What's your suggestion for the 4-4-2?
It's a little dangerous to put forward the numbers (like 3-5-2, 4-4-2, etc.) when discussing formations, because if often up to interpretation. This is the 4-4-2 I'm talking about: "Option 1: 4-4-2"
This is in theory a 4-4-2, but notice the arrows; they kinda make it a 4-2-3-1, which is why I said they are a bit alike.
As for the 4-2-3-1, I thought you were talking about something with Keita-Naingolan on the back, Gervinho-Pjanic/Ljajic/Totti-Iturbe, but this way you would just have our 4-3-3 adapted to a different formation, which sounds quite useless since our wingers would be forced back and have to run more on the field to be dangerous.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean, please elaborate on how they are forced back - anyways, this is what I propose: "Option 2: 4-2-3-1" (alternatively this one if it makes better sense; though they are basically the same)
I don't see how this couldn't work. Play it until Totti should go out, and either take the substitue down to midfield, or keep the AC. If Totti is not in at all, play Llajic or go back to 4-3-3 or even have Doumbia side-by-side with Gervinho as CFs ("Option 1: 4-4-2")
4-2-3-1 is exactly what we were doing at the beginning of the season when we were not in possession
I remember it like we did exactly the 4-3-3 as we do now, because we wanted to utilize Totti as a striker/CF. I have always wanted to see Totti more as the AC he was start 2000. He should be more of a playmaker that can eventually go up and play CF when needed.
Also, let's say we did play 4-2-3-1 as you say; you make it sound like it worked bad? I mean, we did pretty good in the beginning of the season. Let's say we weren't in possession; we still scored and we won games, we sure don't win games now! I think we can get back on track by trying something a little different, like above. Play Totti behind the striker, and even give Llajic a try in there. I think he'd do great. Then still have the pace on the sides, together with pace on the top and we'd be more versatile when playing, and less predictable (which is our main problem).
Hell, I would even consider a Diamond 4-4-2 just to try something different to not be predictable! I think our wingers could easily work as LM and RM, just a tad more offensive with support from the LB and RB.
Double-Hell: Try and shift positions during the game. Have Iturbe take the LW, and Llajic RW, switch Ibarbo with gervinho on the side, Totti down to Pjanic to constitute two playmaker-CMs with De rossi/Ninja behind.
What it all comes down to: We have such a versatile team, that could potentially overrun (by confusing) the opponent simply by doing something different. Something unexpected. But we don't dare. I hate that we don't dare to do something different when we're playing shit, the morale is low and all we have is draws.
