Ever since FM2004 i have used the same 2 tactics that have served me well, my normal tactic is a 4-4-2 diamond formation playing on the counter attack using short, quick passing, zonal defence and a normal playing philosophy (as opposed to too defensive or too attack minded), i use this regardless of who i am playing, both home and away and in whatever league i might be in.
My other tactic is an ultra defensive 5-1-3-1 when i want to hold on to a lead, sometimes i will play with 2 DM's and 4 backs but i'll use one DM as an alternative CB when defending.
I have tried out other fancy tactics like 5-2-1-2 WB formation, 4-3-3 / 4-5-1 and 4-3-1-2 etc but i usually get tanked as the players don't understand the tactic.
I do believe though that you need the right players for their positions to stand any chance of creating a decent tactic, also being manager of Roma or Barcelona etc with a £150M budget helps.
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