There is no intention from head coach Rob Edwards to force square pegs into round holes – and that’s simply because he is not determined to only play one formation.

As he tended to utilise 3-5-2 when Forest Green won promotion last season, many members of the media as well as supporters have tended to look at the Watford squad and work out how he can make his squad fit that shape.

There has also been much debate as to whether the club would sign players to fit positions deemed currently unfilled or weak within a 3-5-2.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said I was totally committed to playing just one formation. I played 3-5-2 much of the time at Forest Green, but that was because it suited the players we had at the club,” explained Edwards.

“With the players we have here, I could pretty much play whatever shape I wanted to play. What I will try to do is put the best players out on the pitch in the shape I think is best.

“We beat Burnley playing 4-3-3 for instance. That formation suited the players I wanted to pick, and we got the result. It may not have been the greatest performance, but we used the players in the shape that best suited them.”

In the first few weeks of the season, some of the changes of shape have been made to deal with injuries or suspensions.

“The challenge since the start of the season has been changing the shape to suit the best XI I can field,” said the head coach.

“When Ismaila Sarr is injured for instance, we change shape a little bit – when he is available, then I’m going to look to play with wide players.

“I think we have to look at it and say that being able to be fluid in the way we play, and having players who can suit different shapes and style, is a benefit to us. That isn’t the case with a lot of teams in this division.”

Edwards cited three examples of different formations he has played this season, none of which a 3-5-2.

“We played 3-4-3 against Sheffield United, 3-4-1-2 at West Brom, and 4-3-3 against Burnley. We took seven points out of those three games using three different formations. I’m not saying we were perfect in any of those games. Far from it. But it showed we can adapt and be effective.”