Week 9 results

Dortmund vs Bayern

Formation: 4-2-3-1

--------Weidenfeller
Durm Subotic Zouma Schmelzer
------Rakitic Bender
----Griezmann Thiago Remy
----------Aguero

Subs
Langerak
Pepe
Kagawa
Immobile

Injuries
Lukasz Piszczek - RB
Thiago Motta - CM
Jakub Blaszczykowski - RW
Kevin Kampl - RW/LW

GENERAL
We've gone with a 4-2-3-1, balance in attack and defence. I want us to keep it solid like we did last week, cut out the passing lanes, be compact so it's easier for us to move from defence to attack or vice versa.

DEFENSIVE TACTICS
We're playing a higher line than normal as I feel we can pin them back in to thier own half. Allow them to play a passing game in thier own half and press them when they come in to ours. Zouma pick up thier main striker and Subotic the other. Robben will come inside so Bender get into that position to stop him from shooting. Rakitic and Bender look to get on top of your men and not allow any space in behind get infront of the ball. Thiago to sit on Alonso to stop him dictating the pace of the game. Wingers to follow your man.

ATTACKING TACTICS
FB to stay out wide and give us width by getting near post balls in for Aguero to attack. Rakitic look to play the ball long to wingers who'll make runs in behind the FB, make late runs into the box giving us an extra goal threat. Bender keep it simple with passes. Thiago I want you to play the killer pass to Aguero, play in the AM role looking to feed others. Griezmann and Remy play narrow to put pressure on the Bayern defence making it a 3v3 situation.

SUB 75 MIN IF LOSING
Bender off Immobile on (Two upfront)

---------------------------Manuel Neuer
Phillip Lahm -- Laurent Koscielny -- Mats Hummels --- Ricard Rodriguez
-------Bastian Schweinstiger -- Radja Nainggolan
----Arjen Robben --------Mesut Ozil ---------Marco Reus
-----------------------Diego Costa

Bench : Iker Casillas, Felipe Luis, Jose Fonte, Xabi Alonso, Santi Cazorla, Paulo Dybala & Harry Kane

Team Talk: Up against the one that is Viva, Usually tactically decent so should be in for a fight with Aguero/Griezmann up top, Shall look to exploit the width with pace and keep the centre strong with 2 DM destroyers

Defensive Tactics
- Back 4 to sit back and negate the space in behind the defense for the wingers & Aguero.
- Hummels to get tight to Aguero and look to keep him under control and block shots,
- Koscielny to cover Hummels if Aguero gets in behind and use your electric pace to get back and get a tackle in. If Griezmann plays AM then look to track his runs
- Lahm to force winger down the line all he does is cut inside and shoot so Schweinstiger will come over and double up on him when he does.
- Rodriguez to force your winger down the line and make him cross the ball into the box. If cut inside then look to get a tackle in before passes.
- Schweinstiger to get about the midfield and use your physical presence on the AM when he gets on the ball look to get tackles in and hassle him immediately. When winger has the ball look to help Lahm double up on him when he cuts inside.
- Nainggolan/Ozil to get out to Rakitic and stop him dictating play from deep, Ozil to sit on him deep and Nainggolan to get on him if moves forwards.
- Wingers to stay high up the pitch to keep their full backs in place to stop them doubling up if they go we're set on the break.


