The Better Half - Plug & Shout Tactics

This thread contains the following

Post 1 - The normal formations

Post 2 - The asymmetric formations

Post 3 - Tactics for specific teams and tactics on request

Post 4 - Tactics still in their beta stage

The framework of the tactics

As different as the tactics may be when it come to the actually flow of the game, all using different formations, a variation in focus passing etc, they all have one thing in common and its that they use the same positioning strategy. I have chosen to combine a Control strategy within a rigid philosophy. When using this philosophy, providing the team with staggered mentality settings, I find it crucial to tweak the default closing down settings provided by the Wizard. I think - and have always though - of the 3 different Closing Down descriptions not as Own area, Own half or Whole pitch but as Stand off from their defensive position, Close down at their defensive position and finally Close down in front of their defensive position. This means that if giving a defensive Central Defender with a "defensive" mentality setting a closing down setting set to bang in the middle, or even slightly higher, he will still not close down too high up in the pitch, getting dragged out of position, but instead just slightly higher up than his positioning in the field( mentality + d-line). The same goes if he has a extremely high mentality setting, like when using Overload, then a closing down setting of bang in the middle, or slightly higher, will still see him close down rather high but without getting dragged away and this is why the closing down settings of all players are tweaked in all tactics, to make they close down their opponents in a more balanced way, just in front of their defensive position. The attackers will track back after loosing possession high up in the field and the defenders will not take their place in the d-line, only to back off, creating a gap between the stratas but instead actually close down the players and close out the gaps where we want them to.

When it comes to the flow of the game, we are trying to play a possession based approach with lots of t-balls when the players see it fit to do so. The tempo and width are set to "Normal" and a few free roles have been handed out. So in short, we mostly use Rigid as a positioning bases rather than actually playing Rigid. The fullbacks on the other hand are acting more like..fullbacks within a rigid system and if you feel that you want them bombing forward, supporting the midfield and perhaps provide more width in the wingless formations when in possession, then just set their roles to Wingbacks instead....

TEAM INSTRUCTIONS

To save space for further screenshots in each and very post, these are the settings that applies to all formations

FORMATIONS/TACTICS

The first post contains the complete tactics using Normal formations. The 2nd post contains the asymmetic ones, and the 3rd the tactics that are still in their Beta stage

These formations/tactics have been uploaded an download links are provided further down in the thread. Notice that you might not be able to switch between the formation during a match as players might end up in a highly incorrect position.

The shouts and tactical tweaks

Yes, I use shouts and although many players have tweaked instructions - some settings therfor not being altered by them - mentality, tempo, width are

In some matches, I have started with a different strategy( counter) instead of making ingame shouts, but use the tactics as they are and only make pregame twekas if you really see it fit( i did play more defensive because of injuries).

To go more Attacking

* Strategy - Attack – increases mentality, tempo and width , adds bombing fullback

* Shout - Exploit the flanks or overlaps

* Shout - Pass ball into space

To go more defensive

* Tweak - Focus passing - Through the middle

* Strategy - Counter, reduces mentality, tempo and with

* Shout - Retain possession-. Reduces the tempo

* Shout- Take a breather – Reduces runs from deep

To counter the opponent

* Tweak - Focus passing - Through the middle

* Tweak - Target man supply, if using one - Set to MIXED

* Strategy - Counter - reduces mentality, tempo and with

* Shout- Pass ball into space – adds more t-balls

Apart from these shouts, all being applied when changing strategy, I have also had success making defensive shouts using the default Control strategy. Retain possession and play more narrow have been my favourites

The players

Here you will find some hints about what kind of players that will suit the tactics. Just remember that every team has to be a balanced one and that some stats, like that all MCs needs to be able to carry out defensive duties, are left out as they are obvious.

