...or 5-3-2 if you like. It suited our squad last season and on the whole worked a treat. This season we started well with four at the back but the injuries mean we lack wide options. Imo going to wing backs once again plays to our current squads strengths. Plus it just brings the best out of some of our players. Thoughts.
For Stoke? Go back to 4-4-2. Get Big Abdi back in to smash em to bits. Certain goal for him too. Proven FACT.
Yes. 3-5-2 as much as possible, we look miles better with two up front and it's the only way we can play two up front without sacrificing a midfielder.
I do like us to have three in centre mid and two up front is proper. Elmo too just looks twice the player as a wing back.
I expect to see 3-5-2 against Stoke. The back three are playing too well to drop one, Graham just scored and Sagbo has been a beast. ------------- McGregor ------------- ------ Chester - Bruce - Davies ------ ---------------------------- Figueroa ------------ Huddlestone ------------ Elmo --- Livermore ---- Meyler ------- ------------------------------------- ------- Graham ---- Sagbo ---------- Elmo more advanced than Figueroa making it almost 442 attacking. As soon as Graham and Meyler start to tire in the second half, Gedo (if he makes the squad) and Brady on for them to get fresh legs on. It'd still feel harsh on Rosenior but after the past few performances I have to agree with sticking this way. If Stoke look like they're exploiting our 3-5-2 we can shift to a back four with the players we have, and can always bring Rosenior on at half time for that.
I would stick with it. The players look comfortable playing and passing it through the formation and are hard to break down.
I would use 3-5-2 where we seem more likely to pick up points, certainly. I think we looked and sounded great tonight. On 5 live the commentators were very complimentary about our play and certain players (Davies/Livermore/Huddlestone/Sagbo) it's refreshing to hear our players get well deserved praise.
Definitely stick with it away against teams we can beat - the only player in the squad that is disadvantaged by this formation is Rosie which is a shame - but it worked in the championship and it can work against those not in the top 8 in this league...
Depends who we are playing against. I'm sure SB will know which formation will suit which match - in SB we trust. (I wouldn't change the starting 11 for Saturday)
Depends who we're playing against to be honest, first half vs the bin sifters with 3-5-2 we were OK, but 2nd half with 4-4-2 we were immense. 3-5-2 works better away from home I think, allows us to pack the midfield, whilst having the ability to press their defence with 2 strikers, at home 4-4-2 gives us a more attacking look, just need to make sure Elmo is not at rb.....
Yes as it suits us very well especially now that Chester is back fit. Alex Bruce has slotted in very well and has the 3rd shirt. But with McShane and Faye now fit and rarin to go it is all very good. Having Rosie on the bench SB can switch to 4-4-2 if needed and release Elmo more. I am not happy with Elmo's defending notrmally but last night Elmo was top class. Going forward and playing like he can do Elmo is one of the best in the PL atm. imo
Last night's was one of the biggest starting XIs we've fielded in a while, I'd say. So it's overwhelmingly likely that it'll be the same against Stoke.
Agreed. But we had some tired legs by the end. Meyler especially was more than running on empty by the final whistle. Stoke have 2 extra days recovery time. The subs bench may well change but who will come in and who will make way. No Gedo - Fryatt for starters last night.
