning : 70 mins: Cisse for Adebayor. Sissoko for Defour. Same formation, keep up what we are doing, just fresh legs.


If losing or drawing: Abate for Skrtel. Alaba for Cisse. Go 3-5-2, and go all out attack.


Team Talk:
- First game of the season today and we have a tough test against an improving side. But what we will do is look to take advantage of Sahin being injured, and dominate the central midfield, so we can control the game, and then use our wingers to destroy there pathetic full backs. Defensively be strong and keep a rigid line, they dont have the ability up front to trouble our centre backs. Our full backs need to be strong as they will try and use the wings also, but you have the pace to deal with anything they throw your way. Adebayor just dominate there CB's. Let's go out there, and get a win on the board to set us on our way!

Injured: Nuri Sahin(No debut )

---------------Casillas(c) ----------
Pereira---Garary---Godin--Evra
----------------Motta--------------
Blaszc-------Lamela----------Gotze
--------Klose--Mandžukić-------

Subs:
Ter Stegan
Eriksen
Isco
Lampard
Giggs
J.Pereira
Yacob

Corners: Blacz/Lamps
Pens: Mancz/Lamps
Free Kicks: Gotze/Lamps


Team Talk: This is the first game of the season and i want us to go out there and give it your best. make sure chances are used well and created.
We need to make sure they dont get past us easily so be ready to mark your man and dont let him beat you. GO and give it your all Not for me but for the Fans!

Casillas: You are captain so if you see something wrong i need you to try and make it right. Comand your area and tell your defenders what needs to be done. If one on one come out and make your self big and try and make the save. If you fail to save just keep your head up high and dont let the pressure get to you.

Pereira: Make sure you dont let your man beat you (Hulk or who ever is on the Right wing) and push him wide if needed and dont allow them to create easy chances on the wings.

Garary: You have Pereria on the wing who you have played with at Benfica so haev good chemistry there. i want you to give there striker(Cisse or anyone who plays there) a rough time make him struggle and dont let him beat you easily and dont allow them to win the headers.

Godin: I want you to help Garary out with Cisse as he will try and use his pace to an advatage i want you to counter that and give him a real rough time.

Evra: dont allow them to beat you and dont be afraid to get stuck in to win the ball.

Motta: Stay back and help the Defenders but be aware of picking up any lose balls and use Lambela/The wings to play a counter attack. Stay back for corners as they will be a treat there and make sure to look out for Sigs as he will be one of there play makers.

Wings: Be aware for counter attacks and use your pace to try and break away if you can be aware of Klose and Manz in the box and Lamela in the centre. Create chances in the air for the front two strikers.

Lamela: Be ready to attack as you will play the AM role and create chances but be aware of loose balls and pick them up. Get stuck in and try and create chances.

Klose: Be aware of Manz who will help you and try and make sure chances are not wasted. be aware of balls in the air and try and beat your man for them and PLAY LIKE YOU DO FOR GERMANY.

Manz: Be aware of balls in the air and try and get to them and use chances well as well as try and create them for Klose if you cant score yourself.

Subs at 65th minute

Lampard on for Klose and Erisken on for Lamela and Isco on for Blacz
switch to...

---------------Casillas(c) ----------
Pereira---Garary---Godin--Evra
----------------Motta--------------
--------Lampard--Eriksen-------
Isco----------------------------Gotze
-------------Mandžukić------------

Substandard Liege v Real Nadrid

Injuries
Gary Medel

Starting XI

Subs: Speroni, Toure, Mbia, Maher, Jelavic, Yarmolenko, Barkley

Captain: Vidic
Free kicks and Corners: Pastore
Penalties: Balotelli

Team talk:
A new season and my first one with a full preseason under. I want to hit the ground running. Defend as a team, watching for runners and not allowing space. Varied attacks with full backs overlapping and the three AMs interchanging.

Szczesney Stand tall, come for crosses, and sweep up anything that is played in behind the defence. Distribute short as much as possible.

Walker & Gibbs You are part of a unit, so keep your shape and defend together. Pick up any players attacking from wide, keep tight and do not let them run. Everytime you get the chance, get forward and support the attack, overlapping the widemen and getting crosses into the box. You are attackers as much as defenders today.

Vidic and Jagielka – Vidic- mark the main striker and let him know you are there early. Jags – spare man sweeping up, attacking any high balls into the box, getting there first. If they play a second striker, you pick him up. Both - Keep the ball and pass it short to the midfield, provide an option for a pass when in space.

M’Vila The enforcer, you will break up opposition attacks, protecting the back four. When the full backs get forward, you will stay back and cover them.

Vidal – Vidal, you will play box to box. Helping M’Vila in the defensive duties and then driving forward to support the attack. When both the full backs get forward, sit deeper and assist M’Vila in covering them.

Vucinic and Jovetic – You will start as widemen. Get on the ball and run at the defence, using all the tricks in your bag. Get the ball into the box for Balotelli and the midfield arriving late. When the ball is on the other flank get in centrally to support the attack. When the full back gets forward, go inside and create space for the overlap. Interchange with Pastore on occasion to keep the defenders guessing who to mark. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it and help the full back tracking the opposition wide players.

Pastore – you are the playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. Feed Balotelli and the widemen and get them all in the game. On occasions, interchange with Vucinic and Jovetic, to keep the defence guessing Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it.

Balotelli –Operate in the width of the 18 yard box. When the ball comes forward centrally, hold it up allowing the wingers and AM to get in support. When the ball is out wide, get into the box to get on the end of anything coming in. A sniff of a chance, have a go. Defensively, when we lose possession, harass the defenders in possession and force them to play it quickly.

