The core system must be 4-4-2 surely. But there are loads of variations on that theme.

One is that we get in a second DM - which we need anyway - allowing us to set up sometimes with Luka and AN Other. Amadou seems like a reasonable choice as he would also cover our central defence. That system can be further refined if we get a genuine 10 in who can slot into central midfield too making it a fluid 4-4-2/4-5-1. That sort of player comes at a premium though of course.

I think that Benteke will be better next season, always seems to yo-yo with his performances from season to season. Also don't think anyone would be willing to pay enough to make offloading him worth it, and having a big man up top is never a bad option. I reckon that if we manage to keep hold of Cabaye then we run a sort of 4-3-2-1 with Wilf and Townsend tucked under Benteke. Allow them the freedom to roam and encourage the outer of the 3 mids to get forward in support along with the wing backs and I think that would be a solid plan A. Plan B would probably be to run the 4-4-2 with Wilf and Benteke paired up top and Townsend out on a wing.

A: [Link]

B: [Link]

4-4-2 this season has been makeshift due to the striker crisis. I expect 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 next season with Wilf and Townsend back out wide. We need to get Benteke firing or a new striker for this to work though.

Andria and Wilf in my opinion are both more effective in the wings

I think we will go for the usual 's*** for half a season, quite good for half a season' tactic.

Roy loves 442, he always has, he always will. As long as we have Roy, 442 will be our primary formation.

In the occasional game against the big boys (especially away), I think he may revert to 433/451 with Wilf dropping to the wing, but the longer you play Wilf as a striker the more he'll lose those defensive/ tracking back instincts.

Roy likes a wide midfielder rather than a winger - he did very similar things at Fulham, but I hope we will be after another striker - someone who can run the channels to give us a different option. Currently Townsend does this but he has zero goal threat. We can then put Andros back in the midfield as think he is hard working enough to convince Roy.

We will need a player or two to cover for the loss of Cabaye and RLC - the latter especially is great at helping us pass the ball in the final third. Wouldn't be surprised if we sign another number 10 type player and stick him LM if we cant get Ruben.

So what we need:
1. new back up RB (if JW goes)
2. one more back up CB (if Jach isn't up to it)
3. CM to replace Cabaye
4. LM/ no 10 to replace RLC
5. young winger to replace Sako/ Lee
6. new pacy striker to replace Andros who moves back to midfield

3,4,6 are the crucial ones.

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