How to beat 4-1-2-1-2

[kebess]

Plus I'm looking to buy a player with AML/ML which has been rare in the window of late.

Yep, just got my new one couple minutes ago, : ) They are rare indeed.

What if i forgo the hard tackling for normal as my GK is not so strong.
And his striker is a fk specialist and has never missed a chance in all the games i watched.

Yes. it won't change much.
Hard tackles really help to get more often your hands on the ball when you're being dominated. But, if you're the one doing the pressing and leading the possession, then it doesn't matter that much.