Subs:

If losing/drawing on 75 minutes,:
Jelavic for Vucinic,
Yarmolenko for M’Vila



If winning on 75 minutes:
Yarmolenko for Jovetic
Mbia for Vucinic

Starting XI
---------------------------Reina
Dani Alves --- Koscielny -- Vermaelen -- Coentrao
------------------ Inler -------- Gerrard
Robben-------------- Van Der Vaart ------- Ramirez
-------------------- Benzema

Subs Bench
Jaaskelainen/Albiol/Tasci/Sandro/Nocerino/Affelay/Mirallas

Captain: Thomas Vermaelen
Free Kicks: Steven Gerrard/Rafael Van Der Vaart
Penalties: Steven Gerrard



Team Talk : Opening day of the season we should get a decent result against a side based around Neymar

Reina: Come collect crosses and through it out to a wingback , If not get it into Gerrard in Midfield

Dani Alves - Do your natural game bomb forward up the right wing , Overlap the winger , Make sure when defending push onto weaker foot

Koscielny - Im expecting one upfront so watch for the AM making a break through the middle, Also if the forward gets away from Vermaelen go round on the cover.

Vermaelen - Man mark the forward stick as close as possible to him if he goes away from goal don't follow keep in the defensive line. Try win any long balls played Koscielny will cover

Coentrao - I want you to bomb forward and help Ramirez , Go on past him give the option if get the ball then whip a cross in or cut it back to edge of the box

Inler - I want you to hassle their midfield don't give them time on the ball, If have the ball yourself then look for a pass out wide or link with VDV

Gerrard - Your going to play as the midfield general, I want you to spray passes out wide to the wingers or link with VDV/Benzema , If attacking look for Alves/Coentrao going in behind , I want you to make late runs to the edge of the box for pull backs

Robben: All i want is for you to take of the full back with pace if cut inside don't be afraid to play in Alves overlapping, Use tricks and whip the ball in

Van Der Vaart: Sit in the gap between Defence/Midfield and link up the play between Gerrard/Benzema , Look for slide rule passes for the wingers , Knock it in behind so Benzema can use his pace, Watch for Gerrard making late runs into the box

Ramirez: All i want is for you to attack the full back turn him inside and out, Coentrao will give you an option if don't want to cross, if get in behind the full back square it to edge of box for Gerrard or an easy tap in for Benzema

Benzema: Use your pace drift between the 2 CB's and run in behind onto VDV/Gerrard's passing, If the full backs/wingers get in the make sure your there for a tap in

Subs
Affelay on for Ramirez - Same formation - Cut inside and look for a pass inside the full back for Coentrao

Injury-Pato

Team Talk
Ok this is the first game of the season, I have bought in a couple of players to help us out but I have kept the core of our team including the much sort after Nasri and Silva. So for there we all know eachother well. I want us to use this great team spirit we have to carry us through this season and achieve far greater things than last season.

Team Sheet
4-4-1-1 formation
------------------------Gomes-------------------------
-----Enrique------Maduro-----Silva------Martin---
----Hoilett-------Parker-------Meireles-----Johnson
------------------------Nasri-----------------------------
------------------------------Drogba-------------------

Subs- Loach,Bennett,Armero,Crofts,Pacheco,Kanoute,Borges

Tactics

GoalKeeper: Be vocal, Organise the defence, Watch where the ball is at all times and use your agility to make saves.

Defensive Tactics
* Midfielders must try to drop back to help the back four
* Track players who could pose a threat on goal.
* When in doubt get the ball out of play and as far up the pitch as possible.
* Im Expecting the opposition to be playing a very attacking team so we need to keep as tight to there players as possible and stop them from pinging passes around
* help each other out as much as possible and dont do anything stupid to put us in danger

Attacking Tactics
* Pass the ball around as much as possible and cut through there defence and midfield.
* Play down the wings and get crosses into the box
* Use the speed of our pacier players
* Use Samir as our link from midfield to striker
* If a player is in a better position to get a shot away allow them too.
* Pick up any loose passes and make them pay for it.

Free Kick takers
Defensive areas- Maduro
Attacking Areas- Nasri

Corner Takers- Hoilett/Johnson
centre backs come up for these, LB/RB Stay back to try and avoid any breaks

Defending Corners
Defending Posts: Maduro and Silva
Keep as tight to there attacking players as possible
Pato to be left furthest forward incase of a chance to cause a break away attack

Sub if Losing 60mins- OFF- Meireles ON- Borges- Change to 4-4-2 formation Nasri Dropping back,

Sub if Losing 70mins- OFF- Nasri ON- Kanoute- Change to 4-3-3 Formation and pump the ball forward to our Big strikers and trouble the defence with the high ball game

Injuries
Fernandez

---------------------------- Friedel ------------------------
Boateng--------B Alves-------Ramos-----------J Alba
-----------------------------Tiote -------------------------
--------------- Scholes ------------- Khedira ----------------
Navas ----------------------------------------------- Kagawa
--------------------------- Llorente ------------------------

Subs -
Vorm
Tremoulinas
Huth
Veloso
Gamiero

Captain - Friedel
Corner kicks - Kagawa
Penalty - Llorente
Freekicks - Kagawa

We are playing a 433 formation. We have energetic midfielders who can attack and defend and wingers who can hurt Liege.

GOALKEEPER - Brad Friedel
An experienced keeper, I want you to command your box. Always keep your eyes on the ball. If the opposition have a freekick in a dangerous position then place your wall and how many players should be in it. If you catch the ball from a corner then throw it out fast to either Kagawa or Navas who can use their pace on the wings and hit the opposition on the counter attack.

CENTRE BACKS - Bruno Alves + Ramos
Keep a flat back line. Use your aerial abilities to win headers. Stay compact and don't make unnecessary mistakes. Ramos will mark their main striker if the opponent play one up front and Alves will mark the second striker if he plays.


FULL BACKS Boateng + Alba
Main priority is to defend. When one of you is attacking then I want the other to stay back. Play crosses into the box and make overlapping runs using our wingers.

DEFENCE MID - Tiote
Protect the back 4. Cover for Alba/Boateng when they are attacking and don't be afraid to get a little physical to win the ball.

