[Danny]

The formation is working for now, why change it? It fits our players perfectly.

My point exactly. Adapt if things go wrong but for now we have something working. No need to alter it.

[X-Offender]

Well, yes, I agree. It's still too early to change. But even going with 4-3-3, I still think this is our best line-up.

[milanbuf88]

I like that line up but I'd like to see Honda actually play in the midfield three before that line up is declared our best. Bonnaventura and Van Ginkel also deserve a chance to show what they've got in that spot.

[Danny]

Well, yes, I agree. It's still too early to change. But even going with 4-3-3, I still think this is our best line-up.

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=4vy0j

That would be mine. I'm going on the assumption Menez picks up, and that Torres does well.

But the midfield picks itself.

PS you're not going with Mexes?

[milanbuf88]

But the midfield picks itself.

I wouldn't write Poli off just yet.

[Danny]

I wouldn't write Poli off just yet.

I'm not, I like him a lot. But I don't think he's as good as either MvG or Bonaventura. If we played a four he'd be my fourth selection alongside them.

[X-Offender]

PS you're not going with Mexes?

Like I said in a previous post, both Alex and Zapata were impressive against Lazio, so I think it's appropriate to stick with them for now.

I'm not, I like him a lot. But I don't think he's as good as either MvG or Bonaventura. If we played a four he'd be my fourth selection alongside them.

The Bonaventura obsession is a tad weird. He's 25, been called up only once for the NT in a friendly against San Marino. Why are we so sure he's so awesome?

[Danny]

Like I said in a previous post, both Alex and Zapata were impressive against Lazio, so I think it's appropriate to stick with them for now.

Fair enough. They're my first-choice and have been since the Trofeo.

The Bonaventura obsession is a tad weird. He's 25, been called up only once for the NT in a friendly against San Marino. Why are we so sure he's so awesome?

It's more that I know what Poli's limits are. He is a Gattuso figure, a harrying worker who will run all day but doesn't offer a lot in the final third. Meanwhile Bonaventura does, while also being a fully-capable CM.

Just strikes me that De Jong as DM, MvG as CM and Bonaventura as AM is a better balance than having De Jong & Poli with MvG.

They COULD work together as a four, but not as a 3. For a 3 you need your DM, CM, and AM. Not a DM, DM and CM.

[Fillipo Simone]

Gattuso? More of a Ambrosini, but I wouldn't compare him to any of the two. Flamini is the nearest I suppose.

Obsession? I wouldn't say obsession, but I've seen Bonaventura play and he's been good (also against Milan) on various occasions. He may lack consistency, but well, this is his first big step, we'll see what turns out. He gives hope, that's sure.

As for the fantasy line-ups and formations. I know it's only one match, but yesterday De Sciglio played pretty good on the left for Conte's Italy. What do you guys say of a Juventus-style 3 man defense (Alex-Mexes-Zapata/Bonera/Rami) and two wingbacks?

[X-Offender]

It's more that I know what Poli's limits are. He is a Gattuso figure, a harrying worker who will run all day but doesn't offer a lot in the final third. Meanwhile Bonaventura does, while also being a fully-capable CM.

Just strikes me that De Jong as DM, MvG as CM and Bonaventura as AM is a better balance than having De Jong & Poli with MvG.

They COULD work together as a four, but not as a 3. For a 3 you need your DM, CM, and AM. Not a DM, DM and CM.

By that logic then I would prefer Honda over Bonaventura.

As for the fantasy line-ups and formations. I know it's only one match, but yesterday De Sciglio played pretty good on the left for Conte's Italy. What do you guys say of a Juventus-style 3 man defense (Alex-Mexes-Zapata/Bonera/Rami) and two wingbacks?

I've thought of it. It's not a bad idea. We have the players.

[han2503]

Gattuso? More of a Ambrosini, but I wouldn't compare him to any of the two. Flamini is the nearest I suppose.

Obsession? I wouldn't say obsession, but I've seen Bonaventura play and he's been good (also against Milan) on various occasions. He may lack consistency, but well, this is his first big step, we'll see what turns out. He gives hope, that's sure.

As for the fantasy line-ups and formations. I know it's only one match, but yesterday De Sciglio played pretty good on the left for Conte's Italy. What do you guys say of a Juventus-style 3 man defense (Alex-Mexes-Zapata/Bonera/Rami) and two wingbacks?

I personally hate a 3-man defence system.

I think we're better off with a 4

[Danny]

By that logic then I would prefer Honda over Bonaventura.

To paraphrase yourself, 'what's the obsession over Honda' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Fillipo Simone]

I personally hate a 3-man defence system.

I think we're better off with a 4

I'm not a fan as well. But like X-O pointed out, we have the players to do it.

[han2503]

I'm not a fan as well. But like X-O pointed out, we have the players to do it.

I personally think DS is better as a proper FB than a WB, same goes with Abate

Also, I think our CBs, Zapata aside have never really played in a back 3

[Danny]

I personally think DS is better as a proper FB than a WB, same goes with Abate

Also, I think our CBs, Zapata aside have never really played in a back 3

It's a dangerous formation to simply jump into when you've not really worked on it in competitive matches before.

I'd rather stick with our 4.