Deep and Wide 4231

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

DMCs – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at)

Wingers – Pace, dribbling

AMC – Scoring machine

FC – Quick poacher. If he has aerial ability its a huge plus

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Wide 4231

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

MCleft – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at) Can be used as a playmaker

MCright Defensive minded and hardworking DMC/MC

Wingers – Pace, dribbling

AMC – Scoring machine

FC – Quick poacher

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4411

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

MCleft – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at) Can be used as a playmaker

MCright Defensive minded and hardworking DMC/MC

Wingers – Pace, dribbling

AMC – Scoring machine

FC – Quick poacher

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Flat 442

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

MCleft – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at) Can be used as a playmaker

MCright Defensive minded and hardworking Ballwinner

Wingers - Should be able to carry out both attacking and defensive duties

FCleft – Trequartista

FCright – Quick poacher with ariel ability

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Wide Diamond

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

DMC – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at) Can be used as a playmaker

Wingers - Should be able to carry out both attacking and defensive duties

AMC – Scoring machine

FCleft – Strong Target Man

FCright – Quick poacher with Aeriel ability

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Narrow Diamond

Fullbacks – Normal fullbacks

Central defenders – Pace is needed

DMC – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at) Can be used as a playmaker

MCleft - Moves into channels, ends up in the box and links up with the TM

MCright - Arrives later and often seeks space out wide. Best using a right footed player

AMC – Scoring machine

FCleft – Strong Target Man

FCright – Quick poacher with Aeriel ability

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DOWNLOAD LINKS FROM FILEFRONT AND ZSHARE

DEEP AND WIDE 4231 - Filefront Zhare

WIDE 4231 - Filefront Zshare

4411 - Filefront Zshare

WIDE DIAMOND - FilefrontZshare

NARROW DIAMOND - FilefrontZShare

Flat 442 - Filefront ZShare

Some results

Narrow Diamond

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/959/2ndse.png by TBH

Deep 4231

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8085/leagueq.jpg by Baroslfc5

Assymetric

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8660/bajsx.png by TBH

4411

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6331/taba.png by TBH

Results

Fulham

Great results with Fulham, mostly using the Counter shouts when playing away from home

Liverpool

Undefeated after 15 matches, top of the table. Mostly used the main Control strategy

Valencia

Top of the table after 15 matches. Mostly used the main Control strategy but have started some away matches with the Counter strategy. David Villa managed to score 1 goal each game and Silva 1.2 assist per game ( no corners ;D )

Thanks to - JP, I have been using your "team" closing down setting as it works better with a staggered mentality. If on the other hand using a very fluid philosophy, then its better to have a staggered closing down setting

Part Two, The Asymmetric Formations

This 2nd post contains

- The Formations

- The Download LInks

- The player roles

- The Shouts

- The Tweaks

- Other Settings and options

The Players & The formations

In this text, I will present some of the players that you will find in the formations below. In the screenshots, the players will be addressed as the shortening of their Role. Riot FC will be RiotF and the Riot Winger as RiotW etc. Have a look at the requirements for each and every role. When constructing or tweaking these formations your self, also have a look what they actually do with these instructions and pay extra attention to the preferred foot

As you also will see, only the roles that I my self have created are described in here as along with these, I use the roles setup by the wizard and their required stats can easily be viewed, as usual, in the Wizard whee they are highlighted

........Asymmetric Nr 1...........Asymmetric Nr 3...........Asymmetric NR 6

Download LInks

Download Link Nr 1

Download Link Nr 3

Download Link Nr 6

The TBH Roles

Role: Riot FC ( RiotF)

Position: FCr, FCl

Mission: Score Goal

Often seen: At the end off the moves, beating the last defender with his pace. Moving into channels or drifting away form his defender seeking free space. Wining the golden boot

Footednessss: Right foot on right, left on left

PPMsMs: Move into channels, Gets inside the box

Important stats: Pace, Off the ball, Finishing, Composure

Preferred teammates: A Target man, Wide roaming MR/L on same flank

Some setting tweaks Untick free role and set runs from deep to mixed if using him in a FCc position

Role: Riot Winger (RoitW)

Position: AMR, AML

Mission: Score goals and setup goals

Often seen: Running up and down the flank, Actively seeking space between the FB and DC. Getting inside the box, with or without the ball, taking the shortest way to the goal

Footednessss: Right on right, left on left. This is important as he otherwise will not take the shortest way to the goal in between the FB and DC but instead dribbling sideways with the DC and FB cutting all angels for a pass or breakthrough.

