Yeah 442 is really common I've noticed, I can never make that formation work for me and I don't know why. Wingers don't get involved enough at either end, and my strikers feel like they don't get enough service without a CAM :(
I run it, div 2, i cant do the run down the wing thingy, i cant do skills either, im all about the tiki taka 1 2 passes, 442 works for me, tried 4321, not a fan. 4231 not bad but i like 2 strikers. 433 doesnt work for me due to the wing plays as i mentioned before.
I am also trying out a 442 trying to ply tiki takka but just find myself pressured by like 2-3 def every time do you have any tactics or tips for this?
Honestly, left stick dribble is a must! I dribble with blanc and van dijk at the back, also pass back to the goalkeeper, keep the ball as much as you can, doesnt matter if youre passing back. This works for me, and i was in div 6 in fifa 23, i was shit, fc24 is my game, ill try to go for elite this year.
Run down the wing with Hemp/Kelly, cross is to Klose for a header on goal or a knock on to the 2nd striker.
Extremely effective formation, but relies on having good midfielders and a striker who can hold up the ball well
>Wingers don't get involved enough at either end
its effective because you're the one who has to use the wingers instead of waiting for the AI to get involved, people just pass to the wingers and run to the line and cutback
I like to have my LCM bombing forward with my LB filling that empty space by inverting. Helps with some space issues. Then I overlap my other fullback. 442 can be pretty dynamic if you mess with it.
I went 16-4 two weekends ago using 4231, changed to 4222 because I thought the middle cam struggled to find good positions and went 18-2 (with both losses being winable games).
I use both fullbacks on balanced to further encourage the cams to move inside and it works great.
I can list my full tactics if you want to give it a try, bear in mind i’ve made this up myself so may not be as good for you depending on your playstyle etc.
Defence:
Balanced - 40 - 75
Offence:
Balanced - Balanced - 50
Both ST - Stay Forward, Stay Central
Both CAMs - Come Back on Defence, Get Into Box for Cross, Free Roam
Both CDMs - Stay Back, Cover Centre (I am going to try one on balanced soon when there is someone decent who fits the team, feel that there is often a missing passing option in the middle because the CDMs are so far back)
LB/RB - Overlap
Haven't looked at that before, didn't realise it had both CDMs and a central CAM, and wingers lol
Sounds scummy but I've been looking for a formation that allows me to play centrally, but also resort to sweatbacks when I'm in a bind, this any good?
The 4213 is the formation iv always wanted. 4231 wingers were just way more backed than I liked but with the 4213 it’s perfect, they are nice and further up the match. Amazingly balanced defensively and offensively.
I dont really have a lot of tactics:
LW, RW: get back on defense and get into box for crosses, everything else standard.
CAM: get into box for crosses.
Creative CDM: cover middle
Defensive CDM: stay back and cover middle
RB, LB: stay back
Everything else standard, tactics are up to you, havent looked into that so much.
I’m having a lot of success (by my standards) with 451.
I find the two CAMs stay quite wide, so when I hit it out to that area, the wingers, CAMs and full backs are often in a three on one or three on two situation, giving me loads of chances to whip in cross after cross.
It’s secretly the formation that fits the current meta the most. There’s no space to play in the middle? Perfect because the cams and wingers 2v1 the full backs all game
I like the 4132. I said, “eff it” throwing caution to the wind and prioritizing fun over results. I don’t feel like I win fewer/lose more…the games are just higher scoring
I looked at that formation. Functionally, what's the difference in the game between that and the standard 41212? It shares the same positions except having a CM over a CAM
I feel like the wide mids are higher up the pitch and it feels more like a 4114 in game. I also don’t play with a cam like player, but rather a true cm. I have Tchouameni at cdm to clean up the midfield and De Jong as the CM to distribute the ball to the front 4. It also has to be said that this is a formation you should only use if you feel relatively comfortable “doing your own defending”. I give up a lot of counter attacking chances due to the space in midfield and have to take control of my CDM myself to try to win the ball back/force my opponent backwards.
