Pairs & Combinations FM2015 - UPDATED

[ibro46]

Yes, but only if they do different things. Consider the players movement, do they drift, roam, etc?

so engache attack and 2x advanced forward will work ??

[llama3]

so , 2 target man is good ?

what is the different between anchor man and dm in defence?both holding?

No, they will be far too static.

Anchorman holds position and plays safe only. DM closes down and has ability to do more with the ball.

Yes, but only if they do different things. Consider the players movement, do they drift, roam, etc?

so engache attack and 2x advanced forward will work ?? unlikely, easy to defend against

[dusziv]

Can I find somewhere a list of player roles and duties that are most suitable for each task in central midfield (protect defense, link play, creating chances and support attacks)?

[MakaveliPT]

Thank you and hope the team is playing well still.

Thank you mate, they were still doing alright on this next season, unfortunately the problem was still unsolved, my team still has the best attack and defense on the league yet amazingly none of my players figure on the top scorers so far, which well, always made sense, i push too much with my defense being around the midfield line, no space to be explored by the striker behind the defense so i'd end up with a bunch of players inside the box therefore everyone would score a bit.

The striker would never get a good consistent supply as the creators would most times also be inside the box, so i tried to rotate the offensive triangle a bit to dismantle defensive midfielders and try to get more space to be explored behind the striker by any of the possible creators, this is mostly due to the AM/S being on a most defensive stance allowing that space to be explored by the runner CM and the interior forward, i only have tried a couple of games so far but surprisingly my AM is now creating more as an AM/S and the striker is getting more and better supply. I am now also trusting my coaches who tell me that my IF's are better on a support role and my wingers as an attacking role, so here's all the changes.

I'd rather have my full back as support so i could get a bit better cover but unfortunately it seems while on support he doesn't move forward enough to help close the gap left by the CM/A, since we push so high the gap is almost entirely covered by the CD's, so still haven't had any major problems with the defense but it still troubles me, do you think i should perhaps try a stopper/cover combo to solidify this gap? Or perhaps a simple 'get further forward' instruction on the FB/S would do it?

Once again, appreciate all the insight!

[llama3]

That looks better. I would keep defend duties on centre backs due to the high pressing and keeping offside line. As for David Alaba - it's a very attacking left side, you need balance somewhere otherwise you'll get caught on the break. Nice changes.

[Kuldaniss]

First of all I want to really congratulate you on the thread and the guide. I`ve read the guide before, since I like reading about tactics, but yesterday I read it again while trying to implement that directly. A friend and I have started an online game , him with Spurs and me with Liverpool. Just before starting I wanted to maybe try out a tactic that I would use with them. Now, I realized that the team chemistry is probably very low but I'm not really sure how much it affects how my team is supposed to play.

The tactic I wanted to use was a 4-1DM-2-2-1, like this :

GK

FB(A) - CD(D) - CD(D) - WB(S)

A(D)/DLP(D)

BBM(S)-DLP(S)

W(S) IF(A)

AF(A)

I started this on Rigid, with a control strategy. First question would be, is the team setup ok? I realize that I have 2.5 specialists roles, so maybe balanced would have been more appropiate? Also, does DLP(D) at the DM position conflict with the DLP(S) at the CM position in some way? Also, I could change my IF(A) to AP(A) since Coutinho plays there and maybe change it back to IF(A) when using Sterling there. Any suggestions?

The main issue I realized while using this was the high amount of CCC's I was letting and also I didn't feel like I was creating as much.

Team instructions used : Short passing, pass into space, drill crosses, push higher up, hassle opponents, play offside, more expressive. Where am I doing it wrong?

I haven't used any OI's , should I?

