Simple the games rigged

[kynan]

If you are struggling, keep it simple with your tactics.

Stick to a 4-4-2 with everything set neutrally (not overly attacking or defensive, but balanced), focus on buying 1 good player in each position. A good DL, 2 good DC's, a good DR... etc then see how it goes.

Evaluate how you do with that, then maybe tinker a bit after a few games to see how that affects your form. Maybe an attacking arrow on a winger, a defensive arrow on a defender etc... Or maybe go from a 4-4-2 to a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-3-3 etc...

I've found it quite easy to be competitive in this game each season - and I don't go OTT with tactics. I swap between 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1 most times, occasionally changing to another formation due to injuries or suspensions and it seems to do me fine. 15 titles in 18 seasons (will be 16 in 19 by tonight), 10 champs leagues won (in another final tomorrow - with 3 defeats in the final) with 3 cup wins too - without spending a single penny (although I do farm heavily).

I've come across some teams that play some really odd formations and often their team falls apart if a player is subbed or suspended/injured as it ends up with players out of position or playing illegal formations. The good thing to try and do is to keep balance in the team.

The other thing to do is not to panic and change formations during the game all the time for the sake of doing it. I occasionally switch from 4-4-2 to 4-4-1-1 mid game (or vice versa) depending on how the results are going, but I make sure I have the players in the position for it. I always make sure I have cover on my bench so I can keep my original formation throughout the game unless I have to change it.

I've seen lots of managers lose the game by changing their formation mid way through and panicking, instead of letting the game run to see if they could get back into the game with their starting tactic.

Keep it simple, go back to basics and give it time. Don't try to be too clever with formations etc... or expect too much from the team. Work it so that your best 11 players are playing in a balanced formation and take it from there.