Thread on where Celtic are likely headed with formation and selection. Signing of Ajeti should conclude the centaur period of Lennon's current tenure, which has been half Rodgers-half Lennon. As I have said before, this compromise approach has basically resulted in Deila....

with better players overall and a little more possession. As I covered in this piece, Lennon's record at Hibs showed a preference for 3-4-1-2, 3-4-2-1, and 4-4-2 diamond. 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 were not primary shapes. https://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/the-real-return-of-lennyball/

As soon as Griffiths was fit,, he went 3-5-2 post break. So far this season the absence of Griffiths and pre-Ajeti arrival resulted in the return of the centaur: 4-2-3-1 with Lennon's preference for quicker and more direct attacking play. I assume Ajeti received assurances of his

being a starter to entice a permanent move, which means we may finally see a return to Lennyball. Why do I say "finally"? Post break last season was with a central 6 and two 8's in midfield- something I had advocated for largely to unshackle McGregor. Lennon's history....

suggests a preference for two 6's with a 10 in midfield, which would mean 3-4-1-2. Question becomes who plays where? Strikers are obvious, and I think Moi will be the 10, which he played some at Basel with Ajeti. That leaves 2 spots in the midfield. McGregor is obviously 1 of 2.

Ntcham seems to be on the way out, and it seems plausible that Lennon may have placated him last summer by giving assurance of a move this summer- which would be a logical explanation for how little he's been used so far. That leaves Christie, Brown, and Soro for the other 6.

Who Lennon and Kennedy decide upon will be vitally important and interesting. As many will remember, McGregor played with Christie in 4-2-3-1 for most of the period while Brown was out injured in late 2018, and the team's performance level was excellent- basically swap Moi-Rogic.

Lennon has said that today is too soon for Ajeti to start, so we may have to wait until Dundee United this weekend. Lastly, there has been a tactical snobbery in recent years against playing with 2 strikers, as the copycat cycle turned to 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 possession obsessed.

Several of the clubs on the forefront of analytics wave have adopted variations of playing with 2 strikers as primary formations. 3-4-1-2/3-4-2-1 and 4-4-2 diamond have been examples of the most used. Will save wingbacks and CB's for tomorrow. End.