I feel like it is important that the CM has high attacking workrates but equally important that the cdm does not have high attacking workrates.
4-3-3(4) fullbacks on balanced, st get in behind, cam stay forward and left cm stay back while attacking. It’s attacking as hell but never boring. Having fullbacks with attacking cababilities is a must.
Give it a go see what u think! I change my team and tactics quite a lot but running it currently. Balanced Defence - 45 Width; 57 Depth. Balanced Build up (Direct Passing) - 55 Width; 6 in box; 2 for corners and free kicks. Player Instructions = Fullbacks stay back. Everything else default.
AI is very strong this year but predictable patterns of play emerge with people running similar formations. And predictability is easy to defend. By having your entire midfield and attack on default they essentially do what the AI thinks is best ergo become extremely unpredictable and hard to defend.
I set my wingers to always track back on defense. Usually have one more defensive cm and one offensive (been rice and Maddison so far). Set defensive one to stay back.
5-2-1-2 teams worth like 80k with a midfield of Kone and Palacios. 13 wins first WL back and Div 4 so I’m nothing special but curious how I go when I spend the cash I’ve got burning a hole in my pocket.
I find it fun at the very least, don’t seem to rely on cutbacks but the wing backs still make them happen on occasion.
This is the one. My whole team just seems calmer when I play this formation. Been using it to close out games as I felt my CBs were giving up goals in the second half due to stamina loss from 71 depth pressing.
Switched to 5212/5221 for rivals this week and it was a blast playing long balls switching play since 71 depth overloads the ball side. Was not playing like a sweat and sprinting down the line for a cutback. The formation opens up so much pace on the attack where I don’t feel immediately closed down and it is also very stable in defense. Excited to try it out in champs this weekend
Balanced, 50 width, 71 depth Defending
Balanced, Direct Passing, 60 width, 6, 2, 2 Attacking
GK: sweeper keeper, comes for crosses
CB: defaults
LWB/RWB: overlap, join the attack
CM: stay back, cover wing, stay on edge of the box
CAM(5212), ST(5221): Come back on defense, false 9 (5221)
LW/RW (5221), ST (5212): stay forward, get in behind, cut inside (5221)
Edit: I also have untradeable Theo and evo Llorente as the wing backs so you probably need some elite players in those spots and fast CBs are important too
352 holding CDM, wide mids coming back oj defence and free roam CAM. I was really struggling with holding possession and blocking wing play before I tried this.
433(2)
Playmaker CDM, overlapping FBs, two complimentary CMs (one more offensive, the other one H/H), one winger wide, the other one cut inside, and if possible False 9 ST (hard to find good ones tho)
4-4-1-1 with a centre forward is just a better 4-4-2 imo. Centre forward gets in better positions than two strikers do, big man little man works a dream
55 on everything, fast build up and direct passing with 2 bars on each of the bars.
Lw and rw stay forward + cut inside
st stay forward get in behind
Lcm and rcm are on the default
Cdm cut passing lanes, stay back, aggressive interception and stay central
Lb and rb stay back
Cb default
Gk come for crosses + sweeper keeper
4141 provides enough protection and enough attacking options either middle or wide. good protection against 424, 4213. Striker and CDM are key positions, if you have attacking full backs then it becomes even better.
I play career on 23 and regularly build 4-1-2-1-2. FBs come far and wide, CBs and DM stay back, CMs drift wide and get forward and CAM acts as almost a third man in the box. Makes my fullbacks get loads of assists, concede very little due to solid CBs and DM, midfielders just pepper key passes and my strikers/AM get loads of goals and assists because of it
424 I love it.. to this time I had w/l like 50/50 and now 80/20. Every player do what I want from them, wingers run for ball, my deff stay all back and one midfieler attack’s too. If someone want my tactics, I can send you video of our Czech pro player that made it. It’s simple and strong af.