Attacking Tactics
- When they man sausage up their attack look to break at pace with the wingers exploiting gaps in behind.
- Lahm to get up the pitch when we have the ball and look to double up on the LB with Robben. Look to whip balls in for Diego.
- Rodriguez to overlap Reus and whip balls in the box.
- Schweinstiger to sit deep alongside Nainggolan and look to make runs into the box from deep once dictated the play from deep follow the ball forwards
- Nainggolan to sit deep and get in their faces when they come on the attack make sure they can't settle on the ball
- Robben to get the ball and run and jink at the full back look to cut inside to leave space for Lahm on the outside. Look to cut balls in behind for Lahm/Costa otherwise take on the defense and have a go at goal.
- Reus to run at RB and look to take him inside and other and whip balls in the box, If cut inside link with Ozil/Robben and have a go at goal
- Ozil to sit on DM and look to sit in the gap and look to get the ball in behind for Costa/Wingers. If no one picks you up then run at the CB's and look to get a shot away early.
- Diego Costa i want you to be physical, Look to bully the defenders and give them a rough time out there pick on the smaller one and just back into them and use your strength, Don't be afraid to drop off and turn in behind when need be. Look to be a pain in the ass and get in the box for headers and tap ins.

If winning - Alonso for Ozil and solid up the midfield and Willian to do his workhorse defensive stuff.
If Losing - Cazorla/Kane on for Nainggolan & Ozil and go 4-4-2

------------------------Buffon-----------------------
-----Barzagli---Mertesacker---Bonucci--------
Lichtsteiner-------Pirlo---Vidal-----------Asamoah
-----------Neymar------Depay--------------
-----------------------Benzema---------------------

Team Talk
This week against Barca we are continuing with pushing our two wingbacks forward to keep their flanks pegged back. We're playing with 3 at the back which Juve are comfortable with and utilising the silky skills and movement of Neymar and Depay who both sit in the space between defence and midfield but with given free rein to move about that side.

Defence
A back three with Mertesacker given the role of reading the game and ensuring all threats are nullified, be aware of their movement but ensure you don't get dragged out of position. Bonucci & Barzagli to assist where required but to pick up threats from their wingers/AM etc if they break into the danger zone. Wingbacks to shepherd their wingers on the outside, no rash challenges and going to ground, slow their attacks down and block crosses. Look to come forward when the opposition have over stretched and there’s a possibility to outnumber them on the counter by doubling up down that flank. Don’t be afraid to hit a long ball for Benzema to run on to.
Vidal main defensive player of midfield pair, look to stay back when our WBs go forward, be the warrior in the middle of the pitch, get at the opposition and niggle them off the ball, ensure they don't get into their stride early on. If it means a cynical foul on the half way line so be it, better than one near the box. By squashing up the play it limits their creative players don’t give them room to dictate the game. Pirlo to assist in defensive duties when required, ensure Vidal isn't isolated so put a shift in with him.

Attack
Pirlo playing deep & given the playmaker role, be the outlet for our counters and look for the movement of our attacking options with balls into space. Vidal when the space allows to run with ball, draw players to you to release space for Neymar and Depay. Neymar to play predominately on the right but allowed to drift inside, if heavily marked as expected then look to invite tackles from which you can unleash hell from your free kicks.
Speed abuse on the opposite side withDepay , similar to Neymar in that by playing in an unorthodox position it creates confusion for the opposition on who to pick you up. Benzema lone front man, be ready to pounce on balls from our defence when pinged past their back line and beat the offside trap. Also look to combine with Neymar and Depay, hold up play when needed awaiting the movement from your teammates.

Subs
Storari, Aubameyang, Hernandez, Caceres, Marrone, Cambiasso, Saul

losing/drawing at 65m: Aubameyang for Benzema, Neymar to go central but all three to interchange and go full on speed abuse run at defence.

-----------------------Bravo-----------------------
----Danilo-------Godin--------Pique-----Marcelo----
------------------Luiz--------Pogba----------------
Di Maria------------------------------------Ronaldo
-------------------Tevez----Rooney-----------------
BENCH
Masip
Siquiera
Vermaelen
Gabi
Koke
James
Sandro Ramirez

TACTICS
Looking to go out and attack from the start, be aggressive with wingers that aren't really wingers and have the freedom to drift around the final third and create havoc. Their defense lacks pace and isn't the most mobile, so look to exploit that by moving the ball around quickly, running at them, and clever little runs. Defensively, we have a team of players that will work hard, particularly the strikers, so press them high up the pitch and quickly win back the ball.

