Formations — 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, 4-1-4-1
What each of the five shapes looks like and the kind of player it asks for.
Formation is the spine of your tactical setup. ManageFC supports five shapes — 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2 and 4-1-4-1. Each one lays out a different set of eleven slots on the pitch. Pick the shape that fits the players you have, then tune the dials.
4-4-2
The classic. Four defenders, a flat midfield four and two strikers. Wide midfielders hold the flanks and the two central midfielders share the middle, so it asks for two reliable strikers and disciplined wide players.
4-3-3
Three midfielders — a holding player between two more advanced ones — and two wingers either side of a lone striker. The wide slots hold the width and the midfield three packs the centre, so it asks for a defensively solid passer in the holding role and two energetic CMs.
4-2-3-1
Two holding midfielders, a three behind a lone striker, with the No. 10 in the middle of that three. The shape concentrates your attacking play in the AM slot, so passing, vision and shooting are the attributes that slot asks for.
3-5-2
Three centre-backs and two wing-backs who provide all the width, with three central midfielders behind two strikers. The wing-back slots are the most demanding on the pitch — they have to cover the full flank.
4-1-4-1
A single holding midfielder screening a midfield four, with one striker ahead. The holding slot links defence and midfield, and the lone striker has to lead the line on his own.