My 4-1-4-1

[Praha06]

Having read up on FM17 and the much clarified point about the formation simply being the player positions when without the ball i decided that i like the 4-1-4-1 formation for my Hearts save.  I like the existence of a DM and wide players getting forward in support of a "lone" striker as it suits my squad.  Captain American cult hero Perry Kitchen is great at DM!

So the way i have set up is as follows:

G: GK (d)

DL: FB (at), DC: CD (d), DC: (d), DR: FB (at)

DM: DLP (d)

ML: W (s), MC: CM (a), CM: BBM (s), MR: W (s)

ST: DLF (s)

Control mentality and Flexible shape

TIs: Slightly higher line, Play out of defence & Shorter passing as i feel I'm getting more shutting down of the opposition with the line, and no wasted balls lumped to their players.

I am finding this quite solid at the back, i am getting lions share of possession but my my problem is i am struggling to get goals and even clear cut chances.  Something just isnt clicking. I am hoping someone here can see where its going wrong?

[vasilli07]

I will consider using 1(or even both) of the wide players as IFs. You don't need 4 players(FBs and wingers) hugging the lines and providing crosses).

[jeid2000]

I use a 4141 in pretty much all of my saves now. Like you, I find it incredibly tight defensively due to the positions of the players being lower down the pitch and only the striker really being left up top.

The problem that you're likely facing, is that your striker doesn't have enough support from midfield. Watch a couple of games on full and look at why he's not getting chances. Is he getting the ball then has nobody around him to support him when he has it? Is nobody really creating chances for him?

If it were me, I'd implement a W/A or WM/A in left midfield and change the left back to FB/S or WB/S. Take it from there and see how it goes. The rest of your roles look quite well balanced to me. Good luck.

[Rags89]

Perhaps try and fluid shape and roam from position, that way your midfield may get forward more  effectively.  The previous suggestion to change the roles of wide players sounds reasonable. Also try looking for overlap and perhaps a slow tempo to enable your midfield and full backs the time they need to get forward and support the lone forward. Work ball in box would also help with this.

[Praha06]

Thanks guys for the replies, much appreciated.  I'll get back to the game soon and try out these suggestions. One thing I do need to work on is better analysis from myself. This is something I aim to improve greatly on in this edition of the game.