[llama3]

Regarding Philosophy I suggest you use The Hand of God's Philosophy thread (stickied at the top of the forum) instead, as his Philosophy knowledge is much better than mine. The set up looks decent, although there is not too much movement from central midfield, so I would be wary of that. Also a Winger - Support crosses the ball earlier, and Advanced Forward is unlikely to be the type of player who will attack the ball at the far post in the air, I would probably switch the duties around on your flanks to get your wide delivery from the byline and let your wing back overlap the IF a little more effectively., and give your BBM a CM(A) instead for more direct forward running.

What type of goals are you conceding?

[Kuldaniss]

Wow thanks, I didn't expect such a quick answer!

I've actually experimented with CM(A) instead of BBM(S) for 1-2 games and thought it did better. Would you suggest maybe changing the IF(A) to IF(S) and the WB behind him to WB(A) for that overlap? Also, on the other flank I've told the FB(A) to cut inside so him and the W(S) dont do the same thing, I'm thinking maybe switching to AP(S)/AP(A) and let the FB overlap naturally?

I've noticed most of the goals being through balls between my defense, sometimes between the two CDs, or between the CD and the fullbacks. Should I tell them to stay narrower?

[llama3]

I fully support the CM(A) change, also the IF(S) & WB(A) change. If you go for an AP(S/A) on the right, then make sure you don't have players getting in the way of your CM(A) bursting through.

Staying narrower is for when you are in possession. You getting caught sitting too high up the pitch with space in behind? Not putting enough pressure on the ball? Players out of position leaving gaps?

[Kuldaniss]

If you go for an AP(S/A) on the right, then make sure you don't have players getting in the way of your CM(A) bursting through.

What do you mean? That maybe the AP and the CM(A) would bump into each other in the same areas?

I've started a new save game because I didnt want my play to be influenced by team morale and etc. My team now looks like this :

GK

FB(A)-CD(D)-CD(D)-WB(A) <--- thinking of maybe switching the fb to support

A(D)

DLP(S)-CM(A)

AP(A)-IF(S)

AF(A)

I moved the CM(A) to the left side so him and the AP dont disrupt each other, that is if I understood what you said correctly. I noticed some long balls from the left flank going directly to the AP down right, that happens because of him being the playmaker right ? I'm not really sure how I feel about that right now, might be good might be bad. Also noticed some good link plays between the CM(A) - IF(S) on the left.

Also, the team shouts I use are : Short passing, pass into space, drill crosses, push higher up, offside trap, more expressive, roam from positions. The team seems to defend better, but I've only been able to play the friendlies so far. In regards to your question, yes, before the team seems to be always out of position and the opposing team had too much time on the ball. But I was using hassle opponents, maybe I didnt have the right player roles for it?

Will keep you posted, thanks for the help so far

[MakaveliPT]

That looks better. I would keep defend duties on centre backs due to the high pressing and keeping offside line. As for David Alaba - it's a very attacking left side, you need balance somewhere otherwise you'll get caught on the break. Nice changes.

Thank you mate, the formation is generating some weird heat maps but they are playing well and the defense is still tight, i kept it without the stopper/cover combo, and alaba is now on support, he's doing his job helping the midfield but the heatmap was misleading me on that. I've done another simple change just switched back the AM into an advanced playmaker on support as i was lacking creativity on the offensive mid, he doesn't get into the box as much which is good and also does some nice runs off the ball to create some nice plays with the CM/A. Strikers are getting better and hopefully they will regain their scoring momentum ^^.

[llama3]

You've understood correctly my point on AP & CM(A). The issue would be same on other side with the IF(S) too though. It's a potential issue - little minor things like PPM's, attributes etc can make the little differences to player behaviour here. Yes the playmaker attracts the ball, although people shouldnt be lumping aimless balls in his direction, you should have plenty of outlets to pass to here. Your defending is better because you dropped "hassle" from your standard set - it has its place, but right opponents, system etc.

Welcome, always here for advice (when I'm not at work anyway!)