CENTRE MIDS - Scholes + Khedira
Scholes will stay in the centre and be the link between the defence and attack. Use your great passing ability to find a teammate in a good position. Khedira will play box2box. He will attack with intent and defend as if his life depended on it.

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

CENTRE FORWARD - Llorente
will be playing the role of the target men and will look to use his physical threat to win the aerial balls. He is very good at headers and will have an advantage because of his height.. If you are in possession of the ball then hold it up and shield it untill you see an available pass. If you see an opening then shoot. And lastly try not to stray offside.

Subs if losing
Take off Tiote and put on Cardoza.

Substandard Liege v Neymar FC

Injuries
Walter Samuel
Kyle Walker

Starting XI

Subs: Speroni, Toure, Clyne, Medel, Maher, Vucinic, Jelavic

Captain: Vidic
Free kicks and Corners: Pastore
Penalties: Vidal

Team talk:
A good win last week and we want to build upon it. I want to build on the confidence we are building and play some attacking football. We want to go for the kill early. Offensively, we attack with pace and flair, keeping the ball moving all the time. Defensively, we keep our shape, pick up our men and defend and press from the front, winning the ball back as quickly as possible

Szczesney Stand tall, come for crosses, and sweep up anything that is played in behind the defence. Distribute short as much as possible.

Ansaldi & Gibbs You are part of a unit, so keep your shape and defend together. Pick up any wide players , keep tight and do not let them run. Every time you get the chance, get forward and support the attack, overlap the widemen and get crosses into the box. You are attackers as much as defenders today.

Vidic and Jagielka – Vidic- mark the main striker, probably Neymar and let him know you are there early. Jags – spare man sweeping up, attacking any high balls into the box, getting there first. If they play a second striker, you pick him up. Both - Keep the ball and pass it short to the midfield, provide an option for a pass when in space.

Macscherano The enforcer, you will break up opposition attacks, protecting the back four. When the full backs get forward, you will stay back and cover them.

Vidal – Vidal, you will play box to box. Helping Masch in the defensive duties and then driving forward to support the attack. When both the full backs get forward, sit deeper and assist Masch in covering them.

Reus and Jovetic – You will start as widemen. Get on the ball, run at the defence, using all the tricks in your bag. Get the ball into the box for Balotelli and the midfield arriving late. When the ball is on the other flank go central to support the attack. When the full back gets forward, go inside and create space for the overlap. Interchange with Pastore on occasion to keep the defenders guessing who to mark. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it and help the full back tracking the opposition wide players.

Pastore – you are the playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. Feed Balotelli and the widemen and get them all in the game. On occasions, interchange with Reus and Jovetic, to keep the defence guessing Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it.

Balotelli –Operate in the width of the 18 yard box. When the ball comes forward centrally, hold it up allowing the wingers and AM to get in support. When the ball is out wide, get into the box to get on the end of anything coming in. A sniff of a chance, have a go. Defensively, when we lose possession, harass the defenders in possession and force them to play it quickly.

Subs:

If losing/drawing on 75 minutes,:
Jelavic for Jagielka
Vucinic for Jovetic

More attack minded formation, and fresh legs to run at tiring defenders.


If winning on 75 minutes:
Medel for Reus
Vucinic for Jovetic

More defensive formation, plus fresh legs to run with ball and hold onto possession

Injuries: Moussa Sissoko and Sime Vrsaljko
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Starting XI:
GK - Hugo Lloris
RB - Ignazio Abate
CB - Kyriakos Papadopoulos
CB - Daniel Agger
LB - David Alaba
CDM - Sven Bender
RM - Hulk
CM - Steven Defour
CM - Axel Witsel
LM - Gareth Bale
ST - Papiss Cisse

Subs:
John Ruddy
Martin Skrtel
Jetro Willems
Kaka
Pablo Hernandez
Emmanuel Adebayor
Robert Snodgrass


Team Instructions/Tactics:
Lloris - Be commanding in your area and make world class saves. Look to distribute through the full backs, or go early to Cisse.
Abate and Alaba - Be a lot more restricted today. They have very good wingers, so what we are going to do is double up on them, nullify and then use our pace to counter attack. If you can get forward do, but defend first. You have the pace to nullify the wingers.
Papadopoulos and Agger - They like to play one up front usually Soldado. If they do, Papadopoulos picks him up and Agger sweeps. He will try and make runs in behind, so sit a little deeper to nullify that.
Bender - They like to run there attack through there CAM. Look to nullify him by restricting his room to play, and getting stuck into him. Your job is to purely do that today. If you get the ball look to hit the wingers quickly.
Hulk and Bale - Big role for you two today. We are going to play on the counter, so I want you two too get back and help your FB's against the wingers which is there main threat, but when we get the ball we are going to attack with pace down the wings. They have weak FB's so you two look to take advantage of that and win us this game. Hulk overpower the FB, and get shots in, Bale take on the FB and get crosses in.
Defour and Witsel - Big game for you two today. We are playing on the counter, so look to defend first, then one goes while one stays in attack. We should match them numbers wise in midfield, so look to win your personal battles.
Cisse - You are the lone striker today. You must work very hard, and rough up the centre backs who you caused havoc against last season when you scored 2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Look for crosses from the wingers and the inevitable fumbles from Cech who is a shadow of his former self.

Free Kicks: Hulk
Penaties: Cisse
Corners: Bale

Subs and Tactical changes:
If winning or drawing: 65 mins: Adebayor for Cisse, Hernandez for Hulk. Same formation, just fresh legs to help out. Keep up the same work.


If losing: 65 mins: Witsel for Kaka. Defour for Cisse. Go 4-4-2 diamond, with Bender CDM and Kaka CAM, Hulk and Bale still RM and LM. Cisse up top with Adebayor.


Team Talk:
- Today boys we are going to play on the counter attack, so be solid in defence and soak up the pressure, then look to attack with pace down the wings to take advantage of there weak FB's. We expect them to play 4-2-3-1 again, so we will match them in midfield, but if they don't still look to sit back and play on the counter. Hulk and Bale it is crucial for you too help double up with the FB's whilst being our outlet on the counter. Cisse score loads against the Chelsea CB and GK like you did last season at Stamford Bridge. This is going to be a tough game, but we can win today boys!

