Disclaimer: This is all conjecture and I'm just an FM hero really.
I've always rated the 5-2-1-2 or 5-3-2 formation and think it'd be worth trying during pre-season (See: not the 3-5-2 we tried against Juve) but for that to happen we'd need a definite new starter up front because Kone will only ever be a sub/injury back-up (ironic) at best. I don't have a problem playing with two wing-backs considering they pretty much play like that already but with this formation they'd be less burdened by there defensive responsibilities as that's what the third center-half is for. Stones could play the middle of the 3 defenders as a sweeper since - again - he already plays like this and would make me clench a little less every time he bombs forward. I think this formation is good since with Besic playing McCarthy gets more freedom to go forward as he has been of late since Besic is more defensive and he loves playing center-back (anyone else like to see him partner Stones one time? Just me? Okay). Only issue is can Barkley yet be our first choice No. 10? Remains to be see. I'd quite like a smaller CF next to Rom in this formation; someone like a Maxim/Dybala/Vietto type of forward or give Mirallas/Barkley a run up front.
My main reason for wanting us to try this formation is because it's winger-less which solves two problems: 1. We wouldn't need to spend money on wingers, 2. We can sell McGeady ASAP.
I'd like to see the line-up being:
--------------New GK------------------
-------Jags--Stones--van Dijk--------
Coleman------------------------Baines
-----------Besic----McCarthy----------
---------------Barkley------------------
-----------New ST----Lukaku----------
Fill the squad with dependable back-ups and promote the most promising youngsters.
I've always rated the 5-2-1-2 or 5-3-2 formation and think it'd be worth trying during pre-season (See: not the 3-5-2 we tried against Juve) but for that to happen we'd need a definite new starter up front because Kone will only ever be a sub/injury back-up (ironic) at best. I don't have a problem playing with two wing-backs considering they pretty much play like that already but with this formation they'd be less burdened by there defensive responsibilities as that's what the third center-half is for. Stones could play the middle of the 3 defenders as a sweeper since - again - he already plays like this and would make me clench a little less every time he bombs forward. I think this formation is good since with Besic playing McCarthy gets more freedom to go forward as he has been of late since Besic is more defensive and he loves playing center-back (anyone else like to see him partner Stones one time? Just me? Okay). Only issue is can Barkley yet be our first choice No. 10? Remains to be see. I'd quite like a smaller CF next to Rom in this formation; someone like a Maxim/Dybala/Vietto type of forward or give Mirallas/Barkley a run up front.
My main reason for wanting us to try this formation is because it's winger-less which solves two problems: 1. We wouldn't need to spend money on wingers, 2. We can sell McGeady ASAP.
I'd like to see the line-up being:
--------------New GK------------------
-------Jags--Stones--van Dijk--------
Coleman------------------------Baines
-----------Besic----McCarthy----------
---------------Barkley------------------
-----------New ST----Lukaku----------
Fill the squad with dependable back-ups and promote the most promising youngsters.
