Alright, what's going on guys? I'm going to break down the tactic setups for every phase of the game, whether you're winning, losing, or just starting out. We'll cover all the bases, starting with defense. Remember, you'll see updated tactics every Friday, these have been tested and trialed, so thanks to everyone who provided feedback.
Defensive Tactics: The 4-1-4-1
We're kicking things off with a 4-1-4-1. The reason for this is that a lot of people are struggling defensively. This formation gives you a packed defense: a back four, one CDM, two holding center mids, and a left and right mid. I was considering a 4-3-3, but that can be a bit too aggressive. If you're not a fan of the 5-back formations, but still want to be solid defensively, this is a great middle ground.
- Player Instructions:
- Striker: Advanced Forward
- Center Mids: Holding
- Left & Right Mids: Widefield (for outlet options)
- Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking
- Center Backs: Stay Back While Attacking
- Build Up Play: Balanced (not short passing, you still want players making runs behind as outlets for lob through balls)
- Offensive Approach: Balanced (40 width is a good aggregate, not too deep to avoid finesse shots)
This setup is designed to be defensively sound while still offering attacking options.
Pressing Tactics: The 4-4-2
Now, let's say you're losing, maybe 2-0 down. It's time to apply some pressure. The 4-4-2 is the best pressing formation. It's a classic for a reason. You have two strikers, creating a 4v4 against your opponent's center backs.
- Defensive Style: Counter
- Defensive Width: Balanced
- Defensive Depth: 75 (you can reduce if you want, but 70 is the minimum)
- Offensive Style: Counter
- Player Instructions:
- Strikers: Poach and Advanced Forward
- Left & Right Mids: Inside Forward (attack)
- CDMs: One Holding, one CDM
- Left Back: Balanced and Defensive
- Right Back: Balanced and Defensive
If you're struggling defensively, put both wingers on "Fullback Defend". You can also make one of them a "Playmaker" to make it more attacking.
Starting Tactics: The 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow
Now, let's talk about how you start the game. I have three formations I like to use. The first one is the 4-1-2-1-2 narrow.
- Defensive Style: Balanced
- Offensive Style: Counter
- Player Instructions:
- Left Center Back: Ball Playing Center Back
- CDM: Holding (very important for counterattacks)
- Left & Right Backs: False Backs (they don't have much distance to run back when you lose possession)
- Center Mids: Box to Box
- Strikers: Advanced Forward and Poacher
- CAM: Shadow Striker (I like the 3v3 setup, with the CAM behind the strikers)
This formation lacks width, but it's great against opponents playing wide formations. It condenses your attack in the middle. If you want to make this formation wider, you can make the wingers attacking wingbacks.
Starting Tactics: The 4-3-2-1
The next formation is the 4-3-2-1.
- Player Instructions:
- CDM: Holding (very important to protect the backline)
- Left Back: Attacking Plus Plus
- Right Back: Balanced
- Left Winger: Inside Forward Roaming
- Strikers: Poacher and Inside Forward
This formation is narrow, but it offers width with the wide outlets.
Starting Tactics: The 4-3-2-1
The last formation is the 4-3-2-1.
- Defensive Style: Counter
- Offensive Style: Balanced
- Player Instructions:
- Strikers: Poacher and Shadow Striker
- CAM: Playmaker Roaming
- Left Back: Attacking Fullback
- CDM: Holding
- Center Mid: Deep Line Playmaker
This is my favorite formation. It's a balanced approach, especially in your first weekend league. It's all about stability. When attacking, it can look like a 3-4-2-1.