Hi guys,
Is this some sort of issue in FM 17 beta? No matter what tactic I use or download from the internet I can't stop the opposition scoring goals from counter's or crossing.
My CB pairing is Eric Bailly & Simon Kjær.
LB Haïdara RB Cédric
I don't have FM17, but I know enough about tactics in FM generally to make these observations about your set-up:
- You have two centre backs who are both on Cover duty. I can see what you're thinking - you want them to cover behind the wing backs - but the role is described in-game as covering "behind the defensive line", so they're trying to cover each other! If you have one on the cover, you can have the other operate as a Stopper or detail him to man mark a specific opponent.
- As has already been pointed out, you have all four wide men going Gung-Ho attack. Hitting you on the counter attack and getting crosses in to your back posts is exactly how I would set my team up to play against you! I prefer an attacking left-back with the left winger on Support; an attacking right winger with the right back on Support. That way, you can break the lines on both sides without leaving yourself wide open at the back - and that staggered set-up comes into its own during your own counterattacks.
- Box-to-Box Midfielders will vacate the centre of the pitch from time-to-time, so you're leaving Anita with a lot of defensive work to do all on his own.
- With no defensive influence in your midfield - no M(C) on Defend duty and/or no DM - and both centre backs playing on the Cover, you're giving the freedom of St. James's Park to the opposition No.10 or any player who strolls into that space.
- Two False-9s; similarly to your centre back situation, you've put two players in a role that is designed to complement other roles. A False-9_Support who is good at long range passes can really help you to stretch the opposition by playing angled passes out to your wingers or over the defence for an Advanced Forward_Attack to use his pace and get into one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper. If you don't have an AF, a Target Man can also work well alongside an F-9 (F-9 passes wide to the wings; Target Man heads in the cross).
- Try to play as many players as possible in their best positions/roles/duties. Your goalkeeper is the only player in your whole team who is doing what he is best at (as indicated by the Trivial Pursuit style green circle-o'wedges). Consider that when scouting and signing players; what do you want this player to do in your team? What will his role/function be? Improve them further by training them on PPMs that complement your style of play. For example...
- Do you have a strong centre back who Marks Opponents Tightly?
- I get my central midfielders to Switch Play to Opposite Flank Often so we can quickly exploit the space when it opens up.
- A strong forward who can Play With Back to Goal can hold the ball up and give your other attacking players time to make attacking runs.
- I like my Advanced Forward and whoever plays closest to him to be good at one-twos, so they can pick their way through a crowded defence. If the AF can also Try First Time Shots and/or Shoot With Power then your chances of getting something from your front two increases that little bit more.
