United aim to strike it lucky with new formation
Apr 22 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United will spend this week testing out the 4-3-3 formation that Alan Shearer hopes will bring salvation to his struggling side – but it will only get the green light if they can find the right midfield mix to back up their striking heavyweights.
Shearer looks set to resurrect the three-pronged offensive line of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins for the must-win clash with Portsmouth after the trio impressed in the closing stages of the Spurs defeat.
That forward line was the catalyst for the string of results that saved United from relegation last year and Shearer believes that the squad’s strength lies in their proven Premier League-calibre attacking talent.
But he is wary of leaving the midfield exposed and with Jose Enrique still not certain of making the Portsmouth game, it is a question of whether or not the right balance can be achieved. Shearer has already shown that he is not afraid to be tactically flexible, changing formations and tactics several times as United toiled in the sun at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Assistant boss Iain Dowie confirmed that he and Shearer have talked about 4-3-3 but need to be satisfied that they can field a midfield with enough width to test Paul Hart’s Pompey.
“We wouldn’t want to give anyone a march by declaring our hand so early,” Dowie said. “But me and Alan are discussing it (playing three up front). It is a system that we’ve talked about – we do believe that we’ve got powerful players up front who can make a difference.
“We’d need to do some work in wide areas to make it work, though. We’ll do some work on it in midweek – it is a consideration but it’s up to Alan to determine which way we go.” While United could not afford to concede goals against attacking sides like Chelsea and Tottenham, they will be expected to do most of the offensive work against a team that they can still catch.
In Obafemi Martins they have a player capable of making a difference, as he proved in the second half against Spurs.
