Probably unlikely, but I think it would be a great formation against Spurs. It is a solid defensive formation when we don't have the ball, yet transitions to an attacking formation really quickly and means, perhaps most importantly, that Lukaku would not be isolated.
As we saw last night, the midfield is often bolstered by one of the CBs too, Tuanz especially helped carry the ball out and allowed Herrera/McTominay more freedom. This in turn gives Lingard a free role, which he thrived on.
The Spurs game probably comes too soon for this formation, as we are still without Bailley and Rojo, plus Jones is still carrying a knock. Of course, Spurs are a different proposition to Swansea too, but a 3-5-2 helps to stop Kane bullying the CBs and the 2 forwards will leave them with their own headaches.
For me, when done right, it's the perfect big game formation.
-------------------DDG---------------------
------Jones----Smalling----Blind--------
Valencia-----------------------------Young
---------------Herrera-Matic---------------
-------------------Lingard-------------------
---------Lukaku----------Rashford---------
3-5-2 for Saturday?
posted on 25/10/17
I don't dispute it isn't an attacking formation it depends on how it is used ultimately, and the manager responsible. For me how a team really lines up is the defensive shape and starting formation before the ball is kicked. Attacking instructions and nuances cause shape to change heavily.
I never called you a moron, I only posted Lol.
posted on 25/10/17
You compared me to Stretty, that is an insult worthy of death!
posted on 25/10/17
True tbf
posted on 25/10/17
On your point about starting formation.... When we start with a 3-5-2, the wingbacks will be lined up with the two CMs.
Theoretically, the team could line up with a back 5, then dominate the possession and the fullbacks never leave the opposition half other than those initial seconds.
posted on 25/10/17
The starting formation is probably more a rule of thumb and is more accurate when defending than attacking.
In games like the home Draw vs Swansea I have seen almost every player bar the keeper never leave their half really. Look at the average position part at the bottom of this https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1190202/MatchReport/England-Premier-League-2017-2018-Tottenham-Swansea
posted on 25/10/17
This is why I say it is fluid though... When you are under the kosh, it forms a solid wall... When you are on the front foot, you can push extra players forward.. When it is tight, you can dominate the midfield.
I'd say it is one of the hardest formations to get right, but when it works, it is one of the most effective.
posted on 25/10/17
I feel we are getting onto another topic now, but yes I really like the 523 we play as well. With (when fit) Dembele and Wanyama not being the best passers of the ball it allows so much creativity from Alderweirled/Vertonghen (similarly Luiz/Azpi last season with Kante/Matic).
In my mind though there is nothing better in football than a well drilled 433, get the midfield balance right and you will dominate.
posted on 25/10/17
yep - 433 is great, as shown by real and barca in the last decade or so. Helps when most of your starting 11 are world class
posted on 25/10/17
We don't usually look that good when playing 352. And struggle badly playing the ball out when pressed.
Even last night on the odd occasion Swansea did push up and pressurise the back three we resorted to passing back to the keeper or going long.
Against Spurs we'll struggle even more as they're one of the best pressing sides around.
We have more out balls when we play four at the back, especially as the full backs are closer to the cb's.
posted on 25/10/17
532*