Parker has left – what’s the formation?

Our writer Dean Mears takes a look as Big Sam’s tactical headache after the departure of FWA Footballer of the year Scott Parker was countered by several new arrivals.

It’s finally happened, our beloved Scotty Parker has jumped ship to our rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but despite what many newspapers suggest, there is life after the tenacious centre midfielder. However with Parker gone, Sam Allardyce now has to re-adjust his West Ham sides formation, but what is the best tactical change for the Hammers? The four formations I suggest each have positives and negatives, yet they all could work for West Ham. 

4-4-2 (diamond)

The 4-4-2 diamond would make the most use of West Ham’s central midfield options. Collison, Noble, Nolan, Lansbury and Diop would all be able to be interchanged in the diamond four.

Positives: West Ham have strong central midfield options, and the diamond midfield would make best use of all of them, especially on the narrow Upton Park pitch.

Negatives: Wide men like Taylor and Bentley would find playing time limited and as set pieces are a major part of Big Sam’s game I would expect those two to start plenty of games. There also isn’t a natural creative midfielder, although either Lansbury or Nolan would be relatively comfortable in this role.

4-3-3

The 4-3-3 could provide Taylor and Bentley with the width needed to provide crosses in for the striker. Noble would sit in the deep lying role, collecting the ball from the back four and pinging balls out to Taylor and Bentley, while Nolan could do his famous bursting runs to support the striker.

Positives: Provides width for two great crossers of the ball and the striker will get support from the midfield pair.

Negatives: Taylor and Bentley aren’t natural attacking wingers, so the formation could end up more like a defensive 4-5-1 if the lone striker doesn’t get support.

4-2-3-1

Used by Real Madrid in Mourinho’s early stages to make the most of their attacking options. Taylor and Bentley could play all across the three, drifting wide to create crossing into the box.

Positives: Easily inter changeable, can became 4-4-1-1 instantly. Also means lots of attacking football for Hammers fans to enjoy.

Negatives: With attack minded players in Nolan and Noble, the defence could be become vulnerable to counter attacking football. Bentley and Taylor could also find playing more centrally difficult and the formation would lose shape.

4-4-1-1

Possibly the best fit for West Ham, a flat four across the middle with the likes of Nolan or Lansbury playing off the striker like the old Gerrard/Torres partnership at Liverpool.

Positives: Accommodating both wide players and central midfielders and puts Nolan in his most natural position. Can also easily switch to a 4-5-1 if defending a lead away from home.

Negatives: Taylor and Bentley aren’t wide players who take players on which could mean the front two get isolated. If that happens Nolan would have to drop deeper for the ball and formation would end up a negative 4-5-1 if West Ham are trying to win a game, with Cole being stuck upfront with no support or service.

Well there’s four formations Big Sam could try for West Ham in his attempt to find the perfect fit for West Ham. Personally I would go for the 4-4-1-1 as it offers both attacking and defensive qualities needed in the Championship, but what do I know, I’m just sat at my computer.

How do you think the Hammers should line up? Let Dean know at www.findingrowz.blogspot.com

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