4-4-2 Structural Attacking Gameplay (An attempt to build comprehensive philosophy)

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Oh mate! Am 13th playing 2nd in the Vanarama Conference, without a win in 5 and I pull out a 5-0 victory.

Cheers (:
 
Het2 said:
Oh mate! Am 13th playing 2nd in the Vanarama Conference, without a win in 5 and I pull out a 5-0 victory.

Cheers (:
Click to expand...

Really happy to hear that :) You may share some caps if it is possible :)
 
I used this predominantly in my NUFC save and ended up 5th, but didn't make EURO because some random mid-table team won one of the cups. For the most part, I really liked the flow of it and the build up in attacking.

I had some issues defending, especially against big teams away. Here's what my starting lineup was for most of the season:

Krul
Janmaat, Colocinni, Taylor, Haidiara
Gohkan Tore (Jan), Anita, Sissoko, Savitisky (Jan)
De Jong, Ayoze

Seemed at times I'd get beat on dumb corner goals, a few long balls (which I immediately adjusted in-game if it happened) and got stronger towards the end when I hired an assistant manager and let him handle OI (I also manage my own U21 team so, was saving myself some time with OI). It was a tough go on tough away games and sometimes I'd just get completely dominated. Be it down the flanks, in the midfield, whatever. My team wasn't all that strong, so I'm curious how it does during the second season.

Also, probably more a ME thing, but... boy I got tired of watching my attackers shoot directly at people. I'm making sure my young wingers/strikers are learning to place their shots.

I might tinker with an alt tactic in the same formation with a counter mentality for those tough road games. Overall though, I'm going to be bringing up and training my youth for this formation. I like it, overall.

Sorry, don't have any screenshots because I'm at the office.
 
Ghents said:
I used this predominantly in my NUFC save and ended up 5th, but didn't make EURO because some random mid-table team won one of the cups. For the most part, I really liked the flow of it and the build up in attacking.

I had some issues defending, especially against big teams away. Here's what my starting lineup was for most of the season:

Krul
Janmaat, Colocinni, Taylor, Haidiara
Gohkan Tore (Jan), Anita, Sissoko, Savitisky (Jan)
De Jong, Ayoze

Seemed at times I'd get beat on dumb corner goals, a few long balls (which I immediately adjusted in-game if it happened) and got stronger towards the end when I hired an assistant manager and let him handle OI (I also manage my own U21 team so, was saving myself some time with OI). It was a tough go on tough away games and sometimes I'd just get completely dominated. Be it down the flanks, in the midfield, whatever. My team wasn't all that strong, so I'm curious how it does during the second season.

Also, probably more a ME thing, but... boy I got tired of watching my attackers shoot directly at people. I'm making sure my young wingers/strikers are learning to place their shots.

I might tinker with an alt tactic in the same formation with a counter mentality for those tough road games. Overall though, I'm going to be bringing up and training my youth for this formation. I like it, overall.

Sorry, don't have any screenshots because I'm at the office.
Click to expand...


I am really happy to hear that you like the tactic...

Recently, I have received job offers both from At. Madrid and Manch. Utd. and decided to play with Manch. The interesting thing is, I do not conceed from corners. However, it might be the league difference; because Premier Division is probably arranged to score more from set pieces. If I face the same obstacles with you, I will surely update any info.

In additon, with regard to the shooting issue you have rised I would like to highly recommend you to NOT TO use "Work Ball Into Box".

Here is the reason:

The people who wrote the algorythm arranged the scoring possibility not only depending on the players' skill; but also depending on the oppositions defending and width type. If opp. plays narrow or deep defensive line, it seriously reduces to chance to score.

Especially in the previous game, I firmly believe that these stupid missings were the result of that. Moreover, it is really hard to guess what sort of a defensive line the opposition plays. Therefore, I never use "Work Ball Into Box".

Also, caps are not a big deal. I really appreaciate your feedback. And, I am open to discuss anything related to improve this particular tactic; or any tactical approach.
 
Interesting. I didn't know that about "Work Ball Into Box". I'll go a few games without it and see how it works.

