Schalke: 3 possible starting XIs with Arkadiusz Milik

2. 4-2-3-1

It’s also likely that, assuming we get Milik, we won’t need a second striker specifically, and David Wagner can instead focus more on building the attack wider than what the 4-3-1-2 provides. That’s when the traditional 4-2-3-1 comes into play. This is such a common formation among the top teams because it allows them a well-balanced approach.

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But that well-balanced approach requires a pinnacle striker to be the centerpiece, like Milik would be.

The benefit of this formation would be allowing the speed of Raman and Matondo to decimate opposing fullbacks. With overlap from our own fullbacks, this is a deadly idea made more deadly by the presence of Milik in the middle to hold the attention of opposing centerbacks.

Obviously the lofted ball into the box is always a threat, but Raman and Matondo both have significant infiltration abilities and their ability to shake and back will hopefully make this attack pop like it hasn’t been able to previously.

Of course, my major beef with this potential formation is that there’s no room for Weston McKennie. I would always find a way to get him in there, maybe at rightback if we have to, but thus is the downfall of having such a stacked midfield. If you can call it a downfall at all.

Finally, getting creative at No. 1.