The Scout's panel of Fantasy Premier League experts share their thoughts on whether it is time to switch to a 3-4-3 formation, following the news that Erling Haaland (£13.9m) is back in training and close to a return.
Caution should still be exercised as Pep Guardiola gave an update on the fitness of the Norweigen, saying he is unsure on his availability ahead of Man City's away match at Newcastle United on Saturday 13 January.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
Statistically, I've been better off playing 3-5-2 this season, such is the wealth of midfield options. With Haaland returning and Ollie Watkins (£8.9m) showing consistency, it'll be down to the likes of Dominic Solanke (£7.1m) to convince me a 3-4-3 is worth sticking with as my go-to formation.
Utkarsh Dalmia (@ZopharFPL)
This is a tough one. There are so many good midfield options, including Richarlison (£6.9m) and Jarrod Bowen (£8.1m), who are playing as strikers for their sides and get extra points for goals and clean sheets. However, Watkins and Haaland are season-keepers and Solanke has shown he is capable of reaching that level as well - it can be argued he's better than most midfielders available at the same price. But I still think I prefer a 3-5-2 set-up, with Cameron Archer (£4.5m) as the third forward.
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick)
I've got a little bit of a benching headache right now, in that I have five quality midfielders and three forwards. I think there are merits to both the 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formations, as there are high-scoring options in both positions, so it is very dependent upon your own team budget and make-up.
Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice)
I'm remaining flexible on formation and moving between a 3-5-2 and a 3-4-3, with no obvious eighth attacker in my squad. It gives me a benching headache most weeks, and it's not how I usually like to play the game, but I now have greater flexibility.
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
I'm currently in the process of switching to a 3-4-3. With Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Mohamed Salah (£13.2m) off on international duty, downgrading Son to Alejandro Garnacho (£4.8m) or another budget midfielder seems the best route, as this enables me to have Haaland up front alongside Solanke and Watkins. I think Garnacho is a better budget option than Archer as an eighth attacker.
View all the latest FPL tips ahead of Gameweek 21 in Fantasy Premier League
