retired_stephandjoe

How do you set up your tactics for home and away games, do you base them both on the same formation, eg: 4-4-2 or 4-3-3? Then just use different instructions?

Or do you use a 4-4-2 at home but then a 4-3-3 away to hit teams on the break for example?

I'm wondering whether different formations will disrupt the rhythm of the players as we know it 'takes them time' to get used to formations.

So would playing diff formations for home and away, 4-4-2 then 4-3-3 then 4-4-2 then 4-3-3 etc, be detrimental to your chances? Your thoughts...

retired_BrownVanilla

Different Instructions for a 4-4-2 but for a 5 man midfield I use different positions but only small changes e.g push the AML/AMR back to ML/MR with farrows if looking to defend more.

I think that huge changes like changing from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 for example is disruptive and not a good route to take, but I think subtle changes like the one demonstrated above can be very useful & effective.

retired_shella12

I think so too. I wouldnt change the formation too dramatically. Just the instructions. Allthough teams IRL do it all the time based on the opposition theyre facing. But FM doesnt let you do that.

retired_kellyk

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. There are formations that can go from attacking to defensive formations with just minor tweaks. The 433 default attacking formation is my personal favourite now. With changes to tempo, width and DL, you can go from a sit back and soak formation to a "park a bus" in the opposite AI's halves formation. Drastically changing a formation in my opinion is something I have never done in a game. I don't believe you need to honestly speaking, unless of course you're protecting a 1 nil lead against a massively superior opponent.


Increasing defensive line and width gives you a more attacking posture with flank penetration. Increasing DL alone with a mixed attacked makes your flanks more secure if you have the right closing down instructions in play already. Tempo allows you to adjust for possession and ensuring you pass the ball around before you go for goal. Mentality affects your positional play but more importantly affects how your team plays their football whether attacking or defensive. A low tempo with hold up ball allows you to build up play. There are many ways you can set a tactic up.

Just keep it simple before taking on more extravagant styles. For starters assuming you've followed my recommendations for closing down:

1. Away from home against a strong side.
Protect your flanks, stay narrow to normal, play mixed attack, low tempo and hold up ball. Deep DL

2. Away from home against a normal team
High DL, Wide, stay normal to wide, play mixed attack, low - normal tempo, hold up ball.