WEEK 3 RESULTS

 

JUVENTUS

Injuries

Kingsley Coman
Paul Pobga
Nathaniel Clyne
Memphis Depay

Formation

Buffon
Lichtsteinen—Laporte—Bonucci—Evra
—Pirlo—Vidal—
Walcott—Pererya—J.Rodriguez
Benzema

Team Talk
This week we are reverting to a 4-2-3-1 formation with the emphasis on soaking pressure for periods of play and making the most of set pieces and counter attacks. Injuries to key players have forced us to alter our game and we’re aware Azzy has retained the core of his Man City side, we expect him as a result to have the majority of possession, so we’ll look to soak, reserve energies for protecting our half and then hit in bursts using the speed of our wingers and the free kick specialist in James Rodriguez.


Defence
A back four with Laporte given the role of picking up the main striker as they enter threatening positions, be aware of their movement but ensure you don't get dragged out of position. Bonucci to assist where required but to pick up threats from their wingers/AM etc if they break into the danger zone. Fullbacks to shepherd their wingers on the outside, no rash challenges and going to ground, slow their attacks down and block crosses. Only look to come forward when the opposition have over stretched and there’s a possibility to outnumber them on the counter. Don’t be afraid to hit a long ball for Benzema to run on to.
Pirlo main defensive of midfield trio, look to stay back when our FBs go forward. Vidal to be the warrior in the middle of the pitch, get at the opposition and niggle Toure, ensure he doesn’t get into his 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 play of Bale and Silva, don’t give them room to dictate the play.


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. Pereyra to link up play as the highest positioned central midfielder, stretch their defence out to you. Rodriguez to play predominately on the left 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 flank with Walcott, look to hit them on the counter. Benzema lone front man, be ready to pounce on balls from our defence when pinged past the defence and beat the offside trap. Also look to combine with James, hold up play when needed awaiting the movement from your teammates.

Subs
Storari, Barzagli, Mertesacker, Asamoah, Hernandez, Caceres, Marrone

If winning at 70m: Cambiasso for Pereyra, a 2nd wall for City to penetrate, close play quickly in your own half.
If losing/drawing at 65m: Chicarito for Pereyra, Benzema to drop deeper while the super sub goes up front and to use his speed and poaching to nick a winner
If losing/drawing at 75m: Asamoah for Benzema, Rodriguez to move centrally with Asamoah on the flank to add fresh legs against tiring fullback

MAN CITY

Starting XI

--------------------------- Hart -----------------------------
Zabaleta ----- de Vrij -------- Kompany --- de Sciglio
-------------- Kondogbia ----- Fernando ----------------
Silva ------------------- Toure --------------------- Bale
-------------------------- Bony -----------------------------

Subs: Caballero, Sagna, Mangala, Clichy, Oscar, Navas, Vardy
Injuries: Dedryck Boyata, Stevan Jovetic, Oliver Torres, Samir Nasri, Jackson Martinez (signed from Porto)

Pre-match
Four points from two matches is a good start – however today we face our toughest opponents yet, Juventus. They have pace in attack and steel in midfield but have one key weakness – they are slow at the back, and this is where we can win the game. I want the defence to stick to the game plan, keep your shape and play physical with the attackers, while our midfield works tirelessly to win the ball and exploit Juve’s defensive frailties. Bale and Silva should have great success down the flanks and I will be expecting our midfield to provide support to Bony – do this and we will bring three points home with us!

Attacking
1. Bale and Silva to attack from the flanks; I want you to get on the ball, beat your man either inside or down the line (keep him guessing), then either put crosses into the box for Bony, Toure and Kondogbia or get a shot on goal. Swap flanks for short spells too, allowing Bale to cut inside on his left and wreak havoc.
2. Bony to use pace and power to overcome whichever CB is lined up against him – none of Juve’s CB options can match you for speed or physicality. Back into your man, tug his shirt, move him about with your runs and above all, ensure you’re in a good position for crosses into the box.
3. Fernando and Kondogbia to be the enforcers in the middle, Kondogbia being the one who gets further forward but both snapping into challenges to put the frighteners into the opponents. Toure, Bale and Silva will all be outlets to when we have the ball, give it to them and support them when you can.
4. Zabaleta and de Sciglio to provide the overlap only if both Kondogbia and Fernando stay back – I don’t want Walcott and James left with space to run into. Either get the ball to Bony up top or look to free your winger ahead of you – the main aim is to keep possession with no mistakes.