Injuries:

Joao Pereira
Vaclav Pilar

---------------Casillas(c) ----------
Pereira---Garary---Godin--Evra
----------------Motta--------------
--------Lampard--Eriksen-------
blaczs----------------------------Gotze
-------------Mandžukić------------

TT: 2nd game now and we need to improve on are confidence. try and control the midfield. when we have the ball keep it moving and try and use balls in the air when creating chances.

Casllias: You are captain so if you see something wrong i need you to try and make it right. Comand your area and tell your defenders what needs to be done if the ball passes the defence come out and sweep the ball. If one on one come out and make your self big and try and make the save. If you fail to save just keep your head up high and dont let the pressure get to you.


pereira: Make sure you dont let your man beat you who ever is on the Right wing) and push him wide if needed and dont allow them to create easy chances on the wings.

Garary: You have Pereria on the wing who you have played with at Benfica so haev good chemistry there. i want you to give there striker(Cisse or anyone who plays there) a rough time make him struggle and dont let him beat you easily and dont allow them to win the headers.

Godin: I want you to help Garary out with Cisse as he will try and use his pace to an advatage i want you to counter that and give him a real rough time.

Evra: dont allow them to beat you and dont be afraid to get stuck in to win the ball and try and sweep it to clear danger.

Motta: Stay back and help the Defenders but be aware of picking up any lose balls and use The wings to play a counter attack. Stay back for corners as they will be a treat there and make sure to look out for Sigs as he will be one of there play makers.


Wings: Be aware for counter attacks and use your pace to try and break away if you can be aware of Manz in the box and Eriksenin the centre. Create chances in the air.

Eriksen: Push forward and play in the centre of attack but try and track back to the centre. Use the wings and lamps to create chances.

Lamps: have a crack at goal if you see the chances and if you can for free kicks aim at goal or try and create a chance for Manzukic

Manz: Be aware of balls in the air and try and get to them and use chances


Free kicks: Lamps
Corners: Blaczs
Pens: Lamps

sub 70th minute

Eriksen off , Klose on

---------------Casillas(c) ----------
Pereira---Garary---Godin--Evra
----------Lamps--Motta--------------
Blaszc-----------------Gotze
--------Klose--Mandžukić-------

Injuries
Navas
Tremolinas

---------------------------- Friedel ------------------------
Boateng--------B Alves-------Ramos-----------J Alba
-----------------------------Tiote -------------------------
--------------- Scholes ------------- Khedira ----------------
Gamiero ---------------------------------------------- Kagawa
--------------------------- Llorente ------------------------

Subs -
Vorm
Tremoulinas
Huth
Veloso
Cardoza

Captain - Friedel
Corner kicks - Kagawa
Penalty - Llorente
Freekicks - Kagawa

GOALKEEPER - Brad Friedel
An experienced keeper, I want you to command your box. Always keep your eyes on the ball. If the opposition have a freekick in a dangerous position then place your wall and how many players should be in it. If you catch the ball from a corner then throw it out fast to either Kagawa or Gamiero who can use their pace on the wings and hit the opposition on the counter attack.

CENTRE BACKS - Bruno Alves + Ramos
Keep a flat back line. Use your aerial abilities to win headers. Stay compact and don't make unnecessary mistakes. Ramos will mark their main striker if the opponent play one up front and Alves will mark the second striker if he plays. Ramos will also be allowed to go upfield when we have a corner as he is a good headerer of the ball. Tiote will be covering for him in defence while he is attacking.

FULL BACKS Boateng + Alba
Main priority is to defend. When one of you is attacking then I want the other to stay back. Play crosses into the box and make overlapping runs using our wingers. Make sure you don't let the opposition wingers take you on.

DEFENCE MID - Tiote
Protect the back 4. Cover for Alba/Boateng when they are attacking and don't be afraid to get a little physical to win the ball.

CENTRE MIDS - Scholes + Khedira
Scholes will stay in the centre and be the link between the defence and attack. Use your great passing ability to find a teammate in a good position. Khedira will play box2box. He will attack with intent and defend as if his life depended on it. When without the ball he will look to press and intercept loose passes.

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

CENTRE FORWARD - Llorente
will be playing the role of the target men and will look to use his physical threat to win the aerial balls. He is very good at headers and will have an advantage because of his height.. If you are in possession of the ball then hold it up and shield it untill you see an available pass. If you see an opening then shoot. And lastly try not to stray offside.

Subs if losing by 70mins
Take off Tiote and Alves and put on Cardoza and Powell. Change formation to 3-4-3.

Subs if winning by 70mins
Take of Gamiero and put on Huth. Change formation to 5-4-1 and close the game out.

Subs if drawing by 70mins
Take off Llorente and Scholes for Cardoza and Veloso.

----------------------Reina
Alves ---- Koscielny --- Vermaelen -- Coentrao
------------- Inler -------- Essien
Robben ---------- VDV ----------- Podolski
------------------Benzema

Subs: Jaaskelainen/Albiol/Tasci/Nocerino/Callejon/Mirallas/Martinez

Team Talk: Season got off to a good start last week time for it to continue, Defence to play just off half way line squeeze them in their half

Reina: Come collect crosses and release to the full backs , Watch for balls in behind defence.

Dani Alves: Go forwards and overlap the winger whip the cross in the box, When defending force into Inler who will help double them.

Koscielny : Keep in line with Vermaelen sweep up around him and watch for a potential on running AM, If Am comes forward then force him out wide

Vermaelen: Stick to the forward and go for the ball in the air, If can get infront of him to get the ball then do so but don't let him roll you

Coentrao : Go forwards back up Podolski, if go on past him then whip the cross in , if not then play the ball into VDV , When defending force towards Essien.

