retired_annnzzz

Apologies for regurgitating what may already be an active thread somewhere on this forum, bit in search of my discourse i found little more than brief mentions of the above, and America, lol!

...If indeed this thread is in effect, then moderators, rather than swinging your steely sword and beheading my intentions, please merge the above with the necessary groom!

...On the topic of the W-M, for its Connosieur's how are you finding its employment?

...I would post some screenshots of my exploits, but for fear of the dreaded padlock marrying itself to the entrance to this thread, i'll wait patiently in the hope for either, contribution or redirection.

retired_elpata

It was me who had a big thread on it, but I decided to wait until the patch is out then discuss it again, as the patch effects how it currently plays out.

retired_annnzzz

Ah, success!

I opted for the motif of Champs gone by with, in actuality,a W shaped attack, and M shaped defence, in every sense! I found the FR/FL to be rendered useless in many a match, and in others, they were the stars of the show. Has the AI engine been designed in such a way to render the deployment of wide forwards, the 'rod for ones own back'?

...Also, passing styles? I found the direct approach more fruitious in terms of games won, but the mixed-short passing game created more chances, and was by far more pleasing on the eye.

...I cant quite understand why the game is designed to challenege one's innovation, and almost enforce the orthodoxy of the back 4. A few seasons back, Arsene Wenger took a young Arsenal side to a tournament in Germany, where i as an Arsenalite, observed the W-M in effect (being employed by Dusseldorf U21's). A rivetting experience for fans of tactic and strategy. In the same tournament i saw Grasshopper's play with the Verou system of old, and cause teams all sorts of problems! Its a shame FM doesnt take such into consideration!

retired_kellyk

Actually the game does not force you into using a back 4. There are formations that can successfully be used, such as the 352 and formations that employ sweepers in a diamond 4 in defense. It takes more time, but it isn't impossible

retired_annnzzz

I was referring to the deployment of wide forwards in particular. Playing a forward right or left seems to confine a player to a season of solitude!

retired_elpata

I've never had trouble playing wide forwards. It takes time to get it right, but once you do they can be amazing.

retired_annnzzz

Interesting. I find that the forwards (FR and FL) are too inconsistent, and do make enough of a contribution throughout the game. Barrows are quite useful on these guys as that tends to bring them closer to the game, but as far as a constant threat goes, im equidistant from all or nothing.

...What are you doing with the AMCs? Are they dropping back, or pushing up either side of the central striker? making it in effect a 5-manned frontline, and 5-manned defence.

...In actuallity, the purpose of the 2 anchormen was to allow the fullbax to push up, and in accordance with this ploy, i have tried with farrows on both fullbax. Offensively, it adds alot to the side, but that doesnt compensate for the gaps defensively.

...Its an interesting system, and one of ample potential. It would be interesting to see how we can develop the tactic.

retired_elpata

I can't figure out which system I think works best yet, I like the FR/FL position with barrows to MR/ML. But I also like 3 FC's and the outer 2 diagnol barrows to AML/AMR position. I found both had advantages and disadvantes. Goals aren't a problem either, I average about 4 a game.

They do both, when I loose possession I am a 9 man defensive unit. When I do have possession I am a 7 man attacking unit.

In my set up I just use the fullbacks as normal defenders and give them no attacking responsibilites as it leaves me too vulnerable at the back down the wings.

retired_toiwoods

Cleon... you said you use full backs with no attacking to reduce vulnerability to wing attacks. Does this mean you dont think a 3 man defense (ie 2DC's and Sweeper or 3DC's) with wingbacks will work?

retired_elpata

No, what makes you think that? Its the shape of the W-M what is vulnerable in places if you are too attacking. Because you have 1 dc and a DR/DL with the 2 DMC's dropping back to make it a 5 man defence. But you have no cover on the wings at all, as you don;t use wingers. So if the fullbacks get caught in possession you will be in trouble.