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Basically it's a modified 3-5-2, with the MC and the two wing MF's dropping back to play DM's and Wing backs. While the remaining two Mid's slide up for a more attacking role. I keep all three Backs in the penalty box (as DC's, but sometimes the outside D's have orders to slide out to the wings, still up in the air on this one)
In practice this turns out to work similar to a cross between the 3-5-2 and a 3-3-2-2. I play a pretty aggressive style (almost all the way over) and pretty quick too.
I don't think that playing 3 at the back works. I prefer to play that way, but it always seems as if I get overrun.
Any tactic to counter being overrun inevitably means that you play with a couple more defender - which defeats the object of starting out with 3 at the back...
The main reason for playing with 3 at the back is because you assume that the opposition will play with no more than 2 up front (as well as it looks pretty when you're setting your formation).
Therefore, your 3 centre backs should out number your opponents strikers. However this is not always the case as your opponent will attack with supporting players i.e. wingers, AMCs and other Mcs.
When this happens, your 3 centre backs get out numbered, you are constantly worried whenever your opponent attacks and you leak goals.
The way in which you try to counter this is by making more of your players defend when you don't have the ball - which comprimises you when you attack. Making more players defend defeats the object of playing with 3 at the back and freeing more men for attacking roles.
Thats why I have come to the conclusion that to defend in a solid fashion you need to play with a flat back 4 and a DMC.
The 2 Centre backs and DMC act as your 3 centre backs currently do.
The DR and DL can venture forward, provide crosses from deep - yet still provide a natural resource for defence i.e. not be attacking players trying to defend - rather defending players trying to attack.
3-5-2 tactic.... Dissect 
Linear Mode
