The trick is...
- knowing your strengths, like Quick wingers
- knowing your weaknesses, like fullbacks with poor tackling, positioning and tackling( compared to the opponents off the ball, techniqe and flair)
- knowing the weather and pitch condition
Example;
Now, if playing à much stronger opponent at home in the cup and your pitch is in à poor state, it might be good to hassle their MCs . As they Will have à hard time using their skills playing à shortish passing game, much can be won. And as the center Of the park Will be muddy, try putting long balls over their fullbacks for your quick FCs to run onto.