Realistic League - WEEK 2 TACTICS POSTED

Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic

Injuries: Stephen Ireland, Keiren Westwood, Fabian Delph

Starting XI:

4-2-3-1

Brad Guzan

Phil Bardsley – Carlos Cuellar – Olof Mellberg – Siaka Tiene

Victor Wanyama – Gareth Barry

Marc Albrighton - Andreas Weimann - Gabriel Agbonlahor

Christian Benteke

Subs: Andy Marshall, Ciaran Clark, Joe Bennett, Yacouba Sylla, Barry Bannan, Hope Akpan, Darren Bent


Tactics: A potentially very tough game ahead, Wigan arguably the most inconsistent side in the league and we have no clue how Wigan will line up with their new manager. I want us to get at them early, take control of the ball and look to get at them.

A new look back four will look to give us the experience sorely lacking in recent times, and with Wanyama and Barry ahead of them, we have a solid base. Start from the back, go through midfield with Wanyama, Barry and Weimann dropping deep.

Look for the runs forward from Albrighton and Agbonlahor, alternatively play it to Benteke who can hold up play and feed the three men behind him. Weimann is not expected to chase back, he is our more advanced midfielder with the aim of creating for us. Wanyama and Barry our DM’s when we don’t have the ball, help out the back four and cover when either fullback gets forward.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Akpan on, Albrighton off. Weimann moves to RW, Akpan the third CM and we go to 4-5-1.

If losing: Bent on, Albrighton off. Weimann to RF, Agbonlahor to LF, Bent and Benteke at CF in a 4-2-4. If we get level, Weimann and Agbonlahor to drop back to RM and LM respectively.

Injuries: Shaun Maloney, Paul Scharner, Antolin Alcaraz

------------------------- Al Habsi --------------------
Stam ----- Caldwell (c) -- Boyce -- Dunne ----- Mustoe
--------------------- McCarthy ----------------------
McGeady ------------- Arshavin ------------- Malouda
------------------------ Kone -----------------------

Robles/Ramis/Crusat/Di Santo/Henriquez/Gomez/Lopez

Team Talk: First game of the season so lets get out their and see where we are, our new signings are all deployed and if we start with a strong performance the points will follow. We will defend like Trojans as if we keep a clean sheet we will be guarenteed at least a point, further up the pitch we have a plethora of attacking talent so lets grab a goal and the three points!

Al Habsi - Command your box, be strong.

Stam/Mustoe - I want you two to get forward when we have the ball and overlap our wingers, when they have the ball I want 5 at the back and shut out their wingers

Caldwell/Boyce/Dunne - Work as a trio to snuff out the Villa strikers, Dunne to us all of his experience to nerf Bentekkers. Boyce and Caldwell can then pick up any midfielders running from deep and a second striker (if they play one)

McCarthy - There is a reason that you're being looked at by bigger teams, so prove that today! I want you to break up their play play before getting forward as an option. Keep the energy up!

McGeady/Malouda - Interchange to prevent the opposition from picking you up. Drive inside where both of you are very dangerous and target the gap between the fullbacks and the center backs.

Arshavin - You have a point to prove this season with regular game time and the chance to show everyone you've still got it, create trouble for their dcm. If you get a chance then have a shot as this is why you are such a danger. Don't switch off!

Kone - Link up with Arshavin to weave our way through their defence, with Arshavin/McGeady/Malouda behind you we will create chances. If you get a sniff then take it. As stated if we score and our defence keeps tight then we win!

--------------------------------- STEKELENBURG ---------------------------------
--------------------- SENDEROS ------------------- DAVIES ----------------------
------ REITHER ------------------------------------------------------ RIISE ------
----------------------- CAPOUE ------------ HUDDLESTONE -----------------------
------------ DUFF ----------------------------------- EMMANUELSON -------------
----------------------------- BERBATOV ------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------- RODALLEGA ------------------------------


BENCH
Schwarzer
Manolev
Baker
Diarra
Redmond
Richardson
Ruiz

TACTICS
We need to prove we are serious title contenders with a win today. Attack and fight for every ball, be quick to win back possession and be strong in the tackle defensively.


DEFENSE
Senderos and Davies are both good in the air and should look to clear the ball out of the box, nothing fancy. Riise and Reither should ensure they block all crosses going in, don't be too quick to dive in, just do not let crosses come in and ensure Cole in particular cannot cut infield as he can shoot.
Capoue and Huddlestone should ensure they provide plenty of protection with Capoue the tackler and doing most of the running with Huddlestone supporting him where necessary. Figueroa in particular will be keen to get forward and it is important our wingers track back to help out the full backs. Berbatov and Rodallega should not help defensively, stay forward and force them to keep players back or else we can kill them on the counter attack.

ATTACK
We should look to attack with plenty of pace. The wide midfielders should look to cut inside with the full backs overlapping. Reither and Riise are both good crossers of the ball and should look to cross low today. Emmanuelson in particular is a 'drifter' left winger. Huddlestone should stay deepish and try to find long range passes. Berbatov has a license to find the space between their midfield and defense with the intention of making something happen. Find the killer pass, go for a long range shot, dribble the ball past a man. Rodallega should work the channels and try to stretch their defenders who aren't the quickest.

At set pieces the centre backs should get forward and Emmanuelson or Huddlestone should whip balls into the box. Put pressure on Jaaskalinien as he isn't the keeper he once was.