[llama3]

Thank you mate, the formation is generating some weird heat maps but they are playing well and the defense is still tight, i kept it without the stopper/cover combo, and alaba is now on support, he's doing his job helping the midfield but the heatmap was misleading me on that. I've done another simple change just switched back the AM into an advanced playmaker on support as i was lacking creativity on the offensive mid, he doesn't get into the box as much which is good and also does some nice runs off the ball to create some nice plays with the CM/A. Strikers are getting better and hopefully they will regain their scoring momentum ^^.

Good. The AP(S) is a good change as a creative hub.

[MakaveliPT]

What do you mean? That maybe the AP and the CM(A) would bump into each other in the same areas?

I've started a new save game because I didnt want my play to be influenced by team morale and etc. My team now looks like this :

GK

FB(A)-CD(D)-CD(D)-WB(A) <--- thinking of maybe switching the fb to support

A(D)

DLP(S)-CM(A)

AP(A)-IF(S)

AF(A)

I moved the CM(A) to the left side so him and the AP dont disrupt each other, that is if I understood what you said correctly. I noticed some long balls from the left flank going directly to the AP down right, that happens because of him being the playmaker right ? I'm not really sure how I feel about that right now, might be good might be bad. Also noticed some good link plays between the CM(A) - IF(S) on the left.

Also, the team shouts I use are : Short passing, pass into space, drill crosses, push higher up, offside trap, more expressive, roam from positions. The team seems to defend better, but I've only been able to play the friendlies so far. In regards to your question, yes, before the team seems to be always out of position and the opposing team had too much time on the ball. But I was using hassle opponents, maybe I didnt have the right player roles for it?

Will keep you posted, thanks for the help so far

Hi mate, i ain't no master so you should wait for llama's response, but yes i think he meant for you to switch the CM/A to the other side so they don't run into the same place which you already did.

I use hassle the opponents and i don't see major changes of players being out of position, it might be your roam from positions shout causing that. Your players will often try to get the ball to your playmaker as a passing priority so that might be what you are seeing there.

As a personal note i'd advise you to be careful with the 'more expressive' shout, along with roaming from positions i reckon it might ask your team to be highly creative, perhaps use a standard mentality instead of rigid and remove those shouts would be more balanced.

Hope it helped a bit but still, you really should wait for llama's response. Good luck

[Kuldaniss]

Thanks for the replies !

Right now the CM(A) is working really good on the left side. I forgot to mention that I changed the mentality to Standard from the start. My team is playing well, a lot better than before. Some issues are the defending at times, some quick one-two passes sometimes get my defenders really out of position and turns into cccs for them. I think that maybe the roaming would be the cause for that? If that's so, can I maybe remove the more roaming shout and in place tell the specific players ( in my case, the forwards) to roam more ? The main reason I used the shout is that I thought it would create some surprising plays in my attacks.

Another issue is that mainly when playing better teams , I seem to drop possesion heavily. This doesnt concern me that much, I beat Utd with 30% possesion and 3 cccs. The problem is, they had 5 cccs against me, with them playing away. But I'm not really sure why that happens. Should I tell my players to retain possesion and control the game like that? Or maybe drop deeper and play counter strategy against them?

Thanks a lot !

[llama3]

That tends to be game by game decision making that causes that. Sometimes you gotta get fairly aggressive to them, sometimes accept you wont win the possession battle and stay compact and solid.

[Kuldaniss]

Regarding the roaming part, would you say that maybe the "more roaming" shout affects my defence in the way that they get caught out of position? And is using player instruction on the players I want to roam, in order to be unpredictable in attacking moves, a viable solution to that ?

[llama3]

It can affect it, and yes it's a potential solution - but it could simply be your opponents naturally exploiting space in your system.

[Kuldaniss]

I keep noticing the high amount of CCCs against me. Even in matches with teams that are worse than me, and to some extent I control the game, they still have CCCs. Is that down to individual player positioning? Or the fact the team cohesion might not the best right now ?

Sorry for "taking advantage" of the fact that you answer questions and asking you so many .

[llama3]

Well take advantage now, because after this afternoon it won't happen much for another week or so!

