Fellow Managers,
We all know, the hardest thing in the game, (appart from signing C.Ronaldo) is when it comes to your team, against a much stronger opposition. Many of you will have struggled against these stronger teams.. But some of us.. Conjure amazing tactics to turn what would seem like a very challenging match. Into what you are look foward to upsetting...
On this thread, i will explain tactics for big teams and how you can counter them, along with screen prints and evidence from other members.. I will also upload a few downloads available to try against big teams.. Of course, not all tactics will work.. But hopefully you can give me advice on what went wrong, i will then tweek the tactics and see how they can get on..
Chelsea's 4-1-2-1-2/4-3-1-2 :O
Chelsea's 4-1-2-1-2 looks unbeatable on paper, but actually has a lot of flaws.. We all know Chelsea have an outstanding midfield.. But the 4-1-2-1-2 leaves SO MUCH room on the flanks. Also, the 4-3-1-2 is another tactic that is narrow, with more attacking mentality.
My coach (Ivan Carminati) has noticed these in my first season:
Chelsea struggle playing who teams play a high defensive line
(This makes sense due to the defenders relying on Didier Drogba's aerial ability. High defensive liners leave room behind, but Drogba shouldn't be aloud to bring the ball down)
Chelsea struggle against teams who play with a slow tempo
(This seems reliable, i have played against Chelsea many times in-game, they always punish misplaced passes. Therefore, slower tempo will make your passing more precise, Chelsea don't seem to pressurise the ball too much)
Chelsea score most of there goals between the 46th and 60th minute.
Chelsea concede most of there goals between the 16th and 30th minute.
*(This is only based on my first season, if you think you can rely on these, then set a very attacking approach from the beginning, and then get a defensive mentality for the return after half-time)
Chelsea's 4-3-1-2.
As you can see, theres plently of room for a good AMC or AML and AMR to take advantage of.. Keep this in mind..
Extra advice:-
Opposition Instructions:
Drogba - Yes to Tight Marking
Anelka - Hard Tackling, Yes to Closing Down
Lampard - Yes to Closing Down, yes to Tight Marking
Essien - yes to Closing Down
Bosingwa - Yes to tight marking (He often makes mistakes due to his stats)
Chelsea, i find.. Are pretty easy to get a grip on if your playing them at home, although if your Away. They seem to dominate.. They usaully challenge for the win in the EPL. So don't be dissapointed if you do lose against this great team.. But theres always a chance to win
MANCHESTER UNITED'S 4-4-2
This highly successful tactic has been praised and used by teams all over the world. Alex Ferguson has unique add-ons to this tactic aswell as a variety of amazing passes, good defending and clinical striking forces. A hard to to beat? YOU BET |)
No Coach Reports too show.. I haven't played Man Utd yet.. So the Scout's and Coach's havent looked into this...
This is the usual formation you will see Man Utd play..
Heres some advantages and disadvantages about this formation..
Advantages:-
Not too much advice i can give on this one.. Sorry guys.. This tactic is all about the mentality. I will edit when i have more info..
LIVERPOOL'S 4-2-3-1
This is one of my favourite formations. The sheer class of tactical thinking and positional awareness is great too see.. Liverpool only pull off this Formation due to the fact they only have.. Thats right.. One world class striker.. No partner is obviously a disadvantage too look upon. If Torres is shut down well.. Then you have no danger.. Well as long as Gerrard is being dealt with...
The key to counter this tactic, is all about man marking.. Liverpool, are always criticised about their Zonal Marking.. Also another thing to take into account, but with you man marking.. Threats like Torres and Gerrard are dealt with if you have the right players to do so.. Heres a scout report on Liverpool:
Things to do too challenge Liverpool's possession:
Arsenal are another very tricky team to beat. In my opinion as hard as Manchester United in some Situations. They play, what was known as the best tactic in FM09.. The 4-3-3 Advanced. Theres a screen shot in this below. Arsenal do two things very well, but several things wrong..
Arsenal's Threats:
Do what i did, and buy Fabregas off them! (H)
Now.. They don't have a bonified playmaker.. So they hardly pull off any good direct passes.
Well.. Thats about all for my advice. I will post some counter tactics soon.. I need to test them first, and i will show you the results in a few days.. Until then, comment, rate and give me some feedback towards this thread.. This is only my second thread... So let me know on improvements
Thanks,
FourFourTwo.