SUBSTITUTIONS
Regardless of the score bring on Redmond and Ruiz for Duff and Huddlestone (or Rodallega if winning) and add more pace to our attack to hit a tired defense.
If winning move to a 4-3-3 with Ruiz and Redmond either side of Berbatov, Emmanuelson should move to CM to shore up the midfield.
If drawing/losing move to a very attacking 4-4-2 with Emmanuelson moving to the centre and the wingers cutting in and supporting as much as possible.

Injuries: Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis and Winston Reid.

GK Jussi Jääskeläinen
RB Guy Demel
LB Maynor Figueroa
CB James Tomkins
CB James Collins
RCM Mark Noble (C)
DCM Mohamed Diame
LCM Liam Trotter
ARM Joe Cole
ALM Nathen Dyer
ST Andy Carroll

SUBS
Stephen Henderson
Emanuel Pogatetz
Danny Potts
Jack Collison
Carlton Cole
Marouane Chamakh
Charlie Austin

60th Min (regardless) - Carroll of for Austin
70th min - If Losing - Demel of for Cole, Drawining or winning Trotter of for Collison.
80th min - If winning - Dyer of for Pogatetez. If losing Noble off for Chamakh

Tactics

Corners

Attacking - Caroll on the keeper. Collins attacking far post, Tomkins attacking near post. Both full backs to sit.
Defending - Caroll on the far post, Figuora on the near post.

General Tactics
Keeper - Command your area, you have a lot of experience and your going to have to keep the defense in order today, as Fulham will be attacking an awful lot.

Defence - Full backs. Your both very quick and strong, i want you to stay tight to your man and not let him turn easily and always try to block there crossing. Center backs i want you to man mark there strikers and not allow them to breve. I want us to keep a deep line. We have a got a big lad with a superb first touch, so long balls to his chest, he brings it down we play.

Midfield - Diame i want you shielding the defence, Noble and Trotter your both big strong lads, i want you to bully them in the midfield, first to every ball and not allow them to play football. Look to get the ball out to our quick wingers.

Forwards - Wingers plenty of crosses into the area. We have a big lad who 9 times out of 10 will win the header. Andy lots of pressure on there defence and be a constant pest. I want the ball played to your chest bring it down and play the ball out wide or to our center mids.

Team Talk

Right lads, we know Fulham will want to bring the game to us. But we are stronger and more experienced in this league than them. We can beat them today on there own turf. Play our direct game and we will be fine. We have a very talented squad and we can easily do it!

Captain: Sebastien Bassong
Injuries: Andrew Surman, David Fox, John Ruddy
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI:
GK - Mark Bunn
RB - Steven Whittaker
CB - Brede Hangeland
CB - Sebastien Bassong
LB - Javier Garrido
CM - Alexander Tettey
CM - Jonathan Howson
RM/RW - Robert Snodgrass
CAM - Wes Hoolahan
LM/LW - Anthony Pilkington
ST - Ricky Van Wolfswinkel

Subs:
Jed Steer
Russell Martin
Ron Vlaar
Liam Bridcutt
Elliott Bennett
William Buckley
Luciano Becchio

Bunn
Whittaker---Hangeland---Bassong---Garrido
-----------------Howson---Tettey-----------------
Snodgrass---------Hoolahan---------Pilkington
------------------Van Wolfswinkel------------------

Tactics
Bunn - I want you to be commanding today. You're a good shot stopper, but I want you to command your penalty area and be decisive. Look to distribute through the full backs or long to RVW.
Whittaker and Garrido - Big roles today. I want you two to be solid in defence, keep crosses to a minimum. Get tight to the winger, don't allow them to turn and run at you. Look to get forward and get crosses in also.
Bassong and Hangeland - You're both big strong centre backs, Bassong has more pace. Therefore I want Hangeland to compete for the headers and Bassong to sweep behind. Do this with 1 up top, if 2 up top pick up a man each. Look to distribute to RVW or Hoolahan.
Tettey and Howson - Tettey I want you to be the more defensive and break up play,, then feed the ball to Hoolahan. Howson you will be going box to box, you provide energy to the team. Look to help Hoolahan create chances.
Snodgrass and Pilkington - Pilkington with there 1st choice RB out, I want you to terrorise his replacement. Both of you have the ability to cross with either foot, and don't be afraid to come inside and shoot. When crossing look for RVW at the back post.
Hoolahan - You're the creator today. I want you to get in the hole and look to distribute wide or take it on yourself. If they play a 5 man midfield I want you to work back and sit on the deepest midfielder (Yacob most likely). Look to recieve the ball from RVW knockdowns or from Howson/Tettey.
Van Wolfswinkel - I want you to play the target man role today. Look for long balls from Bunn if forthcoming and bring Hoolahan into play so he can dictate play. From crosses peel off to the back post for headers. Be clinical in front of goal.

Overall Team Talk - Today boys I want us to go out and dictate the game. We want to play high tempo football, with plenty of closing down, and when we attack we either build from the back or off knockdowns from RVW. I want us to target the right hand side of there defence with Pilkington so look to feed him the ball a lot. Lets go out and please the home crowd with a win to start off the season!

Subs:
If winning/drawing: 65 mins - Bennett for Snodgrass, Bridcutt for Howson. Fresh legs to aid the cause.
If losing - 65 mins - Bennett for Snodgrass, Becchio for Hoolahan. Go 4-4-2, be more direct, and look to get lots of crosses in.

