One Or Two Upfront?

Clayton Donaldson is a fan favourite and there is no point disputing that. As a poacher, he is up there with the best in the Championship at the minute and his other attributes make him a defenders nightmare.

But as a defender on the opposite team, I will always know that it’ll be just Donaldson up there. Therefore, one centre back can man mark whilst the other one has to sweep. This is very simple defending. No matter how good Donaldson is, he is always outnumbered.

So what do I suggest? A simple 2 upfront strategy. This can play to Donaldson’s strengths as an attacker, in terms of holding the ball up and feeding the midfielders, but it also gives an extra bit of pace and unpredictability to the way in which Birmingham City play.

I am a strong advocate of the two upfront scenario because it means that we can press higher. If we press higher, then the opposition will have to either punt long balls which the likes of Morrison can deal with comfortably, or it forces a mistake in their defensive third which we can capitalize on.

Not only this, it also gives the centre backs a torrid time as they will have to keep switching. This allows space for runners in midfield to come and create chances.

Also, it is not like I am putting forward an alien idea. Many clubs adopt this method and it works perfectly well. Deeney and Ighalo for Watford last season were unplayable purely due to their movement with each other and constant link up play. I have every confidence that a similar result can be achieved with Birmingham City.

Now it just leaves the question, who will partner Donaldson in this formation. For me personally, it is Gray. He has the pace to compliment Donaldson’s flick ons as well as the skill to beat a defender. Not only this, he also has a superb shot on him which is at the end of the day, what a striker needs.

If Gray was to move into this role, then the place on the wing can be occupied with Maghoma with Cotterill on the opposing flank. Another alternative would be Maghoma through the middle but I think that he is too similar to Donaldson and therefore the partnership wouldn’t work. Also, he isn’t as confident in finishing as Gray.

There are several players who could play in that position, notably the youngster, Arthur. But other players would need to learn that position and forge a partnership with Clayton whereas I think that Gray already has a good understanding with him and can actually pick out the right pass when it is needed.

Do you agree that we should go to 2 up front in order to be less predictable, or should we stay as 1. If you decide 2, then who would you have partnering Donaldson? Comment below.