So are you thinking 4-4-2 then? I wonder how adaptable the formation will be, I remember Lambert swapping things around almost every week. Hughton comes accross as more of a settled and thoughfull manager. We seemed to have different setups depending on the oposition last season which made us hard to figure out. We are turning into a side which has specialist players playing in their preferred position which last season we didn't this should mean we do better, but who knows.
4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 probably, depending on opposition. 4-2-3-1 seems the favoured line up so 4-1-3-2 is also possible. many say that too much is read into formations - this is not true. if a manager gets his formation wrong it can lead to a thumping and its far more important than some 'experts' have you believe, but its also important, as you say, to be flexible and adapt during games. many of the players have experience of playing differently under lambert so i doubt there'd be too many issues. i just want to see a slightly more settled back four this year. he can rotate the forward thinking players more but i think its important to have continuity at the back
I thought Johnson had a decent game against QPR who admittedly had a poor midfield. He does hit some wayward passes I must admit but Pilks was very guilty of that last week as well. In a 5 man middle (I prefer two up front) I haven't seen Tettey play of course but have to assume he will start when fit. And I see Howson and Snodgrass as starters so that leaves two places in my reckoning. One will be a left sided player so at the moment its Pilks over Surman. Leaving one spot. Perm what you prefer from that.
You would have to assume he would be the choice when fit. He can pass but can't tackle (our Scholes?) so does need protecting. Lets hope Tettey is that man.
I'd have Fox, Howson and Tettey in the middle. They can interchange as Tettey can play further up the pitch with good effect I.e swap with Howson. If then play Snodgrass on the right with Hoolahoop or Pilks on the left, with plenty of interchanging options to make defending against us difficult. Just not convinced we have a lone striker... I like the look of Holt and Jackson...4-4-2 at home is certainly sensible.
Reckon the side would look like this then: Ruddy Martin barnett bassong garrido Fox Johnson/tettey Snoddy Howson Pilks Holt Not bad but id feel for Johnson if he were dropped after he had such a good game v QPR
