I see a lot of people convinced that we are going to line up as a 3-4-3 primarily next season. I seem to recall FdB saying in one of his early interviews that he knows our players can play 4-3-3 and he doesn't need to work on it, but the new system is something that few of the players can do so needs to be worked on so we are equally competent for a plan B.

4-3-3 is absolutely one of Franks staple ways to play and he has enjoyed a whole lot of success with it. It's not a very different style from the 4-5-1 we played last season which became 3 up top at times.

I don't expect us to rigidly play only 3-4-3 in fact I would be suprised if it is how we play the majority of the time. I see a lot of people suggesting that we sign X or Y because he fits the system. That smacks of short termism. We need players that can be a valuable addition even if the worst happens and Frank is gone by Christmas.

I have seen suggestions that it wouldn't be the end of the world if we sold Townsend if he doesn't fit the system. To me that's madness. We have 2 quality wingers and we should keep our best players and incorporate them in to a system.

I think this preseason is not about formations, but about Franks ethos. He will want our players to be comfortable passing and holding the ball whoever we play and whatever system we use.

Edited by coulsdoneagle (03 Aug 2017 12.09pm)

I think it is only safe to have these formations when you have enough points in the bag.

Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce saved Palace with their defensive methods.

Its not pretty but it works.

So start that way from the first the club is not rich if you get mid-table you are doing well.

Better keep Sam's phone number for for mid-november time so we can 'park the bus'.

Definitely, I'd hope to see how he intends to start the season against Schalke. Probably time for a dress rehearsal rather than experimenting. Imagine the team that starts will be similar to the 11 the next week.

I'm sure I also heard him say, in an early interview, that he changes the formation depending who they are playing and wether it's home and away. I can't see us playing 343 every game, hopefully I just means wd have a long-awaited plan B.

Completely agree.

The versatility key here's similar in a 4-3-3

Edited by CPFC/SCCC (04 Aug 2017 8.55am)

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