It’s Stoke next, lads, the sentence that sends a shiver down the spine.
The last time this fixture was played it preceded a 20+ game unbeaten run. It was also the last time Brentford conceded more than two goals and we have not seen 3-4-3 played too often since.
We’ve barely spoken about anything other than wing-backs of late and Stoke’s 3-5-2 under Michael O’Neill is another example of a system that both stifles Brentford in the buildup phase and has players tuned in and positioned well to dominate 2nd balls.
After a 3-3 draw against Rotherham in the middle of January MON had seen enough of the shape that was supposed to keep teams out hasn’t looked back since switching to a 4-2-3-1.
Much of their success in today’s game depends on the midfield make up. In previous games, Stoke had good natural coverage at the top of the team through their use of wing-backs and two central forwards who were backed up by an advanced midfielder, Powell, playing in the 10 role. Switch to a 4-2-3-1 and we see the dynamics change as responsibility on a lone striker in the first line increases especially against a ball playing back 4 plus wingers replace previously defence first minded wing-backs. If your strength was a solid high up the field out of possession shape as well as being hard to break down, any adjustment to that shape will result in the team having to be better at controlling deeper areas of the pitch.
Mikkel playing in a double pivot doesn’t appear to be working. Not only is he entering the latter stages of his career, he is finding himself outnumbered in central areas.
With Powell ahead of a deeper pair in Stoke’s 3-5-2 system, Mikkel benefitted from a midfield, defensive wing backs and 3 central defenders. 4-2-3-1 demands an attacking midfielder becomes a second runner or addition to the line front man and for the player to contribute in preventing central counter attacks.
The ex-Chelsea star is unintentionally exposed to midfield runners and 4 attack minded players ahead of him. Previously it was 3.
Ghoddos plugged away in the midweek victory over Sheffield Wednesday to get his goal and set up chances for team-mates. With Marcondes and Dasilva returning to fitness, Brentford’s midfield options suddenly expanded. Add in Nørgaard close to a potential return, the depth in the central area begins to put fear back into the minds of opponents planning to stop Thomas Franks team.