PS: Sorry for the REALLY tiny pictures. Cropping and editing went strange.. You can click them if your interested though. But i'm sure you all have seen these formations.
DOWLOADABLE TACTICS (Football Manager 2010)
I have finally completed the dowloadable tactics!
I will both provide the download and an exlanation as to what is good about these tactics and, what you will need in a squad to make these successful...
'Use Against Chelsea'
:- This tactic both provides a good line defensively and attacking wise. It consists of two defensive midfielders and FOUR attackers. Therfore, you will need very good defensive midfields and attackers. The defensive midfields should have good marking and tackling stats as they are both marking one player.. Lampard.
One will be man marking Lampard. The other, marking zonal. Too stop the likes of the other midfielders from attacking. Overall, a good counter tactic. If you have a conistant and good sqaud. But it should give a challenge to the Chelsea Tactic.
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15771&stc=1&d=1258298051
'Use Against Liverpool'
:- This is a very awkward tactic. Positioning is somewhat strange, but does all is needed to get the best out of the match. You will again.. Have to rely on a good marking for Defensive players. Torres and Gerrard are both being marked by two players. Therefore should not cause too much of a problem.. As we all know, Liverpool are short of threats if the right people are taken care of. This tactic also allows a nice, smooth passing game in the midfield. DM's set to a short passing to allow a player-maker in midfield. This tactic is the only defensive tactic of the four. But also gives 3/4 attacking options. Two strikers, one attacking playermaker and one deep lying playmaker too provide goals. I have also set the player instructions to mainly man marking. The wingers of Liverpool should be dealt with, but you would need hard tackling or fast wing backs. XD
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15772&stc=1&d=1258298051
'Use Against Man United'
:- This was a hard tactic to get right. Based on one post i witnessed. I have used the same formation as them. It gives a lot of attacking threats, but can take care of play-makers in the midfield area. The main thing in this tactic, would be the AMC,AML and AMR. These all have a vital part too play. Make sure you set your best players here. They will need to be very fast aswell. ALSO. YOU CAN SET THE 'FOCUS PASSING' TO THE LEFT FLANK. THIS IS WHERE O'SHEA AND NEVILLE PLAY. A GOOD AREA IF THEY ARE PLAYING IN YOUR MATCH. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR BAD STATS. (A)
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15783&stc=1&d=1258299652
'Use Against Arsenal'
:- Okay, this tactic was the hardest of the four. The playmaking likes of Fabregas and the very fast full backs were the main threats to me. I set both full backs to a very defensive feature so that we wouldn't get caught out by the wing backs. And i also played a narrow christmas tree midfield. With short passing, this formation works wonders. I was proud to say, the marking works well in midfield. Fabregas and the other holding midfielder are both man marked. If they do get away from their markers, theres a third midfielder playing a zonal marking to clear up the hazards. Overall, i do like this tactic. It may work wonders with the right players and playmakers.
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15784&stc=1&d=1258299652
Thats all for now guys. The FM09 tactics are coming up soon if your interested. But for now, comment and give me feedback on your fixtures. Try and use all the advice given aswell as the downloads. Both should work well, if not. Let me know and i will adjust.
Thanks a lot guys,
FourFourTwo.
RESULTS:
View attachment 18535
View attachment 18536
View attachment 18537
View attachment 18538
We all know, the hardest thing in the game, (appart from signing C.Ronaldo) is when it comes to your team, against a much stronger opposition. Many of you will have struggled against these stronger teams.. But some of us.. Conjure amazing tactics to turn what would seem like a very challenging match. Into what you are look foward to upsetting...
On this thread, i will explain tactics for big teams and how you can counter them, along with screen prints and evidence from other members.. I will also upload a few downloads available to try against big teams.. Of course, not all tactics will work.. But hopefully you can give me advice on what went wrong, i will then tweek the tactics and see how they can get on..
Chelsea's 4-1-2-1-2/4-3-1-2 :O
Chelsea's 4-1-2-1-2 looks unbeatable on paper, but actually has a lot of flaws.. We all know Chelsea have an outstanding midfield.. But the 4-1-2-1-2 leaves SO MUCH room on the flanks. Also, the 4-3-1-2 is another tactic that is narrow, with more attacking mentality.
