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Macclesfield Marauders
Division 5:19, Super League
Manager: DocsDummies

Is 3-5-2 going the way of the Dodo?

Just as the seasons change so do fashions. And in football as Managers look to eek out every advantage and gain every valuable point so tactics come and go. Take a look through the many Leagues - both official and private and you will see that over the last 12 months or so the winds of change have been blowing as the once mighty and all conquering 3-5-2 has gradually given way to the more pragmatic 4-5-1.

Take a read through one of the many advice pages for Xpert Eleven and most will spend some time talking tactics and most will extol the virtues of the 3-5-2 formation. A formation that looks to attack but offers a strong midfield to try and keep the ball. A formation that has been seen as difficult to beat - play over the top or with a heavy offence and you might just bag your points. Its a formation that has been used by many the Leagues top title winning teams but now seems to be going the way of the Dodo!!

In its place many teams have switched to the more pragmatic 4-5-1 formation. A formation that provides a solid back line, a strong midfield but less going forward. A formation that is set up to try and make sure the team does not lose in the first instance - and the sort of formation that the likes of Big Sam are proud to play!! To be successful you need to make sure that your team has good attacking midfield potential and a good striker up front. No edge up front and its like slicing metal with a paper knife rather than a blowtorch!!

It means that wing plays are generally less effective but other forms of attack such as through plays, long range shots and a varied approach work just as well and bring other players into the match. Maybe the team is set to be slightly more offensive to keep the players higher up the pitch and push forward in support of the lone striker and create those chances. It may be seen as a more pragmatic formation but the goals have still been going in but it would appear that maybe there are more draws now when both play this way? Does it mean its any less exciting - no of course not and there are plenty of Managers who vary their formations or are willing to try different approaches. But maybe it means there is an opportunity to play less defenders is facing only a lone striker - back to the 3-5-2 perhaps??

Maybe the 4-5-1 is here to stay as the formation of choice or maybe its just a passing fashion and Managers will revert back to the more expansive 3-5-2. Or just maybe other formations will start to make a comeback - 4-4-2 anyone????

2016-09-28 18:07	4583 Views		Reporter: Hertz_Van_Rental

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