me too Had the same prob.
But i think I've slvd it.U hav to find the formation which suits ur team best. In my case, I've always used 451 v since my 1st season. It helped me to finish the season decently for the past 8 seasons. But from the beginning of season 9,it just didn't work well. Then i changed to 4132 .it helped me to promote from cup playoff. Also my league leader's
only defeat is against me, using this formation
My team rating is 61 .i lost to an opponent whose team rating is 52 and he didn't even watch it(me using 451v) .then I've defeated him using 4132.I've got 5 draws and 1 loss in my first 11 league games.

I've brought this defensive midfielder rated 64 (just bit lesser to scout ratings )age 27 free kick splst. he was performing worse wen playd as 1st 11.then i placed him in subs. Switched him rarely. Recently he converted a free kick .form change from 'too bad' to 'OK'