Would rather see Martinez play a XY3 formation, rather Bielsa-like, where X is 4 when there is an odd number up for the other side, and 3 when there is an even number up. We have the players for this kind of defensive setup change without making subtitutions: Backs who can play a wide midfield role, centre-backs who can play full back or step up to become defensive midfielder. Expect a lot of rotations at the back, and probably only one personnel change (another LB/CB, god forbid Lescott?) would suffice.
For the front three, It seems Martinez prefers a lone forward-stretcher-creator system. There will always be someone stretching play on the wings and provide runs in the back, someone to use the ball between the lines (often off-centre, but can be a central player or a false-ten which unfortunately we soon won't have), and a lone defensive forward whose main job is to hold the ball up, retain possession, and lead counterattacks if needed.
There will be two central midfielders left, and in general Martinez seemed to prefer industrious players rather than prima donnas. Osman and Gibson will do the job, but ideally we can use another box-to-box as this combination tends to be a bit lightweight.
