Pre-Match Guide

Prepare for the game:

Scout out the opposition weeks in advance to find out the in form players – you may already know the big name players in the opposition’s squad but scouting might provide you with a few surprises on who to look out for. It will also tell you in advance the form of players in the run up to the game.

Check the tactics the opposition have been using, particularly in previous European games – you will only be able to check the tactics they used in the previous game so you will have to remember to check after they play each of their games.

Look at the opposition’s squad on the day of the match for any last minute injuries or fitness problems.

If you do these three things you will have a good idea of what their tactics will be, who is likely to play, who is in form and who you should be watching out for.

Pre-match tactics:

Don’t radically change your tactics in a bid to counter against the opposition, equally don’t just think that you can go out, play your own game and dictate the play against a superior side - just because the tactics work against Irish League sides doesn’t mean they will work against the cream of Europe. If you are playing at home you can afford to be more adventurous, whilst still keeping it tight at the back as the game recognises home advantage.

Equally when playing away from home then it is time to defend from the front backwards – try playing away from home in Europe with all guns blazing and if they are any kind of a team at all they will just carve you up. This is why you should have at least two tactics to switch back and forth from game to game. If you plan to use man markers check to see who will they be man marking – will they be quick enough? Will they be able to win headers?

It is ok having a player who is great at man marking and is lightening quick but if he can’t jump and win a header and you put him up against someone like John Carew or Oliver Beirhoff then you are going to have a problem. So check to make sure you are matching your players abilities against theirs and not simply putting players into positions just because they have been playing there for all the other games. I’m specifically thinking about your two center backs or two center midfielders (if you are playing that formation!) and not about suddenly playing your right back as a left back just because his abilities are better matched against the opposition’s right winger.