lougehrig

I've been using this formation for 2007. Previously I used the 2-1-4-3 formation, but SI seemed to have downgraded this tactic. I guess playing only 2 defenders is not realistic enough!

Things I like about this formation:
1. You don't need fullbacks! I find fullbacks to be a difficult position to find. I can use 3 interchangeable DC instead. So instead of needing 8 defenders for my team, I can get by with 5-6 DC instead.
2. Wingers! Everybody loves wing play. The dribbling, tackling, skill, pace. It's what football is all about. I like wingers who are good defensively and offensively (like converted wing backs like Daniel Alves). Plus wingers are alot easier to find than fullbacks.
3. Creates ALOT of fluid play. With the extra forward up front, you create many more angles and options for your creative players. Once the winger on either side beats the opposing winger, you immediately create mismatches. The opposing fullback now has to mark your outside forward or the winger. The winger can either cross the ball to any of the 3 forwards, lay it off to the outside forward, play one-two with the central midfielder on that side or drive it to the touchline. If he plays it to the outside forward (who acts like another winger), again you get tons of angles (cross to forwards, cross to opposing winger, cross to central midfielders on the edge of the box).
4. More forwards! Who wouldn't rather have an extra forward on the pitch instead of a fullback? I play two fast forwards on the outside as semi-wingers and they usually average 15 goals / 15 assists. The center forward will either be a target forward or your pure finisher. He will obviously get alot of chances with 4 attacking players supplying him from both sides.
5. Obviously going to score more goals with this formation. You also convert a high percentage of your chances since you are breaking down the opposition with passing instead of one v. one play.

Things you might not like:
1. You tend to give up more quality chances to the opponent. I find you still give up around the same number of chances, but they are alot better chances. Will this lead to more goals against? Sure. But I find that if you find a good one v. one keeper, he will get used to steady flow of work match in and match out. I typically have one of the better goals against averages in the league because of dominant ball control and keeper / defenders who are used to this type of defending.
2. More pressure on defenders (all central defenders). The defenders have alot of responsibilities in this type of formation. I push them forward so they intercept alot of long balls in the center of midfield. This starts alot of offense. They also need to have good distribution to the wingers and wide forward. I like to use DRC or DLC players as the outside central defenders and a strong / towering defender in the center. Also, the defenders will be making alot of last ditch tackles as you might expect. This leads to more cards, however, like the keeper they tend to get used to playing like this and get very good at it.