Inler: Sit on the AM force him to the play the ball backwards. When defending if Vermaelen goes forward then drop into CB

Essien: I want you to go box to box, when attacking link up with VDV then go on past him and create space for VDV/Benzema , When defending hassle their midfield put tackles in force them away from goal

Robben: Use your pace and tricks to take on the full back twist him inside out , If go down wing then hit the ball in at pace, If come inside look for a pass or shoot, Remember to track back and help force them away from goal

Van Der Vaart: Sit in the gap between Defence/Midfield if there is a DM then drift about and look for gaps of space, when have the ball look for a through ball behind the defence for our pacy attackers to get onto.

Podolski : Debut today go out and show your quality, Take on the full back and take the outside and hit a cross in, When don't have the ball remember to help defend if attacking then make runs in behind

Benzema: Sit on their slowest defender then roll him and get in behind at pace, If getting no where drop off into midfield and link with the wingers/VDV and look to get them in on goal

Subs
if winning then Tasci on for VDV go 5-4-1

if drawing then go 4-4-2 (Diamond) with Martinez on for Essien

---------------------------- Reina
----------- Koscielny - Vermaelen --- Tasci
Alves --------------Inler--------Essien-------------Coentrao
Robben ---------------------------------------------- Podolski
-------------------------- Benzema

Subs: Jaaskelainen/Albiol/Tasci/Sandro/Callejon/Gervinho/Martinez

Team Talk: We're going for their full backs today the weak point of their side as their wingers won't track back so double team ftw! if we can't get in there we're use Benzema's pace to turn their slow CB's

Reina: Come collect crosses and release to the wing backs, Watch for the ball in behind and come clear

Alves: I want you to bomb forward and force their winger back the other way, When going forward look to link up with Robben, When defending im expecting Bale force him inside onto his right foot, If goes on left block the cross

Koscielny: I want you to help Alves with Bale, Double team him make sure he doesn't get anything in the box, If coming through the middle make sure any late running midfielder is picked up

Vermaelen: Stick to their forward you have the pace to negate him bully him from the goal and make sure your 1st to every ball on the ground or in the air

Tasci: I want you to help Coentrao with Hulk, He'll cut inside so be their to block him , If doesn't happen then also watch for a running midfielder and try and stop service into the forward

Coentrao: Your be up against Hulk, We know he sucks on his right foot so push him down the wing, You have the pace to block crosses, If he gets inside Tasci will help you and force him away from goal

Inler: Sit and marshall in front of the defence, Make sure any service into Cisse or Defoe doesn't get there, When we have the ball play 5 yard passes with Essien and make sure don't lose the ball.

Essien: Your going box to box put pressure on their midfielders throw in some big tackles, When we're attacking make serging runs through midfield and arrive late on the edge of the box.

Robben: I want you to take on the full back you and Alves will double team him, I want you to take turns in going inside or out so do the opposite to Alves make sure there is end product, Feel free to interchange with Podolski

Podolski: I want you to drift inside a lot to cos their full back to follow to create space for Coentrao, If they don't follow sit in the gap between midfield and defence and look to link up with Benzema/Robben , On occasions swap wings with Robben

Benzema: Sit on the defenders shoulder expecting Agger/Skrtel to play as done all season so i want you to stick to the slower being Skrtel and run in behind , Robben/Alves/Podolski/Coentrao will be creative for you so make sure when out on the wing you make a run in the box to finish

Subs:

Gervinho/VDV on for Tasci/Essien if losing after 65 mins go 4-3-1-2
Robben ----- Inler---- Gervinho
-------------- VDV
-------- Pod ------ Benzema

Subs: Jefferson, Maicon, Juan, Diego, Ganso, Farfan, Kleber

Injuries: Rafeal

Team Talk: OK Lads, me no speak Brazil but Jack Butland has spent a lot of time with you guys and he will be translating for me. Win! That is todays objective. You are all fighting for your place in the team and squad. Play well and you will play next week. Play bad I will sell you. Important, play as a team, If you play bad as team I may show mercy upon thee. Attack with precision & pace looking to exploit any gap or lack of focus from the opponant. Play to your strenghts & we will win together. They may take our lives but they'll never take our football!!!!

Butland: Stay focused. Communicate with your defensive line, keep them informed at all times. Get your position right, claiming the ball & save will come a lot easier if your position is good.

Danilo & Marcelo: Would like you guys to push forward when we are in possesion. Only one FB past the half way line at a time. If play is switched I want you to get back into position while the other pushes forward. Play the ball inside for one of our attacking players or cross aimed for Damiao.

Luisao & Dede With the FB's attacking we are goign to take a risk and play a high-ish line. If Pato plays drop the line back a bit, Dede mark him as you have the pace to contend. Luisao as your more physical mark Drogba is he plays. Both play then you knwo who to mark. Play offside trap. Start off attacks by getting the ball to the FB's or CDM's.

Fernandinho & Casemiro: Play as holding playmakers. Your distribution has to be spot on today. Want you to get the ball forward quick. Get it to the flanks or down the middle, there will be 4-6 options as the FB's are attacking too. Get in hard for tackle, really get stuck in when we dont have the ball. If we lose it while a FB is out of position one of you cover.

Douglas Costa & Willian: You each have trickery and skill in your lockers so use it. Take players on but also pass and move. Play with pace, we really want to up the tempo and catch the opposition flat-footed. Come narrow to add numbers in the centre, this will allow the FB's to overlap. Interchange positions yourselves & with Neymar too.

Neymar: I will allow you to roam today. I do want you supporting Damiao, play off him and alongside him. I encorage you to go on runs, use your pace & skill to take players on, use your movement to get into those dangerous positions. I believe in your abilty so shoot from where ever you want.

Damiao Play off the last man. Look to make runs in behind. Its not a bad thing if you drift out wide as Neyamr or one of our AM's will get into the box, look for them when your wide. Neymar will also be supporting you, look for him or just simply shoot on sight. Stay on your toes, keep the movement at a high rate making you hard to mark.