Defending
1. Two man CB team today, Kompany to man-mark Benzema (or his replacement); stick tight to him, kick him, pull his shirt, make sure he knows he's in a battle and put him off his game. Never let him get goal side. De Vrij to marshal the back line and watch for Juve’s wingers cutting inside – if they do, I want you there to deal with it.
2. Kondogbia, Fernando and Toure to stamp their authority early and often on the likes of Pirlo and Cambiasso – Vidal will relish a physical battle but these two don’t like being closed down and hounded. If you keep Juve’s midfield under wraps then they cannot create chances – it’s up to you to keep hustling and snapping at their heels.
3. Zabaleta and de Sciglio to keep your wingers on the outside, do not let James or Walcott drift into space at any time and make sure if they do cut inside, that either Bale or Silva are there to backfill your spot while you shepherd them inside for us to win the ball back.

Sub: 70mins – de Sciglio off, Clichy on – same as before, use Clichy’s fresh legs to attack the opposition defence and put them under concerted pressure.

 

Formation: 4-3-3

Weidenfeller
Piszczek Pepe Subotic Schmelzer
Verratti Bender Thiago
Chamberlain Tevez Remy

Subs
Langerak
Zouma
Jakub
Kagawa
Ramos
Benteke

Injuries
Kevin Grosskreutz
Thiago Motta
Edisson Jordanov
Ciro Immobile

General:We're playing a high line to force Porto into their own so we can get the ball quicker to our attackers. I've got Thiago and Verratti in midfield to play a passing style game and Bender to add the steel. Pace out on the wings and a clinical finisher in Tevez.

DEFENSIVE TACTICS
* Full back to show wingers outside forcing them to cross which I think we'll deal with in the air.
* Pepe pick up main striker and Subotic to watch out for any spare player.
* Bender to screen the back 4 and press them when they come in our half.
* Thiago & Verratti to watch their zones and pick up their man
* Oxo, Tevez & Remy to press from higher up and winged to track back

ATTACKING TACTICS
* Full back to give width getting balls into the box
* Thiago & Verratti keep the ball moving and to get forward yourself
* Tevez to always stay on the move drop deep and the other two can play narrower coming inside.

PORTO

Injuries: Iker Casillas, Fabiano, Stevan Jovetic, Oliver Torres
(Jackson Martinez and Evandro both injured but not at the club anymore)

Starting XI:
GK - Helton
RWB - Dani Alves
RCB - Javier Mascherano
CB - Nemanja Vidic
LCB - Bruno Martins Indi
LWB - Alexsandr Kolarov
RCM - Hector Herrera
CM - Casemiro
LCM - Fernandinho
CAM - Yacine Brahimi
ST - Vincent Aboubakar

Subs
Adrian
Ricardo Quaresma
Frank Lampard
Cristian Tello
Alex Sandro
Ricardo Pereria
Maicon


-------------------------Helton----------------------------
----------Mascherano---Vidic----Martins Indi------------
Alves-----------------------------------------------Kolarov
----------Casemiro----Herrera----Fernandinho-----------
-------------------------Brahimi-----------------------------
-----------------------Aboubakar----------------------------


Overall Tactic: First game under my stewardship today boys, and I want to see a high energy pressing game in midfield to really get about the Dortmund midfield. Alves and Kolarov to really push on and try to push the wingers back, with Mascherano/Martins Indi able to cover ground covering them. The midfield three to disrupt players like Veratti, and not allow them possession. Brahimi is the man over in the middle, floating in the hole unmarked and causing issues. When we have the ball look to get Alves/Kolarov into crossing positions, and then flood the box in support of Aboubakar against a shaky back line.

