Formation for Hull: You Decide!
Okay so I doubt that Mark Hughes will pay any attention to this, so maybe you don’t decide but we will try anyways. Every fan has been putting in their views as to which shape Stoke should use in their next fixture with Hull. So here is a collection of most of these ideas, and be sure to vote for your favourite formation in the blog at the end of the piece.
No Change 4-2-3-1
The so called ‘safe’ option and most likely for the Hull game, sticking with the 4231, with Whelan and Cameron as holding midfielders with Joe Allen ahead of them as the number 10. The main argument in favour of this formation is if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. This system has provided Stoke with 3 positive results gaining 5 points from a possible 9. Yes it may be defensive and keep key players out of the team but it has been getting results, and isn’t that all that matters at the end of the day?
4-1-4-1
A system similar to that of Tottenham’s or Man City’s, 1 holding midfielder sits deep behind 4 more attacking midfielders. Currently the most likely selection would be Geoff Cameron in the deep role, with Arnie, Bojan, Allen and Shaq sat in the attacking 4. This would mean that Bojan would finally return to the side, but it would also be reliant on him putting in a defensive shift. The other three attacking midfielders have already shown a willingness to help out, Arnautovic is the highest tackling winger in the league. This formation comes with more risk, but it would come with the reward of forcing the opposition to deal with our vast array of attacking talent.
The False Nine
Ah remember the days, making both the Manchester teams look like our League One and League Two local rivals. Arnie, Bojan and Shaqiri totally running the show. Now this formation would be more likely to include the introduction of a Joennelli midfield pairing, something Stoke must press on with this season. With Wilfred Bony still having failed to open his account this season it may be time for him to make way for the more creative Bojan. Perhaps the relative ease of our next 6 fixtures mean this formation won’t be as effective as it could be, especially as this shape struggled against more defensive sides last season.
4-4-2
One for Yer Da. Briefly rolled out at 4-0 down against Crystal Palace, some have suggested pairing Diouf and Bony in a partnership that will flourish until January only for both players to fly off to AFCON. Reliant on a hard working midfield partnership of Allen and Cameron, and further defensive input from the wingers to ensure balance in the side. Could the Potters possibly benefit from the formation that Leicester romped to the title in last season?
3-4-3
Don’t worry, I’m not being serious, none of us every want to see this ever, ever, again.
Which formation should we use this weekend?
— Tom Thrower (@sussexstokie) October 21, 2016
Written by Tom Thrower
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