Substandard Liege v Gotham City Rejects
Injuries
Stephane Mbia
Stevan Jovetic

Starting XI

Subs: Speroni, Ansaldi, Toure, Medel, Mirallas, Marin, Jelavic

Captain: Vidic
Free kicks and Corners: Pastore
Penalties: Balotelli

Team talk:

We are starting to build some momentum now so lets carry it on wth a tricky game this week. We expect Gotham to try to retain possession in midfield and to attack with high balls into the box for Klose. Pressure the ball from the front and do not give them time in possession, whilst the CB will attack everything that comes into the box. Attack with pace, flair and movement, running at the defence. The full backs will push the Gotham wingers back, also stifling the supply line to the forwards.


Szczesney Stand tall, come for crosses that are close to you making them need to aim crosses further out. Distribute short as much as possible.

Walker & Maxwell You are part of a unit, so keep your shape and defend together. Pick up any wide players , keep tight and force them to cross from wide and deep as much as possible. Get forward whenever the opportunity arises, overlap the widemen and get crosses in.

Vidic & Jagielka – Vidic – pick up the main striker. Attack balls into the box and beat the striker to them. Jags – spare man sweeping up, picking up loose balls. If they play a second striker, you pick him up. Both - Keep the ball and pass it short to the midfield, provide an option for a pass when in space.

Mascherano The enforcer, you will break up opposition attacks, protecting the back four. Get in the faces of the opposition, don’t give them any time on the ball.

Vidal – Box to box today. Support Masch is protecting the back four, particularly when the full backs bomb on. Get in support of the attack, getting to the edge of the box and having a shot when you get a clear sight.

Reus & Vucinic – You will play as widemen. Get on the ball, run at the defence, using all the tricks in your bag. Get the ball into the box for Jelavic and the midfield arriving late. When the ball is on the other flank go central to support the attack. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it and help the full back tracking the opposition wide players.

Pastore – you are the playmaker. Get on the ball and dictate play. Feed Balotelli and the widemen and get them all in the game. If in space, run with the ball. When the ball goes wide, get in support of the striker. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it.

Balotelli – Operate in the width of the 18 yard box. When the ball comes forward centrally, hold it up allowing the wingers and AM to get in support. When the ball is out wide, get into the box to get on the end of anything coming in. Defensively, when we lose possession, harass the defenders in possession and force them to play it quickly.

Subs:

If losing/drawing on 75 minutes:
Mirallas for Vucinic
Jelavic for Mascherano
More attacking formation, fresh legs to run at tiring defence.



If winning on 75 minutes:
Medel for Vucinic
Mirallas for Reus
Jelavic for Balotelli
More protection defensively with Masch able to step back into CB when required, fresh legs to run with the ball and keep possession.

Injuries: Grant Holt and Jetro Willems
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Starting XI:
GK - Hugo Lloris
RB - Ignazio Abate
CB - Kyriakos Papadopoulos
CB - Daniel Agger
LB - David Alaba
RM - Pablo Hernandez
CM - Steven Defour
CM - Axel Witsel
LM - Gareth Bale
CAM - Gylfi Sigurdsson
ST - Jermain Defoe

Subs:
John Ruddy
Emmanuel Adebayor
Papiss Cisse
Per Mertesacker
Sven Bender
Hulk
Kaka


Tactical instructions:
Lloris - Be commanding in your area and make world class saves. Look to distribute through the full backs, we want to play nice stuff today.
Abate and Alaba - They have very good wingers, so today we will give you help by getting the wingers to help double up. Use your pace to show them down the line, and then block the cross. Do not let Robben (if he plays) cut inside and shoot, make him pass. He don't like passing. Look to get the ball off the GK and build from the back.
Papa and Agger - Usually they play one up top in Benzema, and I expect the same today. If so Agger you pick him up, and Papa you cover. If they have two up front both pick up. Don't be afraid to get the ball off Lloris and build from the back.
Witsel and Defour - Big role for you two today. Witsel I want you to be more defensive minded, especially if they have a CAM, it will be your job to pick him up. Defour I want you to be more creative and box to box. Work hard defensively, but also support Siggy in attack. Look to keep possession when we have it.
Bale and Hernandez - Traditional wide midfield roles for you today. You must both get forward and track back as well. When defending track the full backs back. However when we have the ball, look to beat them down the line and get crosses in for Defoe, along the ground at the near post. Big shifts for you two today, you must do your defensive duties and offensive ones as well.
Sigurdsson - You are the creative force today. I want you to play off Adebayor, look to get the ball in space and create by hitting the wings, or through ball for Defoe. In defence I want you to slot back in to make a 5 man midfield to help us stifle them.
Defoe - Today you will be the finisher. Get on the last defenders shoulder and look to do what you do best. Score goals. From crosses make near post runs, get across your marker. Big shift from you today, but if you get that one chance, finish it.

Pens: Siggy
Free Kicks: Bale (remember the one he scored for Wales against Serbia )
Corners: Siggy

Subs:
If winning/drawing: 65 mins: Kaka for Sigurdsson, Adebayor for Defoe, Sissoko for Defour. Fresh legs to add to the cause, Sissoko to add strength to CM.


If losing: 65 mins: Sigurdsson for Adebayor. Go 4-4-2 and attack more.


Team Talk:
- Today boys I want us to go out and play possession football. Get the ball down on the floor and pass it around them. Look to use Sigurdsson as the creative force, find him space. Wingers you must track back as well as get forward, they are dangerous out wide. When we dont have the ball we are 4-5-1 and compact, we hassle and force them into mistakes. When we attack we are patient, knock the ball around, tire them out, then hit them with the killer pass and finish. Lets build on a good cup win, with another today boys!

Injuries
Friedel

Were playing against the Eagles today so lets shoot them out of the sky and watch them plummet to their deaths. In other words defend deep and hit them on the counter attack. Simples!

