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Figuring out the best tactics in Football Manager is a tough job, as the success of a tactic depends a lot on the players you have in your system and the ones you are planning to bring into your club. That said, certain tactics from the Gegenpressing, Tiki-Taka, and other playstyles might help increase your team's chances in the game.This article lists some of the successful tactics in Football Manager 26. Choose one depending on your playstyle and train your team to conquer the league.Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's perspective. The entries are arranged in no particular order. Some of the best tactics in Football Manager 261) A balanced 4-2-3-14-2-3-1 is one of the most successful tactics in FM 26 (Image via Sports Interactive)A balanced 4-2-3-1 is almost always the right way to go if you are not sure about the team. You field two wingers and two overlapping wingbacks to widen the field. However, the central attacking midfielder is a crucial piece of the puzzle, so you would need a standout CAM with great vision, passing, and long shot ratings if possible. Add instructions to maintain a narrow shape with a higher tempo and normal passing.Also read: Best teams to manage in Football Manager 262) A creative 3-2-53-2-5 can help you with lots of attacking options, but you might have to compromise the defense (Image via Sports Interactive)This formation is basically a 3-4-3 that turns into 3-2-5 during attacks. Your wingbacks overlap during attacking build-ups to add two extra men in attacks, and track back quickly enough to defend the goalpost during a defensive transition. Therefore, wingbacks with good crossing, stamina, and defensive ratings can be a great pick for this formation. However, do note that since you field only two designated midfielders, they must help defenders during fast counterattacks.Also read: Best goalkeepers in Football Manager 263) 4-3-3, a classic4-3-3 is a classic formation (Image via Sports Interactive)While the game has significantly changed in the last few decades, the 4-3-3 has remained one of the most popular tactics. This is a go-to tactic for many players due to its balanced nature. There are enough defenders at the back, wingbacks and wingers often come to the midfield to control the middle of the park, and wingbacks overlap to help the attack whenever required. This tactic opens up passing lanes to easily circumvent the opponent's pressing attempts during build-ups.Also read: Best strikers in Football Manager 264) An attacking 4-2-44-2-4 is also an attacking-focused formation (Image via Sports Interactive)This attack-heavy formation was used widely during the initial years of the game. It's great if you want to win every game as soon as possible, but you must have potent attackers at your disposal to finish those chances. This formation is essentially a 4-4-2 during defensive transitions, with the wide midfielders becoming wingers, and the wingbacks acting like extra midfielders whenever required.However, make sure to have two potent defensive midfielders in the middle, as they will be crucial against teams with quick counterattacks and great finishers.5) A defensive 5-4-15-4-1 is mostly the formation for counterattacking tactics (Image via Sports Interactive)If you are starting with a second-division team and don't have enough attacking players in the roster, you can opt for the 5-4-1 formation. In this formation, your wide midfielders join the attacks to score a goal by increasing your team's numbers in the opponent's defense, and you keep your fullbacks as extra midfielders so that the opponent cannot break the shape instantly during attacks.
