We must play 3-5-2 tomorrow

[uni]

Everyone knows Milan's strength is in the middle. They play with 4 central midfielders, plus kaka, who, if not kept under control, will put us under immense pressure. They play with limited width, with only 1 up top.

That means we need to flood the midfield, which indeed would be playing to our strength. However, I don't think we can get away with playing 1 up top. That will mean we would struggle to put Maldini and Nesta under much pressure. Teams have caused Milan lots of problems when they really go at them and get bodies in the box, which is what we should do.

The only formation that allows us to play like this is to play 3 at the back. As Milan play one up top this will be fine, if anything it can be dangerous with 4 at the back, as we saw against the mancs. Kaka's runs from deep with no one tracking from midfield cost them big time. The only question is, who do you play in this system?

Play Finnan in back 3 or put him on the right side of 5 midfield? His crossing could be vital if Crouch plays (although he would give away too many free kicks and ref is strict). If at back then Pennant would have to play. On his day could cause them no end of problems, but what about his mental state? Gerrard must play in middle. But behind Kuyt in the hole, or in the middle? This formation would allow us to play the chief and xabi, or momo aswell if Gerrard pushed up.

I think rafa will go 4 at back, but i think this is a mistake because we would be short in either centre mid or up top. What do people think??? I think we must be brave, and if we do, we will win. Come on you reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MLB]

I posited a similar theory on one of the other threads. 4-4-2 would still be my favoured formation, but I can see an argument in favour of 3-5-2.

[RED Tezza]

From what's being reported on SSN i wouldn't think the 3-5-2 is be used, at least not to start with.

I think it'll look more like 4-4-1-1 with Stevie in the advanced role behind Kuyt with Pennant and Riise on the flanks and mascher and Xabi holding to contain Kaka.

possibities to change it to 3-5-2 could well be used later on in the game though I think Rafa will change things around slightly at about the 65 minute mark. if things are going as expected.

I expect it'll be a contain and counter game plan for the the first 2 thirs then a change in tempo as the Milan defence tire later in the game.

[PaddyBerger15]

I can see your thinking there mate, and wouldnt disagree with your analysis, but as much as Rafa likes pulling surprises and hes his own man, there is as v little chance of him playing a v underused system in a game of this magnitude.
I like 3-5-2 and we have the personnel to make it work, both Finnan and Riise are wing-backs, it allows us to accomodate all 3 central midfielders, with Stevie in an advanced position, gives scope for Bellamy or Dirk support Crouchinho, all in all, it makes perfect sense.....not going to happen though....well not to start with at any rate.

[Fink]

I dont like the fact that Kaka' is reading this thread....get back to your pasta and God and stop spying on our tactics!! ;o)

[Owen]

Always works for me on the old X11.

[Alonso]

eh! we only playing 10 players

[Cardie]

With three in attack and full backs who like to get high up the pitch we would be fecked in defence playing 3 at the back.

Could leave nice big gaps for Kaka/Seedorf to run through unless the wide players were dragged further back to cover. If that did happen with 3 vs 3 in midfield the attack would be isolated.

[Ian Sea]

I totally agree. We don't need a back 4 tonight, a back 3 would be perfect. If we play 3 in the centre of midfield we could take care of Milan's attacking players and give them something to worry about with Gerrard being able to attack from the centre.