I’m not averse to three at the back per se but not sure we have the players for it especially until Salter is back. Paal, much as I’m not a fan, the only real candidate as a wing-back on that side. Any of Santos/Ashby/Smyth on the other have their various strengths and mainly weaknesses. Cook has to be in the middle of any three and JCS the left which means Dunne on the right of it realistically.We need a change of tactics and to inject some energy into this lethargic looking team.
we need to have two up front and the only realistic way to achieve this is by having a back three with two wide men.
When available the back three surely must be Cook, Fox, JCS.
There are a number of possibilities for the wide men but I would go with Lloyd and Smyth. Chair playing a ten role in front of Colback/Varane and Field.
Frey up front probably with Celar who needs to be given a chance but failing him Dembele.
couldn’t be any worse than the current set up
Then you still have the problem with the midfield. Do you go with two of the crap options then only one of our floaty lovely under-performing ‘tens’ or go two attacking midfielders and be even more lightweight ahead of the defence?