Match prep
Prepare for an opponent
Each scenario gives you a scouting report and a few decisions. Play the move and see whether your setup holds and what it costs you. There is rarely one right answer.
Fast overlap, winger cuts inside
Their left side attacks in pairs: a full-back who overlaps and a winger who cuts in. Set up your right side to stop both.
Deep-lying playmaker runs their game
Their #6 takes the ball from the centre-backs and dictates play. Decide who handles their #6 without opening the pass behind your midfield.
High line, slow centre-backs
They hold their back line 40 m from goal with two slow centre-backs. Get a runner in behind, and get the ball to him.
They press with three: play out
Their front three press your back line: the striker hides your #6, the wingers take your full-back and far centre-back. Find the pass into midfield.
They sit deep: switch play
A 4-4-2 block is set towards one side. Find a far-side pass that gives its receiver time before the nearest opponent can arrive.
They close the middle
A narrow, deep block has shut the middle of their box. Find the delivery that still reaches a free man.
Their centre-back follows #9
Their centre-back goes wherever your striker goes. Use that: decide where #9 takes him, and which space his absence opens.
They overload your right
Three of theirs against two of yours out wide. Decide who presses the winger, who takes the overlap and who holds the lane inside.
Their #10 drifts, their winger arrives
Their #10 wanders across your midfield towards the edge of the box while their far winger attacks the back post. Stop one without freeing the other.