retired_jasminesmom825

ive read a few threads stating you should use a high d/line with an attacking formation...i would like to use a low d/line with an attacking mentality. is this possible to succeed?

i currently prefer an attacking style but found there was too much space left behind the defence for quick strikers/high wingers and long balls to penetrate...i tried to counter this by lowering the d/line to either first/second notch of normal with good heading opposition or about 3/4 notches behind that when facing quick strikers...i also have my cb's mentality on about 2/3 and cd on first notch of rarely b4 normal...the formation i mainly use is 41221:-

flat back 4, 1 dmc, 2 cm, 2 wingers in wide amc position and 1 attacker...this works fantasticaly at blocking attacks through the centre but i found my full backs pressing the wide attacks well, but leaves them vulnerable to balls in behind...to counter this i put barrows on both full backs and have the mentality and cd 1/2 notches more than my cb's...balls still seem to get in behind but not as many...

now i give away alot of space out wide...i tried increasing cm's cd but that leaves the middle vulnerable...i've now put barrows on the wingers which tightens it slightly but stunts the attacking potency...also, in 'opposition instructions' i always select wingers to be closed down often and showed onto weaker foot (how do you guys find 'opposition instructions'? do you think it has a notable effect?) btw...i use spurs, so i have a pretty good defence

what do you guys think? do you think this sounds good? do you have any ideas on how to strengthen the defence or give the attack more potency? if you have any help on this or any questions about other aspects of my tactic you think might help it would be appreciated...thanks

retired_mgavlick

Sorting out the space on the wings: close down heavily and easy tackle with the wingers. Low CD for FBs.

As for the low d-line and attacking mentalities, the manual states d-line and mentality is linked, so it will be risky. I think you will find you leave too much space in front of the defence as the midfield stays high while the d-line takes up a deep position. Good luck though.

retired_jasminesmom825

hey wwfan, big fan of your advice on this forum ...i have my wingers on high cd not easy tackle (what benefit does easy tackle give) and my fb's low cd...my centre mid seems fairly tight which i think links more to the d/line mentality issue so im abit confused...how many notches mentality difference would you say i should have between each position to bring tactic to its full effect ie. defence-dmc dmc-mc mc-amc etc...im guessing this theory is more applied to the success of your passing game. i like to play a short passing game through the middle with the option of direct ball to a runner. what passing and mentality would you suggest? thanks

retired_mgavlick

High CD/easy tackling is telling the wingers to get close to the man but not commit to taclkes unless they are sure of winning the ball. Thus, it means they are blocking crosses by reducing space without trying risky tackles which, if they fail, will allow the opposition winger/full-back time and space to get in a decent cross.

I am currently experimenting with 6 notch differences between the most attacking players and the most defensive, hence DC 12, FB 13, through to MCa/AMC 16, FC 17. Match MCs passing to width and tempo, defenders a bit longer, attackers a bit shorter.

retired_rebebeccag

wwfan,

This is the philosophy I have worked on for the past 2 versions of the game, although I confess to playing a more defensive game (i.e. Defence on 6, midfield on 9-10 and AML/R and SC on 12)

Actually in this one I have been temped to reduce the spread to 4. I've experimented with 5, but I just hate to see my defenders with "normal" mentality.

With mentality being tweaked in the latest patch it became obvious that the gap had stretched between midfield and defence on this spead, even with DL at 10-11. As soon as we lose the ball in the opponents half the defence drops off to about 1/4 of the way back from the half-way line. The means that there is a big space, especially on the wings for the opponents to move into on the break. This seems to be due to DL only kicking in when you are defending in your own half.

retired_janellewood86

My defensive line is nearly always on 6, though when I expect to win or need to chase a game I play with a mentality of 15 or so.

I find it works on my team because the individual mentalities of all the players are very close together. I can see how if this wasn't the case I would get caned though. Indeed, sometimes the gap between my midfield and centrebacks gets exploited.

Destruction

i think the conscensus is that low d-line means your gonna need a DMC that will close down alot and not make forward runs to protect the defence as it drops back. also he's gonna need to have a menatality splitting the difference between the cb and the midfielders so he's evenly positioned.