It's difficult to know precisely. CCC's can be slightly inaccurate, at least they say the opponents are getting to close to your goal. Maybe you are pressing to aggressively leaving gaps, maybe you stand off too much and let them get in behind you, maybe a specific player in the system just isn't concentration, or has a dodgy PPM - there are literally so many answers to that, so it depends - what precisely are you seeing. Normally its simple changes; this morning I was playing away to Crystal Palace, went 2-0 down, and after half an hour I was completely under the cosh, barely hanging on - then I made my narrow attacking midfield 3 a wider sitting 3 with similar roles and duties - all of a sudden, we had players tracking back down the flanks, preventing Sagna & Monreal getting overloaded - suddenly we also stretched play more, played on the break more, ended up winning 4-3 with a late late Podolski goal to complete his hattrick. Good teams and systems work to a point, but if the team instructions are counter productive, or system is slightly out of kilter it can throw everything up in the air.

[Kuldaniss]

I see. So maybe the fact that I press high up the pitch can be a cause of that ? I was thinking of maybe trying to Hassle Opponents, but not press high, so I'm not that aggresive. Or maybe even drop deeper and hassle opponents... ? I've been experimenting a lot in a save game, things are going ok but I just feel they could go better. Also sometimes I realized that my short passing turns into a long range pass to a player because they`re so wide from each other, I will try to play narrower for a while and see if that changes to better.

If you going away for a week means that you're going on a vacation, you have fun there !

[llama3]

I see. So maybe the fact that I press high up the pitch can be a cause of that ? I was thinking of maybe trying to Hassle Opponents, but not press high, so I'm not that aggresive. Or maybe even drop deeper and hassle opponents... ? I've been experimenting a lot in a save game, things are going ok but I just feel they could go better. Also sometimes I realized that my short passing turns into a long range pass to a player because they`re so wide from each other, I will try to play narrower for a while and see if that changes to better.

If you going away for a week means that you're going on a vacation, you have fun there !

No it means i have 6 x 12 hour shifts in 7 days at work!

[Kuldaniss]

No it means i have 6 x 12 hour shifts in 7 days at work!

If possible, have fun there too !

[dusziv]

Can I find somewhere a list of player roles and duties that are most suitable for each task in central midfield (protect defense, link play, creating chances and support attacks)?

OK, I guess I'll have to try to respond myself.

In my opinion these roles and duties are most suitable for four tasks in central midfield:

Protect defense: A, DM(D), DM(S), HB, CM(D), BWM(D), DLP(D)

Link play: DM(S), CM(S), BBM, BWM(S), AM(S), DLP(S), AP(S)

Create chances: DLP(D), DLP(S), AP(S), AP(A), T, E, RGA

Support attacks: SS, AM(A), CM(A), AP(A)

Obviously, some of players are capable of doing multiple jobs.

[llama3]

Can I find somewhere a list of player roles and duties that are most suitable for each task in central midfield (protect defense, link play, creating chances and support attacks)?

No. It isn't as simple as that. A player can play slightly differently depending on interaction between roles. A DM(s) could be protecting defence in some systems, but in others supports attacks and links play.

[Adsuperjenius]

Would Advanced forward become isolated as lone strikers?

How if advanced forward combined with target man? we would have 2 man staying too high ?

[Kuldaniss]

I don't have any experience with AD coupled with a TM, but I have some with an AD as lone striker.

It usually depends on what you have behind him, the AD usually gets in combinations with the wingers or attacking midfielders behind him(the positions, not the roles). I used one in a possesion based tactic and it worked out ok, with him creating chances for others and also scoring on his own. But like I said, depends on what you have behind and how you want to play.

[James9]

Llama I am looking at the 41221 set up with the False 9. Looking to play this way with Arsenal. Ozil on the left and Walcott on the right. I would like to ask your advice on Giroud or Sanogo in the False 9 role. I really see both players as more DLF SUpport. Could I swap out the False 9 with a DLF Support and get them drop deep and create the space for the players to attack as the False 9 would.

