Counter Advice for 3N-2(DMC)-3W(ML-MC-MR)-2

[BillyRayRS]

Going to be facing an equal strength opponent who is playing the following formation:

-------ST----ST-------
--ML----MC----MR--
-----DMC-DMC-----
-----DC-DC-DC-----

I am thinking going with the 3-2-2-2-1 butterfly. My wingers should have good looks against no wingbacks, and I have two defensive wingbacks to cover his ML/MR. Have more in the midfield to control, and his DMCs are kinda wasted.

Any thoughts? Other options? I have a pretty flexible lineup and can generally adjust to new lineups pretty easily. Definitely prefer to attack down the flanks, but that is just personal preference.

Thanks in advance!

[HeavensAAA]

That’s generally fine with your choice.

For me, choice of my counter formation against the suggested opposition has a few influencing factors:
1) if opposition STs are equal, better or weaker than our DCs
2) if we have 1 or 2 very good wingers

If opponent ST is a significant threat, then I would go for 4-4-1W-1, as the image below.


It may be better to go with 4FN (with all defenders as a flat back-4 and all squeezed central, so to suffocate all space of the 2 STs), win the midfield with 4v3 and rely on a very good winger to take chances with ST occupying the closest DC at winger region.

If opponent ST is just average and you have 2 excellent wingers, then I would go for 3N-4-2W-1. Similar concept, but has extra attacking threat from another flank too, at the expense of defence when it may be just enough with 3v2.

All attacks should be on 1 flank or both flanks avoiding the middle when opponent has 2 DMCs.

Best of luck with your match!

[BillyRayRS]

Thanks HeavansAAA! My opponent added several ringers, including an 8+ star striker. As such, I switched to the formation you suggested, content to play defensive and look for counters.

Four minutes in, my best player and star striker took a knock and had to be replaced. Despite that, I scored a counter goal, one off a corner, and one from a free kick to secure 3 points in my league opener, 3-1.

Appreciate the advice, thanks again!

[HeavensAAA]

Pleased with your win there, especially without your star player for most of the match! And you’re welcome!