How 5-3-2 Trumps 4-4-2 & How it'll benefit PW, BÉM & SM

5-3-2 in a tactical sense smothers teams that play 4-4-2.

In the Championship 4-4-2 is probably the most popular formation. In fact, it might be more in vogue now than ever before following Leicester City's and Burnley's recent success with 4-4-2. This will play right into our hands. 5-3-2 is 4-4-2's biggest weakness. Outnumbered in attack, outnumbered in midfield also. Two key areas of the pitch in winning the game.

Another point in where 5-3-2 (or 3-5-2 depending on your point of view) is that for a long time now we have been blessed with some excellent centre backs. Connolly and Manga are outstanding ball-playing defenders at Championship level and Sean Morrison will get the extra cover he needs for his lack of pace.

Watford are a recent example of a successful 5-3-2 in the Championship. They were excellent in that formation and their attacking midfielders really enjoyed a lot of freedom. The pace of Vydra up front was vital for them so we are still lacking in that department. Hopefully someone will be brought in to fill that void.

I am very excited to see this formation applied and have faith that Trollope will change tactics based on opposition!

But are we going to play 532 or 352

Wales play 3421 with wing backs and 2 central midfielders

Take a look at our team for today

Marshall
Ajayi connelly tutonda = 3 centre backs

Fabio whitts o keefe John = 2 wing backs and 2 central midfielders

Immers pilks Freddi = 2/1 Just like Wales play bale Ramsey and Kanu/ vokes

So IMO we are not playing 352 or 532

[quote="troobloo3339"]But are we going to play 532 or 352

Wales play 3421 with wing backs and 2 central midfielders

Take a look at our team for today

Marshall
Ajayi connelly tutonda = 3 centre backs

Fabio whitts o keefe John = 2 wing backs and 2 central midfielders

Immers pilks Freddi = 2/1 Just like Wales play bale Ramsey and Kanu/ vokes

So IMO we are not playing 352 or 532[/quo
Wales have defensively minded wing backs but if you look at City our WBs are more comfortable further up the pitch... Either way I agree with the OP insofar as tactically, we get the best of both worlds. Wit adds numbers to attack when needed and floods midfield. Whitts will be vital in linking up with Immers in the same way as Allen turns defends into attack with his link up play with Ramsey...

The only difference between the two teams that I can see is that Bale has a free role to drop deep and wide when he sees fit..

All in all though a good post by the OP