wing backs are the future

[dww]

I would argue we quite often do - like the last three games, but either way all my arguments hold for either 4-2-3-1/4-5-1 which I assume is the formation you would claim we use.

[Taffy]

I think you make a lot of good points. It does occur to me that since our home form is so good so far this season then doesn't the argument fall down a bit?

Yes, our home form has been good - but don't you want to always improve?!

We can't afford to stand still mate - if we want to get to the promised land we must progress!

[bazza76]

4-2-3-1/4-5-1 which I assume is the formation you would claim we use.

That is correct.
there is no way Rafa would allow the spaces infront or behind a flat midfield for that a 4-4-2 creates.
I will actually say, we have never played a 4-4-2 system under Rafa, maybe on paper, but never on the pitch. we would either have one or two defensive type midfielders as ever presents infront of the back 4. closing the gap if you like. Rafa is very tactical, and is not about to sacrifice his football philosophy by us being flat 4-4-2 team. Just my opinion.

[dww]

Fair enough I agree with all your points, but I just think of the 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-3-1 which we play as variants of 4-4-2 (in the latter case assuming that the aim is to have the central attacking midfielded playing as a link man/ withdrawn striker) which only need to be distinguished when discussing the particular features of each in comparison.

[Morph]

Fair enough I agree with all your points, but I just think of the 4-2-2-2 and 4-2-3-1 which we play as variants of 4-4-2 (in the latter case assuming that the aim is to have the central attacking midfielded playing as a link man/ withdrawn striker) which only need to be distinguished when discussing the particular features of each in comparison.

At the end of the day they all are pretty much the same just each player has own instructions, so we could go through every kind of silly formation.

I mean v Bordeaux we played:2-6-2 at times, it's still all just 4-4-2, and it's only ever switched to a 4-5-1 when it's obvious we are playing with one striker.

[enema of the state]

firstly a formation never won a game

ALL games are won and lost on who executes the basic techniques of fotball best - often equating to who doesnt make a mistake.

secondly, we have played 4-4-2 for most of this season. the main variant compares with lfc 1970's and 80's is that gerard is nominally wide right or left and roams.

if a good team with good players plays 4-4-2, or 3-5-2 with wingbacks, the fullbacks - or wingbacks - will be critical in BOTH set ups but the team will win or lose according to how well these guys tackle, shoot and pass etc, not what formation they arrange themselves in.

[Tom]

But also mr c, how adaptable and intelligent the players are at responding to the changing situation in the match.

[Fiddy]

Interesting discussion on sky last night between laudraup, souness and gullit. Basically saying that football is so fast these days, that in midfiled you don't get time to read the game or direct the play. Basically said that it's the defenders who are the only people on the pitch who have time to read the game, and that the key attacking players in this regard are the fullbacks. Which kind of makes sense if you think of the amount of effort rafa has been putting into securing decent attacking full backs for the team. Alves is a priority for us this coming year I think.

Makes sense...also in the fact that players like Riise & Aurelio are far better suited to that role than playing a standard LB/LM.

Not to mention the fact that playing WB's would allow us to play the rather tasty central midfield trio of Xabi, Momo and Stevie....