Albion Should Consider 4-2-3-1 Formation

Graham Potter could change tactics in the absence of Lewis Dunk.

The Captain was sent off against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion drew their last match against rivals, Crystal Palace. Alexis Mac Allister scored a late equaliser before captain Lewis Dunk was sent off.

The suspension of three games for the Brighton and Hove Albion captain, Lewis Dunk, is a significant loss to the Seagulls. Dunk has been a mainstay in the side, making 285 appearances for the south-coast side. Without Dunk captaining and marshalling the defence, manager Graham Potter could change his tactics for the upcoming matches.

Moving to a 4-2-3-1 might seem alien to Potter’s Brighton, which has traditionally favoured a back-three with wing-backs on each flank. But changing the system to a back four would allow Brighton to deploy an extra attacker from the start of the match.

A back-four of Bernanrdo, Ben White, Adam Webster and Tariq Lamptey would be strong enough for the Premier League, especially with the experienced goalkeeper Maty Ryan behind them. Bernardo and Lamptey would both be given a licence to get forward and overlap the winger’s, which would be in keeping with the Seagull’s current attacking method.

The two full-backs would have to adjust their new roles for it to work though. Both Lamptey and Bernardo are traditionally wing-backs and are used to playing higher up the pitch. In this formation, however, they will have to remember their defensive responsibilities. 

The midfield would undoubtedly be able to provide enough screening to the defence. Yves Bissouma and Adam Lallana could work well together. Bissouma would provide the muscle and defensive ability, whereas Lallana could take up the role of a deep-lying-playmaker. The former Liverpool player has the ability to play accurate long balls for the attacker, which could add a different dimension to Potter’s Brighton side.

 The attack would possess a fluid look to it with Leandro Trossard, Alexis Mac Allister, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Neal Maupay. All for of them have excellent technique and close control. Also, they are all capable of finding the back of the net.

With Lallana and Bissouma behind them, it could allow them to stay higher up the pitch during defensive actions. Staying higher up the pitch would also improve the speed of the counter-attack, something the Seagull’s struggled with against Palace.

The next three games against West Brom, Tottenham and Burnley could be the perfect time to try out a new formation. Should it work, then Dunk’s return would only strengthen the side further.