Dissecting The Likely Formation Of Gernot Rohr Against Serbia

Which formation should Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr utilize in the international friendly against Serbia at the Hive Stadium tonight?

Allnigeriasoccer.com takes a look at the likely pattern the ex-Bayern Munich defender might make use of against the European side.

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Rohr used his trusted 4-2-1-3 formation. Although he surprised everyone by resorting to a 3-4-3 pattern in the 4-2 victory over Argentina. Against Poland, he brought another dimension electing to stick with a 4-4-1-1 formation.

He has used three different systems since he took over as coach of the three-time African champions, and seems no closer to deciding how he wants his XI players to line up.

Ahead of the game against Serbia tonight, here is a rundown of the three patterns Rohr has used since he took over from Sunday Oliseh in 2016, and the merits and demerits of each.

3-4-3

Merits: It works incredibly well against Argentina – still the team most sides are measuring themselves against in the international arena, regardless of the fact that Leo Messi was missing. It allowed the Eagles to compete with the Argentines in the middle, but offers the width you need to hurt them when their wide midfielders inevitably wander inside to try and create superiority.

Demerits: As great as it is against Argentina, 3-4-3 doesn't seem to work against anyone else. It exposes a team to counter attacks as seen in the way Argentina blew the Eagles apart in the first half.

4-2-1-3

Merits: The players are more than familiar with this. Nigeria have controlled games the best in this formation, the two central midfielders generally allowing for the lion's share of ball possession, while also protecting John Obi Mikel without the ball.

Similar to the 4-3-3 and, the system allows Alex Iwobi – to play in his favoured position. It offers the width that most teams desire at the top level, and allows Odion Jude Ighalo to be the focal point of the attack.

Playing with two wide players also offers the chance to fit Moses Simon and Victor Moses.

Demerits: The lack of width is a problem. It exposed the Super Eagles against South Africa, and that game seemed to trigger the experimentation with various shapes.

4-4-2

Merits: A small variation on the above that sees Rohr remove a midfielder and add a striker that, in theory, allows greater pressing of games with the extra man upfront.

It plays to Nigeria's strengths in attack – there is going to be fierce competition for places in the squad tonight, and if he picks the right combination this system could prove useful.

Demerits: Unfortunately, Rohr doesn't really like playing this formation. Wilfred Ndidi and Joel Obi at the middle are unlikely to concern top opposition.

A man filling as diamond is the best trident. And we clearly struggled against Poland with this system.

Abayomi Ademetan