-------------------Vorm (c)-----------------------------

--Rangel--------Flores------------Monk-----------------------Taylor-----


----------------------------De Guzman-------------Agustien----------------------------------


------------Routledge--------------------------------------------------------KI----------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------Hernandez---------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------Holt-------------------------------------------------------------------------

INJURIES: Cornell,Scheter,MICHU

Tactics: First game of the season, important to get off to a good start, so we have gone relatively attacking......we are missing our talisman Michu, however our new signing Holt is more than capable of banging in the goals...we will look to keep the ball on the floor and playing some nice passing football, we have a very talented side full of quality passers and playmakers..Hernandez playing just behind Holt can bring all the play together, and look to get routledge and KI into the game, and looking to get balls in the box for Holt to get on the end of. De Guzman and Agustien will look to protect the defence with some tough tackling and going in 100%.

subs: Tremmel (GK), Gower,Vaz Te, Maiga

Formation: 4-4-2
Starting XI

GK: Adam Federici
RB: Chris Gunter
CB: Aaron Hughes ©
CB: Stoppila Sunzu
LB: Marcus Olsson
RM: Jimmy Kébé
CM: Wilson Palacios
CM: Jem Karacan
LM: Garath McCleary
FW: Pavel Pogrebnyak
FW: Iago Aspas

Tactics:

First game of the season; let’s enjoy ourselves getting the home crowd right behind us! We’ll be playing a high tempo putting Sunderland under pressure from the front, force the errors! Give each other plenty of options going forward!

Defensively, lots of communication keeping a good shape at all times. Full-Backs, tight marking when picking up wide-players, box them out blocking the source of crosses. Centre-Backs soak up the long balls, clear your lines asking questions later. Sunzu, compete with Fletcher with Hughes sweeping up flick-on’s/loose balls. If they invite you, Full-Backs support with drilled crosses.

Wilson, you’d player the DM role, protect the back-four picking up the runs of attacking midfielders. Be forceful with strong challenges; look for the simple pass going forward. Jem pick passes into the spaces look to feed wide players and catch-out any offside trap. Wingers, old-fashioned wing play, lots of dribbling with plenty of service to the forwards. Kebe, look to come inside onto the far post, use your height/aerial power to isolate Danny Rose.

Strikers time your runs; look to peel off the markers into space. Pogs, target man role. Bully their defenders compete for everything, look to link up with attackers. Iago, advanced forward role, get half a yard, don’t be afraid to shoot!

Subs: Alex McCarthy, Mikele Leigertwood, Daniel Carrico, Adam le Fondre, Askan Dejagah, Adrian Mariappa, Ashley Westwood

On 65 Mins: Ashley Westwood to replace Jem Karacan. You’ve got a great engine to play the box-to-box role. Get your foot on the ball and pick out an array of passing you have

On 70 Mins: Adam le Fondre to replace Iago Aspas. Super Sub Role! Make life very difficult for them playing out the back, any scrapes/chances take them!

On 75 Mins: Askan Dejagah to replace Garath McCleary. Run at their tired full-backs, make them sweat for it. Defensively, put a shift in doubling up with Olsson. Communication

Sunderland line-up:
----------------Mignolet
Fanni --- Gallas -- Lescott --- Rose
------ Larsson ---- Cattermole
Johnson ----- Marin ------ McLean
--------------- Fletcher

Subs: Given, O’Shea, Colback, Gardner, N’Zogbia, Baros, Crouch
Injuries: Stephane Sessegnon + Danny Graham + Jordan Pickford

ATTACKING: I want you to play a pass and move game, which will keep the opposition moving and tire them out. Rose and Fanni need to support the McLean and Johnson, who need to get plenty of balls played into the box. Finally, I want Seb Larsson to join the attack from deep, as the opposition won’t be able to track your runs.

DEFENDING: All players must track back. I want you to press the opposition, chase down all loose balls, and basically pressurise the opposition into making mistakes. Then when you win the ball, remember to play pass and move to stretch and tire the opposition.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Mignolet: let the CBs know if you can claim the ball or if there is danger lurking around. Parry shots away from danger, try to catch the ball but punch to distance if you need to.

Lescott: you will pick up the main striker. Keep tight on him, don’t let him settle, if he moves then move with him. Make sure you don’t dive in - keep him at bay until Gallas or Rose can come across to dispossess him.

Gallas: you will pick up the second striker (if there is one). If they play with one forward, you will sit slightly deeper than Lescott, covering for him and ensuring that the rest of the defence know their jobs. If there is a break from midfield, I want you to step in and deal with it.

Fanni: I want you to support Johnson down the right flank, give him a short option but always ensure that you are in position defensively. Get balls into the box when you have the space to cross.

Rose: I want you to support McLean down the left flank, give him a short option but always ensure that you are in position defensively. Get balls into the box when you have the space to cross.

Cattermole: Sit deep and break up the play. I want you to get stuck in physically, really make the opposition afraid to attack. When on the ball, keep it moving – get the ball to Larsson/Marin or get Johnson or McLean in down the flanks.

Larsson: Defensively I want you to sit with Cattermole, break up play, and hassle the midfield opposition. When we’re on the ball, I want you to join the attack from deep so that your runs aren’t tracked. Get into the box late and attack the ball!

Johnson: I want you to get on the ball and attack the full back, run at him, take him on, beat him, then look to either get the ball into the box for Fletcher or cut inside onto your left and shoot.

Marin: you have one task today: unlock the defence and win the game! I want you to be creative, attack at will, get balls forward to Fletcher and wide to Johnson/McLean.

McLean: I want you to get on the ball and attack the full back, run at him, take him on, beat him, then look to get the ball into the box for Fletcher.

Fletcher: I want you to keep the CBs confused so keep moving, and make plenty of diagonal runs across them. Your teammates will use of the space you create, so make sure you drag defenders with you, and get into the box for crosses and half-chances.

