Formation

[Conroy92]

Is this the best formation for us? Honest question? What would you prefer to see or try? Think it looked promising my only worry is fitting in the attacking quality such as Edwards. Would like to see us try a 5 in midfield to give the legs to support Edwards.

Would like to see us try:-

--------------------Dubravka
Walker Tuanzabe Esteve Hartman
-----------Ugochukwu---Cullen
Edwards---------Hannibal--------Anthony
-----------------------Broja

Still a few new signings needed but if we could get the right additions the 5 at the back would look a bit more comfortable.

------------------Dubravka
------Walker ------NEW----Esteve
NEW-----------------------------------Hartman
----------Ugochukwu---Cullen
-----TELLA--------------------------Anthony
-----------------------Broja

[CoolClaret]

Of the players we have right now, struggling to look past this -

---------Dubs
Walkers-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
JBL---Cullen--Lesley---Anthony
-------Foster
--------------Broja

[Goliath]

Is this the best formation for us? Honest question? What would you prefer to see or try? Think it looked promising my only worry is fitting in the attacking quality such as Edwards. Would like to see us try a 5 in midfield to give the legs to support Edwards.

Would like to see us try:-

--------------------Dubravka
Walker Tuanzabe Esteve Hartman
-----------Ugochukwu---Cullen
Edwards---------Hannibal--------Anthony
-----------------------Broja

Still a few new signings needed but if we could get the right additions the 5 at the back would look a bit more comfortable.

------------------Dubravka
------Walker ------NEW----Esteve
NEW-----------------------------------Hartman
----------Ugochukwu---Cullen
-----TELLA--------------------------Anthony
-----------------------Broja

Tella started the other day for Leverkusen so that looks like a no go. I mentioned it on another thread but Ings ability on the ball and goal threat could be perfect for that role. He works his nads off as well.

[ChrisG]

Tella started the other day for Leverkusen so that looks like a no go. I mentioned it on another thread but Ings ability on the ball and goal threat could be perfect for that role. He works his nads off as well.

He did, but it was in the equivalent of the FA Cup, and they were playing a non league team. He's only actually played a full 90 minutes for Leverkusen once in 2025 looking at Flashscores

[ollieclarets8]

Dub
Walker Tuanzebe Esteve Hartman
Cullen Les
Edwards Hannibal Anthony
Broja

[Goliath]

He did, but it was in the equivalent of the FA Cup, and they were playing a non league team. He's only actually played a full 90 minutes for Leverkusen once in 2025 looking at Flashscores

Fair enough. I just assumed he was in favour with the new manager.

[claretspice]

At present the personnel suits a back 4 with a reasonably robust, diligent player sat in front of Walker on the right, three in midfield and one up top with someone from the left joining the front man when possible.

But whatever formation we play, we're crying out for athleticism on the right side and a centre half with real presence in both boxes.

[jdrobbo]

At present the personnel suits a back 4 with a reasonably robust, diligent player sat in front of Walker on the right, three in midfield and one up top with someone from the left joining the front man when possible.

But whatever formation we play, we're crying out for athleticism on the right side and a centre half with real presence in both boxes.

In this respect, it’s perhaps a shame that for whatever reason, we didn’t get Dan Ballard over the line.

[claretspice]

In this respect, it’s perhaps a shame that for whatever reason, we didn’t get Dan Ballard over the line.

Perhaps although there's been plenty of water under the bridge since then and I think it will be interesting to see how he goes for pace at this rarified level.

[jdrobbo]

Perhaps although there's been plenty of water under the bridge since then and I think it will be interesting to see how he goes for pace at this rarified level.

Yes, I think that’s fair.

[BleedingClaret]

There’s no doubt after yesterday that Sunderland will win the League Ballard will revert to being a striker and win the golden boot
Marcus Edwards and Nathan Tella will take turns in the Nets for us

[Pickles]

Without possession

------------GK-------------
-------CB CB CB --------
RWB ---------------LWB
-------CM CM CM-------
------------AM-----------
------------ST-------------

With possession

--------------GK---------
------CB-----CB------CB---
-------------CM--------------
------CM----------CM-----------
RW----------AM------------LW
--------------ST-------------

[Cirrus_Minor]

Not sure about using 3 centre backs and wing backs. When we lose possession we are open to breaks down the flanks.

