Kiko

When you start with a new team what are the first 3-4 formation you use to find out that best suits your team??

Thanks

retired_barbiej

You need to analyze the squad before committing to a style and formation you want to play. But where possible I try to play a 442 diamond formation

retired_pennyyoung

if i inherited a sweeper, i usually go with a 3-man /SW defence, with everything else flat.

dotseurat

You need to analyze the squad before committing to a style and formation you want to play. But where possible I try to play a 442 diamond formation

whs...4-4-2 with attacking wingers when i get the right players

Kiko

Do you mean flat defense, flat midfield and flat offense?

thanks

retired_Hurky

for me the best formation is 4-2-3-1

retired_kellyk

I generally start with a 4132 as its relatively easy to go from that formation to a host of others.

janisfit

Hm, I've seen comments like this numerous times on these forums so again my question is: What do you look for when you analyse your squad?

retired_barbiej

Hm, I've seen comments like this numerous times on these forums so again my question is: What do you look for when you analyse your squad? </BLOCKQUOTE>

There are several steps to my madness when determining a style for your side(some of these may sound basic but they all count):

1)Viewing players at your disposal: This determines your formation just by looking how many players you have available, there is no point in playing a flat 442 formation if you dont have enough central midfielders.

2) Take notice of starting XI pace: This is very important especially for defenders as this will determine how deep i set my defensive line as well as where to focus my passing, as long as it fits in with the formation. There is no point in playing wide if youre playing a narrow diamond in midfield.

3)Then we look at mental attributes: Players with low decition stats are given low creative freedom as when there in possession they dont have a clue what to do with the ball. Plays with decent decition stat and very good flair are given slightly more creative freedom to create chances. If by any chance Im managing a very good team and I have a player with exceptional talent and flair he would take up a playmaker role. Think Kaka at Milan.

4)Training: in case you identify major problems in midfield or defense or even attack such as defenders not being strong enough, create custom training schedules to focus on those flaws.

As you can see there is not many steps but it doesnt end there, after you complete these then you think about tactical instructions such as is your squad capable of playing short passing or direct. Mixed passing is very difficult as it requires good vision and decisions across the team(in my honest opinion). Until your finally happy with the style.

I hope this answers your question.

janisfit

"There is no point in playing wide if youre playing a narrow diamond in midfield."

I'm not sure what you mean by a narrow diamond? I'm trying to play a diamond 442 with a def mid and an att mid. The def mid is placed in frony of my ef and the att mid is placed behind my strikers. I'm playing wide as I want my wingers to get involved as much as possible. Its not working very well, tho. What am I doing wrong?