Attacking tactics: As said above we are looking to create a 4 on 3 in midfield in our favour, with Brahimi being the free man floating around and looking to run at their defence. If we're in possession look to work the ball wide to Alves/Kolarov to get crosses in, while midfielders flood the box in support of the powerful Aboubakar.

Defending tactics: Again the 4 on 3 in midfield, look to press and outwork them there, do not allow their playmakers time on the ball. Alves and Kolarov to push onto their wingers, look to push them back they are not their strength. The three centre halves, Vidic to provide experience and hold the line, with the athleticism of Martins Indi and all round brilliance of Mascherano able to cover. Vidic to get about Benteke, rough him up he won't like it.

Set pieces: Kolarov put the free kicks in the top bin, corners in the right place and penalties in the net.

Subs: If winning/drawing - 65 mins - Frank Lampard for Casemiro, Alex Sandro for Kolarov, Adrian for Aboubakar. No need to change anything, fresh legs to keep up the tempo in the last 25 minutes
-------------------------Helton----------------------------
----------Mascherano---Vidic----Martins Indi------------
Alves-----------------------------------------------Sandro
----------Lampard----Herrera----Fernandinho-----------
-------------------------Brahimi-----------------------------
-----------------------Adrian----------------------------


If losing - 65 mins - Adrian for Vidic, Tello for Casemiro. Go 4-2-2-2 and look to attack them with pace out wide and getting the ball into the box. Take more risks going forward.

-------------------------Helton----------------------------
----------Mascherano-------Martins Indi------------
Alves-----------------------------------------------Kolarov
-----------------Herrera---------Fernandinho-----------
Brahimi----------------------------------------------Tello
---------------Aboubakar------Adrian----------------------

---------------------------Manuel Neuer
Phillip Lahm -- Medhi Benatia -- Mats Hummels --- Juan Bernat
----------Bastian Schweinstiger -- Luka Modric
----Arjen Robben --------Paulo Dybala ---------Marco Reus
-----------------------Diego Costa

Benchizzle: Pepe Reina, Felipe Luis, Xabi Alonso,Willian, Nabil Fekir, Santi Cazorla,Harry Kane

Team Talk: Up against the one that is Marky, He has a lot of defensive issues so shall look to break on the counter with our pace. He may go 3 at the back with Martinez or play Javi as DM so either way look to exploit his & Kroos slowness in midfield.

Defensive Tactics
- Back 4 to sit back and negate the space in behind the defense for Ronaldo/Hazard/Ribery (if played) & Aguero.
- Hummels to get tight to Aguero and look to keep him under control and block shots,
- Benatia to cover Hummels if Aguero gets in behind and use your electric pace to get back and get a tackle in. If Hazard plays AM then look to track his runs
- Lahm to force Ronaldo down the line all he does is cut inside and shoot so Schweinstiger will come over and double up on him when he does.
- Bernat to force Ribery/Hazard 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 Ronaldo has the ball look to help Lahm double up on him when he cuts inside.
- Modric/Dybala to get out to Kroos and stop him dictating play from deep, Dybala to sit on him deep and Modric 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 reserve LB with Robben. Look to whip balls in for Diego.
- Bernat to overlap Reus and whip balls in the box.
- Schweinstiger to sit deep alongside Modric and look to make runs into the box from deep on the break and be a threat.
- Modric to sit deep and look to dictate play from deep getting the ball out wide early as possible. When on the break get the ball over the top into space, Occasionally launch a long ball up to Costa
- 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 Debuchy and look to take him inside and other and whip balls in the box, If cut inside link with Dybala/Robben and have a go at goal
- Dybala to sit on Martinez/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 look to back right into Sergio Ramos and irritate the Frak out of him bully him physically when the ball comes in the air and make his time on the ball difficult and close him down. Look to make runs in from the far post and get a jump over the defenders with your leap and when Dybala/Reus/Robben get the ball look to roll in behind.

