Football

Šilhavý is working on a formation change. How could the Czechs play against Switzerland?

A fight for everything. The Czechs must beat Switzerland on Tuesday night if they want to stay in the elite group of the Nations League. But they have to be a little more offensive than in their last game against Portugal.

Published

2 years ago

27. 9. 2022

David Beňo

The situation is clear. If the Czech national team wants to compete with the best national teams in the next edition of the Nations League, they must win in Switzerland.

A draw would hand retention to their opponents, Sommer and co. are in a good position after two surprise wins over Portugal and Switzerland.

And how to work their way to a win in St. Gallen? The Czechs will have to choose a more offensive game, defending and waiting for breakaways could backfire badly.

Jaroslav Šilhavý is trying to find a way to change things and surprise the opponents. According to iSport, the coach is toying with the idea of returning to the classic four-guard system.

He hasn’t made a single appearance in 2022, and he hasn’t stuck with the three-stopper model since the barrage duel with Sweden, where he first pulled out the 3-5-2 system.

This would give the Czech team one extra offensive player, one less stopper. And logically, it would encourage much more support for Patrik Schick at the top of the attack.

Tomáš Vaclík will certainly start in goal, while Vladimír Coufal has a permanent position on the right edge of defence. David Zima should start at stopper, the question is who will join him. Ondrej Kúdelá is a great combination from Slavia, but Václav Jemelka and Jaroslav Zelený are also available, one of them will probably go at left-back.

The question is who to put in the centre of midfield to captain Soucek. Alex Král didn’t convince in the first match, Petr Ševčík or Lukáš Kalvach are available. Considering the need to attack, the option with the Slavic playmaker would be offered.

The offensive midfield could consist of the trio Hložek – Barák – Černý. Alternatively, Adam Vlkanova could get a chance. Patrik Schick shouldn’t be missing at the top of the attack.