Having the two wing backs on attack would this leave the back open to counter attack down the wings.

[st.cronin]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered: Is it possible in a 4 man midfield to have 2 box to box mcs? I am thinking of trying this alignment:

------cf/a---dlf/s------

--bb/s--ap/a--bb/s---

--------am/d---------

fb/s-dc/d-dc/d-cwb/a

Any reason why that midfield couldn't work?

[Adsuperjenius]

I don't have any experience with AD coupled with a TM, but I have some with an AD as lone striker.

It usually depends on what you have behind him, the AD usually gets in combinations with the wingers or attacking midfielders behind him(the positions, not the roles). I used one in a possesion based tactic and it worked out ok, with him creating chances for others and also scoring on his own. But like I said, depends on what you have behind and how you want to play.

so, if I play using winger at mr role, and use 1 dm, 2 cm, he would not too isolated?

Im using small teams.I do have perfect advanced forward,where I want him to play as lone striker againts big teams..

[Kuldaniss]

The way I see it, with this setup he might be too isolated. But that depends if you want him to help out with the build up or you want him in the box area and help with passes when the ball get's there. If you want someone to drop more and offer more options, you should maybe look for a DLF or CF(S), my opinion. I see the lone Advanced Forward as a good option in counter attacking teams where I want him to stay forward but also help with maybe passes to the wings if he's marked. If you want a striker to focus solely on staying forward and running with the ball when countering, look for a Poacher.

[Adsuperjenius]

so poacher would good for lone striker for counter attacking strategy?

[llama3]

Would Advanced forward become isolated as lone strikers?

How if advanced forward combined with target man? we would have 2 man staying too high ?

AF(A) & TM(S) is a good combination. This should all be obvious within the guide though.

I don't have any experience with AD coupled with a TM, but I have some with an AD as lone striker.

It usually depends on what you have behind him, the AD usually gets in combinations with the wingers or attacking midfielders behind him(the positions, not the roles). I used one in a possesion based tactic and it worked out ok, with him creating chances for others and also scoring on his own. But like I said, depends on what you have behind and how you want to play.

Exactly, the supply is essential.

Llama I am looking at the 41221 set up with the False 9. Looking to play this way with Arsenal. Ozil on the left and Walcott on the right. I would like to ask your advice on Giroud or Sanogo in the False 9 role. I really see both players as more DLF SUpport. Could I swap out the False 9 with a DLF Support and get them drop deep and create the space for the players to attack as the False 9 would.

Having the two wing backs on attack would this leave the back open to counter attack down the wings.

I am not sure why you looked at a False Nine in the first place with those 2 players, you obviously have other plans, so not sure where the False Nine talk came into it...

Anyway, both players are much more suited to holding the ball up and linking play. So DLF(S) is an excellent suggestion for that. CF(S) would work well in that system too.

Apologies if this has been asked and answered: Is it possible in a 4 man midfield to have 2 box to box mcs? I am thinking of trying this alignment:

------cf/a---dlf/s------

--bb/s--ap/a--bb/s---

--------am/d---------

fb/s-dc/d-dc/d-cwb/a

Any reason why that midfield couldn't work?

You could, but not sure why you wouldn't want to ensure someone gets forward more from central midfield to support the attack.

so, if I play using winger at mr role, and use 1 dm, 2 cm, he would not too isolated?

Im using small teams.I do have perfect advanced forward,where I want him to play as lone striker againts big teams..

An Advanced Forward has enough link-play to work well as a lone forward. Although a support role would be better in this instance considering the distance of the midfielders from the lone striker. Obviously you need to consider the skills of the player in question though.

The way I see it, with this setup he might be too isolated. But that depends if you want him to help out with the build up or you want him in the box area and help with passes when the ball get's there. If you want someone to drop more and offer more options, you should maybe look for a DLF or CF(S), my opinion. I see the lone Advanced Forward as a good option in counter attacking teams where I want him to stay forward but also help with maybe passes to the wings if he's marked. If you want a striker to focus solely on staying forward and running with the ball when countering, look for a Poacher.