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

R MADRID


Morgan De Sanctis
Mathieu Debuchy - Jerome Boateng - Sergio Ramos - Matteo Darmian
Javi Martinez - Toni Kroos
Eden Hazard - Isco - Cristiano Ronaldo
Sergio Aguero

Subs: Pacheco, Abner, Coquelin, Medran, Ramires, Ribery, De Tomas

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

Tough but winnable game against Bayern, they have some world class players in their side, however we have some world class players of our own to hurt them and cause them real problems. Our front four with assistance from the fullbacks should create plenty of chances, and in midfield we have a trio who can dictate the game in Martinez, Kroos and Isco.

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 Aguero.

Boateng/Ramos - Boateng to mark their central striker, force him high up the pitch thus limiting his impact close to goal, and Ramos to be the spare man, be first to the second ball and their second striker/AM making runs from midfield. 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.

Debuchy/Darmian - Both of you to force the Bayern 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. If they play 3 strikers as suggested, form a narrow back four with Boateng and Ramos. When we have possession, push forward and support Hazard/Ronaldo 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 Aguero and link with Isco. Track back very quickly to ensure we don't get caught on the break.

Martinez/Kroos - Martinez to patrol infront of the back four, if they play an AM stay on him, but don't follow if he drifts wide. Be first to any loose balls and in possession look for the attackers and pass rather than bring the ball out. Kroos the box to box man, assist Martinez and the CB's in dealing with the Bayern attack when we don't have the ball, but in possession get forward, use your physical presence and ball playing ability to our advantage, link with Isco and look to create chances for Aguero. Remain composed throughout.

Isco - 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 Hazard and Ronaldo on occasion to create confusion and leave space for your teammates to run into. Link with Hazard, Ronaldo, Aguero and Kroos, look for Aguero 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 Ronaldo.

Hazard/Ronaldo - Both playing out wide and both have the pace and trickery to beat the Bayern 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 Aguero with chances and also provide yourselves with chances. Link up with Isco, and capitalise on the space Aguero's presence will create for you. Without the ball I expect you two to track back and assist your fullback.

Aguero - you will be expected to occupy the Bayern 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.

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

Subs 70 mins:
If winning: Isco off, Ramires on. Switch to 4-5-1 but Ramires giving us better defensive cover alongside Martinez and Kroos. Absorb pressure and hit on the break.

If drawing: Isco off, Ribery on. Tactical change, same system but a reshuffle, Aguero to AM/SS, Hazard at RW, Ribery to LW, Ronaldo upfront. Same formation but more attacking threat, push for the winner without overcommitting.

If losing: Martinez off, Ribery on. Switch to 4-1-3-2, back four of Debuchy - Boateng - Ramos - Darmian, Kroos in a quarterback role starting attacks from CM, Hazard - Isco - Ribery behind a front two of Ronaldo and Aguero upfront. Push for goals.

-----------------Ter Steigen-----------------
-----Danilo---Pique----Godin---Gaya-------
----------Rakitic----Luiz----Iniesta-----------
-------Messi------Suarez-----Neymar--------


BENCH
Masip
Vermaelen
Siquiera
Gabi
Pastore
Cuadrado
Sandro Ramirez

TACTICS
Up against Arsenal this week, we have the same Barcelona side, but with a strong defense. They will try to play their passing football but relentless pressure is required. We are going to attack them quickly when we get on the ball as their defense looks like it can be penetrated by our front three.


Defensively, I want Godin to be the main marker of their striker with Pique covering. Danilo and Gaya should take up narrow positions as I expect them to play the likes of Gotze, Ozil, Turan on the wings who will want to cut inside so get narrow and don't let them inside. Luiz needs to protect the back four and I want him to be chasing down the ball in front of the defense, with Rakitic and Iniesta a little more composed looking to defend the space.


When we get the ball, we want it straight to the front three fast to get at their defense, Messi and James obviously have license to drift right inside and find space, run at their defenders. Two of our midfielders should get forward with one staying back to defend, Iniesta and Rakitic can both control the rhythym of the game while Luiz can make those powerful runs to cause havoc in their defense. Danilo and Gaya should both provide us with plenty of width.

