PROS

• With three strong defenders, teams can be indestructible in defense.

• Forwards get accustomed to working in a two-striker system.

• Easy for strong, less skillful teams to bully more skillful teams that will often be playing with more fluid attacking formations such as the two above.

• Teaches forwards to defend from the front.

CONS

• Central midfielder is required to do a lot of running. If they fail in that quest, the other team will dominate.

• Can become overly defensive if fullbacks don’t push up with the play.

• Not naturally rooted in a possession-based style of play (but this can be mitigated with fluidity in the fullbacks).

PROS

• Attack-minded and possession oriented.

• Achieves fantastic balance in both wide and central areas; defense and attack.

• Every player has a clearly defined role.

• Creates lots of opportunities for goals.

CONS

• If defenders play too far apart, a massive gap is left in the centre of defense.

• Midfielders are required to be non-stop runners and help out in both attack and defense.

• Striker can become isolated if opposition midfield shuts down central areas.