Apparently, Owen Coyle no longer believes in central midfielders. Based on the way they’ve played throughout the season, everyone’s best guess is that his team will line up in a 4-4-2, but he’s selected three true forwards and two true wingers. Okay, so it’s not that weird, he did it last week, but it’s an interesting response to Stuart Holden’s absence. Johan Elmander has played on the right for Bolton plenty of times this year, but based on this selection, he’s probably an attacking midfielder at the tip of a diamond.
Stoke City Vs. Bolton Wanderers, FA Cup Semi-Final: Lineups
Stoke? Well, they’re Stoke.
Stoke City lineup (4-4-2): Sorenson; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson; Pennant, Whelan, Delap, Etherington; Walters, Jones
Bolton Wanderers lineup (4-4-2 diamond): Jaaskelainen; Robinson, Knight, Cahill, Steinsson; Muamba; Lee, Petrov; Elmander; Davies, Klasnic
Against most teams, you would say that Bolton are asking to get dominated in midfield with this setup, but fortunately they’re playing Stoke, and one of their central midfielders only plays to take throw-ins.
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