Formation and tactics guide

First decision: use players in the right positions

Position fit on the squad screen shows how well a card matches its assigned role. A highly rated attacker in an unsuitable midfield role may not perform better than a more balanced player in their natural position. Do not judge your squad by overall ratings alone.

Check the goalkeeper and defence first, then midfield roles, and finally the attack. Swap two players and see how their fit changes. After completing your starting XI, having substitutes for different areas of the pitch gives you more options during matches.

Three starting plans

Cautious

Consider this when defensive balance is your priority. You can try a more controlled approach against a difficult opponent. The plan's name does not guarantee a clean sheet or a win from just a few chances.

Balanced

A useful starting point for comparison if you are still discovering your squad's strengths and weaknesses. Using the same basic plan for your first attempts makes it easier to distinguish the effects of player or formation changes.

Attacking

Choose this to try a more forward-thinking approach. Consider your squad's passing, movement and finishing together. Greater attacking intent does not automatically mean more goals or better defending.

Choose a playing style that suits your cards

The additional tactical options offer different playing styles. Card attributes are assessed alongside these choices. When building a pressing team, for example, considering the physical attributes of midfielders and defenders as well as your striker's finishing makes for a more coherent squad plan.

If you want to focus on the wings, check the positions of the players you will use out wide. To play through the centre, examine midfield passing connections and responsibilities. These suggestions guide squad planning; they do not promise a fixed win rate or a hidden best tactic.

Before the cup

1. Do you have 11 starters and four substitutes?
2. Do the selected positions suit your player cards?
3. Are your captain and game plan set as you want?
4. Do you have cover for each area if you need a substitution?
5. If playing the daily game, have you read today's special rules?

Your game plan locks when you start the regular cup. Permitted substitutions during matches and replacement of injured players remain available. That makes checking your squad before starting worthwhile.

How should you interpret a result?

One win does not prove a perfect tactic, and one defeat does not make a bad team. Rewatching a match does not run a new simulation; it replays the recorded events. When comparing attempts, check whether the opponent, squad or format has changed.

For a clearer experiment, change just one thing first: a player's position, your formation or your game plan. Observe the results across several matches. Historical Arenalets you choose a specific club season, making it a useful starting point for these comparisons.