Imho key is the midfield. Try to have more players in your midfield as to your opponent. It always is where most of the action of match is. With more players in the midfield you are more likely to control the game (measured by posession).
The 3-2-2-2-1 Butterfly (or a variation) should do the trick. Butterfly is best played with an attacking mentality when your opponent is weaker or same quality. Use normal mentality when you opponent is slightly better quality and use defensive when your opponent is much stronger.
Go around both flanks, mixed passing, normal tackle, own half and zone cover. No checkboxes checked.