Not the right thread, but from what I saw from short highlights, Newcastle went 3 at the back last night, doing what they did as a surprise (Howe had phenomenal preparation against us, setting some traps in the league game and hiding his real intentions for Wembley) against us in the League Cup final, albeit with some obvious personnel changes.
Schar, Thiaw, Burn at CB, Murphy RWB, Livramento LWB, Guimaraes and Tonali central, Willock tucked in on the right, Barnes left, Gordon up top. Gives you the option to be asymmetrical also (which can resemble a 4 at the back in moments), I don’t know if they were last night, but they were against us.
Marseille are even more flexible usually, mixing formations whether they’re on or off the ball. Their stuff is more difficult to read quickly because of it. But it can look at times a back 3 (more when they build up) or a back 4 (more when they defend).
So often we end up without a midfield both in attack and defence.
This game highlighted ho important it is to always cover that central midfield area at all times. Even if it means a 36 year striker is going there.
Both teams were obeying this rule.
