Formation Dilemma

[Bad English]

Granted it was Wigan, but we've seemed to stumble upon something that works. I'm interested to see how we come out against citeh.

What was the formation Villadelph?

At times, it looked like a hybrid version of "Wembley", "Spud" and "What's the time Dr Wolf?". Still, we won so I think Alex should pursue this strategy. I do think he might want to bring in a bit of Kiss-chase" if we start scoring more than one goal per game on a regular basis.

[Matt Collins]

I can't see us playing the same diamond v citeh. We need more protection against city's nimble attacking midfielders, and I'd be worried their full backs would have too much space.

[Mazrim]

Diamonds aren't forever.

Tactical flexibility is the order of the day. Whatever criticisms may be levelled at McLeish he does at least try and mix it up a bit.

[AV82EC]

Diamonds aren't forever.

Tactical flexibility is the order of the day. Whatever criticisms may be levelled at McLeish he does at least try and mix it up a bit.

agreed. You'd think after the rigidity of the Mon era people would be jumping for joy at someone trying a few different ways of playing!

[oldtimernow]

well it looks like it's 451 against Citeh with EH being the defending striker

[Mazrim]

I personally dont see any value in setting up too defensively against Man City. If we sit back they'll murder us.
May as well go for it I say. Not recklessly but purposefully.

[eastie]

I would keep the same team at city, as maz says no point sitting back and hoping for a draw , might be tempted to swap clark for delph but otherwise id like to see the same team and formation as against wigan, gabby is on form and ireland will be up for the game so we might as well have a go at them-i expect nothing either way to be honest but they are too good to just sit back and try and defend against.

[N'ZMAV]

I'd like to see Bannan more central.

[Concrete John]

I think formation should be defined by the players.  If you're starting 11 has 5 midfielders then it's 4-5-1, but should you have two strikers that can't play anywhere else, then 4-4-2 it is.  We saw a midfield diamond on Saturday not because AM wanted to try it, or at least not mainly, but because the players in form that he wanted to pick suited that formation best.

So, if you want to look for our best formation, look at our best 11.  The keeper and flat back 4 pretty much pick themselves, as do Bent and Gabby, wheteher the latter be wide or up top.  I also think Bannan's form makes him an automatic choice right now.  And lastly Petrov, as captain and the nearest thing we have to a DCM, will start.   

So you start with our usual defence and Given behind them and Petrov infront.  Bent up top and then Bannan and Gabby somewhere in the midfield/forward area.  That leaves two places and I think Jenas hasn't come not to play, plus he'd add some experience and strength to the central midfield area, so he slots in alongside Petrov.  That last player is therefore from the options of Heskey, Delph, Ireland, N'Zogbia or Albrighton.  I think ideally you'd want N'Zogbia in form and playing - again we didn't pay £10m not to play him. 

So if that's the best 11, then foramtion wise it strongly leans towards 4-3-3 for me.  Gabby and N'Zog wide of Bent and Bannan as the furthest forward of a 3 man midfield:-

Given

Hutton
Dunne
Collins
Warnock

Petrov
Jenas
Bannan

Gabby
N'Zogbia

Bent 

[Mazrim]

Good post John but N'Zogbia has to earn his place and if the player in front of him cost us nowt but is doing the business, tough tittays!
Obviously though N'Zogbia has a lot of ability so once he does settle in and finds his form he will be a fixture you'd imagine.

I'd like to think McLeish will mix and match his line up to suit though rather than just pick an in-form XI. Yes that has to happen to a degree as it would be demotivating to drop a player doing well for somebody not doing so well just because they play in a natural position that is needed at that moment. However, it is a squad game and players wont get form back unless they're trusted.

When all players are fit McLeish has more options than we might think. I'd like to see him be canny and creative with them.

[QBVILLA]

Fair play to McLeish for having the balls to drop N'Zogbia on Saturday.It's early days but for whatever reason he hasn't done the business yet for us.For McLeish to leave out his biggest signing in favour of Bannan sends a message out to the whole squad that no one can get too comfortable.

[villadelph]

Cuellar Dunne Collins Warnock

Albrighton   Petrov      N'Zogbia

      Irenland     Gabby

                 Bent



FROM NOW ON.