I play a 5-3-2 short passing patient style against strong team and 3-5-2 high pressing attack against weak team ge.
Normally you set the 2 side DC with man mark + tight marking + high closing down [hard tackle as you wish, to "scare" the SC at the beginning of game]
Then set the centre DC with zonal mark + normal closing down as cover.
This 3 DC system is pretty solid against any through ball in the middle and crossing from the side, as you have 3 DC to fight for the "air" ball.
However, you need many settings in other area such as wingback and high press 3 MCs etc....to make this work.
I pretty like 5-3-2/3-5-2 tactic as they play very good looking short passing game. And actually i have the best defensive record in the league for 4 seasons as well.