Best defensive setups

[cx_]

Hey guys,

I feel like my defense is my weak spot and I don't really see the use of wing defenders but I'd be open to try them if I had a setup that fit them. :) Also, I'm not a fan of gaps.

I've settled on a CB-DF-CB setup with a Sweeper behind.

What defensive setups can you recommend?

[_K_o_S_]

Your setup is good.

LB/RB are very useful when the opponent uses LF/RF. If you see them, put an additional wing defender on the respective wing on the edge of the pitch so the forward can't use the action Break-in.

In general wing defenders can be very useful when the opponent's forwards have attacking skills. Also, I love when a wing defender has Sliding Tackle skills. So the opponent can't hold the ball on the wing.

[Hoplite39]

I change my defensive set up depending on opponents attacking formation.

In general, my default formation is 3 CDs in front of a SW and a DM in front of the CDs.

If the opponent plays wing forwards, I'll put a defender on the wing to block them. (Normally a wing back, but a DF or even a wing-mid /MFwill do).

If the opponent plays a longpasser in midfield or a forward with high Headplay, I sometime play my defence deep in the box. I try to counter my Headplay defender with their Headplay attacker.

I tend to avoid the CD/MF/CD formation as the opponent can get through this with Nutmeg or Rainbow. But if the the opponent doesn't have these skills in attack, the CD/MF/CD formation is probably better than 3 CDs.

I actually tend to be defensive in midfield too. If the opponent has dangerous mids on the wings, I try to block them with a wing-mid or MF. Unless the opponent mid has nutmeg, then I don't try to block them.

If the opponent has a longpasser in midfield, I will try to block them with a Reaction piece if one is available.

My defensive set up is varied and dependant on whether I am trying to hold onto a result or chase the game.

One formation I don't tend to use is packing six defenders in the box. Although against good teams I do sometimes play 5 defenders in front of a SW.

[cx_]

Originally posted by _K_o_S_:

Your setup is good.

LB/RB are very useful when the opponent uses LF/RF. If you see them, put an additional wing defender on the respective wing on the edge of the pitch so the forward can't use the action Break-in.

In general wing defenders can be very useful when the opponent's forwards have attacking skills. Also, I love when a wing defender has Sliding Tackle skills. So the opponent can't hold the ball on the wing.

Hey, thanks! Against strong wing forwards I like to put a FW into the corner to block them. Helps them to soak some Exp and ability points. And Slide Tackle seems like the obvious choice for a full-back but I really don't like how it does not synergize with their innate ability. So if I wanted to have someone to slide tackle on the wings and be mobile, I'd rather go with a MF or a wing midfielder.

Originally posted by Hoplite39:

I tend to avoid the CD/MF/CD formation as the opponent can get through this with Nutmeg or Rainbow. But if the the opponent doesn't have these skills in attack, the CD/MF/CD formation is probably better than 3 CDs.

I actually never had a goal scored against me with the help of Nutmeg but I'm only at 3.5 stars. I liked the DF because that's where I'd want to have a defender with head play and head play has some synergy with the DF's natural interception. Also, he blocks side shots and gives me another skill slot. I feel the middle CD would not have enough reach bt 3x CD is something I tried and consider as well.

The thing I don't like about CD is that he gets pulled out of position. I think I concede goals mostly from defenders being out of position.