SET PIECES
Left Corner - Rakitic
Right Corner - Iniesta
Free Kicks - Messi
Penalties - Messi


SUBSTITUTIONS
If winning bring on Cuadrado for James and Rabiot for a CM to close out the game.
If drawing bring on Pastore for Luiz. Gabi to DM, Pastore and Rakitic more aggressive.
If losing Cuadrado for Gaya and Pastore for a CM, all out attack with the full backs becoming even more aggressive.

ARSENAL

Injuries: Joel Veltman, David Ospina, Claudio Marchisio and Dan Crowley.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

- - - - - - - - - - - Sczezny - - - - - - - -
Chambers - Ogbonna - Varane - Ansaldi
- - - - - - - - Clasie - - Khedira - - - -
Turan - - - - - - - - Ozil - - - - - ---Gotze
- - - - - - - - - - - Morata - - - - - - - - -


Overall Team Talk:

Today we are up against Barcelona who will look to bring the game to us from the very start. We do not want to allow them to take advantage of us and we want to make sure that we are at the top of our game. The plan is to keep as much possession as possible and look to bring the game to them by keeping a high tempo and spread the ball around the pitch to avoid being pressed which is what Trebs instructed his players to do last week and therefore we are hoping to come under as little pressure as possible by doing this.

Defensive Tactics:

Defensively today we will need to be as alert as we can, they have players who can hurt us in an instant with slight movement or quick passes that could slice us open. Our back 4 is going to stay compact and keep the line strong throughout, It is likely that Messi and Suarez will be looking to push us as deep as they can as Trebs instructed them to do last week. Watch out for the overlapping runs from Gaya and Danilo supporting the attack. Chambers i am putting you in to give the right hand side more energy to handle the pressure on the right hand side. We want to be strong centrally as well with Khedira and Clasie in the middle supporting Ogbonna and Varane looking to squeeze the attacks out in the midfield area before they get through to Varane and Ogbonna relieving the pressure on the back 4. Varane and Ogbonna you are going to be contending with Suarez and Messi, look to avoid going to ground just stay strong and look to put quick and careful tackles in.

Attacking Tactics:

We will be spreading the ball around the pitch and using this to our advantage so i'm looking at the midfield 5 to work as a unit and keep the ball between you, pass and move pass and move is the key instruction today. We need to keep possession to make it difficult for Barcelona to have an impact on the game like they usually do. Clasie i want you to look to start the attacks but again use the players around you for support, i don't want you to roam too far forward though so that you can support Khedira in the central area. Ozil, Turan and Gotze, you will all need to work extremely hard today and always look to keep the energy and tempo up throughout, it's likely we are going to be pressured when on the ball so we need to move the ball quickly and you 3 will be in charge of getting into space out wide and constantly pass and move and also look to cut inside as well and look to slot the ball through to Morata at every opportunity. Morata i am starting you today to give us more pace and the style of striker that you are will suit us better to go with our gameplan. Your movement in amongst the defenders will be key and getting beyond the Barcelona defence is going to be your objective, you will be receiving passes through from the 3 behind you so look to get into quality positions and make quality runs to match.

80th Minute: Mandzukic to come on for Morata and get in and around the Barcelona defence and give us more aerial threat.
85th Minute: Flamini to come on for Clasie to help support Khedira late on in case of any pressure.
90th Minute: Rosicky on for Turan to get involved in the attacks for the last few minutes.

--------------------------------Courtois ---------------------------

---------Ivanovic---- ---Otamendi---------Terry---------Alaba-----

------------------------Mikel---------------Matic-------------- ---------

---------- -----------------------Koke----------------------------------

---------Muller---------------------- -----------------Sanchez------------

------------------------------Lewandowski --------------------------------

Subs - Blackman, Cahill, De Silva, Ibe, Bolasie, Drogba

Injuries - Fabregas, Scheiderlin, Loftus Cheek, Azpilicueta

Tactics - Classic 4-3-3 set up, looking for Matic and Koke to dictate the play in midfield and get the ball into our front three. Playing a passing game but have the option to go more direct too with Muller/Lewa excellent in the air.

Defence

Willing to let their CBs have the ball deep, but as soon as they step up into the middle 3rd we'll press them, with the likes of Sanchez, Muller and Koke excellent here.