SUBSTITUTIONS:
If winning after 75mins: N’Zogbia for Marin. No change in formation, tactic now is to get the ball to N’Zogbia, Johnson and McLean and let them run at the tiring opposition defence. Fletcher to get into space for the pass.

If drawing after 75mins: Crouch for Marin. Play 4-4-2, get lots of balls into the box for Crouch and Fletcher.

If losing after 75mins: Crouch for Rose. Play 4-1-3-2, Larsson moves to LB, get lots of balls played into the box for Crouch and Fletcher.

----------------------Gordon
------ Forren --- Williams ---- Yoshida
Clyne-------Lallana------Coquelin----------Shaw
-------------------Taarabt
-----------Lambert---------Guidetti

Subs: Boruc/Hooiveld/Fonte/Benayoun/Kačaniklić/Rodriguez/Mayuka

Gordon: I want you to come collect crosses and watch for balls in behind so come clear them, With ball in hand release to wingers

Forren: Your playing the right side of the back 3 so i want you watch for their AM so make sure he doesn't get his in. Stay in line with the other 2, Use your pace to cover Williams if their forward gets in

Williams: I want you to use your physical presence and stick on forward don't let him bully you, If he backs in come round the front and let him fall over, If the ball is in the air make sure you get there 1st , If he pulls off you let him go but watch for the knockdowns in your area

Yoshida: Your playing left side of the back 3 so watch for their winger cutting inside ,Shaw help you double team him stop the crosses.

Clyne: I want you to take on the LB with your trickery , Your mainly right footed but cut inside and look to link with Taarabt and the front pairing, Remember to track back and double team the winger with Forren

Coquelin: Your playing in the middle today i want you to inject energy throughout the side, Chase people down make things happen looks for passes forward and make runs into the box

Lallana: Sit deep and dictate the play , Look for passes into midfield or out wide to set up attacks, Remember to track the AM if they have the ball don't let him out your sight.

Shaw: Your pure pace so get the at the full back take him on whenever on the ball and whip those crosses in, don't be afraid to cut inside and have a go at goal, remember to track back to help with their winger

Taarabt: All i want is for you to sit in the gap between defence and midfield, You have a free role drift where you like,weather outwide or in the middle, Look to play the forwards in at goal if they back off have a go yourself

Lambert: I want you to sit on the last man and make runs in behind turn the centre backs and make sure you get on the end of crosses from outwide , Occasional make the diagonal run in behind to confuse the defenders

Guidetti: I want you to drift about making runs in between the full back and centre back, don't be afraid just to use your timing to get in behind, So watch for Tarrabt passing make runs that give you space to control and finish

Subs: Benayoun for Taarabt - 75 mins - if drawing, Rodriguez for Lambert as well
If Losing - Yoshida/Taarabt/Guidetti off - Benayoun/Kačaniklić/Rodriguez on go 4-4-2 @70 mins

---------------Begović-----------
Cameron---Wilkinson--Huth(C)-- Wilson
---------N'Zonzi----Adam------------
Shea-------------------------------Knightly
----------Jerome----Owen--------------

Subs: Walters,Jones, Etherington,Pennett,Sorenson,Whitehead,Whelan
Injuried: Monnroe, Bentner,Shawcross

Tactics:
First game of the season and we need to go out there and give a performance, i want us to show we can handle pressure and use are chances wisely.

Defending: Lots of communication needed along are back four, soak up the long balls that i played and make sure they are not allowed to break through, keep the line tight and clear any loose balls, dont allow there players to beat you and push them about and make sure you give them a lot of hassle , beware of there crosses and make sure they are given limited space to move freely, be aware of Lallana and Benoyoun as well as Lambert and Taarbat who will be there key men.

Attacking: Plays will be created through the wings, which have a lot of pace, this is where we can hit them by using this to are advantage, if we are pushed out them lay the ball into the middle for one of Zonzi/Adam or crosses it in to our strikers who will get there head on it, Loose balls will need picking up which we could use , make sure your makers are put into a lot of pressure and try to lose them to create and open play and put pressure when trying to win the ball on there mid players such as Lallana and Benoyoun who are there key men.

Strikers: Make sure chances are not wasted and are used wisely, see an opening then try and run into a free space where the wingers will cross the ball in, make sure you finish well and use these chances wisely by creating a lot hassle for there D by using your strength and speed to beat them to headers / balls.

Injuries: Rob Kiernan, David Jones, Roger Espinoza

------------------------- Al Habsi --------------------
Sharner ----- Caldwell (c) -- Boyce -- Dunne ----- Alcaraz
--------------------- McCarthy ----------------------
McGeady ------------- Arshavin ------------- Malouda
------------------------ Kone -----------------------

Robles/Ramis/Crusat/Di Santo/Henriquez/Gomez/Lopez

Team
Talk: Once again we are looking to keep a clean sheet and nick a goal, their is no reason we cant do the job over a week stoke squad that played 4-4-2 with Owen up front last week. Lets get a win and off the mark to make our lives a little bit more easier.

Al Habsi - Command your box, be strong.

Sharner/Alcaraz- I want you two to get forward when we have the ball and overlap our
wingers, when they have the ball I want 5 at the back and shut out their
wingers. Stoke will get frustrated if you stay to your job.

Caldwell/Boyce/Dunne - Work as a trio to snuff out the
Villa strikers, Dunne to us all of his experience to nerf Owen who lets be honest isn't what he was.
Boyce to play sweeper behind the other two center backs and Caldwell can then pick up any midfielders running from deep
and a second striker whom I assume they will play.

McCarthy - Sit back and prevent their cam from playing, I want you to shut him down. Look for Arshavin who will let us break

McGeady/Malouda - Interchange to
prevent the opposition from picking you up. Drive inside where both of
you are very dangerous and target the gap between the fullbacks and the
center backs. Stoke don't have a quick defence so exploit this today.

