FM 2013 Tactic Review: Declan’s 4-3-3

Hey guys, following on from Johnny’s analysis of Jake’s FM 2013 tactic, its my turn to dissect and deliberate. But first lets re-cap the testing process

The testing procedure is quite simple: I will install the tactic and use it through pre-season plus six league matches with Spurs. Then I’ll watch each match closely, see what happens and come up with the best review I am capable of. I will also keep track of various statistics in order to be able to compare the essential numbers between this and other tactics that have been or will be analysed. It will be more or less like a benchmarking tool for FM 2013 tactics.

The first FM 2013 tactic that I tested is Declan’s 4-3-3 tactic, a high pressure based system named «Beating beautiful Football«.

Formation

The formation is a simple 4-3-3, its in the player roles where things get interesting. The two outer strikers are defensive forwards with support duty. So they will harras the opposition backline while not in possession, the central striker has the same role but due to an attack duty, he tends to stay forward while the other two drop deep to pick up the ball. The BWM is vital, he tends to run midfield and get possession back while the BBM’s do everything from attack to defend to even acting as wide midfielders when possession makes its way out to the wings.

Team Instructions

A balanced philosophy is used to offer that bit of freedom due to a lack of width. The players are instructed to attack which suits the idea of pressing more and using a high defensive line. Tempo is extremely quick to get the ball moving when possession is won back and the passing style is direct to hit the forwards from back to front in one foul swoop. Please note that while the FB’s seem neutral due to an automatic duty, they actually default to attacking duty because of the attacking strategy.

Average Positions

The average positions tell a few tales. Number one the tactic is very narrow, true while defending but the full backs bomb forward to create width while attacking. It also shows five players in a block and then the rest attacking, this is ideal as a general rule and the BWM rarely gets involved in the attacking phase of play. But what really matters here, is the two strikers either side of your main ST, these guys drop very deep and either pick up the ball to run or get the nod on during more direct attacks.

Defending

This tactic is designed to press very high up the pitch and attempt to stop the opponents before they can get into more dangerous areas. In all honesty it doesn’t work completely, but as you can see above the three ST’s are primed and ready to press any of the opposition back four. In addition the two Box to Box Midfielder’s in MCR and MCL will follow possession, so if the opposition midfield have the ball, they’ll move forward, if the full backs progress forward they’ll move to the wings…these guys are your bit of insurance in a  narrow tactic.

I have noticed the back four keep a straight line while the Ball Winning Midfielder just sits in front of them chasing down the opposition when they get into your half. The only down side is your full backs attacking duty can lead to them getting stuck up field and as a result caught short on the counter.

Attacking

Going forward can be very effective with the two supporting DF’s dropping deep to pick up the ball. The screenshot above shows my Ball winning midfielder playing the ball to a supporting forward who has dropped into the hole. Both box to box midfielders advance up the pitch and the full back offers width.

Another dimension is the long ball, all three forwards can bring the ball down with plenty of support around them to lay off a pass. I also like the interchanges and integrate play between the three forwards. All three take it in turns dropping deeper depending on where possession is and this can pull the opposition defenders out of position. The match highlight below shows that.

In a completely different manner, I have seen the ball launched forward from a CB for Adebayor to nod onto Defoe who could then manufacturer a shot on goal.

Results

Some convincing results but also a few scrapes and one heavy loss. This tactic provides a mixed bag really, in general it provides good form, but when against the likes of Chelsea I felt over powered and helpless (though that could be the players I used als0). On the other hand it performs very nicely against lesser sides. I think the real difference is in a proper target man like forward while the other must be able to dribble and attack from deep.

Statistics

Goals scored: 12 (2 per game)

Goals conceded: 6 (1 per game)

Shots on target for: 5.83 per game

Shots on target against: 3.67 per game

Clear cut chances for: 1.83 per game

Clear cut chances against: 2.5 per game

Half chances for: 2.83 per game

Half chances against: 1.33 per game

Ball possession average: 52%

I was surprised to see this tactic concede an average of 2.5 chances per game and 2.83 half chances. That could be worrying but it didn’t show in the match engine bar against Chelsea. For such a direct system it held possession well at an average of 52% and saw me score an average of two goals for every one I’d concede.

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Reasonable results.

Attacking link up play.

FB’s offer plenty of width going forward (as shown below.)

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Can be overpowered against better opposition if you don’t have a Stoke like lineup.

You can be caught short out wide if the opposition full back and winger gang up on your full back

Full backs get drawn into tackle high up which is dangerous (see image below.)

Suggested Tweaks

Set pieces need some attention, maybe set aim to near post and assign best header to attack near post with other CB challenging keeper. The full backs might be best with a support duty to avoid been caught down the wings on the counter, at least when playing very strong opposition. I’d also adjust the tempo down a few notches, the team try and rush play too much which leads to giving possession away in a sloppy fashion.

FM 2013 Tactic Download

Download the 4-3-3 FM 2013 tactic by clicking on the image below:

After downloading the tactic follow these simple steps to install it in FM 2013:

1. Put the downloaded file into this folder: Documents>Sports Interactive>Football Manager 2013>tactics

2. Start your game and go to your team’s tactics screen.

3. Click on the little arrow located to the right of your starting tactic name, move your mouse cursor over “archived tactics” and select this tactic from the menu.

I hope you enjoyed this analysis and I’m looking forward to your comments. If you want to submit your tactic for analysis please do so using the form below:

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