Chris Powell has toyed with a diamond midfield this season in an attempt to maximise the efficiency of his squad, but is it working?

When everyone is available, Powell’s preferred option is to have Dale Stephens at the base of the diamond, Bradley Pritchard on the right, Danny Hollands on the left and Johnnie Jackson at the tip, just behind the strikers.

The effectiveness of the system is dependent on the passing ability of the player at the base and the extra cutting edge supplied by the player at the tip. The leg work coming from the duo in the engine room.

When it works well it gives a side an extra attacker and an extra defender. The downside is the formation is very narrow with the two central players tucked in, meaning there is no natural width. The width needs to be supplied by the full-backs but with no winger in front of them, there is plenty of space for the opposition widemen to utilise and the full-back is exposed.

It is no surprise that Rhoys Wiggins has not seemed as effective this year. Johnnie Jackson is unable to ghost in at the far post when Powell plays the diamond shape so consideration needs to be given to whether the system suits the current group of players. They gained their success last season playing the tried and trusted 4-4-2 shape.

The manager will be pondering his options as he formulates his game plan for the eagerly awaited clash with Crystal Palace on Friday.

Personnel wise, Dale Stephens is likely to return after missing the Forest game but Leon Cort is injured and thought to be doubtful for Friday. With Matt Taylor out with a foot injury, Dorian Dervite would partner Michael Morrison at the heart of the defence. Yado Mambo would be the only senior back-up otion unless Powell dips into the loan market.

The Addicks no longer have the luxury of a midfielder like Jose Semedo or tall full-backs such as Francis or Youga who could provide cover in an emergency.

Both Stephens and Ricardo Fuller played in the game against Chelsea on Friday and the Jamaican is another who will be pushing for a starting berth.

An interesting week beckons.