5 reasons why the EFL/Carabao Cup is good for English clubs

#3 Freedom to experiment with tactics

Reading v Arsenal - Capital One Cup Fourth Round (Scoreline 5-7)

We have already examined the pressures of modern football. Managers can scarcely afford to put even a toe out of line, lest they make a mistake. Innovation is often hailed in the world of sport, but it takes a brave man to put his neck on the line and do something new.

The EFL Cup, however, eases this pressure. Boards and fans accept failure in the EFL Cup and move on surprisingly quickly, unless the defeats are results of shocking performances or accentuate struggles in the league.

Managers often try out newer strategies that have not yet fully matured in the EFL Cup to gain a better understanding of the changes required. The competitive background of the Cup is perfect to allow tactics to develop in match situations.

The managers are sometimes forced into tactical changes with injuries and fatigued players influencing their choice. For instance, Arsenal in 2012, played a 4-2-4 after going 4 down at Reading to win 7-5 in extra time.

Roberto Martinez, in his last season at Everton, played 3 strikers and one midfielder as they chased a game at Norwich City. These innovations provide for exciting football where teams go gung-ho and try to make most of a difficult situation.

Similarly, just last night, Jose Mourinho employed a 3-4-1-2 formation against Swansea City. This came as a pleasant surprise to most, as the Portuguese tactician has refused to use this formation in the league so f. As a result, Rashford and Martial have been forced to be rotated. However, yesterday, both of them were played simultaneously as United's 2 strikers.

With most managers opting not to experiment in the league, this tournament provides the perfect platform for managers to dabble about with their squads.