If plan A was 4-5-1 and plan B was 4-4-2, is there a plan C?
Given that we have three central defenders of broadly equal ability, each of whom likes to get forward, should we try to accommodate all three? And, given that we have five gifted midfielders each of whom would be an asset to any side in the league and, whilst playing all five we went on a recording-breaking run, should we try to accommodate all five? And, given that many - at least on here - would prefer us to play with two strikers, Jonjo Shelvey would be able to create more chances with two strikers to pick out (instead of one) and we have a number of strokers who seem to play more offensively when partnered, should we try to accommodate two strikers?
So, would 3-5-2 present a suitable third way for Charlton?
Goalkeeper
Dailly
Sodje
Llera
-- Sam -- Racon --- Shelvey --- Semedo --- Bailey --
Burton
Mooney
There's width, pace, nous and skill in that XI. And we'd certainly be difficult to defend set pieces against, with combinations of Llera, Sodje and Dailly up for corners and Llera, Bailey and Shelvey taking set pieces.
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Comments
Goalkeeper
---Richardson----Dailly
Sodje
Llera
Youga
Sam
Bailey--
Racon
Burton
Mooney
in my opinion that's more negative than the 4-4-1-1 we were playing.
The last 2 matches have shown we should not move Bailey from CM, he's reborn there and on fire.
Why would we want to take that from the side?
Likewise Semedo, really solid in that gatekeeper/anchorman role in front of the defence and working very well centrally.
Then there's a question of lack of pace at the back. Ok Sam Sodje's quick enough but you wouldn't want to expose Llera or a 36 year old Daily to a speedy winger exploiting the space behind the wingbacks.
Sam is capable of causing mayhem in dangerous areas further forward, why reduce his effectiveness by saddling him with extra defensive duties as a wingback. And if Bailey was put back to LM, not only do you lose his impact centrally but there's no pace and thrust going forward on that left side.
Youga's has been playing out of his skin covering both FB positions, but he does have the pace and thrust getting down the LM side - and it would be like shooting ourselves in the foot to leave him out of the side completely.
We've got a side that's gelled very well as a team in the last couple of games, showing terrific spirit and application.
Why pull it apart unnecessarily to accomodate Jonjo? His time will come.
Your's is a much more practical use of players, CEjnr. Especially with our 2 full backs who like to bomb down the wing.
Then give Sam more of a free role when attacking, but he'd still need to cover Richardson.
We'd also need to play a high line at the back, otherwise the midfield could easily get isolated from the front 2.
But personally, I'd rather the extra man in midfield, especially away matches.
Sorry, Chizz!
After Sam Sodje was sent off, under the same conditions if we'd played that formation in the 1st half we could have been slaughtered.......!
As Ketman pointed out, it has it's uses as a tactical change during specific match conditions.
So definitely horses for courses.
Goalkeeper
Dailly
Sodje
Llera
Richardson ---- Shelvey --- Semedo --- Bailey ---Youga----
Burton
Mooney
Dailly sweeping would stop any confusion with 3 centerbacks and his reading of the game makes this position ideal for him. Richardson and Youga will both work harder than most in the challenging wide role,both can defend and certainly dont mind getting forward. Bailey,Semedo and Shelvey would give everything a central midfield needs,tackling,vision,hard work and support for the front two. I wouldn't play it every week but i'd like to see how it worked on the pitch
No thats plan D
Also on Racon, maybe not had his best games recently but others have had bad spells and come good again such as Bailey so not going to write him off or start imagining that "his heart's not in it". Maybe two storms don't suit his style and maybe playing wider isn't him either. Still it's the team that matters and if that means sacrificing him at present then so be it.
the full backs would have to work hard, but are both very capable defending & going forward. only problem is have no-one to back them up unless you say sodje covers on the right and llera on the left. would be interesting one though and definately worth a shout!
I agree with you that we have to be versatile and play the system which will give us the best chance of winning depending on how the opposition are lined up. However, I would counter your point about the top teams not playing 442 every game by saying that I don't believe ANY of the top sides in Europe play 3-5-2. It is dying out due to the physical demands you place on the wingers/wing backs.
Even assuming the discipline of one wingback staying back when we attack providing 4 defenders, a quick long ball over the top by opponents could leave acres of uncovered space behind our attacking wingback especially with Dailly sitting behind Sodje and Lera - a real soft underbelly to the defence begging to be exploited.
And not a prayer of holding a defensive line - or getting an offside flag.
We'd see plenty of goals both ends, though - each game could be a 4-1 win or a 3-2 loss, ........... a manager's nightmare perhaps, but a treat for the fans - if your pacemaker doesn't give out first!
I can't see the reasoning of changing a squad around when we are essentially successful. If we were losing week in week out and it got our best players into the team then it's worth the risk. A judicious use of 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 atm should easily see us competing for promotion places; one of the great mistakes by Parky would be to neglect playing 4-5-1 in many away matches just because a strike pairing does well in a few home games. As much as Richardson and Youga are good going forward they are not directly leading to assists, Mouta did and Sam is the main assist outlet. It seems folly to me to try 3-5-2 now.
;o)
That takes Dailly and Llera out of the equation.
You might have got away with it in the Third Division - if we could play 3 centre backs like Fortune, Magic and Herman.
;o)
That team would get ripped apart away from home but at home chasing a game in the last 20 minutes it wouldn't be so bad.
And yes we'd be difficult to defend set pieces against but who would stay back apart from Semedo?
;o)