3-5-2

Didn't make it to Chesterfield on Saturday as I'm away on my honeymoon but from reading the reports I see that we played 3-5-2? Smith and Scowen as the wing backs?
In Roberts, Tangs and Mawson I think we have 3 very solid centre backs. I know that Roberts is young and lacks experience but playing in that back 3 will only aid his development. The key to this formation is having 2 solid full backs who are good both offensively and defensively, they must also be full of running and be able to whip a ball into the box at pace. Tripper was immense at this and therefore the ideal full back. We need to be recruiting in these positions to be able to play this formation. Thinking about it I'm sure that Swindon played this formation last season, as did Bristol so the evidence is there that with the right players it can work. We are not too far away from having a team that would be successful using this system. Holgate might be on his way out but I never saw him as an attacking full back anyway. Williams looks to have potential but defensively can get caught out as he did on Saturday. Smith looks great one game and poor the next but again he's only young and therefore should get better and better. So a new RB/RWB is a must, someone who has pace and energy.
The problem that might arise with this formation is which midfielders to play where. Connor, Scowen, Pearson, Ryan Williams and Crowley will be all fighting it out for 3 positions. When Williams first signed he was signed as a winger and then moved centrally by Wilson. Could he fit the bill for RWB? Bags of energy, good delivery, decent pace, demands the ball. I suppose defensively the jury might be out but if we are going I play 3-5-2 then I don't see where he might fit in? Any thoughts?

 

If Holgate goes, which is most likely going to happen, we would only have 2 right backs in Bree and G.Williams. Might be interesting to see R.Williams have a go at RWB when he is fit, but I don't think playing Scowen there will work, he needs to be in the centre. However I still think another signing of a proper attacking RWB would be a good acquisition, especially if Bree or G.Williams get injured. I definitely think R.Willaims at RWB may be a good shot, depends on his defensive side though. Worth a gamble when he is back fit. Will be interesting to see what LJ plays tonight though... COYR

 

I expect to see George Williams play there tonight. Needs game time.

 

Agree. LJ 'also confirmed youngster James Bree missed out through a slight concern over his groin' so if he is still injured then there is no choice unless he plays Scowen at RWB, but that has to be a last resort.