FM16: Using two AMC and one ST

[CybrSlydr]

I'm curious - does FM16 not really like a two AMC-one ST set-up?

I ask because my 3-4-1-2 evolved into what the game calls a 5-1-3-1 DM WB. Essentially I took the Defensive Wingers from the 3-4-1-2 and moved them back into the WB strata, moved one of the CMs back to the DM strata and took one of the Strikers and moved them back into the Attacking Midfield strata.

The difference was startling. I played about 8 games and managed to only score 1 goal. In 6 league games, I lost all of them by a score of 1-0. I save-scummed and went back and tried the first game with moving one of my AMCs back into the Striker area so I had one AMC and two ST and scored 2 goals.

My 2 AMC/ST pairing was AM(A)/AP(S)/P(A). This didn't score anything. I then switched to a AM(A)/F9(S)/CF(A) and scored 2 (but only one of the three scored, my F9).

My formation familiarity was Fluid, so they knew the formation quite well. My thoughts with the original was the AM(A) and P(A) would be my goal threats, the poacher playing on the shoulder, stretching the gap between the Defense and Midfield, the AM(A) would attack in that area-ish while the AP(S) would distribute (while the WB on left/right would contribute width and crosses).

Was my thinking out of line? Does FM16 not like AM pairs with a Striker?

[summatsupeer]

My 2 AMC/ST pairing was AM(A)/AP(S)/P(A). This didn't score anything. I then switched to a AM(A)/F9(S)/CF(A) and scored 2 (but only one of the three scored, my F9).

You can't make a conclusion off just that:

1) Depends heavily on the players used and PPMs

2) Did you try the first with a CF-A instead of a Poacher? They're totally different, one is doing very little whilst the other does everything...

3) Not enough games, player form and other variables could affect the results and amount they score.

[CybrSlydr]

You can't make a conclusion off just that:

1) Depends heavily on the players used and PPMs

2) Did you try the first with a CF-A instead of a Poacher? They're totally different, one is doing very little whilst the other does everything...

3) Not enough games, player form and other variables could affect the results and amount they score.

I didn't try the 2AMC/ST with a CF-A because I felt it was a bad idea since a CF holds up the ball. The idea was that the Striker would be making runs and stretching the defense to make more room for the AMs. I didn't think the CF would do that very well.

[herne79]

Does FM16 not like AM pairs with a Striker?

You can't really start asking questions like this from such a small sample size, and so few combinations used.

As always, it will depend on your overall set up - even in the very best systems, changing just one or two parts can completely change the whole dynamic.

[summatsupeer]

Your poacher is effectively making less space for the forward runs of your AM-A and making it easy for the defenders who don't have to deal with channel runs or players dropping deep and if they should follow them. I think issue is you have two players very close to each other who are both trying to get behind the d-line. Your 1-2 formation has a lot more variation of movement and instructions.

[CybrSlydr]

Your poacher is effectively making less space for the forward runs of your AM-A and making it easy for the defenders who don't have to deal with channel runs or players dropping deep and if they should follow them. I think issue is you have two players very close to each other who are both trying to get behind the d-line. Your 1-2 formation has a lot more variation of movement and instructions.

Interesting - why is the Poacher making less space? I thought they were supposed to push the back line, which would open up space between the defense and the mid - the opposite way an F9 does it (by not pushing)? Does the AP(S) not function as the deep player they would then follow and draw players out of position or does the AP(S) sit too deep for that?

[HappyStreet]

There are very few things in this game if any that just flat out dont work. I made 3-4-2-1- work very well using AM(A)/AP(A)/AF(A). It is all relative to the rest of your system and if those players fit in the 2-1 mold.

[summatsupeer]

If your making space in front of the d-line then you are reducing it behind. Your AM-A is instructed to make runs but he's running into less space because of the Poacher.

Basically your movement patterns and plan is completely different between your 1-2 and 2-1. You have two players looking to run forward and one to sit deeper, the other you have 1 looking to run forward (and do lots more) with one dropping and one sitting.

AM-A (with PI's) + AP-S + F9 would probably be the closest 2-1 comparison to what you used in the 1-2.

[CybrSlydr]

If your making space in front of the d-line then you are reducing it behind. Your AM-A is instructed to make runs but he's running into less space because of the Poacher.

Basically your movement patterns and plan is completely different between your 1-2 and 2-1. You have two players looking to run forward and one to sit deeper, the other you have 1 looking to run forward (and do lots more) with one dropping and one sitting.

AM-A (with PI's) + AP-S + F9 would probably be the closest 2-1 comparison to what you used in the 1-2.

I'll give that a go. Thanks! I assume the AMA PIs would be "Roam" and "Channels"?

[marsh82]

The reality of football is that a real tactic with 2 x AMs and 1 x ST is harder to implement, train and develop than a 1 x AM and 2 s ST tactic. It appears to be the same in FM. I managed some success with the following:

.......................CF(s)

............. AM(s)........AM(a)

....WM(s)..........CM(s).........WM(s)

with the WMs set to sit narrow and the CF to hold up the ball. The AM(a) became the main goal threat and the CM(s) became the main creator. A lot of the time however the AM(s) wad redundant, there only to contribute numbers when out of possession - ergo, helping with pressing and transitions. Quite a handy role when you think about it but not so great if you want high ratings and lots on contribution on attack.

[SirManager]

I can suggest something following the 1(AM) and 2 ST.

This is off the top of my head so forgive me.

Following;

1 ST use as DLF

1 ST F9

1 AM use as Shadow striker.

Why? This will open up the player, pull defenders out and create space for the shadow striker who I would use as a main goal scoring threat. I ain't expert with the F9 role and barely use it myself. However I can imagine how this will work, it's basically giving you 2ams and 1 St just mixed

I apologise I ain't a full blown expert on tactics but I did try this technique before without the F9 and just used a CF. It did work and it worked a treat with a win away to Luton (favourites) 7-2.