PPMs: Moves into channels, Cuts inside, gets inside the area

Important stats: Off the ball, Acceleration( with pace), Dribbling, Finishing

Preferred teammates: Single central FC, Deep lying PLM on same side, Supporting Wingback

Some setting tweaks Restrict the Creative freedom if he cant handle it and/or has conflicting ppms

Role: Link Winger (LiW)

Position: AMR, AML

Mission: Link up attacks and setup goals, supporting the FC

Often seen: Connecting with an more advancelinkplayerer such as a Target man or TQ on same flank. Moving in centrally, playing a short passing game, not dwelling on the ball or dribbling too much. Creating space for a drifting box2box MC and/or Wingbackck. Crossing or making t-balls at the far post/opposite flank

Footednessss: Left on Right, Right on Left

PPMs Moves into channels, Gets inside the area, Huge touchline. NOT cuts inside and this is important as he otherwise will not take the shortest way to the goal in between the FB and DC and/or make a quick pass but instead dribble sideways with the DC and FB cutting all angels for a pass or breakthrough.

Important stats: Passing, Creativity, Agility, First touch, Anticipation

Preferred teammates: A link Player on the same flank, TQ or TM. SupportinWingbackck on same flank, Covering DMC, a box2box

Some setting tweaksRestrict the Creative freedom if he cant handle it and/or has conflicting ppms. Provide him with free role and HUB if wanting to use him more as a link player when not having a Target man or other holding players in the field

Role: Scoring AMC (SAMC)

Position: AMC, AMCl, AMCr

Mission: Score goals and setup the FC.

Often seen : Running through the center with or without the ball. At the end of the moves. Seeking space between thDCsCs. Staying central

Footednessss: right on AMCr, left oAMCl

PPMs: Gets inside the box, Runs with the ball through the center, Makes t-balls

Important stats: Passing, Creativity, first touch, Acceleration, Off the ball, Long shots

Preferred teammates: A TQ, A Riot Winger, 2 driftinFCsCs

Some setting tweaks UnTweak his mentality so its "by the wizard" if you want him to look for a pass rather to have a go at the goal. (In some versions, he wil alreadyl be on that mentality though)

Role: Roaming Wide Winger (RWW)

Mission: Setup goals and create space out wide

Position: MR, ML

Often seen: Running up and down the flank, staying wide when in possession. Crossing at far post. Seeking free space at the far post. Arriving late in the area. Making overlaps with the Attacking Fullback

Footednessss: Right on right, Left on left

PPMs Runs down “correct” flank, Moves into channels, Gets inside the area

Important stats: Stamina, Crossing, Dribbling, Off the ball, Anticipation

Preferred teammates. A Riot FC on same flank, playmakerer on same side, an Attacking Fullback

Some setting tweaks Give him a mixed passing game, lesser run with ball and set him as playmaker if you want to use him like in "Man U 1999-Beckham"

The Wizard Roles - See the Wizard for most important stats ( they are highlighted)

Strong Target Man will in the future be referred to as...STM in the screenshots of the formations

Quick Target Man as....QTM

Complete Target Man as...CTM

Complete Forward as....CF

QuicPoacheher as....QP

Strong Poacher as....SP

Trequartista as....TQ

Box to Box as....B2B

Ballwinning Midfielder as...BWM

Defensive Midfielder as...DM

AdvancePlaymakerer as...APLM

Deep LyinPLaymakeker as...DPLM

Attacking Fullback as...AFB

SupportinWingbackck as...SWB

Quick Defender as.... QD

Shouts

Shouts and tweaks for the asymmetric

To go more Attacking

- Strategy - Attack – increases mentality, tempo and width , adds bombing fullback if having tweaked those to support

- Shout - Exploit the flanks or overlaps

- Shout - Pass ball into space

- Shout Work Ball into Box

Defensive Shout

- Tweak - Passing focus - Through the middle

- Tweak - The fullbacks = let them have HUb and change the wide play to "huge touchline" ( also let both be Fullbacks on support)

-Shout - Strategy = Defensiv or Balanced, depending on the opposition and match minute

