Thoughts on this 3-2-1-3-1?

[padrino]

Hi all,

I have been trying to find the right formation for the squad I built. Things worked well until the CL and Cup semis, but equal or stronger opponents have better balance. Tonight... I came up with this 3-2-1-3-1:



Isn't this formation well balanced? Width at both ends of the pitch, a pair of defensive midfielders to help the wide back three, a diamond to cut off the middle and relay the ball... and I have backups in all positions.

I am thinking about using this with mixed passing and zonal marking.

What do you think? Should I use arrows to plug gaps anywhere?

The truth is, you have not much chances against 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow Diamond. Why? Because your lone ST faces 2 DC, AML/AMR/AMC face DR/DL/DMC. His 2 MC against your lone MC. You have 2 DMC, ok, but you have 1 DC, and his AMC with 2 ST will destroy you. Your DL/DR have no one to mark.