what to play against the 3-4-3?

[Michael Mejido]

this has probably been asked 10,000 times.. but here is 10,001. Whats the best way to combat the 3-4-3?

Here's my team: Helena Bonham Carters (222230)

here's the team i will play against: Thug Mafia (70872)

I usually play a 3-5-2 and can get my midfield up to about a weak (low) on an average game... and it seems he can get his midfield to a weak (high)...

I'll be playing at home, and i suppose my strategy as of now is to play a 3-5-2 with my cd playing offensively, my wings toward middle, and possibly even my forwards playing defensively... anything to get the midfield advantage.. I may even play Pressing and just aim for the 0-0 tie.

After looking over the two teams, how would YOU play against this team?

[Kevin in Louisiana]

I'd expect him to play 3-5-2; that's what he has played in all his recent league matches: http://usa.hatstats.info/standings.php?level=5&rank=0&round=1&season=27&series=8396 (click on his team name). When scouting an opponent look at both cup and league matches. Often a team will use one tactic in midweek games and a different one in the league. If an opponent plays two tactics regularly, he could spring either of them on you (or he could use a 4-4-2), but he's not likely to play anything else due to the confusion. I'd be willing to bet that you'll face a 3-5-2, so plan according to that.

Unfortunately, his 3-5-2 is a strong one. His midfield is pretty darn good--solid or so. You definitely have your work cut out for you. What I would do would be to wait and see how he plays his cup match. If he puts his best players out and wins, you have reason to believe he would do the same the next week--leaving his weaker lineup to face you. If you get his lesser trainees you could have a shot.

At this point in the season I would PIC. Your odds of winning are too slim and even if you won it would be tough to regroup from the TS hit. But if you want to maximize your chance of winning, you could try pressing--assuming your players have good stamina and defending, and preferably if you have some powerful players on the pitch. I don't think CA would work to well unless your defenders have good passing--if you wanted to try a 4-4-2 and you have 4 defenders with passable passing or better, it might be worth a shot.

If he puts out his 3-5-2 with his best players, there's no way to win the midfield. So you have to look to defense and SE's. Playing creatively is another option; I looked through the lineup you played in your league match tonight and you have some good specialties. Thug Mafia doesn't seem to have too many players with specialties. If you can get a strong enough defense you might be able to hold him to a goal or two and get a goal or two yourself from special events.

In short: PIC, play creatively, set wingbacks defensive, set midfielders with good defending to defensive, put a good SP guy on the pitch, and hope for the best.

[Michael Mejido]

kevin, thank you very much for your reply & advice. Let me ask you... where is the best place to go to read more about HT strategy? Everything that you just mentioned I really don't know all that much about and would like to learn more.

..oh, and what is your team name? i'll sign your guestbook :)

[fcsg]

kevin, thank you very much for your reply & advice. Let me ask you... where is the best place to go to read more about HT strategy? Everything that you just mentioned I really don't know all that much about and would like to learn more.This article is a good start:
http://hattrickgameday.tripod.com/hattrick/id24.html

[Kevin in Louisiana]

kevin, thank you very much for your reply & advice. Let me ask you... where is the best place to go to read more about HT strategy? Everything that you just mentioned I really don't know all that much about and would like to learn more.

..oh, and what is your team name? i'll sign your guestbook :)

I don't have supporter. I'm a cheapskate.

And I second fcsg's recommendation of that site.