Where do we go from here?

[FoxonMaui]

I would like to see Ranieri try the 352 at least just once. To me it seems obvious that this fits the personnel we have. We can play RDL, Huth and Wes and use Schlupp and Albrighton or Dyer as wing backs . Then we have King, Drinkwater and Kante in midfield. Give Mahrez the free role behind Vardy. . Then you have a bench chosen from Ulloa, Okazaki, And one of either Dyer or Albrighton, whichever does not start, to pick your offensive subs. plus Inler, Fuchs, Benny and Was to choose from defensively.

This way we have our two most potent goal scoring threats pushed up the field working together where they can do the most damage.

The best way to use Mahrez's speed and trickery is within 10 yards of our opponents penalty box. If they foul him there then the worst we have is a free kick in a dangerous position or a penalty. We should not be relying on him to pick up the ball near the half way line and waltz past four players every time. The deeper he is the more he is going to get hacked as there is no downside to the opposition clattering him.

This lineup will be frightening to teams. Kante looks like he is going to be an absolute beast in CM, in just a few short games he looks indispensable. Drinkwater has really stepped up and that is what we will need to see this formation work. Yes RDL and Schlupp will get exposed now and then , but they are going to be in any formation. If we play to our strengths we will win much more than we will lose.

Playing to score first and aiming to dictate the game with our pace is by far our best option.

Does anyone else agree?

[Ric Flair]

We aren't a solid defensive unit, never were under Pearson either. He tinkered with going more defensive with 5-4-1 during January and February and it was horrible, we still conceded soft goals but had absolutely nothing going forward. The only way we can tighten up without bringing in better defenders is to go 3 at the back with wingbacks, that helps cover Schlupp and De Laet's inefficiences and gives Huth and Morgan a bit of protection as well but then we risk losing the way we've been operating in the 4-4-2.

[Captain...]

We aren't a solid defensive unit, never were under Pearson either. He tinkered with going more defensive with 5-4-1 during January and February and it was horrible, we still conceded soft goals but had absolutely nothing going forward. The only way we can tighten up without bringing in better defenders is to go 3 at the back with wingbacks, that helps cover Schlupp and De Laet's inefficiences and gives Huth and Morgan a bit of protection as well but then we risk losing the way we've been operating in the 4-4-2.

But we can switch easily between 352 and 442 so especially using RDL as the right CB we don't need to even make a sub, or if we use Marcin a quick change and we are back to 442 starting against Arsenal or West Ham in a 352 will, hopefully keep us tighter at the back and let us get a foothold in the game before our high levels of fitness and pace comes into play later in the game. I wouldn't worry about losing the effectiveness of 442 when it has been ineffective in the first half of the last 4 matches.

[Strokes]

One of our best defensive aspects of our end of season run was ulloa, he helped alot at set pieces but also in ball retainment up field. I think we have to get him back in the team.

[Babylon]

We can't press for 90 mins. Claudio has decided to try and start quickly (not easy now that the opposition know its coming and are fresh), then fall back before pressing second half as required.

I thought we'd been the complete opposite of late. End of last season we were really going for people for the first 30. In the last 4 games I think we've gone much more defensive early trying to keep it tight. The strikers have been dropping deeper and not pressing as much from the front.

 

It's only been when we concede that we open up more, starting pressing quicker up top and show more urgency.

[Fox92]

Defence needs sorting. We have conceded some very easy goals so far this season.