The tactic really picked up when I was able to get Tore in at MR and Savitisky's work permit sorted out and at ML. Before I was using Gouffron/Sammy Ameobi and Riviere at those spots or a CM and those two are more inside forwards/strikers than wingers.
 
Here are some results from Manch Utd Game. I have played just three matches and the schedule is a cruel one. First match away from home and against Liverpool.

Second and Third matches were against Tottenham. Tactic was not fluid in addition to terrible fitness..

zvd17d.png


34zer6c.png


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I noticed there were a few teams the tactic just obliterated for me. One was Liverpool, who I beat combined 10-1 on the season. The other was Arsenal who got beat 4-0 combined. ManU and City gave me the most trouble.

I decided to go young on my squad, building for the long haul. Good thing finishing Top 8 is good enough, so I have time to grow them. Was really shooting for EURO just for the extra matches.
 
In attack superb tactic but I'm conceding too much goals...
 
Link doesn't work for me :(

Edit: Now is Ok! Try with Notts County in League 1
 
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Have had a play around with this and it works. It is pretty solid across the field.

Points:
I put my better striker as the DLF but I am finding more goals and chances are falling to the AF.

Overlap is a strange instruction when you have attacking winger and only supporting fullbacks because the wingers are not holding it up for them. Overlap works for attacking wingbacks and support wingers.

Moving the wingers into the AML/AMR area works well to force a goal

Whipped crosses seem to exploit match engine problems the most

I had to change to the defensive corner set up as it concedes far to many. I like doubling up two men at the near post.

Corners work best with the RB on right corners LB on left.

The 442 formation works well for attacking and counter.

To play defensive you can remove the AF to an DM playing anchor man nothing else needs to change

To play control you can make a 4-2-2-1 by again changing AF to anchor man and pushing the wingers into AMR/AML. Works very well team and player instructions dont need change. (Both of these are easy in game changes, not much re-organising needed and the system still works)

I tested with 442 attacking though.

I changed the Automatic CM to an CM (attack) worked better for me.


I do think this has lots of good qualities and I am taking a lot of it and attempting to merge with a ChristianEriksen tactic which is working okay at the moment.
 
After receiving these feedbacks, I have decided to re-create the tactic not by changing the mentality and teamshape; but the player roles. I am testing at the moment both with Mant. Utd and Leyton Orient. It is quite good atm and I am sure that it has improved a lot compared to this one.

Thanks for everyone to takind their time.
 
Okay, bare in mind you don't need to go drastic, the tactic is successful it's particularly successful in winning the games you are meant to. It rarely slips up or is countered by an underdog.

I would consider, playing around with the striker combo.
Playing with at least one of the central midfielders being more defensive.
 
This has by far been the best tactic I have used and one of the more consistent in fm15. Since 15.2 it has been hit and miss but my games are pre 15.2. If youhave any advice on how to improve things, please let me know.
 
I started a career unemployed and in October took control of Southend United in League 2. They had previously gone 7 games without a win (5 losses and 2 draws). I've played 3 games using your tactic and we've won all 3 games, which is fantastic. The problem is however, I've conceded 10 goals in these games (3-2,7-4 and 6-4) and like someone said in an earlier post I'm conceding goals late on in the game. I tried the drop deeper and unticking of offside trap, but it's like the opposition all of sudden become the greatest players in the world and rip my defence apart! They use through balls, long balls, crosses, you name it and they score it!

It's a great tactic and I'm really enjoying it, thanks a lot. Your OP was really helpful too, with the information on OI.
 
Using wingers and wing backs in a 442 makes it too vulnerable in the middle and the opposition is likely to out number your midfield.

And as the tactic is using a structured play it lacks specialized roles.

Changes I've made which seems to improve the defence is to change wingers to wing midfield and wing backs to fullbacks.

On top of this I've changed the CM (Support) to a ball winning midfielder (D).

This gives a much better balance IMHO.
 
OK, so I have managed to win the SPL 1st season with Inverness. I only brought in 2 loanees from my senior affiliate Arsenal. The bulk of my success was due to having the same tactic but with 3 different mentalities (Attacking, control and counter). everything else as per OP. so far working v well in 15.2.

Im really surprised it is not more popular, Thank you AsytiC for his great tactic.
 
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