Nogueira better have a set of wheels on him... He'll be running his ass off in this formation. But it's so crazy... That it just might work. Although this is more like something Nowak would pull out for the very first time heading into a first round playoff match.
I'm not comfortable with the back of this formation. What about something like this: I realize that this is a weak formation to the left side. However, a new CB could replace either Fabinho, by putting Gaddis at LB and Williams at RB. Another possible switch is something like this one:
That second formation (or something very similar) almost has to be what the U uses this year, given the new signings. I think the FO really deserves credit here- they not only got a bunch of new players, those players fit into a (hopefully) coherent setup.
I'm not a fan of moving Okugo and Williams. And I think the second one will be Hack's actual lineup, but I don't think we will too successful offensively. I have doubts about the 4-3-3, and I know 3 in the back is unrealistic, but I kind of like it.
Three in the back is the best use for having both Edu and Carroll on the field together, imo. It provides defensive cover without hamstringing the offense too much. I just don't think we have the discipline to run only three at the back. They were frequently out of position last year and that was with a traditional four man backline.
Also, it's still a question whether we have two starting caliber CB's, let alone three. That being said, I am a big fan of running a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 if we get the personnel for it.
All joking aside, it's a real shame that - whatever caveat people want to throw at Le Toux's production last season - Cruz will most likely starting against Portland on March 8th.
Going forward I plan to refer to any Hack formation with Keon and Cruz starting as the "Double Decker Couch"
Random thought while driving home from work: Considering how well Rayray has been playing, why not try Sheanon at RM? Sheanon's main strength is his ability going forward. He'd, also, give you a winger who will actually track back unlike Cruz, Le Toux, or Maidana.
As much as I love what Ray's done on the right side this season, I think Sheanon's bombs from those deep throw-ins could've really helped yesterday. I think Ray's done well enough to reclaim his LB position from Fabinho. I'd go with that lineup with a back line of Ray-CB-Okugo-Sheanon. Love having Jack Mac and Casey up front.
As long as Le Toux stays on the right, and Maidana stays on the left. I get the whole "inverted winger" thing, from time-to-time, but not for long durations.
Why hasn't anyone asked about that? I'm pretty sure that I have heard every Hack press conference this season and nobody has asked that question.
In theory, playing Maidana on the right allows him to play a Robben-style role where he can cut in and fire shots on his strong foot while Ray/Sheanon prove width. It also helps maintain possession. Unfortunately, Le Toux and Cruz do not play this role well on the left, and we don't have another true left winger. This leaves our attack far more unbalanced.
With the acquisition of Wenger I'd like to see this when everyone is healthy and back from suspension. I know a lot of people would prefer Casey, but I'd like to see what the new guy can do with our team.
I like your line up.... After watching the Montreal game though I liked what I seen from Fernandes with Nogueira in the middle. It seems we still have some balance issues. We're close though!
I'd like to see something like this: I don't know how well it would work, but it seems realistic with our personnel and how Hack likes to line up these days. I would also be curious to see something like this, a 4-1-4-1 a la Bayern Munich, but I had to bench the captain for it:
I'm on my phone, but what about Gaddis at Lb and Fab at LM? Maidana sounds like a no-go this week, so I would put Fernandes at LW.
Jerry-rig a temp 4-1-3-2 with Carroll as lone holding behind Mo, Leo left, Nog right, and Seba and Casey top? Would seem to give the Hack the highest degree of comfort re: PT of the starters, as any.