How about switching Henderson and Evans?

[Bergen Blade]

If we're going to stick with the 4-4-1-1, or whatever we call it, and still be as direct as we are, how about switching their positions so that Henderson drops back a bit deeper and Evans is our main striker?

Possible good effects:

- Henderson will either challenge for the high balls against opposition midfielders, or he will pull one of the central defenders out of the back line
- We will have a quicker and more mobile striker closer to goal, and there may be more space for him if Henderson pulls one of the centre backs out of position
- As Henderson will continue to play with his back to goal most of the time, it may free up space for Harper to get beyond him and get shots on goal


Worth trying?

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

That would effectively be our 4-4-2 though ... Henderson goes where the ball is dropping with the midfield watching the ball go over their heads and the other striker running in behind for the flick. Although I agree with the observation, we probably already do it!

You did mention that Harper would have space to get beyond. He should be doing this anyway - whatever formation - as we don't need to play two holders in the central midfield area. Monty hold, the other (Harper/Quinn) has to get on. Sometimes, the CM don't gamble enough for me.

It was only one game yesterday and the same tactics have been successful away for a long time. Yes, I want to see attractive football but I want to see effective winning football. Take the last two away games out and it has been effective for a year.

 

[Bergen Blade]

That would effectively be our 4-4-2 though ... Henderson goes where the ball is dropping with the midfield watching the ball go over their heads and the other striker running in behind for the flick. Although I agree with the observation, we probably already do it!

Part of the idea was to get Henderson to avoid the wrestling matches with the centre halves, and for that to happen I think he's got to drop deeper than he has, maybe also take more part in our build ups. Rosenborg has Steffen Iversen playing this role at the moment and it wouldn't be correct to label their formation 4-4-2.

You did mention that Harper would have space to get beyond. He should be doing this anyway - whatever formation - as we don't need to play two holders in the central midfield area. Monty hold, the other (Harper/Quinn) has to get on. Sometimes, the CM don't gamble enough for me.

Liverpool last season had these roles in central midfield last season;

Mascherano - ball winner
Alfonso - holding play maker
Gerrard - attacking midfielder

I wonder if this is what Blackwell is trying to copy at the moment. While these are all specialists in those roles, Harper, for me is a box to box midfielder and Evans is a striker. While Liverpool in Mascherano and Gerrard played two "holding" midfielders they had two very much direct (face to goal)players in Gerrard and Torres in front of them. (For now let's leave the wingers out of it)

Blackwell is always going to play with a target man though, but it seems a problem to have a non scoring, slow, back to goal target man as our man closest to goal, especially when backed up by a player who looks out of position and struggles to both create and score himself.


As for Harper, I am not quite sure what his instructions are, but as long as we play a non scoring back to goal target man he's got to push forward and aim to score goals.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Yes, switch Henderson and Evans - Henderson can sit on the bench and Evans can play up front - Excellent idea!