Arshavin - You are in my opinion better than anyone in that Stoke squad so prove that today, look wide to McGeady and Malouda and drift into the space that Stoke will leave. You have a history of scoring important goals so lets do that again today!

Kone - We need goals as I believe that we have the foundation to prevent Stoke from scoring, if you get a sniff take it. I believe we have the tools to avoid relegation and you play a large part in that so lets prove that today!

---------------Begović-----------
Cameron---Shawcross(C)--Huth-- Wilson
Shea---------Marrone----Adam------Knightly
------------------Jerome------
--------------Bendtner--------

Subs: Walters,Jones, Etherington,Pennett,,Whitehead,Whelan

Tactics:
First game of the season and we need to go out there and give a performance, i want us to show we can handle pressure and use are chances wisely.

Defending: Lots of communication needed along are back four, soak up the long balls that i played and make sure they are not allowed to break through, keep the line tight and clear any loose balls, dont allow there players to beat you and push them about and make sure you give them a lot of hassle , beware of there crosses and make sure they are given limited space to move freely, be aware of mcgready,maluda and arshavin so basically the AM and the wings make sure they are pushed wide and that arshavin has an unconformable time.

Attacking: Plays will be created through the wings, which have a lot of pace, this is where we can hit them by using this to are advantage, if we are pushed out them lay the ball into the middle for one or whip in crosses in to our strikers who will get there head on it, Loose balls will need picking up which we could use , make sure your makers are put into a lot of pressure and try to lose them to create and open play.

Strikers: Make sure chances are not wasted and are used wisely, see an opening then try and run into a free space where the wingers will cross the ball in, make sure you finish well and use these chances wisely by creating a lot hassle for there D by using your strength and speed to beat them to headers / balls , Jerome will play behind you in order to support you, Bentner make sure you get on the end of crosses.

Sunderland line-up:

--------------------Mignolet
Fanni ----- O’Shea ----- Gallas ----- Rat
----------------- Cattermole
Johnson ------- Sessegnon ----- McLean
------------ Crouch ------- Fletcher

Subs: Pickford, Rose, N’Diaye, Eagles, Marin, N’Zogbia, Baros
Injuries: Craig Gardner + Shay Given + Joleon Lescott

ATTACKING: I want you to play a pass and move game, which will keep the opposition running and tire them out. Rat and Fanni need to support McLean and Johnson, who need to get plenty of balls played into the box to Fletcher and Crouch.

DEFENDING: All players must track back. I want you to press the opposition, chase down all loose balls, and basically pressurise the opposition into making mistakes. Then when you win the ball, remember to play pass and move to stretch and tire the opposition. Cattermole must sit between the defence and midfield and ensure that Adel Taarabt is stifled.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Mignolet: let the CBs know if you can claim the ball or if there is danger lurking around. Parry shots away from danger, try to catch the ball but punch to distance if you need to.

Gallas: you will pick up the main striker, which would be Rickie Lambert if he plays. Keep tight on him, don’t let him push you about, and if he moves then move with him. Make sure you don’t dive in - keep him at bay until O’Shea or Rat can come across to dispossess him.

O’Shea: you will pick up the second striker (if there is one) and stick with him at all times. If they play with one forward, you will sit slightly deeper than Gallas, covering for him and ensuring that the rest of the defence know their jobs. If there is a break from midfield, I want you to step in and deal with it.

Fanni: I want you to support Johnson down the right flank, give him a short option but always ensure that you are in position defensively as Shaw will look to use his pace against you. Keep him out wide and close him down to prevent the cross.

Rat: I want you to support McLean down the left flank, give him a short option but always ensure that you are in position defensively as Clyne will look to use his pace against you. Keep him out wide and close him down to prevent the cross.

Cattermole: Sit deep and break up the play. I want you to get stuck in physically, really make the opposition afraid to attack. If Taarabt is in a free role then stick to him like glue and let him know who’s boss. When on the ball, keep it moving – get the ball to Sessegnon or get Johnson or McLean in down the flanks.

Johnson: I want you to get on the ball and attack the full back, run at him, take him on, beat him, then look to either get the ball into the box for Fletcher and Crouch or cut inside onto your left and shoot.

Sessegnon: you have one task today: unlock the defence and win the game! I want you to be creative, attack at will, get balls forward to Fletcher and Crouch or wide to Johnson/McLean.

McLean: I want you to get on the ball and attack the full back, run at him, take him on, beat him, then look to get the ball into the box for Fletcher and Crouch.

Fletcher: I want you to keep the CBs confused so keep moving, and make plenty of diagonal runs across them. Your teammates will use the space you create, so make sure you drag defenders with you, and get into the box for crosses and half-chances.

Crouch: Do what you do best – win headers, hold up the ball and bring the midfield into the game. Make sure that your CB marker knows who’s boss, be physical and do everything you can to put the defence at unease. Crosses will be coming into the box thick and fast – grab us a goal!

Subs:
If winning after 75mins: Marin for Sessegnon. No change in formation, tactic now is to get the ball to Marin, Johnson and McLean and let them run at the tiring opposition defence. Fletcher and Crouch need to get into space for crosses.

If drawing after 75mins: Eagles for Sessegnon. Play 4-4-2, get lots of balls into the box for Crouch and Fletcher.

If losing after 75mins: Eagles and Baros for Cattermole and Sessegnon. Play 4-3-3-3 with Eagles in the CM role, wingers must cross for Crouch and Fletcher and Baros can sit in the hole and grab us a rebound effort.

