I generally don't go through the middle, I mostly play 4-2N-2W-2 or 5-2N-2W-1. If he has just one player in central area(MC and DMC) then play 4-3N-2W-1, through the middle. Never lost.
If only one player in the flanks then play 4-2-2-2 or other formations with wingbacks. With this strategy I have won all 6 league games so far.
Form is king. Even my 1* player performs pretty good because of my team's overall good form. I will use win bonus for the first time in league tommorrow, for the top of the table clash (to solidify my position).
One advice, as a last straw— if you don't find yourself in top 4 (just promoting is worse than not promoting to me–I want the CL spot which I always get...) then tank. Play illegal formations, player out of positions, etc. Then start over the next season.
Try to advance the first round of cup. If you've done that, then your team should be in-form and boosting in morale.
Best of luck!