[Albion] Back 4 or Back 3

Nobby Cybergoat

Well-known member

Jul 19, 2021

6,981

• Dec 30, 2021

• #1

What do you prefer?

Do you see our move to 4 at the back as a result of circumstances or do you think that will be our preferred set up going forward?

Do you think that the system can nullify Lamptey and Cuccerella as attacking threats or do you see last nights game as debunking that myth?

 

M

m20gull

Well-known member

Jun 10, 2004

3,422

Land of the Chavs

• Dec 30, 2021

• #2

I was wedded to the idea of 3 but last night may have changed my mind. I was mildly bemoaning the limitations, looked at the screen to see Cucu and Lamptey both pressing in the Chelsea half!

 

Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo

Waxing chumps like candles since ‘75

Oct 4, 2003

11,075

• Dec 30, 2021

• #3

At times last night, and throughout the season, we often switch between a 3 and a 4. Last night Cucurella was clearly playing as the left side of a back three with Lamptey and March pushing up as wing backs. Other times it was a more conventional back 4. Once Lamptey went off it became a 3 as we pushed players up looking for the equaliser. The ease at which we can switch between the two formations without having to make a sub and not having anyone really look out of place is a huge bonus for us.

 

GT49er

Well-known member

Feb 1, 2009

46,744

Gloucester

• Dec 30, 2021

• #4

Last season we went three at the back - it was rellatively a new thing for us, and at times I admit I felt we were just doing it to accommodate White alongside the undroppable duo of Dunk and Webster. Whatever - it worked.
This season, we've done both. I think I marginally prefer three at the back - it's playing to our strengths in that we've got very good CBs, and our FBs, especially Lamptey, are more wing backs than FBs. That's only a marginal preference though - no problem with four at the back if that's how it goes.

 

Perkino

Well-known member

Dec 11, 2009

5,986

• Dec 30, 2021

• #5

Many top sides played 3 CB's a few seasons ago but VVD allowed Liverpool to switch to a back 4 and their success has prompted many to follow suit.

Many supporters questioned Lamptey's capabilities to play as a RB in a back 4 but the attacking abilities of both Lamptey & Cucurella allow us to press significantly higher up the field. Ultimately meaning an additional forward can be deployed.

A back 3 means more height in each box but a back 4 means more creativity in advanced areas. Potter is likely to mix and match to be unpredictable and to ensure the players have alternatives that they are comfortable with for any mid game switches that are required

 

Bakero

Languidly clinical

Oct 9, 2010

13,793

Almería

• Dec 30, 2021

• #6

Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo said:

At times last night, and throughout the season, we often switch between a 3 and a 4. Last night Cucurella was clearly playing as the left side of a back three with Lamptey and March pushing up as wing backs. Other times it was a more conventional back 4. Once Lamptey went off it became a 3 as we pushed players up looking for the equaliser. The ease at which we can switch between the two formations without having to make a sub and not having anyone really look out of place is a huge bonus for us.

Click to expand...

This. It was very clear from where I was sitting that Cucurella started on the left of the back 3. Lamptey's starting position was about 25 yards further forward than the other day against Brentford.

 

studio150

Well-known member

Jul 30, 2011

29,623

On the Border

• Dec 30, 2021

• #7

3, as it allows Webster to advance the ball into midfield.

 

WATFORD zero

Well-known member

NSC Patron

Jul 10, 2003

25,849

• Dec 30, 2021

• #8

As a couple have highlighted above, we do tend to switch during a game whether it's an initial back 3 or 4. I believe that to do this effectively takes a lot of time on the training ground and during games and we are seeing the advantages of this flexibility this season.

Last night, what initially looked to be a back 4 played as a back 3 at times.

 

Kalimantan Gull

Well-known member

Aug 13, 2003

12,924

Central Borneo / the Lizard

• Dec 30, 2021

• #9

Last night felt like we were playing a 3-at-the-back system, wing backs and all, but with just 2 centre backs thus allowing us to put an extra man in midfield. Very cunning by Potter!

 

Swansman

Pro-peace

May 13, 2019

22,320

Sweden

• Dec 30, 2021

• #10

Cucurella played central defender, left back, left midfielder and central midfielder all at once yesterday... best of both worlds.

 

Cowfold Seagull

Fan of the 17 bus

Apr 22, 2009

21,632

Cowfold

• Dec 30, 2021

• #11

WATFORD zero said:

As a couple have highlighted above, we do tend to switch during a game whether it's an initial back 3 or 4. I believe that to do this effectively takes a lot of time on the training ground and during games and we are seeing the advantages of this flexibility this season.

Last night, what initially looked to be a back 4 played as a back 3 at times.

Click to expand...

This, the game is far less rigid now, and the best teams are able to switch tactics as the game progresses.

Note to self . . . Does this mean that we can be regarded as one of the best teams now then?

 

DarrenFreemansPerm

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sep 28, 2010

17,335

Shoreham

• Dec 30, 2021

• #12

I think we can play a 4 when Lallana and Bissouma are available and the full backs are Cucu and Lamptey, Biss and Lama give the required protection to cover the full backs to attack and Cucu and TL have the pace and energy to get up and down the pitch. I do like the look of the back 3 but GP is getting a tune from a 4.
Last night we were changing between the two formations with Cucu dropping in to the middle and March going LWB.
Fluid, sexy football.

 

Last edited: Dec 30, 2021

C

CaptainDaveUK

Well-known member

Oct 18, 2010

1,506

• Dec 30, 2021

• #13

As others have said, bit of both, even changing formation during the game as players push forward.

 

A

amexer

Well-known member

Aug 8, 2011

6,209

• Dec 30, 2021

• #14

Much prefer the 4 with 2 full backs. When playing with 3 CBs they spend far too long defending in wide positions which they are not good at. Especially Burn Also Cucurella and Lampty get balance of attacking and defending better at full back