Aston Villa: Playing 3 at the Back Will Lead to a Victory over West Bromwich

Aston Villa's upcoming derby date with West Bromwich Albion will be a competitive clash between well-matched teams. Separated in the league table by a single goal, Paul Lambert's team selection will be a crucial determinant in which club can leap forward in the standings and bring joy to their fans.

Although a 4-3-3 formation seems to be the manager's first choice, Lambert has willfully altered his tactics according to his opponent and available personnel. Therefore, Lambert must consider deploying his players in a 3-5-2 formation for Monday's match at The Hawthorns.

Lambert has used this formation twice this season: first in Villa's shock win against Manchester City and later during a goalless draw with West Ham. The 3-5-2 formation is an ideal response to Albion's attack that also suits Villa's injury-riddled squad.

Albion have yet to firmly settle on a first-choice XI since the transfer deadline concluded. New signings Nicolas Anelka, Scott Sinclair, Victor Anichebe, Morgan Amalfitano and Stephane Sessegnon have all increased Steve Clarke's attacking options.

Additionally, the emergence of Saido Berahino has added further competition among Albion's forward and wide players. However, regardless of which specific players are selected Clarke's team has proved to be relatively predictable in attack.

Clarke's side typically operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation that bolsters three attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker. While a 4-2-3-1 formation is among the Premier League's most popular, Albion are particularly interesting due to their wide players' tendency to cut inside frequently.

According to WhoScored.com, West Brom create 78 percent of their shot attempts through the middle of the pitch, the highest percentage in the Premier League.

Albion's attacking midfielders have free license to cut inside, and the likes of Sessegnon and Berahino have proved to be adept at creating opportunities for themselves or teammates from these positions.

Consequently, Lambert must consider utilizing a 3-5-2 formation in order to combat these tactics. Adding a third central defender will give Villa an extra man capable of defending any cuts to the inside, as well as providing greater aerial prowess in the face of set pieces and crosses.

Ron Vlaar, Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker have developed strong chemistry together, and they will be more capable of limiting Albion's chances if played together in central defence.

A third defender will also allow Villa's wing-backs to catch Albion's wide players out of position and contribute to quick counters, Villa's preferred method of attack when playing away. 

With a number of players recovering from minor injuries it is currently unclear which players will be fully fit for Lambert to select from. It seems unlikely that Villa will have their full complement of attacking options available.

Therefore, a 4-3-3 formation is unappealing with uncertainty over the fitness of Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann. With these injury concerns a 3-5-2 will allow Lambert to field his best available strikers in front of a midfield trio. 

The 3-5-2 has its weaknesses that Albion could potentially exploit. The positioning of the wing-backs is crucial as they must contribute equally in attack and defence. It is likely that Matthew Lowton and Leandro Bacuna will be entrusted with these important duties.

Both players are well-suited to the role as they are strong passers who can read the game to understand when it is appropriate to surge forward. If the wing-backs are caught too far up the pitch then the centre-backs could be pulled out of position and exposed on the break. 

Despite this potential weakness, Lambert must have faith in his defenders' adaptability and deploy his team in a 3-5-2 on Monday in order to emerge victorious against their local rivals.