Attacking should go with press whole pitch- i usually use mixed passing just so i can't make anything wrong haha..
If u get any players constantlly getting Ratings of 5-6 and stikers lower than 8 then just replace them.
You could come up with a defensive formation or maybe try V style formations down both flanks ?^^ get a decent AML/R and go for 451Vstyle, works good as plan B for me.
The higer level u get the harder the competition is ;D Less inactive players, more managers with exp.. yep, u got to work it out urself, i don't think anyone could tell ya what exactlly you doin wrong cause none knows how exactlly topeleven engine works![]()