What do YOU think is Frank Lampard's better tactical formation at Chelsea?

Here's a question for you, out of the three different formations that we have seen Frank Lampard adopt this season so far, which one suits the players we have better and gives us a much better balance to the team in YOUR opinion?

So far we have seen Chelsea play with a 3-4-2-1 formation, a 4-2-3-1 formation and finally a 4-3-3 formation. All have been effective at different times of the season but all have let in goals which is our biggest problem this season as described here. Which of these has the potential to give us more defensive stability at the back whilst still offering a potent attacking threat?

We have to consider the players that are available for selection and to consider the strongest part of our team. In my view this the central midfield position with the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante. When the three of them play together, you can pretty much be certain that Chelsea will dominate possession of the ball - as we did against Man City.

The problem with playing all three is that you then lose the extra attacking midfielder behind the striker with the number ten position reverting back to become one of the central midfield positions instead. You are reliant on one of the midfield three pushing forward to support our attacking play and the main striker with there being two wingers on the pitch.

With the 3-4-2-1 formation, the three centre-backs give us a better defensive option with the two full-backs pushed alongside the two central midfielders - as wing-backs more or less, with two number ten's in attacking positions playing in and around the striker. If anything, you are reliant on the wing-backs to provide the attacking phase of our play with width without actual wingers in the side.

The 4-2-3-1 formation allows you to play with three attacking midfielders, one playing around the main striker with two wingers. Almost like a squashed diamond up top with the two main central midfielders playing deeper. The problem with this for me is that we weaken the main strength of our side by playing with only two in that position. Also, you are reliant on your wingers to track back to help protect the fullbacks.

Also think of the players we have at the club that can play as the number ten, Mason Mount, Willian, Ross Barkley and Christian Pulisic. The problem is that Mount isn't a natural winger and if you take Willian or Pulisic off one side, you are looking to Pedro to come in and do a job on the right but we have all seen what happened last weekend. On the left Callum Hudson-Odoi but you have to admit that despite his injury problems, he hasn't exactly set the world alight this season so far.

For me it has to be the 4-3-3 formation to play our strongest midfield even when Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns from injury. He can play as one of the box to box midfielders. I honestly believe that we need to acknowledge that our midfield is the strongest part of the side, stick to the three-man midfield and build around it.

The problem is that I expect Frank Lampard to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation tonight against Aston Villa despite it's limitations. They will come here and sit deep to frustrate us and if we do play with the three attacking midfielders behind the striker, we MUST get the ball wide and at pace as early as possible for the formation to work.

What do you think of the formations used so far this season and what do YOU personally believe to be our strongest moving forward? I'd love to read as many opinions on this as possible!


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