08 Aug 2025 07:31:29
No matter how the team adapts ahead, Maresca's system tends to result in a back three, with one full back shifting over. Cucurella and Hato are perfect for this, with James or Gusto pushing up out wide or into midfield.

I think Colwill was going to be the centre of the back three, with Fofana and Chalobah / Acheampong vying for the role on the right. Playing the centre, leading the defence, is such an important role, do we trust Tosin or Badiashille in it? Could bring Veiga back, but is he good enough? Reports are saying we won't rush into the market, but I think we may well need to spend there before the summer is out.

1.) 08 Aug 2025
08 Aug 2025 07:56:06
J, you make some very good observations and points.

I have said many times before that I’m not a massive fan of the so called “inverted” FB system being used in every game. I’m equally not a massive fan of a back three with wing backs. I’m old fashioned I prefer just a flat back four. You are in my opinion correct the IFB tactic demands a lot from the wide CH. Colwill and Chalaboa were very good in covering for the FB. I also think that Hato and potentially Veiga can cover in that position but I’m not sure it works as well with BB. I also agree that it LC was likely to at the centre of our three this season.

I’m not sure what has gone on with Veiga but he looked useful and I personally can’t see why we would go out to the market for a solution when we have the solution already in-house.

2.) 08 Aug 2025
08 Aug 2025 09:30:16
You have captured the way we set up perfectly J and your question of trusting Tosin or BB is spot on. Will be interesting to see what the club do now.

3.) 08 Aug 2025
08 Aug 2025 10:17:35
Well put J and will be interesting to see how what Maresca/ club chooses to do.

4.) 08 Aug 2025
08 Aug 2025 11:32:15
It is a really difficult situation. You don’t want to replace Colwill, he will come back into the team and be an important part of it for eight to ten years. You could look to someone like Guehi, who could shift over and, long-term, replace the injury prone Fofana. But, that’s also impacting the route ahead of Acheampong, who could conceivably work his way into more starting 11’s this season.

5.) 09 Aug 2025
09 Aug 2025 05:20:23
J, I agree with your assessment of the CH situation. I also agree about it being a tricky ish decision for the club/ manager.