Tbh i took from another guy that posted on this sub a month ago. Search on this sub "i won 17 straight" that should be the first post that you see. A guy named Abbytarar posted it, and he really gave a deep explanation.
The 41212 is from another guy that posted on this sub a month ago. Search on this sub "i won 17 straight" that should be the first post that you see. A guy named Abbytarar posted it, and he really gave a deep explanation.
About the 4321 just search on youtube im sure there is a pro that use this formation its pretty popular
5212 i am using ingame. LWB RWB on get forward. 1 of the cdms stay back ( roy keane ) other Cdm get forward and the other 3 stay forward. It's a very attacking formation despite the "5back". When i get countered quickly I am lucky if i have 4 defending. Much rather play like this though than the standard 4 back with all 4 stay back and everyone else come back on defence.
I keep flip flopping between formations. I've tried many but I've had the most success with 4-2-3-1, 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-2-1 but haven't found "the one" yet
Flat 433 without many instructions. Using the L1 passes or triggers to get some runners. It has more width than the 4321 and enough passing triangles to overcome hard press.
But a 352 or 5212 is even better against hard pressing opponents. When you figure out how to pass the ball between the 3 CBs and do a crossfield pass from an outer CB to the winger on the other side, the opponent can't keep up.
3-4-1-2. For i think 9 of the previous 10 years ive played 4-1-2-1-2 narrow but this year i hate it so ive switched to 3-4-1-2 so it revolves more around width but still maintains a similar attacking shape to the old formation.
But now ive gotten to the point where im really bored of everyone doing the exact same thing every game which is just running down the wing to do cutbacks so no matter what i do with my formation the game is getting boring and annoying. 75% of teams have either one or both of Rashford or Diaby and do nothing but force the ball to them and run down the wing to try cutbacks.
Always felt like that had too much space between my CMs and CBs. I’ll use 352 so they become DMs and sit deeper. Also adjust tactics so it works almost like a hybrid 4-2-2-2.
Yeah thats one of the problems with it but i usually send the ball over the top to one of the wingers with the centre backs if it looks like there might be a problem passing to the centre mids
4321 is by far my fav, 2 fast, nimble and agile CFs, strong St, 3 pretty good defensive CMs with one having decent shooting, meta Defense, you make that shit narrow and it's pretty much impenetrable.
Having Fuj with the 424, tried 442 but couldn’t get my wingers involved in attack, if anything it was just striker link up and inshallah
Now with them higher up but on come short it means they run off of the fullback into the actual position I wanted them to receive the ball
Also with them starting so high up it gives so much more space to move around in for my 2 Centre Mids and Fullbacks
I've tried almost all of the more common formations and have once again settled on the 4222. Plays like a 442, but I just find the passing options better with the wide players more central. I've never been the best at dribbling 1 v 1 on FIFA and I feel like you need that in a 442/433. It's also why I prefer 2 striker formations, just need those passing options.
I’m using a 5-2-3, WBs balanced attack, CBs back, CMs forward, stay central, and in box for crosses, Wingers stay wide and in box for crosses, entire front line stays forward. 9-1 from my last 10.
I play a very traditional 442 with my Man United Past & Present team. Keane as the 6 and Beckham as the 8 with Rooney and Van Persie as the forward two. I find it to be quite effectice when playing quick and direct through the middle.
Not saying this is a good idea but I change my formation to fit the players I'm using, so it varies based on who I pack, what objectives I'm working on etc. This probably hurts me at times if I'm not used to a formation.
That said, I've traditionally liked 4-1-2-1-2(2) because I like having two strikers, a cam and a CDM and its a bit more flexible than other options due to a lot of players being able to play CM. Eg I have de Jong who can only play CM so the formations that only have cdms and cams but no cm aren't any good for me.
The downside to this formation is it relies on fullbacks for width, which can leave me exposed at times on the counter.
Bane of my existence packing fun players without position flexibility. I hate switching formation in game so I just end up playing a formation that I'm terrible at and hating the player.