DEFENSE
Benzema is likely to be the main striker, so I want Godin to marshall him, not letting him have any space to get the finish away. They will look to attack us with pace, presumably on the counter, but our defense has plenty of pace in it to match them. Get deep when we lose the ball and ensure that there is no room to play in behind. In front of the back four, our players will work hard to ensure that there is nowhere for them to run, chase them down. In particular, Isco and Pirlo in their midfield must not be allowed time on the ball. One of the front two should drop in and deal with Pirlo, and Pogba/Luiz should stick to Isco.

ATTACK
Ronaldo and Di Maria are played nominally as wingers but they aren't proper wingers. They should cut inside at every opportunity, going into the middle of the pitch. Constantly look to run with it, Evra is a weak link at left back and their other defenders can be outpaced, the likes of Mertesacker and Bonucci. Rooney and Tevez should drift wide, look to create space for one another and take on a defender. Luiz should stay slightly deeper, with Pogba more adventurous in a box to box role.
Generally looking to pass the ball quickly, pass and move to create chances.

SET PIECES
Left Corner - Di Maria
Right Corner - Di Maria
Free Kicks - Ronaldo/Rooney
Penalties - Ronaldo

SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning - Gabi and Koke for Di Maria and Tevez, move to a 4-4-2 diamond and shore up the midfield to hold onto the win. Ronaldo and Rooney upfront.
If drawing - Again, move to the diamond with Di Maria and Pogba CM, but James for Tevez to play AM with Ronaldo, Rooney upfront.
If losing - James and Koke for Pique and Pogba. Move Luiz to CB and go to a 4-2-4 with the two fresh CMs on.

Tactics v City

Injuries:
Kevin de Bruyne
Rafinha
Jeremy Menez
Miguel Angle Moya

Oblak
Alderweireld---Miranda---Mathieu---Alba
Ramsey---Bender---De Rossi
Walcott---Lewandowski---Pjanic

Subs: Gimenez, Maxwell, Toprak, Suarez, Montero, Totti, Giroud

General:
We are going for a 4-3-3 this week. Lewandowski will be the focal point of the attack, with Pjanic and Walcott playing freer roles in and around him. Walcott will look to use his pace, either running at defenders or looking to run in behind. Pjanic will provide the flair, getting on the flair and trying to make things happen. The full backs will look to bomb on and provide the width.
We have selected two mobile CBs and a bit of steel in the middle, to help give the full backs licence to get forward. Mathieu will pick up any main striker, whilst Miranda will either pick up the second, or utilise his pace in the spare role, sweeping up and picking up the runners. Bender will sit and protect the defence, with help from De Rossi, and from Ramsey who will be playing box to box.

Defensive:
Mathieu will pick up the main striker, sticking tight and not giving him any space. Miranda will pick up the second striker/AM if there is one, otherwise he will play in a spare role, sweeping up the loose balls and picking up the runners from deep.
The full backs will be given licence to bomb on and provide the width in attack, therefore Bender and De Rossi will help to protect and to provide extra numbers at the back.
Attacking:
Lewandowski will play as the focal point of the attack. He will hold the ball up and bring the support players into play. When Pjanic is on the ball, he will look to get in behind, when it is crossed from wide, he will be the one to get on the end of it. Pjanic will play in a number 10 style role as the conductor,. Walcott will play alongside them, getting on the ball, using their trickery and pace to attack the defence. He will look to get into the channels between FB and CB, as well as getting in behind the defence to utilise his pace.

Injuries: Sami Khedira, Dan Crowley, Joel Veltman and Danny Welbeck.

-------------Ospina---------------
Alves-Ogbonna-Varane-Monreal
--------------Tiago----------------
-------Modric------Marchisio-----
Turan--------Bacca--------Gotze

This week we are up against Porto, a decent side but they are rooted to the bottom of the table so i want us to go out there with confidence that we can win this game just like any other but at the same time, not be over confident enough that we get caught out.

