This season, Roy Hodgson has been very flexible at Crystal Palace when it has come to formations.
The Eagles boss has had no problem with using a 4-4-2 in one game, then a 4-3-3 in another.
And it is something he is likely to continue doing in the next campaign, especially if he loses his talisman Wilfried Zaha, with a transfer to former club Manchester United currently being mooted (The Telegraph).
Hodgson, however, should look towards using a 4-2-3-1 on a more permanent basis if Zaha does end up leaving Selhurst Park.
The Ivorian’s departure would almost certainly leave a creative void in Crystal Palace’s team, and switching to a formation such as the 4-2-3-1 might just be the thing that helps Hodgson to fill it.
Realistically, the Eagles are going to find it hard to find a like-for-like replacement for Zaha who is of equal ability.
Bearing that in mind, getting three attackers into the side behind a striker, which the 4-2-3-1 allows, may be the way to go.
In the likes of Andros Townsend and Max Meyer, Hodgson already has a couple of decent offensive options.
After using the Zaha money to reinforce that area, Hodgson could have the tools to field a very good three-man attack, one more capable of making up for the Ivory Coast international’s loss than a sole like-for-like replacement.
As far as life after Zaha goes, 4-2-3-1 could just be what Crystal Palace need to get by.
Crystal Palace fans, how would you like to see your team line up next season? Join the discussion by commenting below.
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