Tactics: Defeating the AOW
 

I have this "friend" yeah, "friend", who can't seem to beat his opponent's AOW.

I, I mean, my "friend", uses a 3-3-4 CA. (3IM, 2 CD, 2 WB, 3 Strikers).

Should I play the CDs (towards wing) in an attempt to clog the lanes, I feel it would be worthless to have two wingers (the midfield would really drop then, I only want to be slightly lower than my opponent).

Just curious, I play him again after losing 2-0 at home. His team is Riddle, if you want to check him out.

Many thanks.

You confused me. You're running a 4-3-3...4 defenders, 3 mids, 3 strikers

If your midfields are still close, as you indicated, using only 3 IM...then to hell with the CA. Bring out the 3-4-3, beat him in midfield (more chances for you), and let your strikers roll right down the weak portion of his defense.

I'd normal, run a 3-4-3 with 1CD and 2 WB.

1. make sure your wingbacks are played defensive
2. AOW weakens his center defense, so make sure you center attack is strong, but dont run a AIM (that would weaken your wing defense).
3. forget a 4-3-3. run a 3-4-3 if you are a striker trainer, otherwise run a 3-5-2. try to get as much midfield advantage as possible. every 5-10% you gain in the midfield is one more shot for you and one less shot for him.

I reviewed yout last match, if you play a 3-4-3 with an offensive winger you'll probably get two attacking lanes that should score easily on his defense. Also another option is a 3-4-3 with a TtM Winger to try and take midfield. Unfortuently your next match will put you on the road against him and therefore make that optiuon tougher. You should consdier counterattacking with either a better 4th defenseman or with only 3 guys. It seems to me that ExCD isn't adding much to any of you ratings.

In a couple of weeks I hope to be able to tell you but so far I've been unsuccessful as well.

yeah I lost a game to a AoW team that was running a 4-5-1 against my 3-5-2. Not going to counter him with an AiM because I didn't want to give him more chances, but due to injuries suspensions I might actually be fielding a side that can counter his scoring chances a little better.