OSM Attacking Tactic 2027 (26/27): Settings to Score

For an OSM attacking tactic that scores goals, 26/27 community data points to a 4-3-3, Wing play, Forwards on Attack only and, when you are stronger, a style in the 70–79 band. The most attacking setup comes into play at home when you have the stronger squad.

These values are community recommendations; we have not tested them. The sources are OSM Next Level's counter tactic tables (23 October 2026) and OSM Helper's 26/27 guide and site tactics. No setting guarantees goals.

Which game plan produces more goals?

OSM has five game plans. OSM Helper's guide describes them like this:

Game plan	OSM Helper's description	Suited formations
Wing play	The most attacking plan; the main goal is to shoot a lot	4-3-3, 3-4-3
Long ball	Fewer midfielders, straight at goal at a high tempo	4-2-4, 5-2-3
Shoot on sight	Crowded midfield; five midfielders are ideal	4-5-1, 4-2-3-1
Passing game	Lots of possession; the most balanced plan	4-4-2
Counter-attack	Crowded defence; the priority is not conceding	5-3-1-1, 6-3-1

OSM Next Level's engine also chooses Wing play in 52 of its 54 recommendations. Both sources agree: the flanks are the first choice for attacking.

OSM attacking tactic: recommended settings

Setting	Suggestion	Note
Formation	4-3-3A (against packed defences) / 4-3-3B	A has an attacking midfielder in the centre, B a defensive one
Game plan	Wing play	Passing game at home when stronger against a 4-3-3
Forwards	Attack only	In all of OSM Next Level's recommendations
Midfielders	Stay in position or Protect the defence	Push forward is not recommended (see below)
Defenders	Defend deep	In all recommendations
Style	70–79 (Attacking)	Average 72 when stronger
Tempo	Usually 60–75 against packed defences	High against back fives and back sixes
Marking / Offside trap	Zonal marking / No	Check marking against the opponent's number of forwards

Why not Push forward?

The first setting most managers reach for is moving the midfield to Push forward. According to OSM Next Level's line tactics guide, its engine deliberately leaves that option out: measurements showed it hurt the defence without helping the attack. If you want more attack, the style slider and game plan are the better levers.

The most attacking setup by opponent

In OSM Next Level's tables, the most attacking rows are the home scenarios where you are stronger. Values are Pressing/Style/Tempo:

Opponent	Your formation	Game plan	Pressing/Style/Tempo
4-3-3A/B	4-3-3A	Passing game	70/74/62
4-4-2A/B	4-3-3A	Wing play	70/73/58
4-2-3-1	4-3-3B	Wing play	65/69/56
4-5-1	4-3-3B	Wing play	70/74/67
5-2-3A/B	4-3-3A	Wing play	67/73/67
5-3-2	4-3-3B	Wing play	69/73/66
5-3-1-1	4-3-3A	Wing play	59/79/69
5-4-1A/B	4-3-3A	Wing play	64/74/69
6-3-1A/B	4-3-3A	Wing play	60/70/60

The highest style comes against 5-3-1-1: 79, just below the "All-out attack" band. Tempo also rises to 67–69 against sides that shut up shop, such as 5-2-3, 5-4-1 and 5-3-1-1. Against shoot-on-sight shapes such as 4-2-3-1, tempo stays at 56; losing the ball quickly hands those opponents long-range chances.

The community's most liked attacking setup

The most liked of OSM Helper's site tactics is an attacking one: 4-3-3B, Wing play, Forwards on Attack only, Midfielders on Stay in position, Defenders on Defend deep, with Pressing 79, Style 75 and Tempo 79. The site flags it for weaker and even opponents, home and away. Tempo 79 is close to "One-touch football", which raises the risk of turnovers against a stronger side.

When too much attack hurts

• The opponent is stronger: According to OSM Next Level's style guide, going all-out as the weaker side is a mistake because the stronger team punishes open space. The average style when weaker is 63.
• A strict referee: High pressing and aggressive tackling bring cards. According to OSM Helper, lower your tackling as the referee gets stricter.
• Tired players: According to OSM Next Level, high pressing makes players run more.

What changed since our older guide

The components of the tactics screen have not changed since our 2022 attacking tactic guide. The 26/27 community data recommends adding attack through wing play and the style slider rather than by pushing the midfield forward. OSM's official help page also advises testing in a friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which OSM tactic scores the most goals?

No tactic guarantees goals. Community sources favour 4-3-3 and Wing play for attacking; OSM Helper calls it the game's most attacking plan.

What style should I use to attack?

70–79 when you are stronger. In OSM Next Level's data the average style when stronger is 72, with a high of 79.

Should I set my midfield to Push forward?

The community engine does not use that option, because it hurt the defence without adding to the attack.

Can a weaker team play an attacking tactic?

It is risky. The recommended average style for the weaker side is 63; going all-out leaves open space.