It looks like they played a narrower formation last week and we want to look to exploit that by using the wide areas to our advantage and using our midfield as the core and pushing the ball out into those areas.

Defensive Instructions:

-Controlled back 4 today and at full strength, i want you to keep it that way throughout
-Morata is out injured for the match today so Varane i want you to mark the stirker who is likely to be Toni or Adrian.
-Ogbonna you will be covering with your pace i feel it will work well watching for the runs through the centre.
-Monreal and Alves you will both need to get back and support the wide areas.
-Tiago you are playing today instead of the injured Khedira
-I want you to do what he does by operating in our final third, tracking passes and making the tackles in midfield putting pressure on their attacking system, not allowing them to get beyond you relieving the pressure on our back 4.

Attacking Instructions:

-Alves and Monreal i want you both to push on today but don't forget to get back and support. Alves i want you to look to get beyond Turan in support.
-Marchisio you will be the energy today, by using your passing range to effect the game and using the pitch well and at the same time getting up and down the pitch in support of both the attack and defence.
-Modric you will be the playmaker as you usually are, work the ball into space, always be looking to open the defensive door of Porto, work the ball into Bacca, Turan and Gotze as well, push on and look to control the game.
-Turan you will be pushing on in the wide areas with Gotze and you will have support a long your side from Alves who will be overlapping, look to use him as much as possible and work the ball inside and have a go yourself or look to set up Bacca.
-Gotze i want you to be looking to cut inside and have a go yourself or play in Bacca as well. Always be on the lookout, operating your side of the pitch.
-Bacca you are up front on your own today but you will have terrific support in attacks. I want you to make as many runs as possible and make it difficult for the Porto defence to mark you. Stand on the last defender and peel off as the ball comes into you, be strong in the air and use the support out wide and the support coming through the centre. I want you to be everywhere in the box making it your own.

Subs: Szcezny, Arbeloa, Gibbs, Herrera, Mandzukic.

-Herrera on for Marchisio 70th Minute - Looking to do the same job, providing plenty of energy in midfield.
-Mandzukic on for Bacca 90th Minute - Look to get in and around the defenders for the last few minutes.

PSG v Real Madrid

Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Salvatore Sirigu
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: Thiago Silva
CB: Marquinhos
LB: Fabio Coentrao
DM: Blaise Matuidi
CM: Yohan Cabaye
CM: Michael Carrick
RAW: Pedro
LAW: Edinson Cavani
FW: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

SUBS: Júlio César, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Stevan Jovetic, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Lucas Digne, Zoumana Camara,

DEFENSIVE TACTICS
Team Shape: Tight Marking - Stay On Feet - Hold Deeper Line.
Entire team will hold a slightly deeper line to combat the pace that Madrid threaten. Either Suarez or Messi are likley to start as the lone-forward so
Thiago Silva will closely man-mark. Neither lack any physicality so kick them and pull their shirts at every opportunity to knock their confidence. Marquinhos will provide the cover and track the runs of the most-advanced midfielder. Both FB's have the pace to keep with both wingers, so you will both act as limited full-backs with your mission to isolate both wings. Narrow the ground diagonally forcing them to move backwards to cut inside. Look to provide support up to the half-way line.

MIDFIELD TACTICS
Matuidi will act as the anchor. Break up play and look to help float out to double-up with any midfielder to press and move the ball. Carrick will again act as a supporting ball-winning midfielder. Keep things simple and look to move the ball forward at all times. Yohan Cabaye will act as the creative source, don't be afraid to drop deeper to collect the ball. Look to spray the ball into the channel of Ibrahimovic or look for the diagonal ball over the top of both Madrid FB's who lack height... Both our wingers are more than capable of competing in a foot race.

