Subscribe to download
Willy Wonka's 4-3-3

This is a pretty solid formation defensively but I've also been able to create lots of chances using it. It's a bit defensive because I use it with a lower league side that isn't good enough to outplay the opposition with high tempo attacking football but has worked for me so far.

The LB/RB are set to Full Back with 'defensive' role rather than a Defensive Full Back. I like this as Full Back still mostly defends but takes better care with possession. CB's are set to Central Defenders with 'defensive' role for the same reason. They have a better chance to keep possession than a defensive CB but won't try to overplay like a Ball Playing CB. Switching one CB to 'cover' or 'stopper' is also an option depending on personnel if you don't want both to have a CD 'defensive' role.

My midfield has 3 CM's. I felt a DMC wasn't necessary as my 4 defenders all stay back so a CM playing defensive BWM is enough defensive cover and can effect the game further up the pitch. The other 2 CM's are both Deep Lying Playmakers with support roles. This is more than enough support defensively but with 2 players in CM who look to play the ball forward and create chances it gives the more attacking players plenty of service.

Both wide players (AML and AMR) are set as Wingers. Playing them at AM instead of LM/RM has them closer to goal to create chances quicker, plus if they were further back it would isolate the ST more. I only use 1 striker who is set as a Poacher. This role is to make sure someone will always be in or around the box to take any chances. Poachers don't help with any defensive work but the tactic already has enough players back for him to stay forward.

Team instructions tell my players to get stuck in, play with a high tempo and close down. This lets me win the ball back quickly and keep a high possession rate. I also use the instruction to play wider. Having 3 CM's means even after spreading the team out they can still cover the midfield while it gives the wingers a little more time to control the ball in after receiving it if they are positioned nearer the touchline.


This is the Willy Wonka formation for no reason other than I plan to post the tactics from all of my saves (well, the ones that work) and I'm giving them all stupid names.