Starting XI

-----------------Gordon
Clyne ------- Astori --Williams ---- Shaw
Kačaniklić -- Coquelin - S.Roberto -- Benayoun
-------------------Taarabt
--------------Guidetti

Captain:Williams
Free kicks and Corners: Taarabt
Penalties: Taarabt

Subs:Boruc/Fonte/Forren/Lallana,Schneiderlin/Rodriguez/Lambert

Team talk:

it’s time to hit the ground running. We are going to defend from the front, pressing the ball high up the pitch and winning it back early. Williams – you are vital today, pick up Fletcher and use your height and strength to negate the threat of his. Offensively, we are going to keep the ball moving, and the players moving into space. Pass and Move!

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

Clyne & Shaw 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. But never at the same time. One goes forward, the other stays back

Astori & Williams – Astori will pick up the main striker. If Marin is playing further forward, Williams will pick him up. If Marin is deeper, then Williams will play spare, attacking high balls into the box and clearing up anything loose. He will then pick up Marin if he ventures further forward, and on set pieces. Pass it short into midfield when in possession

Coquelin – Make a nuisance of yourself. Breakdown their attacks and protect the back four. When a full back goes forward, cover them by slotting alongside the CBs.

Sergi Roberto – Deep lying playmaker. Get on the ball as much as possible. Take it from the defence and Coquelin and pass it around. Don’t give up possession easily and start attacks by feeding the wingers, and the two CFs. When we don’t have possession, support Coquelin in protecting the back four

Kačaniklić & Benayoun – 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 the forwards. 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.

Taarabt & Guidetti – Work as a partnership. Work hard and chase everything. When one of you goes deeper, the other goes further forward to provide an outlet. When one goes wide, the other goes central. Keep moving and don’t let the defenders settle, and keep them guessing. Defensively, pressurise the ball as soon as we lose it, Defence from the front today

Subs:
if winning Schneiderlin for Taarabt - Sit deep and make the midfield more solid
If losing Lambert for Taarabt go 4-4-2 and start hitting the long ball to Lambert for flicks ons

------------------------Vorm (c)-------------------

--Tiendalli----Chico---------------Samba---------------Taylor-----

--------------------------De Guzman------------------------

----Hernandez---------------------------------------Ki------------

-------------Vaz Te----------------------------Maiga-----------------------

------------------------------------Holt---------------------------------------------

INJURIES: Monk,Rangel,Lucas

TACTICS: After our win last week, i have decided to go more attacking this week....4-1-2-2-1....or 4-3-3 ish....

Samba makes debut at heart of defence alonside Chico, will make our defence much more solid and offers experience and reliablity. De Guzman will protect the back four, with Hernandez and KI just infront of him...De Guzman will look to thread passes through to them...Vaz Te and Maiga will offer width and look to get crosses into Holt, who is always strong in the air and is a goal machine...we shouldnt miss Michu that much, Hernandez is class and is a creative footballer....we have plenty of goals in this side whilst also offering good support for the defence

Injuries: Jobi McAnuff, Hal Robson-Kanu, Alex Pearce
Starting Formation: 4-5-1

Line-up:
GK: Adam Federici
RB: Chris Gunter
CB: Stoppila Sunzu
CB: Aaron Hughes ©
LB: Martin Olsson
RM: Askan Dejagah
CM: Mikele Leigertwood
CM: Wilson Palacios
CM: Ashley Westwood
LM: Jimmy Kébé
FW: Pavel Pogrebnyak

Tactics:

Started with a great point last week, let’s carry this momentum! Again this week we will play a higher tempo, charging down from the front. We’ll be playing the man marking system. Stay tight to your marker giving him no breathing room. Going forward, let’s be more creative with an array of both short and long passes. Let’s use our pace to hurt them.

Defenders play a deeper line this week, countering the runners getting in from behind. Full-Backs stay close to the wingers, if they run into space go with them blocking crosses. Centre-Backs you’ll need to compete aerially clearing your lines. If there’s 1 striker, one challenge with the other sweeping up. Lots of communication throughout, lets shut them out. Full-Backs rotate in offering support going forward; look for the overlap drilling in crosses.

Midfielders, we’ve gone with a 3 man system this week. Palacios/Leigertwood, shield the back four picking up attacking players, hard robust challenges giving them no room to play short passes going forward. Westwood pick the ball up at the halfway line and look to make us tick, range of passes both short and long picking out the attackers. On the edge of penalty area, charge down in numbers throwing in vital blocks. Leigertwood/Westwood late runs supporting attacks.

Wingers, from the front, you’ll be closing down defenders, force the errors. Get on the ball run and make things happen. Drill crosses in from the by-line, but look to mix-it up cutting inside linking-up attacking play. If outnumbered defensively, double-up with full-backs. Forward, you’re an aerial threat so compete for high/long balls linking up play. Throw yourself onto the end of crosses and in general make life difficult for them. Don’t be afraid to shoot!

Bench- Alex McCarthy, Garath McCleary, Adrian Mariappa, Adam le Fondre, Jem Karacan, Iago Aspas, Stephen Kelly

If Loosing: On 62 Mins: Adam le Fondre will replace Mikele Leigertwood. 4-4-2 formation with ALF playing the advanced forward role, pick up flick-ons/scrapes.

On 70 Mins: Garath McCleary will replace Askan Dejagah. Fresh legs going forward, take on tied players, draw the fouls making our attacking game tick.

Normal Subs: (Winnging/Drawing)

On 71 Mins: Stephen Kelly will come on for Chris Gunter. Experienced head at the back providing fresh legs.

