Now Carlo's got the players he wanted, he has to figure out a way to set them up in a way that best utilises what's available in the squad. The alternatives - 1. 4-3-3 /4-1-4-1 You don't play a 50 mil £ striker on the wing. Which means Drogba either shifts out wide or drops to the bench. Both the situations seem unlikely. So our tried and (way too much) trusted 4-3-3 goes out the window. Which isn't a bad thing, considering how easily we've been taken apart by average sides. A change is what we've been crying out for, and this is the perfect opportunity to bring about one. 2. 4-4-2 At first glance this is the most tempting option. The Drog-Nando partnership upfront is mouthwatering. But imo this place undue pressure on our midfield. Lampard is untouchable - leaving just one centre midfield spot between Essien, Mikel and Ramires. None of those 3 are as tactically and positionally disciplined as what this role would require them to be. You've got to allow Lamps to do what he does best and that is to link up with the forwards. Hence, too much responsibility on the covering man in midfield considering neither of the forwards will track back. Also, the lack of natural width is disturbing. Right midfield becomes too deep for Anelka and Kalou. Too risky and likely to go pear shaped. 3. Diamond Perhaps the favourite. Two strikers, combative midfielders and rampaging fullbacks - we've got almost everything covered here, except for one crucial cog - Frank Lampard. He really found it tough playing behind the strikers in the early part of last season when this was what Carlo put out. It's a position a bit too far forward for his liking and considering everything good we do usually comes from him, it's essential to utilise him in the best way possible. 4. Christmas Tree I would go with this. Given the personnel and their characteristics, this is what suits us most. One of Drog/Nando upfront (preferably Nando - he's more pacy) serviced by the other in addition to Anelka. He's got the deftness of touch, the weight on the pass and the vision for one to set up chances for his teammates. Also, this doesn't require him to take on and dribble past players - something he's not good at. The centre midfield picks itself. Lampard in a role similar to the one in 4-3-3, Mikel in holding and Essien/Ramires alongside. The fullbacks bomb forward as usual (less on the right where Ivan looks to be shunted out now) yet maintaining a healthy balance between men committed to attack or defence. Cech Ivan, Luiz, Terry, Cole Ramires, Mikel, Lampard Anelka, Drogba Torres Note - The christmas tree is easily interchangeable with the 4-3-1-2 or the diamond. Only change being Drogba alongside Torres with Nico linking midfield and attack.
