Our formation first half was:
Howard
Davies Collins Butler Paling
JCR Dimaio Doyle Reed Murphy
Porter
Same formation as most of the second half of last season, Doyle anchoring the midfield. Dimaio and Reed trying to push forward. I think we were a bit surprised at how aggressive and motivated Burton were. We looked to be taking it easy and probably regretted we hadn't picked an easier game! Only once or twice did we get any sort of attacking moves going, so probably a bit harsh to dismiss any individual player.
Before half time we had changed to 4-4-2 with Murphy moving forward and Reed going to left midfield.
In the second half the formation was 4-4-2, like this:
Long
Alcock Maguire McGahey Harris
Crawford Basham McGinn Scougall
De Girolamo Baxter
A few interesting/surprising things:
- Scougall in a wide left role (couldn't get involved a lot)
- Basham doing box to box with McGinn holding back more
- Crawford looking neat and tidy, but isn't a wideman so how is he going to impress playing on the right? He's probably another who'd prefer Doyle's role.
- De Girolamo looking very promising, time to treat him as a real member of the first team
Many, me included, have thought Basham is Doyle's replacement, but as mentioned he was the most attacking of the two central midfielders in the second half. I'm not sure he's got enough about him in terms of composure and creativity to do that role, although he's got the fitness.
McGinn was average, although we had a better shape after the break. Him and Basham won't be good enough as a midfield partnership imho. I think it's good to try new things in pre season though.
