Millwall manager Alex Neil isn’t afraid to mix things up when it comes to his team’s formation. In the Carabao Cup Third Round match against Crystal Palace, Neil opted for a 3-4-2-1 setup, deviating from the usual 4-4-2 formation that features two strikers, Josh Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic. This tactical switch paid off, allowing Millwall to compete effectively against the Premier League side.
Key Points about Millwall’s Formation:
- Flexibility: Neil emphasized his willingness to experiment with different formations, having played various setups throughout his career, including 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, and 3-4-3.
- Adaptability: According to Neil, the key to success lies in organizing the team’s build-up play, defensive structure, and pressing strategy, regardless of the formation.
- Player Strengths: Neil chose the 3-4-2-1 formation because it suited the strengths of the players involved, and he was pleased with how the team executed it.
Upcoming Challenges:
Millwall will look to apply the lessons learned from this match as they continue their campaign in the Championship. With Neil’s flexible approach, the team might see more tactical variations in the future ¹.
