Thanks for input.
As this is semi-final cup game ( A BIG THING FOR ME), and the first leg is away, I did notice that at his home matches, all his players get 7 and above ratings.
He also plays better at home than away in the Cup games.

Would this make a difference to the 4-4-2 strategy? If I wanted to strengthen my backline in the first leg, would 4-1-4-1 be too defensive or not? Obviously my main goal in the first leg would be not to concede any goals.
My strength is my dmc and 2mcs , but they will have a fight against the 3mc and dmc of the opp team.