Big question is where Eze fits in. Is there a system where we play a CDM (Luca or Kouayte) and Macca Gallagher and Eze? Personally I wouldn't break up the Macca Gallagher axis but I can see it happening.

More or less correct,Kouyate is probably the DM.

It's half possible to go without a CDM in certain fixtures but don't think that's a goer as a standby set up. Both Macca and Gallagher press and tackle but they don't really provide cover for the back 4. Or put another way If we set up like that they would be in different roles to where they are now and so can't have them there as permanent features until we have seen the different set up work. It's more than 4-3-3 - it's how players work within that system.

There is a potential 4-4-2 0r 4-5-1 with either Zaha either up top or wider but that will look quite different to where we are now and would be choosing the side by picking the best players as opposed to picking the best balanced side. Part of the reason we are flying now is that PV has been getting the chemistry right by finding combinations even if it means omitting Olise and using Tekkers as a central foil for Edouard and Zaha as inside right and inside left.

Edited by Omph (11 Nov 2021 12.50pm)

your assuming Eze starts on his return.... Vieira may not fancy him - or he's not returned the same player ...

"It was a Team effort, I guess it took all players working together to lose this one"

It's a good question...no idea. I think horses for courses....some matches we'll get away with Macca-Gallagher and Eze in front of them. Others we'll need the steel of Luka/energy of Kouyate. That's the beauty of a decent squad I suppose.