A QUICK LOOK AT THE line-ups confirms that every Premiership team now seems to be playing with a conventional back four. Are formations such as 3-5-2 an idea whose time has gone?
KIT SYMONS
Crystal Palace assistant manager
It certainly seems to be the case with the Premiership, but Greece had three at the back in the European Championship finals, with man-to-man markers, and it worked for them. In general, though, teams are scared of defeat and go for solidity first and a system that they’re familiar with. I’ve played in back fours and a back three, at Portsmouth and Fulham, and a four is easier because you get support from the full backs. A back three can be a very effective system, but you have to have the right players to play it. The wing backs have to understand their roles, because unless you are a quick, mobile centre half, you don’t really want to be taking responsibility for the flank.
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STEVE COTTERILL
Burnley manager
The 3-5-2 formation became fashionable in the English game when Glenn Hoddle championed its use with the national team in the 1990s. Just because so many Barclays Premiership managers are opting to employ a back four these days doesn’t make 3-5-2 outdated. If opponents have forwards with pace to cause you concern, you may wish to employ a spare central defender and use wing backs. Using 3-5-2 also gives you the chance to play with three central midfield players, which can give you an advantage there. Personally, I prefer 4-4-2 because often your full backs are the spare men who, unmarked, allow you to build possession.
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TONY CASCARINO
TheGame columnist
The decline of the 3-5-2 system can be attributed to teams employing a midfield player to sit in front of the back four, such as Claude Makelele and Roy Keane. They act as protector and creator and full backs take on the role of wingers. The problems in 3-5-2 mean that the team can become more defensive. It sacrifices a midfield player, tends to cover for a weakness and is a luxury for the player acting in the sweeper role. The spare defender can also cause confusion among team-mates about who should be picking up attacking players on crosses. What British club side has ever won a top trophy playing that way? And now the European clubs play 4-4-2, too.
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