It's about who controls the midfield.


Assuming you're playing the same formation (3-1-4-2) as the previous game, you could try this.

The best counter for your formation would be 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow Diamond.

So it follows, or at least it should do, that you could use these formations, if he uses the above formation.

Try(?) these formations (assuming your players can play in these positions)

4-5-1V Formation

Att

AML AMR

MC MC

DMC

Def - Def - Def - Def

Or this

3-5-2V Formation

Att Att

AML AMR

MC MC

DMC

Def - Def - Def


I'd favour the 4-5-1V formation, but it also depends on what positions you can put your players in, that's to say you can switch them around in-game by playing them in other positions that suit them, assuming you have them trained in other positions, it saves on making subs, unless absolutely needed, for a start, along with their skills/stats as these also can count.

Tactics
Attack
Team Mentality: Hard Defending
Focus Passing: Mixed
Passing Style: Mixed
Force Counter Attacks: On

Defence
Pressing Style: Low
Tackling Style: Hard
Marking Style: Zonal
Play Offside Trap: Off

Again it's down to what your team strengths are. Play to those. and try to get the best out of the squad. Also bump up bonus payments, assuming you can afford it, and try to make sure your players are on the maximum for both fitness and mentality as well.
A lot of this is learnt by experience as well as the old method of "suck it and see" approach. OK it may not work out, especially in this game, but it's worth trying it out in a friendly, assuming your opponent is playing the formation you need to counter. There's a list of formations/counter formations on this forum, so take a look at them and see what suits your teams skills and positions.

Good luck with your match and let others know of your result.. even if it's not what you're hoping for, as in the long run it will help others, and you, in the long term.