I think a 4-3-3 formation should be the way forward in this instance if we are going to stick with this squad to be honest. Instead of 4-2-3-1. 4-3-3 ------------Courtois----------- Ivan--Cahill---Terry---Dave ----Fab---Matic----Oscar---- Willian---Costa---Hazard--- Fabregas will not be quite so far up the pitch but can still get forward enough to assist. Ditto with Oscar, cept he can track back more,maybe swap him out with Rambo for some games and put him up front instead of Willian. If we persist with a 4-2-3-1 Costa is going to continue to be isolated up front on his own and Matic will have too much work to do on his own in a CM two.
Definately worth a try. We dont have the players in form to play 4-2-3-1. Costa needs service, Hazard needs Costa and Willian to take some goal scoring load off him. Maybe even 4-4-2 is worth a look occasionally? Looks like some reinforcements are on the way.
I'd rotate Ivanovic into the centre. It is only certain players he struggles with but on times his wing play going forwards is as valuable as Hazard's, and Jose likes a stable back four and changes only for injury. Until he subbed JT that is.
whatever formation we play, unless the game is going through Oscar and Fabregas we lose the midfield.
Good call D Fer, Ivan is out of form not out of time. He should be swapped occasionally into CD and with Baba arriving, maybe Jose will do so.
Worst two games he's ever had for Chelsea. Roasted by Montero then gave away two soft goals v City. But no need to get out knickers in a twist over Iva. He is quality and our new vice captain will deliver
Doh course not, just saying he has pace and strength and experience in the centre and should play there when a real speed merchant is going down the opponent's left. We have other full backs who can mark those players and even force them back.
I saw someone on the Shed earlier suggesting we play Ivanovic at CDM. Post of the year. People calling for a formation change from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 maybe don't realise what a fluid interpretation of a 4-2-3-1 Chelsea played anyway. With Oscar and Cesc playing it resembled a combination of the two. The formation that flicks up on the screen before the game is too rigid.
All teams with good players are fluid to an extent, when in control the attacking team can even push the fullbacks forward. In a close game or if under pressure it's vital the defence and midfield hold it's shape so 433 becomes the safer option.
Agree with this. 4231, 433 and 451 are not dramatically different. It's more about the instructions you give to players in the roles. In a 4231, the 2 defensive mids may be asked to sit, or one may be more box to box in which case it's not dramatically different from say a 433. The difference between 433 and 451 pretty much seems to depend on whether you have traditional wingers or inside forwards. I'd say we played 451 with Robben and Duff but Barca play 433 nowadays.
If Ivanovic is that bad at RB then we definitely shouldn't be playing him in a position he's never played before. If he isn't dropped for the WBA game Mourinho has to be questioned on it.
