I've changed the way I play FIFA quite dramatically over the course of the last two days. Whereas before I was playing on professional with semi-assisted controls, I'm now playing Legendary with assisted controls. I've also applied slider changes from the thread in the main FIFA forum. I don't know how much difference they make, but I find this to be a really balanced way to play. Sure, the opposition do pass the ball a little too well, but turnovers happen quite regularly and there's plenty of stray passes on both sides.
I'm playing as Benfica on CM and I'm currently second in the league, with Porto out in front by a couple of points and Sporting Lisbon being just behind me in the third. I think that's a pretty accurate representation of what we've come to expect from the Portuguese league. I've drawn 5, lost 2 games all season. I won 2-0 in my last game against a mid-table club in what proved to be a fairly tight game, but when they started to push forward in the final 10 to try and force an equaliser they were left wide open on the counter attack. I sent a lobbed through ball into Carles Gil (who I signed from Villa) and he squared it to Jonas who tapped it in from close range. Put to bed.
I'm really enjoying FIFA this year. Some of the passing animations are awkward and ugly to watch, and I think EA might want to concentrate on establishing more player and team individuality next season, but provided they continue to build upon what they've developed this year then I'm a happy consumer. The mixed review may deter EA from continuing with this formula though. Let's hope not.