How to shut up shop
Defending a one goal lead during last 15 minutes

Many players have huge problems when defending a one goal lead during the last 15 minutes of a game. Creating a specialised tactic version for these situations is highly effective both defensively and offensively, since it will counter the gung-ho AI 4-2-4 effectively and even create attacking opportunities by exploiting the formation’s weaknesses. In most cases, if you are hanging on to a narrow lead, you should not wait until the AI opponents switch and eventually catch your defence on the wrong foot. If you have 15 minutes to go and you are one goal up, you will hardly ever regret applying these switches.

These are helpful tweaks for the last 15-20 minutes:

Mindset
If you are using RoO, switch to the most defensive mindset (1-6) A global mentality setting should be around 2-4 most likely. RoT/split mentality systems do not have to change and can employ the shut up shop/kill game version slightly earlier.

Team settings
Width: narrowest possible (1)
Time wasting: highest possible (20)
D-line: deeper, but not too deep. This should be around 5-8.
Passing: down both flanks if you are using two strikers with sidewards arrows. Normal for a lone striker
Marking:Tight marking throughout the squad, except for FCs.

Reasoning: These settings seem to be irritating. But the AI will set almost all players on forward run often, so you have a good chance to get plenty offsides without playing offside trap. Additionally your team has the chance to engage earlier and correct defensive mistakes since all defenders basically now play one vs one. Dropping too deep will allow the opposition midfielders and even fullbacks to score screamers.

Playing narrow and passing down both flanks is a contradiction to the classic TT&F recommendation, but you will exploit the large holes in midfield and defence by applying this. However, this only works effectively if you are using two strikers.

Player settings
Keeper: distribution long kicks, long/direct passing.
Fullbacks: FWR, RWB rarely
DM: if using one DM, close down mixed. If using two DMs, close down often
AMC/AMLR/FC: RWB often, HUB often, FWR often.

Several efforts suggest that at least one defensive midfielder is needed to work properly. If you employ two defensive midfielders, you should use different roles: one more defending, one more involved in the build up play. Both should be on high closing down to avoid sitting too deep and giving up the midfield.

Set Pieces
Make sure you have at least 4 players set to ‘back’ or ‘back if needed’ for all set pieces. The opposition will leave up to three players up front. Think about keeping the fullbacks back and maybe the defensive midfielders, since you should have good tacklers protecting you from being caught on the counter.

Opposition instructions are not necessarily needed since the whole team is focussed on defensive duties. However, it can help to stop the wing players, fullbacks and wingers, and also prevent long shots by the central midfielders.

Important hint: You don’t want to play like this for 45 minutes or even 80 minutes as the AI sometimes uses its SUS tactics. It should be a measure designed to kill a game off in its closing stages, not a long-term strategy. Applying these changes too early can have a devastating effect.

Tactical Bible Credits
Millie, crazy gra, The Next Diaby. Editor: Millie