I have tried my luck with the Barcelona 4-3-3 setup, which Brendan often employs, without much luck. I have had a lot more success with the 4-4-2 diamond, which we played with against Manchester United at Old Trafford, because it benefits Sturridge and Suarez better. I have no idea if you have bought anyone, I have Luke Shaw, and Javier Mascherano, but I will give you an advice on our current squad.
GK: Simon Mingolet (GK)
DL: Jose Enrique (Wing-back, automatic)
DC: Daniel Agger (Ball playing defender, defend)
DC: Martin Skrtel (Central defender, defend)
DR: Glen Johnson (Wing-back, automatic)
DMC: Steven Gerrrard (Half-back, defend)
MC: Lucas Leiva (Ball-winning midfielder, defend)
MC: Jordan Henderson (Box to box, support)
AMC: Raheem Sterling (retrained) or Philippe Coutinho (Advanced playmaker, support)
FC: Luis Suarez (Deep lying forward, attack)
FC: Daniel Sturridge (Advanced forward/Poacher, attack)
Add a few shouts as well like:
- Exploit the middle
- Play narrower
- Hassle opponents
- Push higher up
- Retain posession
- Play shorter passes
Fluid, standard.
I won the league in the first season with this tactic.