FC PORTO QUINTUPLE 4-2-3-1 (107 GOALS)

This tactic is based on: https://fm-arena.com/thread/7721-4231-hegemony-through-underlap/
(removed "hard tackles" in PI, removed "get stuck in" from team instructions, changed one DM-SU to DLP-SU, changed one BPD-DE in CD-DE. Added a "Defensive" version with less high defensive line, mid-block, time-wasting with "get stuck in" included.

The 4-2-3-1 tactic is one of the most efficient tactics in FM24 (in FM23 I meanly used 4-3-3). For FM24 I used two base tactics, one with an attack minded setup and one to “close the door” to see the result out in the last 5-10 minutes of the game when needed. No OI’s used.

NO transfers in/out, so used the budget (almost no funds available) to keep the selection together, lowest spending in the whole league on transfers.
In the January 2024 transfer window, I lost a very good player (Joao Mario) to Manchester City, no option to keep him and replaced him with a young signing (Sebastian Boselli 20, River Plate), who is promising but not of the same calibre, so we played the second part of the season with a slightly weakened squad. Lost traction as a result as many players were unhappy with Joao Mario leaving and several players asked for improved contracts and no funds available, this led to a drop in morale which is so vital to performances.

Despite all of this I managed to win the Portuguese League (only 1 loss away to Benfica, 0-1), drew 5 matches against weaker opponents due to needed squad rotation and lower morale (unhappy players). Won the Portuguese Super cup, both domestic cups and the Champions League (3-0 win in final). Eliminated PSG in semi-finals aggregate 4-1, while RB Leipzig eliminated Man City aggregate 2-1.

The main tactic (Attacking) uses underlaps (very efficient when using IF/IW), high intensity tactic with “NO hard tackles” instructions in PI and no “get stuck in” team instruction.
There may be a slight advantage to use these settings but given the increased yellow/red cards, injuries, suspensions I decided to “play nice” and only used that for the Defensive tactic where you want to frustrate the opponent and see out the game.
The defensive tactic aims also to play with a MID block and slightly higher defensive line to limit space and slightly more direct (less shorter passing) than the attacking variant.

Second highest in possession in the league, but that was not the focus for the tactics, highest in shots on goals and fewest shots against. A very solid tactic, not to keep “clean sheets” but more to “outscore the opponent”.

It looks like testing was done for both versions combined or maybe even the defensive version. Testing was intended only for the “attacking” version. Defensive version only to “park the bus”.

Feedback from users as below indicate something must have gone wrong with the version used (likely my mistake to upload two versions here)

Quote from user:

“Tested with City (105 pts in the PL and won everything else) and Villa (won PL e CC), both in holidays mode. Great xG too and great combinations in the goals.
congrats and thanks! One of the bests plug n play this year.”

Is the defensive tactic only for the final 10 minutes or is it used against a big team from the beginning?

Tavares82 said: Is the defensive tactic only for the final 10 minutes or is it used against a big team from the beginning? Expand

I never used the defensive tactic from the start myself. Even away to PSG in the Champions League semi-final I played the attacking tactic and deserved a draw but lost to a brilliant individual action from Mbappe (who else) LOL. When under pressure in the last 5-10 I used the "defensive tactic" only, so very limited, only when I was unsure if I could hold on to a slim lead.

Overall the attacking tactic is the better one as it forces even strong opponents (like PSG in this case) back and that keeps them away from your own 16 yard area.

What are the main attributes of each position? I'm having difficulty in the final moments of the match, I always concede a goal.

Tavares82 said: What are the main attributes of each position? I'm having difficulty in the final moments of the match, I always concede a goal. Expand

I always use the defensive version for the last 5-10 minutes to "see out the game" if you are afraid of conceding. No guarantees but as the main tactic is an attacking one, a quick counter attack can always hurt you. The defensive tactic aims to frustrate the opponents, wastes time and keeps the defense more solid.