- Shout - Retain possession

- Shout - Take a breather

Counter Shouts

- Tweak - Passing focus - Through the middle

- Tweak - The fullbacks = let them have HUb and change the wide play to "huge touchline" ( also let both be Fullbacks on support)

-Shout - Strategy =Counter

- Shout - Pass ball into space

Overload Tweak

- Screen to come

The Tweaks, settings and other options

Fullbacks and Wingbacks:

- Feel free to make them more cautious

Actually Using a Target Man and/or Playmaker

- Most tactics don’t actually use one , but feel free to untick" the box where I have selected "none", or is there are more options than one, chose one your self

Set Pieces:

Corners - I have been using a poor corner setting to avoid any Me Flaw. Against poor teams, we do seem to score some lurker goals and dont know how to get rid of it as no-one is actually set to lurk.

Specific Team Tactics - using the 10.3 db

( Not spellchecked yet, that function is not on this computer )

In this post, specific team tactics will be uploaded. Mostly asymmetric ones but also normal formations. The tactics will be made to suit the actual squads and get the best out of the players. Of course, one team could play in many different ways, especially if the team has squad depth and many of the players have specific competence that stands out, but I will initially make one for each team.

Notice that these tactics will be uploaded on request and/or suggestions form users so please write in the thread what team you want a tactic for ( initi9ally only for the 10.3 db squad )

The layout will be like the following

Team: Arsenal

Formation: A link to a screenshot containing the players and their "TBH roles" found in the 2nd post

Reasoning: My thought behind it and what makes the tactic balanced. Why certain players are assigned the different settings etc

Tweaks:How to change things when having lots of injuries

Shouts and ingame tweaks:How to retain possseison etc, but also slight changes when facing certain formations. This might be the focus passing or even a slight change in the formation

This post includes Tactics that are in Beta stage

First Beta of the tactics using 3 DCs

DOWNLOAD LINK

The approach uses 3 link players. One Defensiv DMCr, one defensive AML and the TQ that plays alone upfront. In the formation, we also use a ballplaying DC.

THE DEFENCE

Here, we pack the midfield with our 3 DCs, 2 DMCs and our 2-way MC. The central players ( DCc and MC) are on zonal marking so that they don’t dragged out of position whiulst the outer player DCl, DCr and DMCs are on manmarking. The Wingers do also help out covering the flanks

THE MIDFIELD an ATTACK

Here, we are mostly channelling the play down the right flank, simply because most players are rightfooted. If your DCc and MC are leftfooted, you will see more balls down that flank

The MC often comes deeper to pick up the ball and hand it on either to the link winger on the left. He then advances into the area. On the right flank the AMR often goes straight at the goal as instructed but if he has some ppms like run down right flank, he will do so and crosses are often slotted away by the TQ in the box, the AMC in the box or by a long shot from the MC. If the player in AML can be taught gets inside the box, then he will be lethal at the far post.

As for the AMC and FC dus, the FC acts like a false 9, moving sideways into channels or comes deep to link up with the midfield. The AMC often finds space inside the box, using the free space that the deepcoming FC has created

Suggested lineup

FC - Your best and mots complete FC

AMC - One that does NOT come deep in his PPMs, Can be a FC

AMR - right footed

AML - Any good winger

MC - Stamina, can be a AMC

DMCleft - The better passer

DMCR - The stronger one

DCc - The more intelligent, creative and better passer

Shouts and in game tweaks:

Attacking

Tactic Tweak – Untick the tweaked d-lie

Strategy change - Attack

Shouts – Get the ball forward

Shouts – Play Wider

Defensive

Strategy change – Defensive or Counter

Shouts – Take a breather

Shouts – Retain possession

Counter

Strategy change – Counter

Shout – Pass ball into space and/or Get ball forward

I have actually now decided on the format of the 41221.

Download link to the 41221

The roles

FC - Strong and mobile. If quick it helps

AMR/L - Rather wingattackers then normal M/AM-wingers

MCright - Very attacking MC that moves into the area

MCleft - Hardworking box2box. If he has a longshot in him, its great

DMC - Intelligent and good passer that knows his defensive stuff

Tweaks to suit the team

FC

If not strong at all, then remove the HUB.

