Rousseau

We're back! Rangers vs Hibernian

Teams now generally adopt different shapes in different states of the game. Man City and Arsenal, for example, line up in a 4-3-3 on paper, but in possession their RBs play as a third CB and their LBs invert to create a double pivot, so it's more like a 3-2-5. Then when they defend, Man City adopt a 4-4-2. We've seen this flexibility in the WC with France, Brazil and Argentina etc. adopting different shapes in different states of the game. I really couldn't tell you what formation Argentina play! Moreover, it doesn't describe how a team will play. Man City and Liverpool both adopt a 4-3-3 on paper, but the way they play morphs into wildly different shapes. That's why 'on paper' formations are largely meaningless. However, you can certainly use formations to describe the shape in possession and out of possession, for example.

One of JJ's frequent sayings is that formations are largely meaningless.

Because it's interesting to identify the basic shape, in and out of possession. When it's so fluid, though, it's difficult.

I'm not surprised. Formations are largely meaningless nowadays.

I think you are getting too caught up in the position. You would be scouting the player for his skill-set. I think Matondo could play as a Salah-type inside forward, with his pace - not sure about his finishing, though... 👀

I didn't see that at all. When we were lined up in a mid-block, we had Colak and Matondo as the most advanced players, with Kent a little deeper in the middle. (The players changed in the second half, but the structure was the same.) I agree that the 'striker', be it Colak or Morelos, was playing wider, not in the middle. It was a liverpool-esque line-up. Indeed very fluid.

Why's that? Matondo played as a forward against Leverkusen. It's all about the role you want a player to fulfil.

To be honest, I'm not sure yet. On paper it looked like a 4-2-3-1, but when we kicked-off it looked like a 4-4-2 diamond, with Kent as a #10. Then at other times it was a flat 4-3-3. The common theme was a narrow front three. We don't need wingers per se if we're going to use inside forwards.

If MB prefers a narrower formation, then a RW is not needed. It's a #10 that we'd be looking for; however, one that can run, like Lowry.

Does it say who the others are? I don't know why I'm intrigued: their wages will be too much for us.

I don't understand why we feel the need to highlight the importance of a certain group of games. We have to win every game.

Howat's been on 5 minutes and hit the bar with a screamer and now has just drilled one into the bottom corner of the net. 2-0.

I find that with a lot of our players, and I say it often. They're not good enough to do everything well. They need to simplify their game, just focusing on the things they are good at. Kamara is a case in point: allow him to play as a supportive player, winning the ball back and playing simple passes to those more creative, and he's a good asset.

Argentina 2 - 1 Croatia France 1 - 0 Morocco JOKER

Rules: You will receive 2 points for a correct score (CS). You will receive 1 point for a correct result (CR). Jokers applied to a game will double the points. Jokers can be used once per round (Matchday 1, Matchday 2, Matchday 3, Round of 16, etc.). Your prediction for the Knockout phase will include extra time, but NOT penalties. Semi-final fixtures: Tuesday, December 13 Argentina - Croatia Wednesday, December 14 France - Morocco Please indicate your JOKER.

Quite a split set of results. Rousseau, Gonzo, Mal, SBG, Yorkie, Stewarty, dB, Dado, Devil, BEARGER and Lenny got the Correct Result. Rousseau, Stewarty, Mal and Devil got the Correct Score. Lenny got an extra point for applying his JOKER. Gonzo retakes the lead going into the semi-finals! Latest Standings:

Good job you're not taking part... he says after getting one correct result out of four...

Il vaut mieux faire que dire...

No points... Latest Standings:

Are they going to do a Greece... ?

Joao Felix is absolute rubbish.

My correct score is ruined. Don't ruin my joker, Portugal!

Penalties?