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Football Manager Underdog 4-2-4 Teamplay
Tactic Tweaking v.0.3 (Third attempt - Stable and consistent so far)
Tactic Overview:
Description:
An overall attacking tactic generating plenty of crosses into the area and lots of shots on goal.
The defending system here is in its 3rd version, having all back 4 on defensive mentality and tight Man-Marking, often closing-down.
So far I haven't found any real weaknesses to this tactic. The defense isn't perfect and sometimes there will be a mistake but it's nothing meaningful. Also, my defenders are very weak so maybe with better ones you won't get any mistakes.
Positional Recommendations:
Have your strikers have good Finishing, Jumping and Heading stats as well as Off-the-Ball and Composure to take advantage of most of their chances. They will get good ones frequently!
Make sure your wingers have good Crossing ability and good Pace and Dribbling... It's amazing watching my Hansen and D'Amico in action! The dribble pass the whole field.
The left central middlefielder should be the defensive one with high Work-rate, Bravery and Anticipation. The right one is the creative one who should have high Creativity and Passing.
The full backs (DL/DR) play a VERY important role in the defense, preventing crosses from being completed. Make sure they are very good defenders.
The left central defender is set on Ultra-Defensive mentality and often closing-down and little creative freedom. He is the heart of your defense and acts as a sweeper.
Make sure you take one who is experienced (over 30 years of age is recommended) and knows your players (NOT a new signing).
The right one is let to get upfield more often and clear up balls.
I called this tactic "Underdog" because its previous version in FM2006 got me with M.Haifa in my 3rd season to beating Barcelona, Inter, Juventus and Arsenal all the way to the Champs. League semi-final and a full unbeaten streak in the league and domestic cup.
This time with H. Beer-Sheva I got to the UEFA Cup second knockout-round and doing very well in the league. (I was predicted to be relegated)
I'm only playing in the Israeli leagues and haven't really tested this tactic on the big teams... Although I think it should just be easier. If I can beat Benfica in the UEFA Cup and in friendly pre-season tours I can beat Milan and Bayern Munich 1-0 I don't see a reason why the big teams wouldn't crush any side.
Have fun using this tactic and please report back.
Change list:
- Full backs set on more defensive mentality
- Full backs no longer provide cross balls and stay back
- Defensive central middlefielder no longer runs with ball or makes forward runs
- Both center backs are set on lower (and now same) mentality and creative freedom.
It is proven here. I respect wwfan's theories and I have learned a lot from them but he's not saying that doing the opposite of what he says will not be good. He's just suggesting a few possible approaches to tactics.
4-2-4 FM2007 Underdog Teamplay V.0.3 
:thup:
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