New manager, Karl Robinson, deploys different tactics and a different shape to Russell Slade.
Whereas his predecessor normally went for a 4-4-2 formation, and occasionally a conservative 4-5-1 shape, Robinson prefers the 4-2-3-1 system, with the three forward midfielders being very attack minded.
Robinson has said he will be working hard over the next two weeks to get things sorted, and part of the training will involve playing practice matches behind closed doors. Here are the new boss’ comments:
“The most important thing for me is that players, before they put that shirt on, will dedicate their next 90 minutes to it.
“When they take it off, there won’t be anything more they could have physically done.
“I want to be able to walk out here as manager of our team, wearing our red strip and to take games to the opposition by being fearless, being expansive and being aggressive in our press, aggressive in our play, aggressive in our finishing and aggressive in our defending.
“It’s a massive two weeks for me and I want to implement as many different things as I possibly can.
“We’ll be doing games behind closed doors to try and implement some of them and for me to find out what the balance of the team is.
“Traditionally, people will look at me as a 4-2-3-1 man, playing with four very high players and being very expansive. I think in the five years I’ve done in League One we scored over 100 goals twice.
“That just shows how expansive I want to be. It will take time to find that blend but I am going to give every hour I have got to this football club to try and improve us.”
Caretaker boss, Kevin Nugent, is still around to offer advice, and Robinson will have some positives to build on.
The back four is solid, despite Chris Solly’s recent absence. It would be a surprise if Robinson did not retain Kevin Foley, Patrick Bauer, Jason Pearce and Morgan Fox as his back line.
Barring injuries, Dillon Phillips will be the keeper for the next few weeks, while Declan Rudd recovers from his hip injury.
Andrew Crofts and Frederik Ulvestad look the likely partnership in the holding roles in front of the defenders, though Johnnie Jackson and Foley – if not used in defence – will also come into the reckoning.
The three forward midfielders often play in such an advanced position, it can look like Robinson is playing a four man attack.
Ademola Lookman, Jordan Botaka, Adam Chicksen and -when fit – Ricky Holmes, will all vie for the wide spots.
Nicky Ajose is the most likely contender for the central role, while Josh Magennis is the probable striker. Lee Novak can play in any of the four attacking positions, and will be a versatile option for the boss.
Robinson will hope to have the system and personnel nailed down by the time the team travel to Bradford on Saturday week.
December is a busy month, so Robinson will have plenty of opportunities to gauge where he needs to strengthen, when the winter transfer window opens at the beginning of January.
