We've been looking at our options through a 4231 lens because of last season, but I have a gut feeling we will see a much more pronounced 433 this season.
We sort of played like it at times last year with Dembele pushed on, and it really shored us up defensively - the midfield two not cut off and overrun.
With Mason, the arrival of Alli, the return of Carroll and retention of Dembele it means we have a glut of central midfielders who are more comfortable breaking from midfield in a three than being part of a pair. Eriksen also being comfortable in a midfield three and stating his preference for 433 previously
When you factor in Dier starting games in midfield it make sense too - you can see him dropping in between the centre backs when we attack, and with the fullbacks pushing up it easily settling in to a 343, but a 4141 when defending.
Two things it needs though:
1. Good attacking fullbacks. Rose has pretty much nailed this, Walker has previous although slacking, and Trippier has great promise. Davies, not so much.
2. Goals from ALL the front three. Chadli can, Eriksen can (if played there) but both from the left. Lamela? Townsend? Pritchard? Potentially, but not a certaintly. Nothing concrete down the right.
Its looking like a 433 next season
posted on 6/8/15
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posted on 6/8/15
I don't understand why Alderwield isn't used a Dm if we really need to create one from our players, surely he has more experience at this role having covered there in the past? Dier didnt look any good playing there in the Audi cup from what i hear on this forum. Bit strange.
posted on 6/8/15
I hope your right HRH, the 'Dynamic' needs to change from the punderous way we played last season.
posted on 6/8/15
*ponderous
posted on 6/8/15
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posted on 6/8/15
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posted on 6/8/15
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posted on 6/8/15
Tarrico
I'm sure Poch is a 433 man - it'd be a return to what he is used to.
I wouldn't be comfortable with 4231 with the midfield options we have. Bentaleb and Dembele is the only partnership that provides any sort of protection, and even then it's still a bit open. Dier isn't really enough of an all round player to play in a pair either.
Carroll and Alli are both seeing game time too, no talk of loans. It does look like stocking up for a three.
I think Saturday we will see:
Dier
Bentaleb
Mason/Dembele/Alli/Carroll
Chadli
Kane
Eriksen
posted on 6/8/15
hope you are right.
we are set up to play 4 3 3 with our personnel and have been for ages.
posted on 6/8/15
Dier looked to lack awareness at times playing DM in the Audi cup and lost possession unnecessarily a couple of times. No big crime but not sure I'd want him there in the prem if that is in Poch's plans.