The development of formations in the Premier League has been one of the most fascinating aspects to watch on the pitch. It would seem that the days of teams playing 4-4-2 are long gone now, but with more and more teams opting to play with a 3-5-2 formation, could this be the next resurgent tactical masterclass?
The formation is likely to be a popular pick for Betway punters looking at Europa League betting with Betway, as the leaders in the market currently deploy that exact formation. Inter Milan’s Antonio Conte has made a name for himself by operating with that system. It worked in the Premier League with Chelsea as he claimed the title in 2017, despite being outsiders with Betway to do so, and it appears to be working for Inter Milan again this campaign.
Advantages Of Playing The System
That Chelsea team that Conte managed took the league by storm in that campaign as they lost just five times throughout the season. The reverting to a back three occurred after they lost 3-0 against Arsenal. The Blues went on to win their next 13 league games and conceded just four goals. The biggest advantage that comes with playing a 3-5-2 is the amount of sheer numbers that the teams playing it have in the middle of the park.
Teams that play with this system have more number in the central areas, and when they win the ball back, there are more chances for overloads. Of course, Chelsea weren’t the only team playing this formation during this period, as Massimiliano Allegri also perfected this formation. He perfected it to the degree that the Old Lady almost won their first-ever treble by playing this way, with only defeat in the Champions League final against Barcelona stopping them.
Both teams played very similarly. The emphasis was on defending, but when they won the ball, they could unleash their quicker players on the break. Juventus during that campaign boasted Douglas Costa and Juan Cuadrado on either flank. Meanwhile, Eden Hazard was the instrumental player for the Blues.
Disadvantages Of Playing The System
The biggest aspect that goes against this system is pretty evident- it is very defensive and could easily go wrong if it hasn’t been mastered. The team has to work in unison to avoid being caught out. Conte mastered the formation throughout his career and was aware that the team had to defend as one unit. That meant that the full-backs also had to operate as left and right backs to ensure that they weren’t left short on numbers down the wings.
Nowadays there are a number of players that have made this role their own, but that has been down more so to the evolution of full-backs and what they are required to do.
Evolution
The system has evolved further this season with more eyes on Sheffield United are their unique back three. Chris Wilder has put his own stamp on the system by operating with a back three of overlapping central defenders. Many experts thought this would be their downfall as they would be left short on counter-attacks, but they are shocking everyone this season as they are still in the hunt for a top-four finish. If this was to work, then we could see more coaches operating with this unique system.
