Dick Advocaat
Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat pledges to end shape-shifting for relegation run-in
Dick Advocaat believes Sunderland are best suited to 4-3-3, and will stick with that formation for the relegation run-in
Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat (Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Dick Advocaat will put his trust in 4-3-3 for Sunderland's relegation run-in.
The third-bottom Black Cats have picked up four points from their last two games against Stoke City and Southampton to stay within a point of safety with four games to go.
At Stoke, Advocaat started with a 4-4-2 formation but abandoned it at half-time with the Potters winning the central midfield battle.
The switch to 4-3-3 brought an immediate improvement as Sunderland claimed a point at the Britannia Stadium and the shape also proved successful last weekend as Sunderland picked up a much-needed win over the Saints.
Advocaat has now pledged to stick with that formation for the remaining four games.
The Dutchman said: "Yes, we will stick with the 4-3-3 now because we realised at Stoke we could not handle the three midfielders they had.
"The majority of the teams in England are playing 4-3-3 now but that does not necessarily make it the easiest way!
"You cannot always look towards the strikers to win a game.
"You can control a game if you control midfield.
"It belongs together - midfield, strikers and defence. If one or two do not understand how to gel with that then it is difficult.
"You need the midfielders who can run beyond the strikers."
Sunderland have shown renewed commitment and fighting spirit in the last two games and Advocaat says they must keep that going this weekend as they head to Goodison Park to take on Everton.
He added "They have done it the last two weeks in giving everything they have.
"They are doing it in training as well, otherwise it makes it easier for me to make changes.
"It was an honour to sit on the bench last weekend and that has given us a better feeling this week."