[FM21] 4-3-3 (Wide DM) - Experiment in Transitional Football and Overloads

[xnovoxx]

Two versions of a 4-3-3 shared below which brought me a lot of success with Bournemouth. Note that these formations were developed with a specific objective in mind and as such, I recommend reading the objectives outlined to see if they align with your intended style of play.

Objectives

When developing the below style of play, we have a couple objectives in mind. 

A) Creating Overloads

1.  Numerical advantage in the box
2.  Numerical advantage in the midfield
3.  Focus play and playmaking opportunities on the right flank 

B) Maintain Defensive Stability

1.  Four players on defensive duty, two of which support attacking play in the middle of the pitch ( DLP Defend and IWB Defend)
2.  Setting traps for opposition
   1. Middle-Block version is focused on flank pressing and regrouping
   2. Pressure version is focused on a split block (i.e. 5 high press, 5 medium press)

C) Transitional Football

1. Take advantage of opportunities presented in transition, when opposition is out of position. 
2. Play with a focal point up top to expose high defensive lines

Match Plan

1. Enter each match with a plan. Certain games, I would start with the high pressure system for the first 15-20 minutes and then switch to the middle block
2. Use OI's. Typically, I set tight marking on strikers, close down on fb/wb's and hard tackling on an of the AM positions. 
3. Adjust in possession instructions according to the opposition. No point in playing narrow and through the middle against narrow defending double DM formations. In possession instructions are not fixed from start to finish. I typically adjust throughout. The below are simply my typical starting points.
4. Make sure you setup your set pieces!

Required Players

1. Advance Forward: Physical player with off the ball movement and height.
   1. Preferred PPM's: Move into channel, tries first time shorts, play's one-two's
   2. Avoid: Drop deeper, like's ball to feet (objective is for striker to lead the line)
2. Inverted Winger (Support): Wide playmaker with vision, decisions and passing
   1. Preferred PPM's: Likes to switch ball to opposite flank, cut's inside
3. Double DLP: Though you can change the deeper DLP to a DMC, it is recommended to have two players that can distribute and spot the pass
   1. Preferred PPM's for DLP (Support): Likes to switch ball to opposite flank
   2. Preferred PPM's for DLP (Defend): Dictates Tempo
4. Central Midfielder (Attack): All-round player with good physical attributes to contest balls in the box. 
   1. Preferred PPM's: Gets further forward or into oppositions area
5. Inside Forward (Attack): Off the ball movement, pace
   1. Preferred PPM's: Gets further forward or into oppositions area

Middle-Block -> Pressure flanks 

Sample of starting lineup in 2022-23 season

 

High Pressure -> Split Block

Sample of starting lineup in 2022-23 season

 

Results (First Season Promoted 2021-22)

Final - Positive 4-3-3 - Pressure.fmfFinal - Positive 4-3-3 - Mid-Block.fmf

Edited December 14, 2020 by xnovoxx

[birkelse]

Well done with Bournemouth 

[AlDen6]

Hi mate, do you have any PI’s on to achieve the split block press?