Why Portsmouth boss is prepared to move away from 4-4-2 in search for formation flexibility

And the Pompey boss believes his team have the tactical flexibility to adjust to different systems in the weeks and months ahead.

Jackett has found success of late after switching to a 4-4-2, but has switched between that and a 4-3-3 over the past couple of games.

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The Blues manager started the season with a 4-2-3-1 set-up and has flirted with a three-man defence at times, too.

Jackett is wary of too much change, but see the benefits of being versatile in terms of formation.

He said: ‘There were two formations on Saturday - 4-4-2 and 4-3-3.

‘I do think this year in terms of the formation we are going to need to be flexible - and we have the players to do that.

‘Michael Jacobs is missing at the moment but given us some flexibility.

‘We’ve gone to a back three as well involving Rasmus Nicolaisen.

‘You can switch it too much. Giving the players clarity and clear information of what they’re being asked to do is important.

‘But within certain parameters, it can also be quite simple and easy for the players.

‘You have to make sure the players know what is being asked of them when they go on the pitch. That’s the most important thing.’

Jackett pinpointed the impact of Marcus Harness as an example of the benefits of having a fluid approach to the team’s set-up.

Harness has largely operated on the right for Pompey, but has flourished as a second striker in recent weeks.

Jackett added: ‘If you look at say Marcus Harness, he can go up front but is very effective wide.

‘He’s played a lot of games wide right and his crossing is good, but there’s times through the middle when he goes free and is a big goal threat.

‘The variation is there and it gives you opportunities.’

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