Schalke: 3 possible starting XIs with Arkadiusz Milik

1. 3-5-2

Here’s an interesting one. The back three formation is always a bit of a question mark, but with such a sturdy defense, all of whom are capable of playing the ball quite well, it’s not a bad idea. Here, we are playing to our strengths. Overstock the defense and the midfield, where our best players are, and leave the attack a bit thin, but targeted.

With so much ball-playing ability deep, there would be a good deal of security and thrust coming from turning defense into attack. From there, it would be up to wingback (which are a major question mark) and the Serdar/McKennie midfield to transition into the attack.

The drawback is that this attack is severely limited, with just Amine Harit and Arkadiusz Milik. That isn’t a lot of personnel. But again, that’s what having so many of our best players in the defense and midfield is all about. It allows for us to target more of the possession to guys more capable of it. It may be smarter than trusting youngsters like Rabbi Matondo before they’re ready to be major players.

In the meantime, trust the guys we know and, barring a questionable wingback situation, this formation plays to our strengths the most. With Milik, that is.