Journalist Michael Bridge has claimed that Crystal Palace fans will be excited if Patrick Vieira opts to change to a back three next season after primarily playing a four last campaign.
Despite Vieira finishing 12th in the Premier League during his first season in charge at Crystal Palace, reports are claiming that the French manager might switch it up next term and play a three-at-the-back formation.
There have been reports that Palace are keen on bringing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cheick Doucoure to Selhurst Park in the summer, so with Player of the Season Conor Gallagher returning to parent club Chelsea, Vieira is supposedly looking at several ways to deal with life without the 22-year-old.
With the reports of Palace potentially switching formations next season, Bridge claimed to GiveMeSport that it will excite the Eagles faithful if a change of formation is on the cards.
He said: “I think Guehi and Andersen have played in a three at their previous clubs. Andersen did it at Lyon, so maybe he’s looking at that as well; it gives them extra protection.
“I’ve not heard that, but if that is true, I’m sure that will excite some Palace fans, and of course, their big issue is really replacing their great loanee Conor Gallagher.”
Would you be happy if Palace switched formations?Yes
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TIF Thoughts on Bridge’s comments…
Just two sides outside the top four conceded fewer goals than Palace’s 46 goals last season, so Vieira will be hoping to build on this for next season, and a change of formation could support this defensive stability, whilst adding an extra attacking threat.
Vieira had last summer and January to bring in players, so after this summer’s transfer window, he might feel that he has the correct players to suit a three-at-the-back system, and it might have been his plan all along to bring in players such as Marc Guehi – who has played in this formation previously – so that they will be used to it ahead of the upcoming campaign.