On 74 Mins: Garath McCleary will replace Askan Dejagah. Fresh legs going forward, take on tied players, draw the fouls making our attacking game tick.

On 74 Mins: Iago Aspas will replace Mikele Leigertwood: Play just behind the forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

-----------------------Foster------------------------
Matthews----Olsson------Laporte-------Ridgewell
--------------Mulumbu-----Yacob------------------
Morrison----------------------------------------Brunt
---------------Long-----Lukaku*-------------------

Bench
B.Myhill, G.McAuley, S.Reid, M.Meyer, J.Thomas, Z.Gera, C.Wickham

Tactics:
We have set up in defensive style; especially for the 1st 20-30minutes and get the home crowd on side. We aim to sit deep to stop the threat of Michu, Remy, Ramirez and Sinclair.
We are more than confident in dealing with their offensive threat out back four are in top form and our weakest position RB has been vastly improved with the signing of Matthews . Mulumbu and Yacob will be able to cope with either 2 or 3 in midfield and will work hard. Long will drop back where needed - but we do want him to stay up close to Lukaku as much as possible.
Morrison and Brunt will be able to stop attacking threats from fullback positions whilst in offensive side they will retain possesion where needed and deliver balls into the forwards.
Long and Lukaku are both on form this year and will cause a make shift centre-half pairing.

Subs
If Losing after 65: Thomas on for Morrison - we will look to become more attacking and use our wide men to expoit QPR's attacking fullbacks
If Winning After 65mins: Only make changes if needed.

If Winning After 80 mins: McAuley & Meyer on for Morrison and Lukaku - Meyer will play off Long - with McAuley in between our Midfield and back four.
Hopefully this will sure us up and our workrate will see us till full time as winners.
If Losing After 80mins: Wickham on for Brunt - switch to a 4-3-3 formation and play a much more direct game.

Injuries: Guy Demel, Charlie Austin, Winston Reid

Squad
GK Jussi Jääskeläinen
RB Joey O'Brien
LB Maynor Figueroa
CB James Tomkins
CB James Collins
RM Joe Cole
LM Nathan Dyer
CM Mohamed Diamé
CM Kevin Nolan (Captain)
ST Andy Carroll
ST Marouane Chamakh

Subs
Stephen Henderson
Emanuel Pogatetz
Danny Potts
Mark Noble
Liam Trotter
Matt Jarvis
Carlton Cole

Tactics

Subs

60th min Regardless of score - Carroll off for Cole

70th min Regardless of score - Joe Cole off for Jarvis

80th min - If Winning Chamakh off for Noble. If losing Tomkins off for Trotter, with Nolan more attacking.

Corners

Attacking - Caroll on the keeper. Collins attacking far post, Tomkins attacking near post. Both full backs to sit.
Defending - Caroll on the far post, Figuora on the near post.

General Tactics

Keeper - Be aware off there counter attacks, always on your toes and always commanding your back 4. Always big and strong from corners.

Defenders - Full backs, a lot of supporting in our attacking movements, always looking to get crosses into our strikers. Always standing up-strong to there wingers and don't allow them to turn you. Collins and Tomkins both be strong as always and keep the defense playing a high line early on as we look to attack them, but slowly drop it deeper as the game goes on. Long balls to Andy will acceptable.

Midfielders - Wingers always on your toes, your both a lot quicker than the full back your up against, lots of taking the full back on and plenty of crosses in to Big Andy. Nolan and Diame, Nolan pushing on more, plenty of shots, use the big presence of Andy as an advantage. Get the ball and look to get the ball out to the wingers a lot. Diame plenty of running with the ball and creating plenty of chances for us.

Strikers - Andy when receiving long balls or passes to feet. When going for headers, knock them on for Chamakh to run onto. To chest look to lay Kevin off and for feet, look to knock the ball out wide. Cause havoc k in the area and look to frighten there back 4. Chamakh use your pace to good affect and use your big strike partner to good affect as well.

Team Talk

Right lads, minor set back last week, but we stayed played some good football and there is a lot of reason to remain positive. We have a fantastic team out this week, look to keep Norwich on the back foot early on. Really attack at them in the early stages and then after half hour or so drop back and ease it down a little. We can win today, keep to the game plan and we will be fine. COME ON LADS!!!!

Injuries: Luciano Becchio, Kei Kamara, Anthony Pilkington
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI:
GK - John Ruddy
RB - Steven Whittaker
CB - Brede Hangeland
CB - Sebastien Bassong
LB - Javier Garrido
CDM - Liam Bridcutt
CM - Jonathan Howson
CM - Alexander Tettey
RW - Elliott Bennett
LW - William Buckley
ST - Ricky Van Wolfswinkel

Subs:
Mark Bunn
Russell Martin
Simeon Jackson
Robert Snodgrass
Ron Vlaar
Bradley Johnson
Wesley Hoolahan

Ruddy
Whittaker---Hangeland---Bassong---Garrido
----------------------Bridcutt------------------
-----------------Tettey---Howson-------------
Bennett--------------------------------Buckley
-----------------Van Wolfswinkel--------------

Tactical Instructions:
General gameplan: Today boys we are going to play counter attack. We will absorb the pressure and high balls into our box with our tall and strong CB's, and the three in midfield will provide energy. The wingers have pace and we will look to them as the outlet. RVW up top is the target man, looking to gain us territory and nick a goal or two. We play with a directness and tempo on the counter, hit them fast.

Goalkeeper: You are a big strong commanding goalkeeper, so anything that is hung up high you come and collect. Be decisive, and show leadership qualities we know you have. Look to distribute long to RVW or throw to the wingers/full backs.

