Because of the problems we have been having in defense, our culture and the opponents style, we should play a 4-2-3-1 formation.
A flat back four, with two defensive midfielders in front of the to center backs, with midfielders in the middle and one forward. We should plan a containing game, defending with 11 players at all times - with our wing backs free to move up and down the line. That way we can have as much as six players in the box on attack and at least four in the middle on defense in case of a counter.
There must be a lot of emphasis placed on keeping the ball.