Just take a look at the past five years when we used the straight 4-4-2.

We struggled to create chances against teams that sat back because the straight 4-4-2's we use have very little movement. So basically we'd loft the ball down field hoping for it to be held up by a striker, then we'd get it out wide and cross it in towards waiting defenders. So if you shut down the middle of the pitch, you should do well against our 4-4-2, as Red said.
The only way I'd agree to play the straight 4-4-2 is if we allow for switching of positions between the wingers. Of course, we'd also have to deploy REAL wingers who can take defenders on, but that goes without saying.
Not a big fan otherwise, as Red knows.