12 Mar 2015 10:22:59
Ed, I am just wondering if you think that the formation we are currently using with 3 or 5 at the back(depending on how you look at it) will be a long term option because not many top teams, if any seem to use it but we are making it work. I think that it won't be used long term but was just wondering your opinion. as well as the other posters opinions of course. Thanks boss

{Ed001's Note - it depends on the players. If the players are there to suit the system, then it will be continued.}

1.) 12 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 11:37:06
Thanks Ed. Are there big downfalls to the formation? I only ask because not many teams use it.

{Ed001's Note - it leaves huge gaps in the wide areas for wingers to exploit. That was why it initially went out of fashion, as teams all used to have wingers. Now everyone has wrong footed wingers cutting inside, it plays into the strengths of a back 3/5, so it is not such an issue. Even if a team does use wingers, you can get around that, either holding back the wingbacks, or pushing them on to force back the wingers, depending on the opponent faced. You can have a very deep lying defensive midfielder (or two) to cover gaps centrally when a centre back is forced out wide, or to get out there and cover the gap himself. There are numerous ways of playing it, formations are not really all that relevant overall, it is more you employ tactics to get the most out of what you have at your disposal and exploit opponent's weaknesses.}

2.) 12 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 12:17:29
Considering what you have said, it seems our players may suit this way of playing very well. If you look at the young players we have, Wisdom and Ilori, playing either side of the central centre back could be beneficial as they have good enough pace to be forced out wide to handle a winger so its looks good for the future. As well as that, Lucas is a great player to have holding and I do rate him very highly. I've also noticed that the inside forwards get a lot of space as the opposition can't pick them up easily. It's always going to be countered though as this is what happens over time, I can see us mixing the formation up often as Brendo seems to try new ones all the time when things aren't going well. Thanks for the replies Ed.

{Ed001's Note - you are welcome mate.}

3.) 12 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 13:53:53
Brilliant response Ed001!

4.) 12 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 16:37:46
In addition, if you have players CB`s like Sahko or Toure who can play as auxillary FB`s (if needed), it allows the WB`s to get forward and allow them to pinch in and cover them because they are already comfortable defending in wide areas BUT the DM has to be able to cover that gap left by the CB until the other players arrive to help.

5.) 12 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 18:29:02
redohio, do you think Lucas is that players needed at DM? because I personally rate him very highly but some people don't see the player I see. Thinking about it, Gary Medel seems a great players for that role but unfortunately won't ever sign for us it seems, haha.

6.) 13 Mar 2015
12 Mar 2015 22:42:51
Like you, I rate him highly as well nd it`s a shame that mny don`t appreciate what he brings to the table. His positioning is excellent as well as his anticipation and ability to sense danger and snuff it out is aso very good, IMO. The fouls he commits are mostly necessary fouls that all DM`s make to stop danger. He could be and has shown to be that screen that protects the defence. Paired w/ Hendo`s energy and ability to cover a lot of ground both offensively and defensively, Lucas has been INTEGRAL to our upturn in form and our defence is no longer being exposed because he clearly cannot do tht on his own. Isn`t it ironic that the 2 players that get abused a lot by the fans are now part of the reason we are in the conversation for top4. Talk about the rejected stones becoming the cornerstones. I would be sad to see him go and don`t blame him due to the way BR has treated him. BUT Medel would be ideal because he plays in a similar 3-5-2 formation with Chile under Bielsa and Sampaoli (a Bielsa disciple) where he has sometimes played at CB and sweeper BUT will he wanna come here? With CL and a decent offer, maybe.

7.) 13 Mar 2015
13 Mar 2015 00:15:45
Wisdom can't get a game for west brom, he will be sold in the summer, ilori probably because he wasn't Rodgers signing

{Ed001's Note - he can't get a game because Pulis doesn't feel loanees are up for a fight, as he wants them to scrap their way up the table. Also he is not tall enough for a Pulis defender. Sorry but anyone judging a player by how he is treated by Tony Pulis, whose tactics consist of kicking everything as hard and far as you can, needs to take a step back and think about what they are doing! He is one of the worst culprits for the Prem's drop in quality football over recent years.}

8.) 13 Mar 2015
13 Mar 2015 08:03:04
3 years on from Pulis and Stoke are still violent cavemen. Nuf said

9.) 13 Mar 2015
13 Mar 2015 17:07:18
Exactly, Ed. He is a rubbish manager and one who condones thuggery on the field of play which made Stoke the most hated team in the PL. The fact that the media call him a genius and some here wanted him to take over from BR just shows how much people know about footie.