[CoolClaret]

Been pondering this all day —

If it is to be three at the back -

-----------Dubs
----Walker-NEW-Esteve
NEW--Cullen-Lesley--Hartman
-----Foster--------Anthony
-------------Broja

Need a big dominant CB and a proper RWB - Milan van Ewijk ?

or

-----------Dubs
----Walker-NEW-Esteve
Anthony--Cullen-Lesley--Hartman
-----Foster-------Flemming
-------------Broja

Need as much physicality + goal threats on to the pitch as possible.

[dougcollins]

In effect this is how VK started, putting players who were used to something into an unfamiliar formation with unfamiliar players around them.

Exactly what we said SP wouldn't do.

[RVclaret]

In effect this is how VK started, putting players who were used to something into an unfamiliar formation with unfamiliar players around them.

Exactly what we said SP wouldn't do.

Who says it’s unfamiliar? They played it in several games last season. Didn’t see any ‘unfamiliarity’ issues when we beat Southampton away, or Luton 4-1. They’ve obviously been training all pre season too, and we’ve switched between a 4-4-2/4-2-4 and yesterday’s system (v Shrewsbury and Lazio). Who are the unfamiliar players around them, except a couple of new signings? FWIW, Sunderland had just 3 players from last season in their 11 yesterday, and won 3-0.

[equinox]

Playing 3 at the back only works if you have two genuine wing backs, not wingers who can defend a bit or fullbacks that like the odd forage forward, proper all action, big engined dynamos, otherwise it's pointless.

Trippier for example was the best wingback in the World when England got to the semi-final of the World Cup, a perfect example of a 'wing back'.

Trouble is there hard to find, we have one in Kyle Walker but he is required in the back three covering that right hand side (ironically like he did with Trippier).

[Goliath]

Playing 3 at the back only works if you have two genuine wing backs, not wingers who can defend a bit or fullbacks that like the odd forage forward, proper all action, big engined dynamos, otherwise it's pointless.

Trippier for example was the best wingback in the World when England got to the semi-final of the World Cup, a perfect example of a 'wing back'.

Trouble is there hard to find, we have one in Kyle Walker but he is required in the back three covering that right hand side (ironically like he did with Trippier).

Chelsea won the league with Victor Moses at wing back

[CrosspoolClarets]

Parker seems wedded to a back 3/5 now. I doubt he will change it so the debate is what we do with that formation.

Intriguingly, as I sit here watching Man Utd, that is also the Amorim formation and the one in which he used Edwards so successfully at Lisbon in what today is the Brian Mbuemo position and the one that Hannibal played yesterday.

So for me there is no doubt Edwards has to be in that role, it is far too attacking for Hannibal, and that yesterday was an unforced error from Parker.

If Parker has doubts over Edwards with young Tchoema (can’t recall his name properly) as back up, we may need another option in that position. If Koleosho or Tresor go, I’d then go all out to try to sign Nathan Tella who would be perfect for it too. But I like the trickery of Edwards to set up Broja.

I would go (I know Anthony on the right didn’t work last season but we HAVE to get more creativity and flair on):

------------------Dubravka——————————
-————---Walker ----NEW----Esteve————-
Anthony----------------------------------Hartman
----------Ugochukwu---Cullen——————————
-----Edwards--------------------Foster——————
-----------------------Broja—————————————-

[KernowHouseClaret]

Threads like this make me laugh, who do I think knows the best formation for our current players/squad... Our manager and coaches who work with the players regularly and who have okay d different formation in the preseason friendlies or a message board full of Burnley fans, most of which will have seen 1 game on some kind of feed...let me think about that a moment

[dougcollins]

Who says it’s unfamiliar? They played it in several games last season. Didn’t see any ‘unfamiliarity’ issues when we beat Southampton away, or Luton 4-1. They’ve obviously been training all pre season too, and we’ve switched between a 4-4-2/4-2-4 and yesterday’s system (v Shrewsbury and Lazio). Who are the unfamiliar players around them, except a couple of new signings? FWIW, Sunderland had just 3 players from last season in their 11 yesterday, and won 3-0.

Come on, we played virtually every league game with the same formation.

