How to counter a 2-2-4-2?

[Matteo de Clemente]

Hi,as defensive mode,I think that a 4-1-3N-1-1 should be enough.

If you want to completely take advantage by his holes in central defense,you may try a 4-3N-1-2,in order to have 4 elements (your central MC,amc and 2 st) completely free to attack

[Franek]

I will try first to play as in my original team with my second striker with red arrows and the first striker in central position. During the match, if I need to make changes, I will substitute my second ST with a DL and I'll move one MC to AMC position.

[Franek]

Very tough match.



I started with my original team, with second striker red arrow to connect with midfield and disturb their DMCs. No supremacy for neither teams. They started quite good and I went down 1-0. Equalizer by my ML (second time this season as a decisive scorer). Half time they were up 2-1. I started second half by removing my DMC for another MC, switching to 3N-5-2. Things remain the same: sometimes they were storming my area, but got better scorer and went up 3-2. Until then my best scorer Millieras wasted 2 chances and my second striker missed 1 great chance. Then I moved to a conservative team switching to 4-5-1, where they were a little bit more dangerous than me.

Here are the final formations and stats.



I believe he had a bonus for the home game and the fact he was following the match (+5%). For the return match I hope I can get a bonus for my side. Still I am not sure what formation I can use; I will try your suggested 4-1-3N-1-1 and in case I will switch to 4-3N-1-2. Which order should I use? I was thinking:

Mentality: normal
Focus: centre pass
Pressing: whole pitch
tackles: hard
Passes: short passing
Defence: zonal