Originally Posted by
cracicot
This formation allows you leeway. There are many ways to approach this one. I might add that I am not a expert and do lose games, but I dont lose many. All that to say that the formations I give may not always work, but the theory behind them is usually sound.
4-1-4-1 is a fair formation vs 4-3N-3, but I prefer not to waste my defense like that.
I like 3N-1-3N-2W-1:
Since he has no wingers, I would not put any DL/DR and go with 3 at the back. I always like to have cover if his 3 ST are equal to, or better than my 3 DC, so I usually go with a DMC, meaning I have 4 back covering his 3 ST. He has 3 up the middle, so thats what I do to match him, while I pick an AML and AMR with one ST to give you your wide players and a legal formation. of course, you play up the flanks on this one.
or 3N-1-4-2. this is my fav formation and is so versatile. It fits playing vs the 4-3-3 quite well. You outnumber his STs and also his midfield, so its a good start.
My spreadsheet says that 4-1-3N-1-1, and 3-2-2-2-1 butterfly have both worked for me in the past.
Whatever the formation you decide, know that you have many options that work against 4-3-3.