What is the best way to win against defensive 4-1-4-1 DM formation?

[Bruce]

With DM and defensive mentality, it seems very difficult to work into the box for creating chances to score.

What is the best way to play against it?

Thanks

[Oggy]

There are many possibilities here's 1. (and i'm by no means a pro at this)

3-4-3 is a good formation against overly defensive formation as is most 3 at the back 3 at the front formations with very attacking WB or supporting W(WM,DW). Consider dropping slightly deeper and sometimes not pressing with an attacking mentality this can sometimes bring the other team out of their defensive shell.

Try and match your playmakers up against their worst defender or have them come deep to get the ball. Lot's of movement (roam from position or players swapping) is good and runs into the channels.

Mix up your passes and dribbles; like have them run at defense with shorter passes when they are standing off your guys and if they press you try less dribbling and longer balls into space. Tempo changes can confuse defenses aswell but to be honest im not 100% sure how to make my team build up slowly then pass it fast when in the final third (something like playing out of defense and having players up front trying riskier passes sorta looks like that on match day).

I'm sure there are better ways and it totally has to do with what your players can actually do but i hope this helps

[Bruce]

thanks.

after a few tries, i find change formation, changing tempo nor changing passing style wont help a lot due to tactics familarity. (and the limit in available squad members given lower league with low salary budget and many suspensiion and injuries)

however, chaning the attackers from attack mentality to support (target man as well as winger), adding roaming for wide players and use more expression to increase creativity help to breakdown structured defensive 1 DM or 2 DM formation effectively.

[Bladeson]

Changing tactics mid season usually is a very bad idea. Sticking to 2 tactics is what i've found most optimal.

[Oggy]

true. I play lower leagues too (it is fun)

My 4 formations (i rotate them depending on upcoming games): 4-1-2-3 DM Wide (attacking and counter), 4-3-3 Narrow (control), and 3-4-3 (control). So i'm already prepared for the possibility though my team are not feared and noone gets defensive against them (only bought 2016 recently).

I also alter team and player instructions depending the analysis of the opposition and what players i'm using. I use the familiarity info to know if i'm forcing my team to do something that is too hard for them.

Altering instructions during the game i find isn't that bad especially if it helps to breakdown or better defend against the opposition. It's risk/ reward. Your players might surprise you or u'll be shown their limitations; it's good to know your players, what they can do and how they'll react.