Defence: They will be more attacking today, but I still expect them to use long balls to Carroll/Cole/Chamakh. Hangeland and Bassong this game is made for you two. You are best at competing with big strong forwards and winning aerial duels with them. Don't let them bring the ball down easy and play out with it. Full backs stop the crosses. That is an area they will look to exploit. We need you to be strong today, a clean sheet is needed.

Central Midfield: Important role today. Bridcutt if they play a CAM I want you to man mark him. If not you screen the back four, breaking up the play and winning second balls. Look to distribute to the wingers quickly. Tettey and Howson you two will provide the energy in the midfield. Get in and around Noble especially, don't let him play. Both look to make the box from crosses, or hang back to pick up any scraps. Don't be afraid to shoot. You three win the battle, we win the game.

Wingers: Big role for you two today. Demel is injured, so O'Brien will play (most likely). You can destroy him with your pace. Get by him and whip a cross in, or cut inside and shoot. Cause havoc. Bennett you do the same down the right flank. Figueroa isn't great in defence so bamboozle him. It is however crucial in your case that you track Figueroa back, as he likes to get forward and can hurt teams. You two need to be direct, and look to beat your FB's today. Provide us with that outlet on the counter.

Striker: Big role for you today. You are the target man. With Reid injured you have the chance to bully the replacements. When we hit you long, bring the ball down and hit the wingers and make the box. You are a deadly finisher, so if you get a chance take it. Also don't give the CB's a moments piece. Don't allow them to chip long balls forward without pressure.

Subs:
If winning: 70 mins: Bridcutt for Vlaar. Go 5-4-1. Shut up shop, we deal with the aerial threat.
If losing/drawing: 65 mins: Jackson for Bridcutt, Howson for Hoolahan. Go 4-4-2 diamond with Tettey CDM and Hoolahan CAM, Jackson up front. We go for the win, high pressure from the front. Get the ball down so Hoolahan can play.

Injuries: Joe Bennett, Brad Guzan, Hope Akpan

Starting XI:
4-2-3-1

------------------------Keiren Westwood

Phil Bardsley – Carlos Cuellar – Olof Mellberg – Siaka Tiene

----------------Victor Wanyama – Gareth Barry

Peter Odemwingie - Andreas Weimann - Gabriel Agbonlahor

-----------------------Christian Benteke


Subs: Andy Marshall, Ciaran Clark, Titus Bramble, Yacouba Sylla, Marc Albrighton, George Boyd, Darren Bent

Tactics: A tough game ahead, Fulham also won their opener last week and will also be high on confidence, however they are missing Capoue so I want us to get at them early, take control of the ball and look to get at them.

Our back four will look to give us the experience sorely lacking in recent times, but while they lack pace, Fulham will probably be playing Berbatov up top and pace isn't his strong point either. With Wanyama and Barry ahead of them, we have a solid base. Start from the back, go through midfield with Wanyama, Barry and Weimann dropping deep.

Look for the runs forward from Odemwingie and Agbonlahor, alternatively play it to Benteke who can hold up play and feed the three men behind him. Weimann is not expected to chase back, he is our more advanced midfielder with the aim of creating for us. Wanyama and Barry our DM’s when we don’t have the ball, help out the back four and cover when either fullback gets forward.

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Sylla on, Weimann off. Sylla the third CM and we go to 4-5-1.
If losing: Bent on, Odemwingie off. Weimann to RF, Agbonlahor to LF, Bent and Benteke at CF in a 4-2-4. If we get level, Weimann and Agbonlahor to drop back to RM and LM respectively.

--------------------------------- STEKELENBURG ---------------------------------
--------------------- MIRIN ------------------------ DAVIES --------------------
---- REITHER -------------------------------------------------------- RIISE ----
----------------------- DIARRA -------------- HUDDLESTONE ----------------------
-------- REDMOND --------------------------------------------------- DUFF ------
-------------------------------------- BERBATOV --------------------------------
----------------------------- ADRIANO ------------------------------------------

BENCH
Etheridge, Lichaj, Senderos, Sidwell, Emmanuelson, Ruiz, Rodallega

TACTICS
Good win to start the season and we weant to follow it up with a second. Their defense lacks pace and we want to make the most of that by attacking them with plenty of pace. The full backs should stay deep today and hold position to deal with their wingers.

DEFENSE
They have players with pace on the wings and it is essential Riise and Reither stay back, ensure they have a head start in any race for the ball and don't let them get crosses in. Jockey their wingers wide. Mirin has incredible strength and should be physical with Benteke, be up for a scrap and force him off the ball with Davies supporting. The midfield should drop deep to help out the defense and allow little room between the two lines to play. Diarra and Huddlestone should look to pressure the likes of Weimann and Wanyama who may be dangerous in the midfield but restrict them to attempting long range shots by being tight in our two banks of four.

ATTACK
Berbatov has a second striker role today on paper as we want him to link up the play but he has the freedom to move around as he sees fit. Luiz Adriano should play on the shoulder of the last man and make the most of his pace as he can break free. He has fantastic shooting ability and should be clinical in front of goal. Redmond has incredible pace and should run at their defense. Either go wide and try to get balls into the box or run at their centre backs trying to release one of the strikers. The wingers should feel free to swap wings at will or even both get down the same wing and have a go at one full back.

SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning bring on Emmanuelson for Duff, he should help out getting more narrow in midfield in a 'drifter' role.
If drawing bring on Emmanuelson for Huddlestone. Play in a box to box role.
If losing bring on Ruiz and Rodallega for Duff and Redmond, play Berbatov AM behind three strikers.