---------------------------- Vorm ------------------------
Boateng-------B Alves-------Ramos---------J Alba
------------------------- Khedira -------------------------
------------ Scholes ------------- Kagawa ----------------
Navas -------------------------------------- Ox Chamberlain
------------------------- Llorente ------------------------

Subs -
Tremoulinas
Huth
Powell
Jese
Veloso
Cardoza
Gamiero

Captain - Khedira
Corner kicks - Kagawa
Penalty - Llorente
Freekicks - Kagawa

GOALKEEPER - Michael Vorm
An experienced keeper, I want you to command your box. Always keep your eyes on the ball. If the opposition have a freekick in a dangerous position then place your wall and how many players should be in it. If you catch the ball from a corner then throw it out fast to either Navas or The Ox who can use their pace on the wings and hit the opposition on the counter attack.

CENTRE BACKS - Bruno Alves + Ramos
Keep a flat back line. Use your aerial abilities to win headers. Stay compact and don't make unnecessary mistakes. Ramos will mark their main striker if the opponent play one up front and Alves will mark the second striker if he plays. Ramos will also be allowed to go upfield when we have a corner as he is a good headerer of the ball. Khedira will be covering for him in defence while he is attacking.

FULL BACKS Boateng + Alba
Main priority is to defend. When one of you is attacking then I want the other to stay back. Play crosses into the box and make overlapping runs using our wingers. Make sure you don't let the opposition wingers take you on.

DEFENCE MID - Khedira
Protect the back 4. Cover for Alba/Boateng when they are attacking and don't be afraid to get a little physical to win the ball.

CENTRE MIDS - Scholes + Kagawa
Scholes will stay in the centre and be the link between the defence and attack. Use your great passing ability to find a teammate in a good position. Kagawa will play a more advanced role and will look to attack when in possession of the ball. He will look to play quick passes with his teammates and shoot on goal if he sees an opening.

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

CENTRE FORWARD - Llorente
will be playing the role of the target men and will look to use his physical threat to win the aerial balls. He is very good at headers and will have an advantage because of his height.. If you are in possession of the ball then hold it up and shield it untill you see an available pass. If you see an opening then shoot. And lastly try not to stray offside.

Subs if losing by 70mins
Take off Khedira and Alves and put on Cardoza and Gamiero. Change formation to 3-4-3.

Subs if winning by 70mins
Take of The Ox and put on Huth. Change formation to 5-4-1 and close the game out.

Subs if drawing by 70mins
Take off Llorente and Scholes for Cardoza and Veloso.

Injury- Gareth Barry

Team Talk
Ok, This is already looking like a game we need to win, hence why I have gone for a fairly attacking team today. we are facing a team which has just been taken over so they will be looking to impress there new manager. But I want you to go out there disrupt them, get the ball moving on the floor.

Team Sheet- 4-4-1-1
_________________GOMES________________
ARMERO______SILVA_______MADURO_________R.MARTIN
HOILLETT____PARKER______MEIRELES________JOHNSON
____________________NASRI_______________________
______________________DROGBA_____________________

SUBS-Loach,Enrique,Taylor,Bentley,Crofts,Borges,Pato

Substitution Instructions
Sub if Winning- 75mins- Off Nasri On Taylor- Change to 5-4-1 Formation
Sub if Losing- 60mins- Off Meireles On Pato- Change to 4-4-2 formation with Nasri Dropping back to CM
Sub if Losing 70mins- Off Parker On Borges- Change to 4-3-3 Formation

Tactics

GoalKeeper: Be vocal, Organise the defence, Watch where the ball is at all times and use your agility to make saves.

Defensive Tactics
* Midfielders must try to drop back to help the back four
* Track players who could pose a threat on goal.
* When in doubt get the ball out of play and as far up the pitch as possible.
* Im Expecting the opposition to be playing a very attacking team so we need to keep as tight to there players as possible and stop them from pinging passes around
* help each other out as much as possible and dont do anything stupid to put us in danger
* If under pressure smash the ball out of play

Attacking Tactics
* Pass the ball around as much as possible and cut through there defence and midfield.
* Play down the wings and get crosses into the box
* Use the speed of our pacier players
* Use Samir as our link from midfield to striker
* If a player is in a better position to get a shot away allow them too.
* Pick up any loose passes and make them pay for it.

Free Kick takers
Defensive areas- Maduro
Attacking Areas- Nasri

Corner Takers- Hoilett/Johnson
centre backs come up for these, LB/RB Stay back to try and avoid any breaks

Defending Corners
Defending Posts: Maduro and Silva
Keep as tight to there attacking players as possible, dont allow them space.
Drogba to be left furthest forward incase of a chance to cause a break away attack. Nasri is to stand on the halfway line also

Bullgaytorship v Substandard Liege

Injured
Manz
Pilar


---------------Casillas(c) ----------
Pereira---Garary---Godin--Evra
----------------Motta--------------
----------Lamela--Lampard-------
Isco------------------------------Gotze
-------------Klose-----------

Subs:
Giggs
Sahin
Ter Stegan
J.Periera
Jircek

Corners-Lamps
Pens-Lamps
Freekicks-Lamps

TT: we face a strong team this week but does not mean we can go out there and give it are all.


Casillas: Comand your area and tell your defenders what needs to be done. If one on one come out and make your self big and try and make the save.

Defence: When defending Man Mark your player, give them no time or movement on the ball. Clear all lose balls and don't leave it to chance, stay sharp at the back and if once of you need help try and help but be aware of your player.

RB/LB: Be aware when attacking that you need to get back when the other team is on the counter and try and push them wide if needed to stop them going past, Try and force them in to the centre where the CB/DM will try and collect the ball.

Midfielders: Be ready to try and pass to the open space that Klose will be and try and feed the ball to him, Use long and short passes when possible as well as the wings. When defending try and win the ball by getting stuck in and force there players to be put under pressure.

