With four games to go in the Swiss Super League, Servette have played themselves firmly into UEFA Champions League qualification round contention. The Geneva-based side are placed second in the league behind runaway leaders BSC Young Boys.
Nevertheless, with only a few games to go, just eight points separate Servette in second and Grasshoppers in sixth. A further fascinating dynamic that is present is the fact that Servette have only the sixth-best goal difference in the league as well as the fifth-most goals scored with 43.
This scout report will look to first provide a tactical analysis of key elements of Servettes principles in possession and then further look to explain why the side have struggled to clear goal-scoring chances, despite their lofty position.
General structure and principles in possession
On paper, Servette have lined up in 4-2-3-1 for the vast majority of their games this season which can be seen in the image below. However, like all teams, their lineup on paper has little to do with their structure in possession on the pitch.
In possession, Servette play with a back three with Antony Baron the left-back dropping deeper in order to join the centre-back pairing of Nicolas Vouilloz and Steve Rouiller. On the right-hand side, Kevin Mbabu, on loan from Premier League side Fulham, positions himself further up the pitch near the touchline.
The holding midfield position is occupied by former Manchester City and Arsenal full-back Gaël Clichy, who is accompanied by two advanced midfielders ahead of him in midfield with the left winger stationed by the touchline in the wide areas and the right winger drifting between the half-space and touch line, with Chris Bedia as the central striker.