ATTACKING TACTICS
All 3 Forwards will need to keep a disciplined shape infront of the Madrid Back-Line. Look to press the midfield and force them to move the ball backwards or sideways. Both Pedro & Cavani will both help protect their FB's up to the half-way line. Both Madrid FB's, love to bomb forward, look to capitalise on any gaps and look to carry the ball 20, 30, 40 yards. When making the runs, look to get between the FB & CB and cause confusion. Ibrahimovic will use drop-deeper and use his size & frame to build-up attacks, look to pick out either winger with flick-ons or by holding the ball up. Always look to play with your back to goal and if you create half a yard, look to turn and shoot from distance.

SUBS
ON 70 Mins: Ezequiel Lavezzi will replace Pedro. Swap flanks with Cavani and look to create with fresh legs.
ON 80 Mins: Stevan Jovetic will replace Ibrahimovic - Use your pace to press the back-line. Look to play off the last-defenders shoulder forcing them to drop-deeper.

REAL MADRID v Paris Saint-Germain

Injuries: Iniesta, Cech, Hazard, Gaya


De Sanctis
Ivanovic - Boateng - Chiellini - Bernat
Kroos - A.Herrera
Lucas - Messi - Mata
Suarez

Subs: Helton, Debuchy, Abner, Martinez, Mascherano, Medran, Tello

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

Continuing with our new look side, playing a system that should bring the best out of the spine of our team, with a couple of gaps being filled due to injuries but we should still have enough to see off PSG, with Messi playing in the number 10 role this will give us so much creativity, Lucas on his right and Mata on his left supplying possession and making runs, with Suarez playing off of the last defender. I was tempted to play Messi at RW where he's been so good but it would have left us light, so Messi plays AM/SS with the aim of dropping off, picking up the ball and running at the Porto defence, with Suarez, Lucas and Mata creating space or being in space, and with Kroos and Herrera supplying the bullets it will lead to chances. Kroos and Herrera to hold, Kroos with plenty of experience playing DM in real life so it isn't an issue.

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

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

Ivanovic/Bernat - Both of you to force the PSG wingers out wide, do not allow them to come inside as this will cause more problems for our midfield. They will want to cut inside so force them outside and block their crosses at source. They will try to create problems infield so its vital you only show them down the wing. When we have possession, push forward and support Lucas/Mata as they will try to run inside the fullback and you will provide the overlap to either create space or supply crosses into the area for Suarez and link with Messi/Kroos/Herrera. You will need to track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Kroos/Herrera - Kroos the box to box man, assist the CB's in dealing with the PSG attack when we don't have the ball, but in possession get forward, use your physical presence and incredible energy to our advantage, link with Herrera/Messi/Lucas/Mata and look to create chances for Suarez. Remain composed throughout. Herrera the playmaker, without the ball drop alongside Kroos but in possession bring the ball out and look to create chances for the front four. Utilise your links with Messi playing just ahead of you, to supply him with the chance to run at PSG's defence.

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

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

Suarez - you will be expected to occupy the PSG centrebacks, hold up possession and look to turn the defender and shoot. Be strong in the air and look for your teammates trying to pick you out from deep. Shoot on sight. Stay on the last defender's shoulder for any passes in behind. Make runs when Messi is running at the PSG defence to either be supplied with a shooting chance or used as a decoy.

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

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


De Sanctis
Ivanovic - Boateng - Chiellini - Bernat
Lucas - Kroos - Martinez - Herrera - Mata
Messi

If drawing: Lucas off, Tello on, reshuffle of the front four. Push for the winner.


De Sanctis
Ivanovic - Boateng - Chiellini - Bernat
Kroos - Herrera
Messi - Mata - Tello
Suarez

If losing: Bernat off, Tello on. Switch to 3-2-3-2 and push for goals;


De Sanctis
Ivanovic - Boateng - Chiellini
Kroos - Herrera
Lucas - Mata - Tello
Messi - Suarez