[Dealing with an increase in reputation - Breaking teams down and taking the next step?]

22 minutes ago, Experienced Defender said:

A CM on attack duty is a tactical no-no in a system such as 4231, so that definitely cannot be based on my suggestion in any way shape or form 

Ha I'll take the blame for that one myself. 

 

14 minutes ago, jc577 said:

In a nutshell, yes  Even a MEZ-S is too risky for a 4231; the two CM's in this formation are there to break up play, cover space and recycle the ball... you have 4 attackers high up the pitch, is there a need for another? It will likely to reduce space further in the final third. If you want to use a CM-A (one of my favourite roles both IRL and in the game) I would look at switching formation to a 433/4141. 

What you have both said makes sense with what I see in the match engine, sometimes the CM-D is all on his own facing all players ahead of him besides my 2 CBs and any loss of possession gives up a clear chance so I think I I'll look at something like a CM-S and experiment with a 433 dropping the AP to the MC strata alongside a CM A in front of a DM-D.

 

Thanks again for your replies I'm much happier with the tactic now!

[Dealing with an increase in reputation - Breaking teams down and taking the next step?]

Thanks for the replies, I have made some changes and they've given me some improvements for sure. In particular, this team now plays much better against strong opposition where that was traditionally where I got trounced (draws at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford followed by a win at the San Siro particular highlights since switching).

I've adopted a lot of your suggestions, although I've kept the DL on WB-A as I really like the positions he takes up in possession.

I think this tactic is now much simpler which is always a good thing so thanks for your suggestions.

One thing I'm still experimenting with is the CM-A, the game identifies a problem there with the space he leaves behind him. What I really want from him is to provide a goal threat by taking up the space provided by the winger, while he also has license to get into the box when the ball goes wide. I wasn't seeing that from the BBM-S even with get further forward. Is the CM-A too risky or would a MEZ-S be an idea for this position?

A final point, the WBL and AMR take up great crossing positions but my striker and AML aren't very good in the air, can a low crosses instruction work without a counter attacking style? It seems a poor option with a crowded box...perhaps tinker with the cross instructions on the players so they pull it back towards the penalty spot? I understand I probably need to experiment and see what happens but be interested to hear some views on how to get the most from my wing play.

[Dealing with an increase in reputation - Breaking teams down and taking the next step?]

Background

I'm currently in the 5th season as Birmingham City with a great set of finishes so far - 2nd (promotion), 10th (Premier League), 6th, 4th, 5th. I have spent a lot of money and never been less inspiring in matches.

As a result of this rise to the upper premier league table, all teams outside the top 6 have started playing defensively against me and led to me now languishing midtable as a result of dropping far too many points. Here is an example against a typical midtable opponent

I can dominate possession (and rack up an obscene amount of corners) but struggle to create. Very few highlights and usually punished as a result of upping the Mentality late on.

The Tactic

It might help if I explain my rationale starting with the duties

- Striker CF(S) - a well rounded striker with good pace, finishing and off the ball, his job is to score but also pull centre backs out of position to allow the midfielders space in the box

-RW - Winger (A) - a very physical player with poor finishing but good crossing

LW- IW (s) - Inverted winger to allow space for my DL, well rounded stats

AP (s) - Highly technical player with low natural fitness, stamina and pace. Support duty to allow interchange with the...

BBM - I want him supporting the striker and getting in the box to give the AP an option. He has the only player instruction, Get Further Forward

DLP-D - This player will sit in and recycle the ball while also covering the DL

DL - One of my best players, a real attacking threat but poor defensively

Defenders should be fairly self explanatory

Now for the team instructions

The in possession tactics are there to attempt to deal with defensive opponents. I don't necessarily want the fast tempo of a positive style, mainly the mentality is to encourage some more risk in our attacking play. I have little aerial threat in the final third so it makes sense to play out of defence and GK distribute short. Out of possession tactics are inherited by the previous Gegenpress from a much earlier season

The Problem

How can I turn this team of youngsters from passive possession holders to a menacing attacking threat? Has the increased reputation of my club outpaced my ability to bring in better players? Or is there something fundamentally wrong with the tactic?

Suggestions welcome!

 

 

 

[The Rise of Diego Simeone 4-4-2]

Just now, OhhScottySinclair said:

Pray and counter attack , if you use the striker formation get atleast one of your strikers to man mark the opposition CM's and try to strengthen your CB's and Forwards, if you have an sort of cash I strongly recommend Moussa Dembéle consistent 20 goals a season in any league, Good luck mate.

I bought a new core from Celtic of O'Connell, Ajer and Dembele which was my whole budget, but solid as I'm sure you'll attest

 

Built something similar with a Standard mentality and nearly kept out champions Spurs and won convincingly at Goodison, so looks like it's working!

[The Rise of Diego Simeone 4-4-2]

Thanks for this, I've been looking for some guidance on a 442 for my Birmingham City game when we've just been promoted but I've had to resort to plug and play tactics which feels like cheating and I hate playing with more than 10 instructions!

Are there any changes you'd specifically make for a newly promoted team? My media prediction is 19th as probably half the team is the one I started with, which was predicted 10th in the Championship.

I usually default to Cleons Art of Counter Attacking 4-1-4-1 but wanted to try something different. Either way, I'll read it and build something, although got the top 6 in a row next so not expecting much.....!