One example is an anomaly.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Threads like this make me laugh, who do I think knows the best formation for our current players/squad... Our manager and coaches who work with the players regularly and who have okay d different formation in the preseason friendlies or a message board full of Burnley fans, most of which will have seen 1 game on some kind of feed...let me think about that a moment

To be fair using that logic every manager would be MOTY and none ever get sacked for underperformance.

Managers get it badly wrong. That is one of the joys of this sport, watching it happen and predicting it (with luck, in our opponents not us).

For what it is worth I think Parker may have the correct formation, but he may be too cautious in who he fits into it. That is his achilles heel as it was until February last season.

[CoolClaret]

Threads like this make me laugh, who do I think knows the best formation for our current players/squad... Our manager and coaches who work with the players regularly and who have okay d different formation in the preseason friendlies or a message board full of Burnley fans, most of which will have seen 1 game on some kind of feed...let me think about that a moment

Heaven forbid Burnley fans on a Burnley forum discuss tactics!

[equinox]

Threads like this make me laugh, who do I think knows the best formation for our current players/squad... Our manager and coaches who work with the players regularly and who have okay d different formation in the preseason friendlies or a message board full of Burnley fans, most of which will have seen 1 game on some kind of feed...let me think about that a moment

A least you got a laugh out of it.

[equinox]

Chelsea won the league with Victor Moses at wing back

Did they?, he's obviously a good one then

[summitclaret]

From what we have fit, and assuming Walker stays rcb in a 3, I think Anthony is best option for right wing back. As is bring said, we need creativity from at least one of the front 3 e.g. Edwards.

[equinox]

From what we have fit, and assuming Walker stays rcb in a 3, I think Anthony is best option for right wing back. As is bring said, we need creativity from at least one of the front 3 e.g. Edwards.

Honestly and I've never been more certain about anything, ever: Anthony IS NOT a Premier League wing back.

[Roosterbooster]

Playing 3 at the back only works if you have two genuine wing backs, not wingers who can defend a bit or fullbacks that like the odd forage forward, proper all action, big engined dynamos, otherwise it's pointless.

Trippier for example was the best wingback in the World when England got to the semi-final of the World Cup, a perfect example of a 'wing back'.

Trouble is there hard to find, we have one in Kyle Walker but he is required in the back three covering that right hand side (ironically like he did with Trippier).

There are loads of wingers who have become wing backs or attacking full backs (essentially wing backs in a back 4 rather than 3, and that's harder to do) and very good ones

Victor Moses
Ashley Cole
Perisic
Cuadrado
Ashley Young
Zambrotta
Bellerin

Saka has also been utilised as a wing back

Pep also played Fabian Delph as an attacking full back. Admittedly with a bit of an inverted FB angle

[Roosterbooster]

Honestly and I've never been more certain about anything, ever: Anthony IS NOT a Premier League wing back.

Would you start Anthony?

Many think he is fully deserving of his place, but you seem to have an anti-Anthony agenda

[equinox]

There are loads of wingers who have become wing backs or attacking full backs (essentially wing backs in a back 4 rather than 3, and that's harder to do) and very good ones

Victor Moses
Ashley Cole
Perisic
Cuadrado
Ashley Young
Zambrotta
Bellerin

Saka has also been utilised as a wing back

Pep also played Fabian Delph as an attacking full back. Admittedly with a bit of an inverted FB angle

Yes I know, but Anthony will never be one.

[Darnhill Claret]

What genuinely surprises me, is how few posters are selecting Flemming for a starting position. Until I see Broja a few times, Flemming is our most instinctive goalscorer, regularly looking to score at any opportunity, from any position and any distance.

[mickleoverclaret]

Parker seems wedded to a back 3/5 now. I doubt he will change it

Seems a bit early to say this, no? I'd expect 4 at the back for some of the more winnable games.

[IPAclaret]

Of the players we have right now, struggling to look past this -

---------Dubs
Walkers-Tuanzebe-Esteve-Hartman
JBL---Cullen--Lesley---Anthony
-------Foster
--------------Broja

This looks a pretty decent/ strong side to me, with plenty of options eg Flemming, Amdouni, Humphreys, etc - all when fit obviously.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Seems a bit early to say this, no? I'd expect 4 at the back for some of the more winnable games.

He doesn’t strike me as the flexible type. Like Dyche. When his mind is made up he sticks to that option.

[Woodleyclaret]

And like Dyche he took the Super Clarets up to the big time