Wings: Isco use your pace to trick and run pass the defenders as you will be very important to the game, Try and cut in to have a shot if needed be and try and link up a 1-2 with Klose/Gotze etc. to try and feed your self through. gotze/Isco all use crosses to get the ball to Klose so he can have an attempt at goal.

Klose: keep the pace by moving and try and get round defenders with the speed and strength that you have. you have the wingers and midfielders so you can have 1/2s with to try and get your self through and try and make an attempt on goal through the crosses

Normal XI
------------------------- Reina
Alves ------ Koscielny ----- Vermaelen -- Gibbs
----------------- Inler -------- Essien
Robben-------------------------------------- Coentrao
----------------------Podolski
---------------------------------Benzema


When Defending
------------------------- Reina
Alves ------ Koscielny ----- Vermaelen -- Gibbs
--------------- Inler --Coentrao---- Essien
Robben-------------------------------------- Podolski
------------------------Benzema

Subs: Jaaskelainen/Tasci/Albiol/Van der Vaart/Callejon/Gervinho/Martinez


Team Talk: Just a friendly game today so go out play to your ability going for wing attack as their full backs are their weakness after some scouting (last weeks tactics) most likely their wingers won't track back so play on the counter attack

Reina: I want you to come and collect crosses then with your long throw launch it to our countering wingers, Play as a sweeper keeper so if ball is in behind come clear it if possible

Alves: I want you to sit in line when defending and force their winger onto their weaker foot and block crosses, Then when we get the ball bomb forwards and overlap Robben, Whip the ball into the box as usual

Koscielny: You shall be sweeper defender today so sit in line with TV and watch for the AM coming through , If the forward gets onto to you then force him away from goal use your pace to stop him getting in behind

Vermaelen: Keep in line with Laurent, i want you to sit on their forward im expecting Balotelli so force him from goal annoy him with niggly fouls see if can put him off his game, If he sits on Koscielny then watch for the AM or help Gibbs with his winger

Gibbs: They have pacy wingers so your playing show them down the wing and block their crosses if they cut inside double team him with TV, when going forwards overlap Coentrao and always make yourself an option

Inler: I want you to work the midfield area so chase down everything sit on their box to box midfielder and track him so his out of the game , If we're attacking go forwards and link up with the forwards/wingers

Essien: Sit and marshall infront of the defence, put tackles in on the AM, if he goes onto a defender then drop into CB so the marker can follow him, Don't be afraid to go forwards.

Robben: Im expecting you to play against Maxwell/Ansaldi so take them on with pace and watch for Alves overlapping to link up with, if goes outside you go inside etc, when crossing aim for the gap between defence/keeper

Coentrao: Your playing further forward today to negate the effect of Reus, So when he goes forward you track him all the way back and double team with Gibbs, He doesn't like to track back so if we're on the counter then take on the full back or wait for Gibbs to overlap, Don't be afraid to cut inside and link up with the forwards

Podolski: Your playing in the gap between defence and midfield to be more effective, If have the ball in that area then look for Benzema/Wingers getting in behind , If don't have the ball sit on their DM and stop them playing out from the back, If we're under pressure then drop out to left wing

Benzema: I want you to sit on Vidic and give him the run around his legs are going so your pace should cause plenty of issues. I want you to make diagonal runs in behind Jagielka so Vidic has to follow leaving space for Podolski to roam into. If ball is out wide make runs to the penalty spot early for crosses from out wide

Substandard Liege v Barearselona
Injuries
Stephane Mbia
Stevan Jovetic

Starting XI

Subs: Speroni, Ansaldi, Jagielka, Medel, Mirallas, Vucinic, Jelavic

Captain: Vidic
Free kicks and Corners: Pastore
Penalties: Balotelli

Team talk:

Three wins out of three, but we are up against another team on a roll. I have selected players comfortable on the ball, so keep possession and when we do lose it, pressurise in packs to win it back as high up the pitch as possible. Ledesma is the fulcrum, whilst the AM three will use their flair and movement to cause Barearse problems.

Szczesney Stand tall, come for crosses that are close to you making them need to aim crosses further out. Distribute short as much as possible.

Walker & Maxwell You are part of a unit, so keep your shape and defend together. Pick up any wide players , keep tight and force them to cross from wide and deep as much as possible. Get forward whenever the opportunity arises, overlap the widemen and get crosses in.

Vidic & Mascherano – Vidic – pick up the main striker. Attack balls into the box and beat the striker to them. Jags – spare man sweeping up, picking up loose balls. If they play a second striker, you pick him up. Both - Keep the ball and pass it short to the midfield, provide an option for a pass when in space.

Vidal – Box to box, with a little more focus on protecting the back four. when the full backs bomb on, be alert to support the CBs defensively. On occasions, get in support of the attack, getting to the edge of the box and having a shot when you get a clear sight.

Ledesma – Deep lying playmaker. Get the ball of the defence and pass it around. Keep possession and start attacks. When we don’t have possession, support Vidal is protecting the back four

Reus & Jovetic – You will play as widemen. Get on the ball, run at the defence, using all the tricks in your bag. Get the ball into the box for Balotelli and the midfield arriving late. When the ball is on the other flank go central to support the attack. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it and help the full back tracking the opposition wide players.

Pastore – Get on the ball in the final third and create chances. Feed Balotelli and the widemen and get them all in the game. If in space, run with the ball. When the ball goes wide, get in support of the striker. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it.

Balotelli – Operate in the width of the 18 yard box. When the ball comes forward centrally, hold it up allowing the wingers and AM to get in support. When the ball is out wide, get into the box to get on the end of anything coming in. Defensively, when we lose possession, harass the defenders in possession and force them to play it quickly.

Subs:

If losing/drawing on 75 minutes:
Jelavic for Ledesma
Vucinic for Jovetic
More attacking formation, fresh legs to run at tiring defence.



If winning on 75 minutes:
Jagielka for Jovetic
Mirallas for Reus
Medel for Ledesma
More protection defensively with Masch able to step back into CB when required, fresh legs to run with the ball and keep possession.