How to set your tactics

How matches are played

Every match is worked out minute by minute: possession phases, attacks, chances with expected goals (xG), cards, injuries and substitutions. On top come extra time and penalties, captain and set-piece takers, experience, half-time changes and fitness from the calendar: playing on consecutive days makes players tired.

Team sections and forecast

Goal, defence, midfield (control) and attack are rated from 0 to 100, with the same calculation as in the match. Before the match your values face the opponent's last line-up, with win, draw and loss in percent from 200 quick simulations. After the match you see the real values, possession, chances and xG.

The style cycle

On top come mentality (attacking, balanced, defensive), tempo, width, hardness and a plan B that changes the mentality from a chosen minute depending on the score.

What measurably counts

• Home advantage.
• Fitness: below 70% a marked drop.
• Morale: up to ±4%. Form: about ±2% per point.
• Captain on the pitch +2%, a leader as captain +3%. Experience from the 71st minute up to +3%.
• The match report names the reasons, for example: "Fitness 64%: marked drop from the 60th minute".

Live matches

• A match lasts 7 plus 7 minutes live with a 2 minute half-time break, 16 minutes in total.
• Drawn cup ties go to extra time (4 live minutes for 30 game minutes), then to penalties.
• Line-ups lock at kick-off.
• At half-time you can make up to 3 substitutions and change mentality and playing style.

Opponent report (Pro)

The opponent report sums up your next opponent's last 5 competitive matches: style, formation, form and goals, plus a recommendation. Anyone can look at the single matches with line-up and tactics. Pro saves you putting it together.

Assistant coach for tactics (Pro)

• Before kick-off he picks the style that beats the opponent's favourite style from its recent matches (see the style cycle) and the mentality from the strength comparison of the best available elevens.
• If you give no half-time orders, he gives the same score-based orders as the autopilot.
• Your formation and line-up stay yours. Everything he picks you can also pick by hand.