I've been experimenting with a twist on similar tactic with Newcastle. Instead of using standard wingers or inside forwards at AML-AMR, I'm playing trequartistas (two-footed ones at that) with great results. It is a Fluid 4-3-3, usually with slightly above normal tempo and sometimes quick with shorter passing. The only big change I make is with my defensive line depending on the opponent. If I'm playing against fast strikers (like Sunderland with Wellbeck and Gyan), I play a deeper line. Against others, I will push up. My away record is actually better than my home.
I used the Andeh Carroll money to piece together this line-up in year one:
GK- Carlos Kameni
DL- Jose Enrique (attack/support)
DR- Gabriel Silva (attack/support)
CB- Mirel Radoi (standard)
CB- Gary Cahill (standard)
DM- Gilberto Silva (anchor, allows more aggressive FB play)
CM- Kevin Nolan/Cheik Tiote (ball winning, support)
CM- Aaron Ramsey * (advanced playmaker, attack, run with ball sometimes/rarely)
AML- Christian Eriksen * (advanced playmaker, cut inside, if playing against defensive fullback, tuck him inside left trequartista)
AMR- Hatem Ben Arfa (advanced playmaker/winger, attack, cuts inside)
ST- Romelu Lukaku (target man, attack)
* loan
I was expected to try and stay up at the start of season expectations, but I'm currently 12 points ahead of 5th place for a Champions League spot. With 31 games played so far in the experiment, I'm tied for 2nd place in the league with Arsenal (Man U three points clear). Ben Arfa and Lukaku both have over 8 ratings. Lukaku is second in the league in scoring. Ben Arfa and Eriksen both tied for the league lead in assists. I'm in FA Cup semis after knocking out Man U in extra time (4-2).
I'm second in goals scored overall, and tied for first in fewest goals allowed. I've found that having two footed in-cutting players from wide positions is especially devasting. Eriksen and Ben Arfa are consistently 8+ rated. Not many teams in the EPL use a double screen, so in-cutters have lots of space to run into and the opposition is pulled out of shape repeatedly. Two-footed attackers are worth their weight in gold, even if out of their natural position.
---------- Post added at 01:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
I forgot to mention another key feature of my tactic is setting always close down on opposing fullbacks. Since I have "softer" players out wide, I use what workrate they have (usually little) to close down the fullbacks. If I give the opposing FBs time to get a running start (like an Evra type), I won't be able to stop them from getting forward. Closing down usually gets them off of the ball quickly when they are inside their own half, which is where I want my team playing, and I gain possession by chasing down hurried passes.