I would prefer to retain the current setup and try to put the best possible options in the positions.

The wing play we've seen is quite important to how we've been able to string together results, going 3-5-2 spoils that and could potentially lead to a game which Chelsea control (the type of game we would probably lose).

I'd rather take the game to Chelsea in the same way that we have against the other recent opponents, should individuals come up short (such as McNair at CB or Rooney at holding) I'd accept it.

I think the shape and style has to be retained for us to have a chance of the win.

That's a fair comment, and I do agree with it. But I don't think LVG will be willing to sacrifice strength in the middle.
I'm not saying it will be as good as our usual 4-3-3. But LVG might see it as a safer bet than the one you suggested.

If the players injured are out. 352 is the way to go

As well as we have been playing, I am a fan of the 352 and wouldn't mind us reverting to that given the injuries.

Who would play in it though?

Evans, Rojo, Jones and Blackett aren't available.

So just to confirm, to counteract the fact that we have injuries at CB and CM, you want to play a formation that needs 3 of each?

Excellent idea. Give the OP manager of the year

comment by Robb Lannister - a Lannister always wins his bets. (U20351)
posted 3 minutes ago
Who would play in it though?

Evans, Rojo, Jones and Blackett aren't available.
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Was not aware Blackett was out
I was going to say something like this
De Gea
McNair Smalling Blackett
Valencia Herrera Fellaini Shaw
Mata Rooney Young

More of a 3-4-3.
Keeps most of our forward options open whilst tightening up at the back. However if Blackett is injured then I'm not sure we have anyone else to step in

comment by vidicthelegend VIVA LA REVOLUTION (U8735)
posted 40 seconds ago
So just to confirm, to counteract the fact that we have injuries at CB and CM, you want to play a formation that needs 3 of each?

Excellent idea. Give the OP manager of the year
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Well considering we don't have our strongest players there, I would suggest having an extra body in there. I really don't understand your issue. How about we don't play anyone there? All our best players are strikers after all. Let's just put them on

Sticking an extra body in there really worked at the start of the season didn't it.

We need to stick with the formation that has served us so well. A couple of injuries shouldn't mean we change the entire ethos of the team.

Well yes it did in terms of results. I don't think our current success is entirely down to the formation.
What 4-3-3 would you suggest? If Blind and Carrick are both out?

comment by Robb Lannister - a Lannister always wins his bets. (U20351)
posted 1 hour, 14 minutes ago
Who would play in it though?

Evans, Rojo, Jones and Blackett aren't available.
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Whats wrong with Blackett?

He's on loan elsewhere!

I would have the team set up like this...

----------------DDG---------------
Valencia---Smalling---McNair---Shaw
-------------------Herrera---------------------
Di Maria---Mata-----Fellaini-----Young
----------------Rooney------------------------

For me I would stick with the formation and do this

Shaw for Blind
McNair for Jones
Di Maria for Carrick (with Herrera being the deepest MF).

Not ideal but it would keep most in the same places that they have played so well.

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