Well, for me, a packed midfield is the best tactic, so, I would choose 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1... why? The reason is rather simple, these tactics can virtually stops the ball from getting to defenders which means can virtually stops opponent to score a goal...

About 4-4-1-1, you always see a lone striker that get the ball upfront but blocked by a packed defense, in the situation, the lone striker can pass back the ball to the other striker (the one at behind) for him to just shoot from distance...

I for one prefer 4-4-2 Arsenal way(i know we have been using a lot of 4-4-1-1 lately but its ok as long as we get the results). Its one of the most balance tactic offensively and defensively.

for me, defensive midfield is a must and the DM must stay at back all time....
4-1-3-2

I would go for a 4-4-2 formation but one of the striker drops back a bit to give more support to the midfielder...kinda of like how Arsenal use to play in their "unbeaten era"......

Only if you can do like how Arsenal did. If no then no point craping here. Football isn't easy like what we think.

Play the FULL game to a good level 1st then talk strategies o/w no point - how to run before walking ?

problem with 1 striker is the striker needs to be vr cool and is a good finisher. and must be rajin as well. chances wont come easily so when u get presented with it, u must be expected to convert it. look at inzaghi. he's not the fastest of players or one who cud dribble past player. heck i dun even think he cud get past player in the first place. but he has good positioning and finishing and knows the whereabouts of the goal he shud target to.

I'm new here. What I understand that lone striker is to do holding, it has to be strong body, good on air and find pace... No need to get fast player striker, as long as you got good winger which can score and cross the ball is enough..
Actually, what i see 4-4-2 is more defensive formation. I prefer 4-5-1 can shift to 4-3-3..