retired_smileyb26

Since Cleon mentioned in his hugely successful Sheff Utd project thread about how it is important to listen to your scouts, just thought of starting a thread here to get views on how you would prepare your tactics in response to your scout's report on your next opponent.

For argument's sake, I will use the EPL as the example and a 4-4-2 diamond as the base formation.

Let's start with my current scout report on Reading:

- Low tempo 4-4-2
- Concentrate their play through the centre of the park
- Play possession football
- Look to get the ball down and play it.
- Be aware of the amount of creative talent in their midfield
- Important to defend deep or use fast defenders as their attacking pace may cause problems.

So how will you set up your sliders against Reading after reading this scout report?

retired_smileyb26

For starters, this is what I did:

- Go high tempo
- Play it wide
- Employ direct football (with target man)
- Close down often (to stifle their midfield)
- Defensive line (10)

Scored a 2-0 win over Reading for my first game. Then on reload, I got a 4-2 win.

retired_paugio

I would have done something similar, maybe with a deeper defensive line (6 to 8 or even less if they have very good pacey strikers) and normal width, unless you're playing home being favorite to win.

retired_bpx667

so would you set up your tactic by having your defense on individual closing down and your midfield/attack on team closing down, or do you alter individual settings of players for every game?

retired_mizzneka1287

I'd say 4-6 for D-line acutally, and which team are you? If your defenders are REALLY slow then that would be for the best.

retired_cindymerc

I think its a bit siily to maybe change passing depending on team, that would mean every match ur style of play changes IMHO.

I would use deep defensive line.Possibly could close down highly as they use short passing.

not sure about creative midfield-either man mark or close down on opp instructions.

retired_elpata

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Badboy500:
I think its a bit siily to maybe change passing depending on team, that would mean every match ur style of play changes IMHO.
QUOTE]

Why is it silly? If you play in wet weather you get penalised playing a short passing game, so it makes sense to change to a more direct approach.

If a team as technically good players, then its best to maybe retain possession and stop them damaging your team.

retired_amy66new

I don't really bother with the tactical nitty gritty anway TBH and it always does me well if I find a decent tactic and keep that whatever.

The only things I take not of are the oppositions pace upfront and the width/formation, although I still don't generally take the report card into account but just look at their line up on the day.

For example, if your scout says they have a lot of pace upfront, but they use a target man or a very quick forward with low finishing and composure, I will play high up the park anyway.

Tempo I keep the same regardless of who I'm playing, but if they're playing 3 in midfield or at the back, I'll play wide and use the wings.

retired_mizzneka1287

What should i do if they say 'They benefit from a strong and organised defence which could prove difficult to break down.'

retired_amy66new

Probably play a slow tempo, passing short and keep the ball. That way there's more chance one of their players will get drawn out of position than if you're more direct and they an soak it up easier. That's what I'd do anyway.