Formation options

He started the final at 38 years old, but weirdly had been Wales manager for over 2 years at the time. He was a player/coach under Graeme Souness that season.

On formations, i wouldn't be surprised if we went with the 532/352 wingback route at some stage. Start Odusina Platt and Critchlow in defence, Halliday and Ridehalgh look like they want to get up the pitch so should work well as wing backs, Chapman played wingback at Shrewbury for a short spell and i'm fairly certain came on to play there against Donny. Sutton has the pace and has covered that right side before. You can still play a flat mid 2 with Smallwood and Gilly or East and a 10 with Walker/Banks or have a flat 3 if you want to hold on and take off the 10 for an East or even Songo'o. But more importantly have 2 up top. Oliver and Cook or Harratt with some pace to help out. Most of our crosses are coming from the LB or RB as it is, so why not given them another man in the middle to aim for?

 

Just as an aside I noticed that Kelleher played in a 442 system for Solihull Moors v York City as a STRIKER!!!!

 

I dont think we need to be over clever or over fancy against Hartlepool. They are a poor side so a 442 might suit this match. Same (ish) back four. Songo'o and Smallwood in the middle. Banks one side, Gilliead the other. Cook & Harratt up front.

 

Im not sure its entirely possible to really settle on a formation and first 11 with this squad of players, we have multiple capable players capable of playing in multiple positions, think Hughes has put together a clever squad, but it'll be frustrating as well as hopefully entertaining seeing how it all unfolds. Personally I always favour us to play 4-4-2. The Bradford sides I've seen that have got 442 right have always been the best.

 

We did that second half both goals came from longer passes shall we say , Harratt making space to recieve Smallwoods pass and an even better run and pass from Songo'o for Cooks second.

 

Excellent article from Jason at WOAP, addressing the formations conundrums:

https://widthofapost.com/2022/08/29/mark-hughes-and-the-two-up-top-4-2-3-1-dilemma/

 

One of the only times we threatened second half came from a kick from hands from the keeper to Banks. The only time he did it the whole match. We have to mix it up and become less predictable

 

I was impressed with Lewis's kicking from his hands reminded me very much of Pickford's time at Valley Parade.

 

I don’t like to speak to soon with keepers, but…

He looks very able to me and the best permanent keeper we’ve had in a good few years, I know people had doubts when he first came in but hopefully they have been put at ease. He’s also pulled off some good saves when having little to do in matches, showing a high level of concentration. Let’s hope his form continues. Best signing for me so far.

 

Experimental time tonight according to Hughes it will be interesting to see how it goes with the formation he choses

 

Cover!

 

Wonder if Doyle will get a game ?

 

I wrote this a little while back, I still think it's the way forward.

The 4-4-2 in the second half on Saturday had the wide players playing on the wrong wings and neither of them is capable of tucking into a midfield three and being effective.

I'd like to see 4-4-2 with Banks on the left and Gilliead on the right tucking in. Sutton in the middle as the box to box player alongside a deep sitting Smallwood. Any combination of Cook / Oliver / Angol and Harratt / Young up top.

 

Pretty much agree with you, though I'd rather see Songo'o alongside Smallwood with Cook & Oliver up top. Harratt & Angol as subs for the front two when it needs changing/ refreshing. East & Sutton as deputies for Smallwood & Songo'o.

Football is about partnerships. get the middle two in defence, midfield & upfront right, and stick with it, and you wont go far wrong. Add to that two wingers who can tuck into a midfield four and two fullbacks who defend rather than roan off upfield and you have a winning combination.

Get the right personnel in a 442 and push your game on the oppo and you don't get overrun in midfield. Play 4231 with the wrong people in the wrong positions and the ball keeps bouncing back, then you have to worry about the midfield.

 

Banks will be toothless shooting from the left, crosses fine, but his trademark bending shot in the far post is only effective when approaching from the right side.

 

It does amuse me when folk think you can just switch positions to suit a formation. Banks party piece is running at the corner of the box opening up the angle. You could switch him but you'd half his effectiveness.

 

Chapman can play all across the midfield including wide left