I don't buy tokens!! I only collect some, if there's an offer like: install and open xyz for 1-6 tokens, but this doesn't happend at the whole season.
I only "farm" (green) packs - since the new update, there are only 15-30/day.

I'm at season 4, manager 4
League, I'm unbeaten - but there was no team with a manager...
CL (Final): tomorrow vs my wife.

Cup (L8) - winner (Screenshot)
First round: L5 last season Triple-Winner 5:2/1:1

All the following teams were (slighty) stronger than me.
Second round: L6 manager (undefeated at league - 23 wins of 24) 2:0/6:0 (maybe he missed to rest his team? oO )
Third round: L6 last season double winner (cup and league) 2:0/2:0
1/8 Final: L6 last season League winner, CL and Cup Vize: 0:1 (lose)/2:0
1/4 Final: L5 last season League winner 1:0/2:1
1/2 Final: L7last season Double winner (CL/Cup), League Runner up 3:0/1:0
Final: L4 last season Double winner (L/CL), Cup 3.place, tokenbuyer. His team was ~150% (mine 121%): 1:1, 4:2 on penalties

Last season I also won the cup - with nearly the same team (bought only a new GK and one DC).

I'll keep my team again. Do drills, which depend on my opponent (strengh/time), mostly they are low: 5-7% condition.
I change formation/tactic, if it's needed.

I don't manipulate things, to get a better draw. I like to think about next opponent, how to beat him, how to set tactics...
Maybe I lose vs my wife tomorrow, and also lose the triple... but that's life. If her team do better or I'll get bad luck... it doesn't matter. My Squad had a fantastic season and won a really hard competition.

I'm looking foward to the next season.