My coach (Ivan Carminati) has noticed these in my first season:
Chelsea struggle playing who teams play a high defensive line
(This makes sense due to the defenders relying on Didier Drogba's aerial ability. High defensive liners leave room behind, but Drogba shouldn't be aloud to bring the ball down)
Chelsea struggle against teams who play with a slow tempo
(This seems reliable, i have played against Chelsea many times in-game, they always punish misplaced passes. Therefore, slower tempo will make your passing more precise, Chelsea don't seem to pressurise the ball too much)
Chelsea score most of there goals between the 46th and 60th minute.
Chelsea concede most of there goals between the 16th and 30th minute.
*(This is only based on my first season, if you think you can rely on these, then set a very attacking approach from the beginning, and then get a defensive mentality for the return after half-time)
Chelsea's 4-3-1-2.
As you can see, theres plently of room for a good AMC or AML and AMR to take advantage of.. Keep this in mind..
Extra advice:-
Opposition Instructions:
Drogba - Yes to Tight Marking
Anelka - Hard Tackling, Yes to Closing Down
Lampard - Yes to Closing Down, yes to Tight Marking
Essien - yes to Closing Down
Bosingwa - Yes to tight marking (He often makes mistakes due to his stats)
Chelsea, i find.. Are pretty easy to get a grip on if your playing them at home, although if your Away. They seem to dominate.. They usaully challenge for the win in the EPL. So don't be dissapointed if you do lose against this great team.. But theres always a chance to win
MANCHESTER UNITED'S 4-4-2
This highly successful tactic has been praised and used by teams all over the world. Alex Ferguson has unique add-ons to this tactic aswell as a variety of amazing passes, good defending and clinical striking forces. A hard to to beat? YOU BET |)
No Coach Reports too show.. I haven't played Man Utd yet.. So the Scout's and Coach's havent looked into this...
This is the usual formation you will see Man Utd play..
Heres some advantages and disadvantages about this formation..
Advantages:-
- Any pass will connect well
- No need for any star players *COUGH* Ronaldo (High Flairs don't shine as much in this formation)
- Gives a combination of narrow and wide play
- Two strikers give a chance for a partnership force
- Roles such as AMC can cause great deal of problems as there is no DMC for the tight marking.
- You have to rely VERY heavily on a number of things including: Defence, Midfield, Fast Wingers and A good partnership up-front.
- If you don't have possession. You could be in trouble.
Not too much advice i can give on this one.. Sorry guys.. This tactic is all about the mentality. I will edit when i have more info..
LIVERPOOL'S 4-2-3-1
This is one of my favourite formations. The sheer class of tactical thinking and positional awareness is great too see.. Liverpool only pull off this Formation due to the fact they only have.. Thats right.. One world class striker.. No partner is obviously a disadvantage too look upon. If Torres is shut down well.. Then you have no danger.. Well as long as Gerrard is being dealt with...
The key to counter this tactic, is all about man marking.. Liverpool, are always criticised about their Zonal Marking.. Also another thing to take into account, but with you man marking.. Threats like Torres and Gerrard are dealt with if you have the right players to do so.. Heres a scout report on Liverpool:
Things to do too challenge Liverpool's possession:
- Close down all midfield players
- Tell your players to time waste
- Slow your passing down to dictate play
- MARK STEVEN GERRARD! - Man Mark that is. Once the game starts, click on your DMC and go into the marking options, hover over SPECIFIC and click Gerrard, make sure he is tackling hard and closing him down.
- Close down the Wing-Backs. Reina will usually throw to them or Gerrard. They can pull off some defence-splitting passes. Beware..
Arsenal are another very tricky team to beat. In my opinion as hard as Manchester United in some Situations. They play, what was known as the best tactic in FM09.. The 4-3-3 Advanced. Theres a screen shot in this below. Arsenal do two things very well, but several things wrong..
Arsenal's Threats:
- Passing
- Wide-Men
- Midfield
- Possesion
- High-Goal Chances
- Great Playmakers (Fabregas, Arshavin, Diaby)
- Vunerable Defence
- Sometimes, bad striking options. (Mainly if Van Persie is out)
- Substitutes (Sometimes they can put on their young guns such as Merida, Watt, Etc. These players can perform no-where near aswell as what your team could achieve..
