countering the 4-5-1

[matty2323]

So ive played two or three saves now on each time, ive found i really struggle against a flat 4-5-1. Ive played various formations against it (4-3-3 | 4-4-1-1 | 4-4-2 | 4-1-4-1) all to no avail. I feel like ive never been dominated, but i always seem to lose out on the scoreboard and can never shut the opposition team.

Looking at my two full game saves (Rosenborg & Blackpool) ive encountered the tactic 21 times (more so in the Blackpool save, seems to be a favorite for championship sides):

Against better teams: 6 games, score 6 conceded 15 - lost 5, drew 1.

Similar teams: 12 games, scored 12 conceded 18 - lost 9, drew 2, won 1.

Lower teams: 3 games, scored 4 conceded 4, lost 1, drew 1, won 1.

Has anyone had trouble breaking down this formation? do they recommend the use of certain positions or instructions? Thanks.

[peleJunior]

Well the flatness of the 3 in midfield would suggest it would be easier to go around them, rather than play through them. So with that in mind I would be thinking of using width and a winger. The formation tends to allow more time for DM's and your center backs due to a lack of AM. So a playmaker in the DM slot would be a good choice or a ball playind defender. I would sit relatively deep and try to draw out the naturally deep nature of the flat 451. Playing a little more direct to hit the wings.