Defending corners is something that needsa game by game approach, I think.
Here's a few things that helped me. 10 games and no concessions from corners.
If I'm playing with two Attackers, I leave the faster player 'Stay Forward' and have one of my wide Attacking Midfielders or a player with high pace do the same. On occasions if the opposing team is short on height I will leave 3 upfield. In the normal course of things this forces the opponent to either reduce the number and types of player attacking thier corner, or to take a risk and hope they don't get caught on a fast breakaway. 90% of the time it is 2 upfield.
It has been good for me to cover both posts. Since this is a 'covering your bases' option and the players assigned aren't effectively man marking (rather defending a zone)Try NOT using your the full backs for this. They probably have better marking and tackling stats for Man Marking and will be used more effectively.
If you're setting your central defenders to man mark a specific player, be careful that your biggest/tallest players aren't pulled out of position for a corner by following their man into areas away from the central danger zone. I think this means that you might need to adopt a generic 'Man' at the outset rather than a specific player. For this reason.
Lets say your opponent has a small fast striker and in normal play you need to keep a close eye on him, at a corner you might reasonably expect him to adopt a near post or flick on role aimed at big players in the centre, or a late running player getting into the box.
I suggest you set marking at corners to have your central defenders mark a tall player and you should take a look at the opposing line up to decide how many there will be in your box. Most likely you will need your strong attacker to adopt a similar role. Then have your full backs availble to mark other attacker or attacking midfielders. Midfielders or Full Backs with the best marking stats mark a smaller player according to your evaluation of who and how many will be pressed into attacking you.
The alternatives are to assign a specific man marking routine that might see your strong attacker man mark the opponenet you think will arrive late or challenge your keeper etc. If you do you see the players jostling in the box and you should keep your eye on whether your men follow their opponent. If This opens up space and that space is attacked by a doubling up from a player you haven't marked, then change your plans.
Also, if you see a 'lurking' player you should specifcall man mark him for corners to prevent a free shot from cleared balls.
I suppose flexibility and dilligence are the attributes we need to defend corners. Not to mention some decent players!
The expression 'There's no such thing as a squirrel proof bird feeder' comes to mind. Trial and error and accumulating knowledge over time is the best way to find out what works for you, your players and in the league you play in.
Good luck!
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