- Lack of closing down
- Playing the direct pass too-often
- Take advantage of their bad defence errors. They score a lot of own goals when i play them.. And the likes of Gallas, can be exploited with speed.
- Always watch out for wide-men. Mainly Walcott.
- Either close down all midfielders, or set your wing backs to man mark.
- Drop deeper. Tackle Harder.
- Focus on counter attacking.
Do what i did, and buy Fabregas off them! (H)
Now.. They don't have a bonified playmaker.. So they hardly pull off any good direct passes.
Well.. Thats about all for my advice. I will post some counter tactics soon.. I need to test them first, and i will show you the results in a few days.. Until then, comment, rate and give me some feedback towards this thread.. This is only my second thread... So let me know on improvements
Thanks,
FourFourTwo.
PS: Sorry for the REALLY tiny pictures. Cropping and editing went strange.. You can click them if your interested though. But i'm sure you all have seen these formations.
DOWLOADABLE TACTICS (Football Manager 2010)
I have finally completed the dowloadable tactics!
I will both provide the download and an exlanation as to what is good about these tactics and, what you will need in a squad to make these successful...
'Use Against Chelsea'
:- This tactic both provides a good line defensively and attacking wise. It consists of two defensive midfielders and FOUR attackers. Therfore, you will need very good defensive midfields and attackers. The defensive midfields should have good marking and tackling stats as they are both marking one player.. Lampard.
One will be man marking Lampard. The other, marking zonal. Too stop the likes of the other midfielders from attacking. Overall, a good counter tactic. If you have a conistant and good sqaud. But it should give a challenge to the Chelsea Tactic.
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15771&stc=1&d=1258298051
'Use Against Liverpool'
:- This is a very awkward tactic. Positioning is somewhat strange, but does all is needed to get the best out of the match. You will again.. Have to rely on a good marking for Defensive players. Torres and Gerrard are both being marked by two players. Therefore should not cause too much of a problem.. As we all know, Liverpool are short of threats if the right people are taken care of. This tactic also allows a nice, smooth passing game in the midfield. DM's set to a short passing to allow a player-maker in midfield. This tactic is the only defensive tactic of the four. But also gives 3/4 attacking options. Two strikers, one attacking playermaker and one deep lying playmaker too provide goals. I have also set the player instructions to mainly man marking. The wingers of Liverpool should be dealt with, but you would need hard tackling or fast wing backs. XD
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15772&stc=1&d=1258298051
'Use Against Man United'
:- This was a hard tactic to get right. Based on one post i witnessed. I have used the same formation as them. It gives a lot of attacking threats, but can take care of play-makers in the midfield area. The main thing in this tactic, would be the AMC,AML and AMR. These all have a vital part too play. Make sure you set your best players here. They will need to be very fast aswell. ALSO. YOU CAN SET THE 'FOCUS PASSING' TO THE LEFT FLANK. THIS IS WHERE O'SHEA AND NEVILLE PLAY. A GOOD AREA IF THEY ARE PLAYING IN YOUR MATCH. MAKE SURE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR BAD STATS. (A)
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15783&stc=1&d=1258299652
'Use Against Arsenal'
:- Okay, this tactic was the hardest of the four. The playmaking likes of Fabregas and the very fast full backs were the main threats to me. I set both full backs to a very defensive feature so that we wouldn't get caught out by the wing backs. And i also played a narrow christmas tree midfield. With short passing, this formation works wonders. I was proud to say, the marking works well in midfield. Fabregas and the other holding midfielder are both man marked. If they do get away from their markers, theres a third midfielder playing a zonal marking to clear up the hazards. Overall, i do like this tactic. It may work wonders with the right players and playmakers.
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=15784&stc=1&d=1258299652
Thats all for now guys. The FM09 tactics are coming up soon if your interested. But for now, comment and give me feedback on your fixtures. Try and use all the advice given aswell as the downloads. Both should work well, if not. Let me know and i will adjust.
Thanks a lot guys,
FourFourTwo.
RESULTS:
View attachment 18535
View attachment 18536
View attachment 18537
View attachment 18538
Last edited:
cheers