AMR/L

If having a foot that matches the flank ( right on right, left on left), then use the settings that the AMR has.

If having a foot that does not matches the flank( left on right, right on left) then use the settings that the AML has been given

MCl, MCr.

These settings are when having a right footed DMC. If he is left footed, switch the settings of the 2 MCs. Remember to switch all settings since moveing them around, they can loose their roles etc)

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The DMC - AMC BOX DOWNLOAD LINK

• Fullbacks – Attacking fullbacks
  
• Central defenders – Pace is needed
  
• DMCs – Creative and Intelligent( for the level playing at)
  
• AMC – Roaming, great movement
  
• FC – Advanced FCs
  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Next asymmetric up for testing,

This formation are for teams that have a AMR and a TQ that stands out amongst the rest of the players

Asymmetric NR 3

might use this with bayern munich would you use control with them

might use this with bayern munich would you use control with them

I would use the tactic just as it is ( with Control) with most teams but with Fulham I used Counter as the strating strategy when playing away instead of making the shout

Tell us about your decision to set your AML and AMR on Support roles? How are you trying to get them to play? What's difference in performance that the Support role provides (as opposed to Attack)?

Tell us about your decision to set your AML and AMR on Support roles? How are you trying to get them to play? What's difference in performance that the Support role provides (as opposed to Attack)?

If they are put on Attack, they make runs from deep often and I dont want that as the formation by default is rather stretched. They are on free role and moves into channels so they will seek the space behind the fullback if the chance is on anyway.

The wingers are supposed to drag the AI defenders out of position by constant movement, always seeking space. They should be able to handle that role, otherwise the tactic fails.

When I upload the normal 4231, with 2 MCs, they can be turned on Attack instead.

Edit: Should I put more information into the first post ?

so for away games you would recomend counter

so for away games you would recomend counter

Not really. Try the tactic as a plug & ingame-shout rather as a plug & pregame-tweak at first. But as I had lots of injuries with Fulham, I knew that it was better to start with Counter instead of conceeding the first 5 minutes before having the chance to shout

So in short. Use the tactic as its is and if you feel that you are inferior, then use Counter pregame

geting mixed results with bayern the defence does not seem to good,maybe the team just needs to gel

What made you go deep 4231 opposed to using 2 MCs and do you think it would work using the 2 MCs? (I just used in in a old firm game and I won 4-2! )

What made you go deep 4231 opposed to using 2 MCs and do you think it would work using the 2 MCs? (I just used in in a old firm game and I won 4-2! )

The "normal " 4231 will be uploaded later tonight

from opening post

UNDER CONSTRUCTION 4 more tactics/formations will be added during the weekend- Wide Diamond, Narrow Diamond, Wide 4231( with Mcs) and a assymetric one

Sorry mate, my bad. :S

Sorry mate, my bad. :S

Haha, no problem

think my team is geling now not lost in six matches.

think my team is geling now not lost in six matches.

Mine to.

I am pushing for the title with Fulham, no signings

how do you play against bigger teams.

how do you play against bigger teams.

Just like the shouts.

great tactic TBH, 15 unbeaten as AstonV.

@Knap

Add me on MSN again

NOW !

added you to msn

Do you use OI?

going pretty well atm with ur sets,might try it next season with my Inter,since i play both 4-2-3-1 and the deep,u think these are better than the sets? or easier to get right i might say.

Also,does the tactics stop working well if i change a player role to suit my strikers?

cant wait !

going pretty well atm with ur sets,might try it next season with my Inter,since i play both 4-2-3-1 and the deep,u think these are better than the sets? or easier to get right i might say.

Also,does the tactics stop working well if i change a player role to suit my strikers?

They are indeed much easier to get right then the sets.If playing with a top team, I wouls put his runsfromdeep to normal or even rarely

Do you use OI?

nope

great tactic TBH, 15 unbeaten as AstonV.

Thats some result !

Hey TBH is your is your 442 much different to the tweaked one you did in the Mr. Hough tactic thread?

