Counter Attacking Results

[saintjo]

Just some results that I found interesting...

In my past 2 league matches, I have played 5-3-2 with Counter Attacking. Mainly this is because 1) im a defense trainer and 2) i wanted to get training while focusing on my cup matches. I typically run 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 each per week. I know I loose 2 training slots, but thats not the point right now ;)

Both league matches I was over matched. They would have been close even if I ran 3-5-2, but I was way overmatched in a 5-3-2. However I won both matches :eek: I even PIC'd both games. Here are the results and Hatstat ratings...

Saints vs Ryber IK:
Score 2-1;
Ratings 179 vs 213
CA Skill Formidable

Peakers vs Saints
Score 0-2
Ratings 195 vs 165
CA Skill Excellent

Since I have no hopes of promotion this year, I am sersiously considering switching to a 5-3-2 formation for the remaining league matches just to see the outcomes :)

[Alf]

good news. that reconforts me in my switch next offseason

[saintjo]

just an fyi on my 5-3-2 CA experiments

i lost my league match today 4-1
Saints vs West Fargo Stangs:
Score 1-4;
Ratings 161 vs 191
CA Skill Excellent

I lost a striker to an injury and played a lighter defensive line which explains my lower ratings.

[MrBigglesworth]

Welcome to the dark side, saintjo. Imagine if you had a REAL CA rating.

Peakers is the team that promoted from my series last year, good to see you beating him up!

[hhiipp]

Since you're only training 8 defenders have you considered a double 4-4-2?

Edit: Or possibly a 5-3-2 and a 4-4-2 to pick up an extra trainee. JUst random thoughts I'm having.

[saintjo]

actually depending on how the next 2 games go, i am considering switching to 5-3-2 for a few seasons and training all 10. i have no chance of promoting, and i think i can stay in the top 4 with the number of wins from a 5-3-2.

my only consideration is should i load up on a new uber keeper or middie. keeper would help my defense ratings in stopping shots to keep the scores low since i am going to give up midfield in most games now. or should i go with the middie and try to win both midfied and defense?

[MrBigglesworth]

Unless you play with 3 IM's, you are going to find it tough to win midfield. For my team, I have decided to concede midfield and just stop all of their shots and rely on my CA. But I have a magnificent CA, and yours is only formidable, so it's a tough call. I think it depends on the relative attack strengths of the rest of the teams in your series. I have some good attacking teams in my series (for DV, anyway), so I would choose the goalie over the mid.

[saintjo]

i do run with 3 inner mids. last night i pulled a inad (low) midfield at home pic'ing. that will beat a few teams in my div midfield wise. but if i go with a titantic+ middie, im sure i can raise that some.

[MrBigglesworth]

Playing a 5-3-2 with 3 IM's could win you possession, but will more often than not leave your wing attacks with little to no chance to score. You would need a SP or center chance. So, consider the following

Scenario 1) 3 inner mids, 60% possession: 6 total chances, 3 center/SP chances
Scenario 2) 2 inner mids, one offensive winger: 40% possession: 4 total chances, 3 center/wing/SP chances + 3 possible CA chances

Which would you rather have? If your opponent's attack is much better than your defense, then you might consider (1), but being a defense trainer that should not happen too often. You should have good confidence in your opponent not scoring very often on your defense, which makes (2) the best bet.