Good points, although I disagree with...

so poacher would good for lone striker for counter attacking strategy?

... a Poacher is a poor choice for a lone forward. He gets too isolated and does not contribute to any link play, which is essential for a lone forward.

[PLF]

Great thread and a great PDF guide llama3! Just wanted to say thanks for your contribution.

[crocodile]

Hi! First of all, great guide llama3!

I'm playing a 4-1-2-2-1 at the moment. My team has quick attacking players and is fairly creative in midfield. My defence ist really stable but I have problems with creating clear chances + goals. (we score mostly from corners).

GK

FB(s) CD(d) CD(d) WB(a)

HB(D)

BBM(s) DLP(s)

W(a) IF(s)

AF(a)

standard/fluid - TI: push higher up, work ball into box, run at defense or pass into space (depends on opponent's defense, sitting deep or high line)

PI: GK (distribute to defenders), IF (sit narrower, shot less), BBM (get further forward)

Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[isignedupfornorealreason]

From your guide;

4-1-2-2-1

F9 (S)

IF(A) IF (A)

CM (A) – DLP (S)

DM (D)

WB (A) – CD (D) – CD (D) – WB (A)

GK (D)

 False Nine links play with the players behind him

 Lots of runners from wide and deep to attack the space

 Good shield in front of defence

That's exactly how I had my latest England file set up (freaky that...) with a few exceptions, I had an IF/S and WB/A alongside a CM/S rather than a DLP/S and I was just trying to work out what, if anything was particularly wrong with the set up (very little actually, but I did wonder if the CM/A would get in the way of the IF and if the F9 was getting in the way of the CM/S.

Anyway; my question for you!

I assume, the reason you can get away with 4 attack duties on the flanks is purely because the middle is 'congested' by the midfield triangle and the false 9 pulling back. This away when the inside forwards cut in to attack the space and the wing backs fly up to offer width there is little chance of a counter attack because, in theory, the middle is literally a fortress?

Keep in mind I'm still learning; I've always been very cautious about using multiple attack roles, I'm just trying to identify when it's 'safe' to use. One thing I can think of going by my own formation experience, is that a WB/S doesn't actually provide enough support for the IF/A (he hangs out by the half-way line and rarely does anything attacking but often gets superb ratings... hmm)

[llama3]

Great thread and a great PDF guide llama3! Just wanted to say thanks for your contribution.

No worries, thanks for the feedback.

Hi! First of all, great guide llama3!

I'm playing a 4-1-2-2-1 at the moment. My team has quick attacking players and is fairly creative in midfield. My defence ist really stable but I have problems with creating clear chances + goals. (we score mostly from corners).

GK

FB(s) CD(d) CD(d) WB(a)

HB(D)

BBM(s) DLP(s)

W(a) IF(s)

AF(a)

standard/fluid - TI: push higher up, work ball into box, run at defense or pass into space (depends on opponent's defense, sitting deep or high line)

PI: GK (distribute to defenders), IF (sit narrower, shot less), BBM (get further forward)

Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

You have little runners and support from midfield. Your line forward may be getting a touch isolated.

From your guide;

4-1-2-2-1

F9 (S)

IF(A) IF (A)

CM (A) – DLP (S)

DM (D)

WB (A) – CD (D) – CD (D) – WB (A)

GK (D)

 False Nine links play with the players behind him

 Lots of runners from wide and deep to attack the space

 Good shield in front of defence

That's exactly how I had my latest England file set up (freaky that...) with a few exceptions, I had an IF/S and WB/A alongside a CM/S rather than a DLP/S and I was just trying to work out what, if anything was particularly wrong with the set up (very little actually, but I did wonder if the CM/A would get in the way of the IF and if the F9 was getting in the way of the CM/S.

