I farm most of my tokens and have a fairly strong team for the past 3 season (levels 2-4) as a serious player. I probably had the second strongest 1st eleven (strongest squad but my starters have lower stars than my bench) last season but ended 2nd because

1. I hit a slump at the start of the second round (lasted 4 matches)
2. Couldn't beat a team that was 7-8 ratings below mine

Sticking to playing three formations only 4-5-1, 3-5-2 & 3-2-3-2 actually helped me progress.