Formation

[Bladeinleeds]

Given the squad building we have done so far do we think we are wedded to the 532/352 from last season?

Obviously I see no reason to change from a formation that suits pretty much our entire squad.

- allows the attacking fullbacks to roam
- allows for an experienced head in the middle of defence to help organise O'Connell and basham.
- let's fleck and coutts control play
- puts Duffy in his best position
- gives sharp a partner so he's not isolated

But - do we actually have the personnel in the squad to go back to playing with wingers now. Only really Thomas as an out and out winger in the side. Brooks could play there and possible freeman could be pushed up?

Our transfer targets didn't seem to be focusing that way either. With Leonard or Lunstram completing for a central place.

 

[Newbury Blade]

I say go back to 2-3-5. Served us very well getting us out of the 2nd tier back in '53.
Moore
Freeman Lafferty
Basham Stearman O'Connell
Brooks Coutts Sharp Fleck Duffy

 

[Slim Man]

I think if we were change from 5-3-2 we'd go with 4-2-3-1

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

There's already more flexibility in the squad. 3-5-2, 5-3-2, 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 3-2-3-2, 4-3-3 are all possibilities, assuming Wilder gets what he's stated. Some are stronger than others, but no doubt they've worked on a few in training.

 

[BushBlade]

We've got the best part of a month to assess the side in proper competition before the window closes. Just like last season, if CW decides the formation isn't working, he'll change it. If it needs someone bringing in, he'll bring someone in.

 

[DronnieBlade]

It's 3:4:1:2.

Horses mouth !

UTB

 

[TJB.]

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[S64 Blade]

Signing Murphy, or someone similar would give us more options in terms of formations. We could go more easily play a classic 4-4-2, or 4-2-3-1 / 4 -5-1 with Murphy and Brooks/Thomas out wide. We are currently lacking width and pace, so I feel are bit more limited.

Having said that, I hope we stick to what we do best and don't worry about other teams so much.

 

[SwissBlade]

We didn't play 5-3-2 last season, it was 3-5-2. I know that might sound pedantic, but we don't have fullbacks, and whilst Freeman and Lafferty have defensive duties when necessary, do not form part of the defensive set up. In the same way that Coutts and Fleck are midfielders, no matter how deep lying, they are both midfielders.

Technically speaking, the wing back positions which we play with are sitting slightly deeper when we defend than Coutts and fleck. They're not always balanced in the attacking role as Freeman attacks more and Lafferty tends to cover attacks down the left more.

From what i understand, the pre season games so far have leaned towards 3-5-2, but with Coutts, Fleck forming the base of a triangle and Brooks in front, just behind the two strikers. The brooks position has become slightly more attacking when Ched played (and i think i read when Lavery played too) as he sits behind the two strikers.

The formation though is a guide, because in defence we have often got a bank of 4-6 (not necessarily symetrical) with busy players in front and when we attack we can be left with just 2 defenders covering. The 3-5-2, for me, lends itself to fast counters.

 

[Maidenhead]

Ever heard the phrase paralysis by analysis?

I bet Wilder has

 

[BushBlade]

Ever heard the phrase paralysis by analysis?

I bet Wilder has

He doesn't suffer from it though.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Putting aside the question of which formation we play for a moment, with the players we've brought in, our bench this season will be incredibly strong.

Already there may be decent players that aren't selected to play, yet spend their time hoping that the call will come for them to get game time. I can't recall a time when the players we've bought have been so good. All managers make mistakes, or maybe it's simply a case of a player not performing to the standards they were capable of delivering. To Wilder's credit there have been few such players, and those who've not played, Hussey and Wilson are the obvious candidates, have eventually gone out on loan which is exactly what they hope will kick-start their careers, so good luck to them. But back to the squad Wilder has assembled, we're looking strong in most departments, and with a bench that won't have any poor players on it we're already looking capable of not just holding our own in the Championship, but of achieving some success this season. UTB

 

[Tunstall Fred]

One of the many things i like about our present regime is the willingness to change formation,during games,several times if needs be

 

[Bladezz]

We've played 3 pre season friendlies and we always have had 3 at the back. Don't think that's changing.

We could go:

3412 (last season)
352 (one sitting instead of attacking)
343 (two wingers like Chelsea / Tottenham)

These are the options we have with 3 at the back. We used them a lot last season. Occasionally going to 4 at the back etc. But mainly it will be the top 3.

 

[Isaw Joeshaw]

My favourite formation is 4 - 1 - 2 - 3 , rarely played ( Chelsea a few seasons ago ?) and my best all time Blades xl in my lifetime would be :

Kelly

Badger. Joe Shaw. David Powell. Graham Shaw

Hockey

Hagan Currie

Woodward. Deane. Colin Grainger

Assuming all were in their prime, I 'd fancy their chances against ANY Premiership club today.

Although none of our present squad can really compare, what do others think would be the nearest equivalent based on who we've currently got.?

 

[Ldn_Rd_Blades]

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No need to swear

 

[Ricky]

3-4-1-2 / 3-5-2
Moore
Basham Stearman O'Connell
Freeman Coutts Fleck Stevens
Duffy
Sharp Clarke

3-4-2-1 / 3-5-2
Moore
Basham Stearman O'Connell
Freeman Coutts Fleck Stevens
Brooks Lavery
Sharp

4-4-2
Moore
Baldock Stearman O'Connell Stevens
Carruthers Lundstram Fleck Brooks
Sharp Clarke

4-2-3-1
Moore
Baldock Stearman O'Connell Stevens
Coutts Fleck
Brooks Carruthers Thomas
Sharp

4-3-3
Moore
Baldock Stearman O'Connell Stevens
Coutts Lundstram Fleck
Brooks Sharp Lavery

 

[Ldn_Rd_Blades]

Think we will 352 and try switching to 433 if needed like last season but I don't think we have the pace for this in the championship

Wilder likes 4231 which gives the cbs more cover and would fit another mf with in, which we seem to have an abondance of, at the expense of a cb.