Kreis is obviously a keen lover of the 4-4-2 diamond formation, specifically with the 2 central midfielders interchanging aswell as a deeper lying center midfielder. This seemed to be a good fit in the game vs St Mirren as they too did not play a wide formation, or for most of the game at least. This allowed our play to fit in with the possession game and created alot more space for our wing backs (almost) to push forward and form a much more solid line attacking wise, at the same time creating issues for the St Mirren defense.
This was not the case in the Brondby game though. Highlighted in the second half when the left winger for Brondby managed to stroll through the center of the pitch after Brovsky was lost upfield. I know this is only a minor issue however it was clear to see that defensively we were being put on the turn from their wide players most of the time. Although we had a strong partnership on the right with Facey & Brovsky we were left very bare as we had no midfielder to track the players running at the back line, aswell as the fact that when we did attempt to have someone wider (Tony Taylor) this meant that Mullins was stuck up top on his own.
On a brighter note however, the combination play of Mix with Velasquez and Villa in the first half was very joyful to watch and really highlighted the quality that Mix will bring to the team. Hopefully we can begin to see a more settled line up in future games, and maybe not 10 subs at half time, once that comes together i believe we will have a much greater idea about what the team will be in the opener on March 8th.
I've read most of the comments about the game on the forum and everyone seems to agree that this formation certainly is best suited for us, of course this is only a pointer from myself and that alone especially being that we are only 2 pre season games into the whole franchise! However id hope to see that Kreis can adapt our lineup to something more solid defensively in the upcoming matches just to help out our defense, something that im sure will be worked on as they are still working on defensive shape.
Personally i would like to see a 4-5-1 with a CM playing a little further forward, or a 4-2-3-1 which has been used by alot of the top european teams. Although having a quality string of strikers in the club i believe that maybe wouldnt be the best option. (The pictures below are just an idea of the formation, not particularly the players)
I'd love to know some of your ideas of the most suited line up with a favoured formation!
4-2-3-1
4-3-3
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