2008/09 season - what formation to use?

[adam_cann 0]

I've seen in a few other posts lately about us reverting to 4-4-2 next season, but I'm not of the same opinion. I think we should keep the 4-3-3 as we've been unbeaten with it, whereas we were getting thumped beforehand. I know confidence is also a major part of the revival, but teams can't work us out at the moment.

 

The front three - It seems to me that the two centre-backs are trying to pick up Martins and Viduka, leaving Owen to ghost into his once predatory positions. Owen has also been working hard getting back to make it seem like a 4-4-2 without the ball anyway. I think we should leave the front three as is, though as good as Viduka has been playing I still feel we can get someone to do the same job with a greater range of movement. I'd give Carroll a start or two at least before season's end to see if he could be a find.

 

The middle of the park - Geremi, Butt and Barton have all contributed well in our recent resurgence. This is the main area of the team I feel we can improve in the summer. I can't help thinking N'Zogbia would thrive at the moment in this system, but his days here seem numbered. Replacing Geremi with someone like Modric could make a huge difference, though it could compromise us defensively a bit. I like Butt's endeavour, but his passing can be way off and he knackers easily in some games. A young replacement with an eye for a pass would be ideal (Lassana Diarra would have done the trick back in January). Barton can stay for the time being as he's beginning to get some form back, but I still feel he's lost a yard of pace on last season, which I'd hope with a full pre-season behind him he'll get back.

 

The defence - It's been a pleasure seeing Habib Beye in a black n white shirt this season and I think he can get even better next season. Enrique is coming along and I'd only ask that KK get's some cover for him, but I think if he can learn the language in the summer he'll have a good year next season. I've been critical of Taylor and I still think he's a twat, but he's been getting some form back recently and has no doubt benefited on the settled partnership with Faye. Faye has been another decent buy and with a top-notch centre-back coming in could be moved into midfield as an upgrade over Butt.

 

The keeper- Shay has been super for the majority of his career with us and I will never forget some of the situations he's got us out of...but he will be cursing Marlon Harewood for possibly the rest of his career. He just hasn't been the same since and I think it'd be an injustice if Harper doesn't start next season as the No.1.

[Holden McGroin 6939]

I agree with all of that. This formation seems to be working a treat although we haven't played a top 4 team yet. Chelsea might will be a test though.

 

 

I also think the current 11 suit the formation perfectly and if any of the full backs/midfield/strikers (even Geremi) were to drop out I think we might struggle.

[Tooj 17]

Depends on the players we bring in.

[Howay 12496]

I sort of agree with all of the above, I would like to see us bring in players who would suit playing in this system. Like Modric as he gets played on the left but prefers the centre this formation allows a fair bit of freedom.

[Offshore Toon 0]

Good post.

 

It is hard to tell what will happen next season, especially with the goalkeeping situation. Harper has played very well, but Given has shown that he can be the best 'keeper in the Premiership (even ahead of Cech, who is vastly overrated by the media).

 

Part of me would be tempted to go for a diamond-esque formation, with Owen as an AMC, similar to how he is now. If we were to replace Viduka with another, better target-man, then I would hope that we'd have two wingers playing at all times. It would be a bit of a waste, otherwise.

Edited April 24, 2008 by Offshore Toon

[Holden McGroin 6939]

Good post.

 

It is hard to tell what will happen next season, especially with the goalkeeping situation. Harper has played very well, but Given has shown that he can be the best 'keeper in the Premiership (even ahead of Cech, who is vastly overrated by the media).

 

Part of me would be tempted to go for a diamond-esque formation, with Owen as an AMC, similar to how he is now. If we were to replace Viduka with another, better target-man, then I would hope that we'd have two wingers playing at all times. It would be a bit of a waste, otherwise.

 

I think if you play a diamond then your need right/left midfielders rather than wingers.

[Papa Lazaru 0]

Just guessing, but i think ultimately Keegan will switch back to a 4-4-2 for next season when he has the players he wants in to do that system.

 

However i think this season will have shown Keegan that he can operate another system when the situation calls for it, and so we may see 4-3-3 used as well as the more traditional 4-4-2 if he thinks its the best for a certain game, or maybe see him switch during games from one to the other.

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

Depends on the players we bring in.

Exactamundo.

 

I've always been a 442 man, but the current system is fine by me as long as it keeps delivering results.

[Offshore Toon 0]

Good post.

 

It is hard to tell what will happen next season, especially with the goalkeeping situation. Harper has played very well, but Given has shown that he can be the best 'keeper in the Premiership (even ahead of Cech, who is vastly overrated by the media).

 

Part of me would be tempted to go for a diamond-esque formation, with Owen as an AMC, similar to how he is now. If we were to replace Viduka with another, better target-man, then I would hope that we'd have two wingers playing at all times. It would be a bit of a waste, otherwise.

 

I think if you play a diamond then your need right/left midfielders rather than wingers.

Nonsense.

 

Attack, attack, attack!

Edited April 24, 2008 by Offshore Toon