Anyway; my question for you!

I assume, the reason you can get away with 4 attack duties on the flanks is purely because the middle is 'congested' by the midfield triangle and the false 9 pulling back. This away when the inside forwards cut in to attack the space and the wing backs fly up to offer width there is little chance of a counter attack because, in theory, the middle is literally a fortress?

Keep in mind I'm still learning; I've always been very cautious about using multiple attack roles, I'm just trying to identify when it's 'safe' to use. One thing I can think of going by my own formation experience, is that a WB/S doesn't actually provide enough support for the IF/A (he hangs out by the half-way line and rarely does anything attacking but often gets superb ratings... hmm)

Superbly balanced system. You can get away with 4 on the flanks, because your IF(A)'s get central and act like strikers. So, your wing backs need to also be attacking to get down the flanks in support of your team. Your centre has plenty of numbers. So basically its because your IF's are de facto central players - I consider a team to have lone wide players from an attacking point of view if the wide players cut inside.

[xantheose]

Do you believe that in a CB (X) - CB (D) - CB (X), the defensive midfielder would be better if he was set on HB (D), or it's too defensive?

[fernandovalente]

23221 counter / very fluid

SGK (support)

right WB (a)

BPD (stoppeur)

CD (stoppeur)

left WB (s)

DLF (d)

right DLF (s)

left AP (a)

right IF (s)

left IF (a)

False 9

Retain possession; shorter passing; play out of defence; work ball into box; look for overlaps; play narrower; very high defence line; roam from positions; hassle opponents; stay on feet; mark tighter; high tempo

trying a strong possession model. Opinions ?

[BeadyRoller]

Just want to say Llama this was a fantastic read and it has helped me understand the way tactics work on FM a lot more.

Going off what I've read, I've come up with this..

A very poor struggling Wimbledon side, do you think I have it right?

Thank you!

[Double0Seven]

Two limited defenders will not work. They will lose the ball too much. You also play with two wingers and they don't have much to cross to if you are attacking. The only one up front is a striker. No sweeper keeper with a high line and what is Wimbledon's work rate/team work? Do the fit the high pressure game?

[BeadyRoller]

It made sense what you said, I just can't get the 4-5-1 working properly, I've decided to have a go at a 4-2-3-1 to see if I can start scoring a few more goals because that is my biggest problem.

Came up with this, how's it looking do you think?

[Double0Seven]

Why lower tempo? Defensive already sets tempo to low. Make it even slower and your team is gonna have a hard time scoring too.

[BeadyRoller]

Good point, I keep forgetting that mentality effects team instructions. How do you think the rest of the tactic looks? Roles?

[Double0Seven]

Wb on the left seems better behind a IF.

[BeadyRoller]

Another good shout, just hope I can get out of this relegation battle, I took over them when they were 22nd, I'm now 23rd and 6 points from safety, going to be hard!

[daleuk8]

I am struggling with my wide men tracking back. Any advice? Also this guide suggests to push higher up when using hassle opponent, can I use push higher up without it?

[Double0Seven]

You can but your players will have to run a lot more.

Wide men in AMLR will track back less then MLR and don't forget their work rate/team work/decisions/stamina. Mentality and role also matters.

[isignedupfornorealreason]

Superbly balanced system. You can get away with 4 on the flanks, because your IF(A)'s get central and act like strikers. So, your wing backs need to also be attacking to get down the flanks in support of your team. Your centre has plenty of numbers. So basically its because your IF's are de facto central players - I consider a team to have lone wide players from an attacking point of view if the wide players cut inside.

Thanks Llama.

I switched to the WB/A. It does provide more width, though whether coincidence or not we did go a fantastic five games in a row without a clean sheet! But it's acceptable, it works well and I've really liked the F9/IF/IF combination.

[Finknottle]

I hope this hasn't been asked already. Will this update still hold good for FM '15? Forgive if it has but I've been ill and away for a while and have not been able to keep up to date.