I use 4-4-1-1 pretty much all the time because to me, the game engine isn't near complex enough to even allow other formations to really counter it. I would go with 4-5-1.

DL DC DC DR
------------
ML MC MC MC MR
------------
ST

with

Normal
Mixed
Own half
Hard tackling
Zonal
No counter
No offside trap.

Or if you want a counter formation then still use 4-5-1 but

Defensive
Mixed
Own half
hard tackling
zonal
counter
no offside trap

I would go with the Normal mentality because counter in my experience has been crap.

the 3-5-2 idea came from Big Betty however I don't think the 3 defenders will be effective enough against a side that strong, I would rather drop a forward in favor of a stronger back.