Alright lads, let's dive into this unreal 4-4-1-1 formation that's gonna carry you in Rivals and Champs.
Tactics Breakdown
Let's get into the tactics, lads.
- Build Up Play: Short Passing. I've switched to short passing because I'm fed up with players running offside. It helps control possession and prevents giving the ball away in counterattacks. Players will look to show their feet, which is what you want. I trigger runs with LB/RB, and it works perfectly. Balanced is also fine, but short passing gives you better control.
- Defensive Approach: High, 61 Depth. Don't go below 50 depth, or you'll be stuck in your box. 61-95 is good. 95 depth is incredible, but skilled players will expose you on counters.
Player Roles
Let's get into the player roles, lads.
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper + or ++. Use whatever role your keeper has. It helps with animations.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. This is the best role for center backs. They stay in position. Stopper or Ball Playing Defender roles can leave you exposed. The biggest drawback to using either one of these two is that the stamina usage is really bad.
- Fullbacks: Fullback Defend. I like to switch one to Wing Back if I'm losing, to create more width. But as a starting point, Fullback Defend is best. Keeping a consistent back four is key, especially when you have players going forward.
- Right Center Mid: Box to Box. If you have someone with a Hold in Plus or plus plus you can use that as well. I like him getting forward a bit.
- Left Center Mid: Playmaker. She's good at going forward but also decent defensively. You want someone who can get forward but also stick a foot in.
- Left and Right Mid: Inside Forward and Balanced. Having them tuck in. If I'm losing, I might switch to Attack. I like players with Relentless in these wide areas.
- Center CAM: Playmaker. Having two Playmakers. It gives you attacking variety. You want them to be able to do a bit of everything. You want them to be good at everything in the attack.
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Support. When set to support, the advanced forward will look to make runs from deeper or wider positions and press the Defenders. You'll get some AI press from your Striker. The only problem with the support function is that you are going to be sacrificing stamina.
Team Selection and Subs
Let's get into the team, lads.
- Center Backs: Two lengthy center backs are optimal.
- Fullbacks: I prefer guys that can stick in a challenge. I love defensive play Styles at fullback especially intercept and anticipate.
- Subs: I like to have subs for my fullbacks, left and right mids.
- Substitutions: I sub off one of the center mids. I never sub off Ronaldinho. I sub off the Striker.