It's going to be my 1st time using defensive formation
you 'll see that defense/counter in T11 has a different function than in real football - test and observe

Is it something like below ?
Yes, but at the beginning set defense/blue arrows only on your 3 DC. If you get a good score (2-0, or 1-0 at the latest minutes) then change your DMCs to defense.
You must find 1-2 MC. Can go far without them but now wait the new season.
Try to find some cheap old guys, 5*, 30 y.o. and test them.