Three formations which QPR boss Ian Holloway could look at next season

Football is a game of evolution, with managers always looking for new ways to outwit their opposition with varying formations and strategies. We take a look at some of the potential formations which could be suitable as manager Ian Holloway looks to build his team for next season.

4-4-2

A system which seems to have been outdated in recent years with the increase in five-men midfields, leaving teams exposed in central midfield.

An option which could prove fruitful for Ian Holloway's squad, as it would allow the width in midfield (which the side desperately needs), while also allowing a partnership such as Matt Smith and Conor Washington up front, allowing both players to play their natural game without being isolated.

The risk, however, is whether the current central midfield options at the club, i.e. Luongo, Cousins, Manning and Freeman, have the discipline required to ensure they aren't over-run in that area.

But with the formation being a fairly standard template, it would mean it would take minimal training to perfect the system, once the right personnel was recruited.

4-3-3/4-5-1

A formation which has worked at many clubs over recent years as it provides solidity in defence and central midfield, while allowing the three attacking players to focus on being a nuisance at the other end.

I could see the system working defensively with and back-four and three central midfielders but wonder if the squad currently has enough quality in the attacking positions to pose a significant enough threat to a Championship side.

This would likely require the addition of one or two more attacking options to ensure the side has enough creativity to improve their goal scoring record next term.

5-4-1

A system which has proven popular and successful with clubs such as Chelsea this year.

A real option for Ian Holloway's side based on his lack of desire to play wide midfielders, this would put emphasis on wing-backs, possibly Jake Bidwell and Darnell Furlong, to provide width in the attack as the side look to build play through a compact midfield.

A negative for QPR is the requirement for three capable centre-backs, and so this would need to be addressed if this system was to be a plausible option next term.

In addition, the club would need to add one or two creative players, with the system putting a real emphasis on the attacking threat of just two or three players.