Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted that he will not be looking to switch to the 3-5-2 formation on a regular basis this season despite the fact that he was considering using a similar set-up during the closing stages of the club's clash with Nottingham Forest.
The Serbian has opted to deploy the 4-2-3-1 formation on numerous occasions this season as he has tried to alter the Blades' style of play.
Under the guidance of former boss Chris Wilder, United achieved a great deal of success in the second-tier by playing with three central-defenders who were allowed to push forward due to the presence of wing-backs.
The Blades have yet to hit top gear in the Championship during the current campaign as they have struggled considerably with their consistency at this level.
As a result of their underwhelming start to the season, United are already 17 points adrift of league leaders AFC Bournemouth.
Jokanovic's side could potentially close the gap between them and the play-off places this weekend if they secure a positive result in their showdown with Blackburn Rovers.
Ahead of this particular clash, Jokanovic has admitted that whilst he will be considering using three central-defenders during games this season, he is not willing to regularly deploy this set up.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live about whether he is considering looking into the possibility of using the 3-5-2 formation, the Blades boss said: "Last game we wanted to play three at the back near the end but did not have the time or stoppage to make the change before Forest score.
"I am not sure if supporters want to see three, four, five at the back or if they want to see win or lose the game.
"This frustration is after having [an] irregular start and it's up, down and now we ask why not try this guy, try this shape.
"I can understand but we must be calm and consider what is best for us.
"In this moment I interpret it like it's better what we choose.
"We can play three from the back, why not?
"All the season, I don't think this is necessary."
The Verdict
When you consider that the Blades have opted to deploy a traditional back-four in the majority of their fixtures this season, it would be somewhat of a shock if Jokanovic decides to make a sudden change to the club's formation on Saturday.
However, it could be argued that the United boss ought to consider altering his set-up from time-to-time at this level if he believes that his players are capable of thriving in different systems.
Set to face a Blackburn side this weekend who conceded seven goals in their recent clash with Fulham, the Blades could pick up a positive result in this fixture if they opt to take the game to their opponents.
By securing victory at Ewood Park, United may be able to use the confidence gained from this result to push on in the Championship following the international break.