Lancashire | Burnley fans want a formation change

Following on from another defeat, Burnley fans have been discussing a potential formation change.

Season Ticket holder Andrew Montgomery believes its time to move on from five at the back

Disclaimer | The views here are that of the author not those of Super Local Sports News 

Burnley's win over Sunderland back in Augus

Scott Parker’s experiment with five at the back was an interesting idea, and it is understandable why it was considered against some of the stronger sides in the league, but it appears time to move on. It is failing to prevent goals and is affecting the team’s own play in more fundamental ways.

The first issue is how exposed the midfield becomes when opponents launch a counter-attack. Donyell Malen’s opening goal at Villa Park illustrated this perfectly, as Boubacar Kamara bypassed the entire Burnley midfield with a single pass. Would more claret shirts in midfield have stopped it? Perhaps not entirely, but there is clearly enough space for opponents to create the chances they need.

Burnley's recent defeat at Aston Villa

The second problem, more apparent in earlier games against Manchester United and Liverpool than at Aston Villa, is the lack of threat the team poses on the break. Too often promising moves break down without creating opportunities in the final third.

Every fan in the away end on Sunday said we need more bite up front. Ultimately, if we don't bring some additional firepower in during the January transfer window, we're going to get relegated again. 

There is also the question of getting the best from Kyle Walker, one of the Premier League’s finest right-backs, which seems harder under the current system.

The Clarets have faced a difficult start with some tough fixtures in the opening seven games, but points need to be accumulated. A change in formation could be the key to unlocking that potential.