Strong physical presence with Matic and Mikel to break up the runs of the likes of Matuidi and Gundogan, Koke to sit on Carrick and prevent him dictating play if they look to use him for that in the first 10 or 15 mins.

Terry/Matic to challenge Ibra in the air, with Otamendi using his pace to mop up around him. We can afford to play a high line if they don't start with Lucas, as we think they lack pace elsewhere up front, squeezing the pitch.

Full backs to stay with their man primarily, but be mindful of runs into the channel between the centre backs.

Attack

Koke to look to play balls into the path of Hazard and Muller cutting in, but also make forward runs when they stay wider and look for the cutback

Matic to play box to box, but be prepared to cover for Alaba if he has gone forward

Lewandowski to lead the line and use his movement to pull the PSG CBs out of position, especially as Silva is injured and Luiz can be targeted. Muller to really look to support Lewa and be prepared to receive attacking balls at all times. Use crosses to get the ball into these two to mix it up

Alaba to get down the outside when Sanchez cuts in and offer an outlet, target Lewa and Muller with crosses. Ivanovic to do the same, but only one full back to go forward at a time

Mikel to look to play the ball to Koke/Matic as soon as he receives it, if not on then take the safe option.

Subs

If losing, Bolasie on to left wing with Mikel coming off and Koke dropping deeper and Sanchez/Muller rotating from the right and centrally

Cahill and Drogba on to consolidate if we are being dominated aerially late on

PSG

Injuries: Thiago Silva, Jean-Christophe Bahebeck , Sokratis Papastathopoulos , Nicolas Douchez
Starting XI: 4-3-3
GK: Salvatore Sirigu
RB: Serge Aurier
CB: Marquinhos
CB: Sergio Busquets
LB: Lucas Digne
DM: Blaise Matuidi
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
CM: Yohan Cabaye
RW: Edinson Cavani
FW: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
LW: Ezequiel Lavezzi

SUBS: Júlio César, Lucus, Michael Carrick, Daryl Janmaat, Maxwell, Pedro, Zoumana Camara

GAME PLAN: With Hazard back in the Chelsea side, we're likely to see changes with Chelsea looking to play wider wingers or with a play-maker dropping off the lone striker. Implementing a similar game-plan which pushed Bayern Munich all the way, the objective is to frustrate Chelsea when in possession by forcing them to move the ball side-ways or backwards. Throughout the side, I want to see high tempo pressing with the nearest man always looking to plug the gaps forcing the ball to be moved. On both flanks and in particular the defensive midfield positions, I want to see you double-up in numbers with both wingers and the midfield supporting by putting in a shift. Nullify the supply!

DEFENSIVE TACTICS: Perhaps only 21, Marquinhos has enough 'Big Game' experience to marshal the back-line. We will enforce a deeper line with tight-marking and will always look to remain on feet by standing the opposition up to counter the pace. Marquinhos will play as the limited defender who will pick up the main striker matching their pace. Sergio Busquets will pick up the secondary striker / advanced midfielder where Blaise Matuidi will play the ball-winning midfielder to help double-up. If they happen to have 2 strikers with a no.10, each will closely man mark with Cabaye covering. Both Full-Backs will remain limited full-backs who will look to push slightly further up the pitch doubling up with both wide-players. Look to isolate by forcing the wingers to backwards down the by-line.

ATTACKING TACTICS: Without possession, all 3 Forwards will look to hold a line and plug the gaps between Defence & Midfield. Force them to really move to work an opening if they play from the back. Terry, Cahill and Ivanovic in particular are not blessed with pace so Cabaye & Gundogan will both look to carry the ball 20/30 yards forward before spraying through balls finding the forwards, don't be afraid to play the ball over the top or through the back-line. Ibrahimovic will draw the defenders out to open up the space so look to get both wingers involved in a foot race between the centre-backs and full-backs.

SUBS
On 70 Mins: Pedro & Lucus will replace Cavani & Lavezzi. Freshen up both flanks and look to use your pace to run at both tiring Full-Backs.
On 75 Mins: Carrick will replace Cabaye, look to help the midfield tick over and look to always move the ball forward.