I've got to say that I am getting some real joy out of this game. I'm on the ps3, with an option file, with latest patch, etc.
I've come to think that when you use the directional pad to drop the defensive line back they go back, approximately, the depth indicated on your Defensive Line tactic. Basically, when I lose possession my first move is to drop the line back and then play off the ball defense. Sometimes, if necessary, I drop the line back more than once if I see my CBs creep forward. I end up with my midfielders in midfield and my CBs in the defensive third, as it should be, with the occasional CB rushing forward for a header he shouldn't be involved in. The CPU ends up with space to work in front of my defense: ergo, very few through-balls, more switching of play, more variety.
I've also got to say, I'm not seeing the endless through-balls or diagonal balls to the wing and thus very few near-post crosses. I'm still not seeing much long-shot taking, even though the CPU has plenty of space to take them.
No one seemed to be interested in my previous post, which is understandable! But I'll say again: go to Edit and edit the three game plans for Aston Villa and then play Aston Villa against itself in Exhibition. If you don't see a more disciplined defensive line, more space for you and the CPU in front of the defensive line, fewer through balls, and more variety, then I don't know what to say.
Player Support: 6
Support Range: 14
Front-line Pressure: 5
Defensive line: 4
Compactness: 14
Shift to Attack: 5
Off/Def: 6
I'm not trying to suggest that this is a solution to anything. But it is a different sort of game, and enjoyable. Low player support keeps both teams in shape, high support range spreads everyone out and helps with covering opened spaces, low front-line pressure does allow you to get out of your own half a bit easily but it also prevents defenders rushing forward to snuff out attacks (which stupidly leads to last-man defending)and you still get plenty of pressure in midfield, low defensive line is obvious but requires use of the directional pad to complement it, high compactness keeps your SBs and SMF wide which keeps them honest to the overlapping runs and the empty wings, low shift to attack makes the cpu build up a bit more (though not enough) and prevents midfielders from rushing up like madmen, and low Off/Def mentality prevents defenders from creeping forward though your SBs will still make runs at a reasonable rate.
What we don't have in this game is a tactic that allows us to stretch our team out over the length of the field. What happens now is that when our forwards go up the field, our mid-fielders creep up as though obligated to fill the space, and then our defenders take up that new space in midfield. How many times have you lost possession in the offensive box only to notice that your CBs are in the centre circle and past the halfway line? I believe these edits help with that, though I admit using the directional pad is also essential.
--good day!