Three at the back.

[parmoboy]

4231 would be our best formation if we had a fully fit squad, however you need Howson and Hackney playing together as the two midfielders for it to work. You can't underestimate how important they were to the way we played last season, I don't think it was a coincidence that our form nose-died towards the end of last season, when Howson was out of the side.

Barlaser just isn't capable of playing as the deepest midfielder and receiving the ball from the defender whilst under pressure, Howson on the other hand is generally composed in that situation.

 

[Frozen Horse]

With a full strength team I don’t think it is the best option, with who we have available it definitely is.

I'm guessing you're thinking of Jones?

Id agree it's not best for him, but that's not the same as saying it's best overall.

 

[Caesium137]

4231 would be our best formation if we had a fully fit squad, however you need Howson and Hackney playing together as the two midfielders for it to work.

Dunno about it 'working, we were never that solid defensively last season, but our forwards were very good. This season, regardless of who has played, including having Howson and Hackney starting, our forwards and defence have both been worse.

I'd say any formation that saw Hackney with a bit more freedom, with more of a safety net behind him would allow him to take more risks attacking wise?

Today and against Leicester O'Brien seemed to have licence to roam and get up to support the attack. I think one of Hackney's best attributes is driving runs from midfield with the ball, I think he could well flourish in this formation.