From what I can glean in my League this season, the strongest sides appear to consistently get to the top. A couple of teams strengthened by buying scout players half way through the first round and have improved dramarically since. Whereas two teams wo have kept their starting line ups since the beginning of the season have now dropped down the table. I think the strongest teams will finish higher up the ladder no matter what formation or tactics they use. Basically, try to have the strongest team, then you will go close to attaining a top 4 spot in your League.

If you have found some money, I recommend saving it until the start of next season, get in early, buy young 3-4 22-23yo scouts because there is no other way to purchase decent players. Wait until your players drop to 4*, then sell them to managers at the level below, that way you have an income.

I keep my orders almost the same every game. Attacking mentality, mixed passing, normal tackling. I only vary passing dependent on my opponent, if he has only 2 outside players, then I attack down the flanks, if he has 4 outside men I attack through the middle. I never play counter, and only use offside trap if my opponent has no AMs.

I alter my formation most games to counter my opponent, however I keep it simple and stick to 451V, 442, 3142, 441, 4222.

I am currently 3rd with 3 games to play, playing the leaders tonight, so I have nmy chance to win the League if good enough.