I think only Pro players can explain me this :)

[DenizNuker]

The question is whether you are satisfied with the outcome so far or not. I have a tendency to switch between 4-3(ml mc mr)-1(amc)-2 (my most powerful squad formation) and 4-1(dmc)-2(mc mc)-1(amc)-2 (my dmc and one of my mc is sub so lower quality compared to rest but still function good)

It is my second season in this game and simply some fundamentals may be different than real football (4-2-1-2-1 did not work at all in any games or may be it is just me)

I like variations and using arrows but I feel the game engine is not as sophisticated as I want it to be. A definite win over possession and suffocation of opponent is what I expect with one dmc passer and other dmc as runner against a simple 4 4 2 but couldn't execute a win yet.

Alas, if you want to execute an alternative plan see the previous matches of your opponent and check where he lost. I believe some counter formations favor a great deal in the game so you may try to set up one of those alternatives by checking those losses of your oppo. Of course you need a squad to form that alternate shape.

Finally, micro management of your own squad (ok my DL and DR are required to act like wingers as I am using 4-1-2-1-2 and missing wings a great deal) is vital to succeed. So they have to have fitness speed crossing in their arsenal with that order. Initiate transfers favoring those skills. And you may need to read your opponents' squad skill set one by one and exploit the weaknesses with, for instance, a dimanond formation on an oppo's weak Center backs..

And I suggest you to read real soccer formations on internet. I know this game is nowhere near a real simulation such as FM or CM series but still it helps. Also check the counter formations guide for a clue on the forum.