retired_elpata

Changing instructions is okay, but the original poster was going to use 2 completly different formations if you read It would be pretty crap if you couldn't change instructions on a game by game basis

But using 2 completely different shapes is confusiong for the players and you can't get real consistency going. There might be a few people who use 2 formations and it might work on a small scale for them. But ultimatley if you want consistency then stay with 1 formation and change the instructions. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Yea, thats what I was on about, the fact he wanted to completely change his shape. In a way I think I like the feature, because now the game recognizes and sets your preferred formation. But in real life some teams do use different shapes depending on the situation, whether it be home and away, or domestic and continental. Benitez likes to change shapes from home to away and last year Arsenal used a different shape when playing in the Champions League from the one he played in the EPL. Perhaps if the game would have different preferred formations for home and away, or allow you to set that yourself. Then go from there with the squad getting used to your tactics and your tactical consistency. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Liverpool are an excellent example of what happens if you chop and change too much

retired_ginac227

I wouldn't frown too hard on the idea of changing formations rather frequently. Sticking to one formation can create situations where your play becomes stagnant. Especially if you face an opponent with a defense and midfield that are more skilled than yours.
You'll never beat them one on one so you have to move players around and experiment with formation to get players into open positions.
I am a firm believer of formation as the basic structure, the scaffolding of your tactics, and altering formation can create some very interesting results (both positive and negative) and most certainly change any given outcome of a game.