---
title: "Aston Villa: Fans debate Dean Smith conundrum over four at the back versus five in defence"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/aston-villa-fans-debate-dean-smith-conundrum-over-four-at-the-back-versus-five-in-defence/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Aston Villa"
published: "2020-03-05T13:10:03Z"
modified: "2020-03-05T13:10:03Z"
---

# Aston Villa: Fans debate Dean Smith conundrum over four at the back versus five in defence

**Responding to a concerned post by news account [Total Villa](https://twitter.com/eghave86/status/1235308976071495687?s=21), many supporters have been in full debate over manager Dean Smith’s potential conundrum of switching to a back four rather than a back five – with full-backs Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett potentially guilty of over-committing.**

Villa, who played a [back four](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-manchester-city-carabao-17828115) in their last outing, a narrow[2-1 defeat](https://www.sofascore.com/aston-villa-manchester-city/rP) to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, could be set to switch things up ahead of their battle to avoid the drop – with manager Smith potentially opting to revert to that 4-2-3-1 system on display last weekend.

However, judging by the response of these Villa fans, there is definitely some concern – with a lot of supporters taking to Twitter in full debate over Smith’s tactics. Most often deploying a back five off the ball this campaign, full-backs Guilbert and Targett, when looking to get forward, were covered by three centre-halves – keeping the danger of overexposure to a minimum.

\[freshpress-poll id=”260012″\]

As a result, some supporters are debating the potential switch to a back four which could remove that safety net, especially when opposition sides counter-attack – something that has ‘[been a problem all season](https://twitter.com/eghave86/status/1235308976071495687?s=21)‘. Find all of their best comments down below.

> I agree. It has been a problem all season. Nakamba has to play so defensively that he is almost a CB aswell.\
> And then hopefully McGinn is back soon and can cover the entre pitch.
>
> — Thomas Eghave (@Eghave86) [March 4, 2020](https://twitter.com/Eghave86/status/1235308976071495687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Maybe start with Elmo at right back with Guilbert ahead of him at right midfield?
>
> — chris darlaston🌹 (@cdarl67) [March 4, 2020](https://twitter.com/cdarl67/status/1235301361048260608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> They were more defensive in a back 5, most teams full backs are attacking now, the dm needs to do more.
>
> — Wayne Turner (@turner295) [March 4, 2020](https://twitter.com/turner295/status/1235303094352850945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> I’d play Elmo right back for a spell now. Better positionally and crosser although Guilbert is quicker. I think Targett is more worth the risk as he’s a genuine threat with goals and assists. If we’re up against a team with quick wingers I’d consider Hause at left back
>
> — StanTheMan (@StanStaunton) [March 4, 2020](https://twitter.com/StanStaunton/status/1235335525764038657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> I think guilbert played better at full back so not too worried there. Targett did get exposed quite often, even on sunday he kept giving the winger way too much space
>
> — RicardoAV (@RichieLionel81) [March 5, 2020](https://twitter.com/RichieLionel81/status/1235457805596995584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Especially Targett
>
> — Dom Phillips (@DomPhillipsCSGO) [March 5, 2020](https://twitter.com/DomPhillipsCSGO/status/1235474267497619461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***How would you solve this potential defensive conundrum? Join the discussion by commenting below…***