I've been using your tweaked on from that thread but instead of a Target man I use a poacher and it's been pretty good in the league.

But when I'm up against the big teams in the CL I lose which is understandable because I don't have a great team.

I'm Sporting Lisbon.

IN the last 2 seasons over 30 games in the league I've scored 100 and 101 goals and concede around 15/16.

Pretty good.

Hey TBH is your is your 442 much different to the tweaked one you did in the Mr. Hough tactic thread?

I've been using your tweaked on from that thread but instead of a Target man I use a poacher and it's been pretty good in the league.

But when I'm up against the big teams in the CL I lose which is understandable because I don't have a great team.

I'm Sporting Lisbon.

Its rather different as we dont play narrow and dont use a TM

Played a few matches with Burnley. Seems to work for them as well and the last 2 results where really unlucky results( when we beat Pool at Anfield it was the other way around though)

]

2nd post now includes the Wide 4231 using MCs, not DMCs

Will you not be releasing a 4-1-2-2-1?

Will you not be releasing a 4-1-2-2-1?

I am putting them up tonight but I am yet to test the Wide 41221 enough

I am putting them up tonight but I am yet to test the Wide 41221 enough

Okay great , I'll definatly keep my eye out for it

Is there any ETA on the release of 442?

Thanks

Is there any ETA on the release of 442?

Thanks

If I am not too tired, they will all be put up after the football

Did you say there will be an Assymetric one TBH

Did you say there will be an Assymetric one TBH

Yes. As I am one reserevd post short, I will probably put both "Diamond" formations into the 3rd post and use the 4th for the assymetricals( 2 versions, left and right mirrored)

Nice One mate, look forward to seeing them

it's awsome , thx for for all of this, plz hurry back for the 442 ^^

it's awsome , thx for for all of this, plz hurry back for the 442 ^^

Will upload the 442 tonight, before the other formations.

Also notice that i am re-writing the first post, providing more information about the general approach, the framework of all the tactics

thx mate and sorry for my english, i'm french, but it's very interesting, i'm playing with a 442 formation =), keep it up !!!

Hey TBH!

Been using the wide 4231 and got to say I'm most impressed. Good work. Did you try naming any playmakers or target men when you tested the tactics or is it just down to descretion?

Hey TBH!

Been using the wide 4231 and got to say I'm most impressed. Good work. Did you try naming any playmakers or target men when you tested the tactics or is it just down to descretion?

I chose not to use any TM or PLM while testing this tactic, hence I had to tick the playmakers box. If you "untick" the playmakers box again, the MCleft becomes the playmaker per default as he has that role ( deep lying playmaker). If doing so, consider putting him on support instead of defend.

Looking forward to seeing the 442, I generally used to only use 4231, but I quite like the idea of having two up top. What kind of results have you achieved with the 442?

Looking forward to seeing the 442, I generally used to only use 4231, but I quite like the idea of having two up top. What kind of results have you achieved with the 442?

In testing, I have tweaked all the versions forward and backwards but I have not played a full season with the latest and best tweaks. Results on the way have been really good though and if I was to play a full season with any of the versions/formations to come, it would overperform heavily with these middle clubs.

Would it be any benefit to play the wingers on attack? I'm using the 4231 wide but am having a ton of trouble scoring. We have only gotten 5 goals in the last 16 matches.

I just couldn't get my guys going in this formation. Very solid at the back but we only hit for 9 goals in the 24 match test, 5 of them coming from corners.

Congrats on the excellent work gone into these, i can't wait to to try out the future formations.

Would it be any benefit to play the wingers on attack? I'm using the 4231 wide but am having a ton of trouble scoring. We have only gotten 5 goals in the last 16 matches.

I just couldn't get my guys going in this formation. Very solid at the back but we only hit for 9 goals in the 24 match test, 5 of them coming from corners.

Congrats on the excellent work gone into these, i can't wait to to try out the future formations.

You can try using them on attack instead. By the way, this test is not made in holiday mode is it ?

Roughly what time is the next formation coming out? Dont know when to start my new game

Roughly what time is the next formation coming out? Dont know when to start my new game

Rewriting the posts now, including some more formations