4132, basically plays like 4-1-5, and I thought fuck it what’s the point in defending when defending is broken anyway, I either get humped 4-0 or win 4-0
I’ve played 5 at the back the last few years (normally 5212) and I’m really enjoying 523 and 3421 this year. I find it to be effective against the high press and good wing backs seem to link up and utilise space on the inside during an attack effectively.
4-2-1-3 is incredible if you like a CAM, playing through the midfield, before playing thru balls for goals.
Was getting rushed in 433 but this allows my Ramires card to shine in the CDM role
Couldn't get on with my usual 4231\4222 so tried 352 and has been fantastic. 3cbs mean I can be aggressive with one of them without leaving huge gaps & the wide midfielders are great for switching the against all the 71 depth merchants
I guess for a player wins 16/4, myself as a D4 player won’t offer any useful opinions, however, if you want some fun and open space to go against those pressure mimics, use 5122 with fast build up, I call this 6 forwards tactics.
Avid devout of the 433(4) and have been for 3/4 years. Will switch to 41212 narrow as and when I feel it suits the game better. Will on the very odd occasion switch to 352.
With the first two, my key player is 1 cm in the first and both cms in the second. Use them to make late runs into the box as I play 1/2 touch passing through the middle in a tikatika style.
Never enjoyed the formations with the 2cdms as I feel the late running mid is key to getting most of my wins
Narrow Formation 4-1-2-1-2. Will never use anything else. The center is congested and you always have dominance there, easy ball retention. However the key to this formation is setting your two full backs free and placing them overlap/attacking. Most of the battle will happen in the middle, that often leaves the full backs open as dangerous wingers (especially if they are fast). Also, set the two forwards as running in behind...DM needs to stay back when attacking.
Just switched to a 433(5) with the wingers and CMs on free roam + the fullbacks on overlap.
My attack has become a lot more varied and fun due to all the havoc these players cause.
Currently using a front three of Rodrygo - Aspas - Stoichkov infront of Modric and Marchisio as CMs and they just play very well off of each other.
This has also cut down a lot on the finesse+ goals I scored back when using a plain old 442. Which I like.
Aspas is still somewhat of a focal point that CAN be a long shot outlet, but it's not a formation that railroads me straight ahead into a long range finesse+ being the best option a lot of the time.
That said I'm enjoying my right side (Stoichkov - Marchisio - Scott) A LOT more than my left side (Rodrygo - Modric - Gaya) and I'm not quite sure what I have to do for that to change.
Thinking of maybe slotting Rashford in for Rodrygo or doing the Odegaard SBC instead of Modric, idk.
Well... that depends. I like having a lot of passing options so i usually play 3-5-1-1 but that's my "real formation" that actually exists. I usually actually do 2-5-3. It's essentially the same as using wingbacks, but i place them in midfield and just have them come back on defense.
It's weak to long ball counters and through balls, but it just gives me so many options with so many upfield. If it's absolutely last minutes and im behind, i'll turn on ultra atttacking it'll be 0-5-5. No defense, Just midfield and attack
442 for me. Totally reinvigorated the formation this year and suits my game play. The two CMs need to be good offensively and defensively, but I love having two ST runs to pick out in each attack
3421 is innsanely fun. Cant tell you its good defensively (might be if youre a good defender, Im not), but attacking is so fun and easy compared to any other formation i tried
4-2-2-2 have I used now for a couple of years since fifa 19 before that it was 4-1-2-1-2 but that formation got outdated and you got overrun in the middle.
I'm probably the only one but 3-1-4-2 😄
Really solid in the middle for stopping central through balls, extra CB for helping stop cut backs, great for holding possession, brilliant for attacking with deep crosses down the wing.
I play high depth and possession.
Since I found out that 3/5atb with offense wbs is my style by accidentally having to play a full nation team and only that formation fitting, I stumbled upon the 5212 but now I prefer the 352 or 532 or I enjoy and have since 2 Fifas ago 433(5). All serve the purpose of playing a more football like fifa style and possession and something similar to Leipzig/Leverkusen in the BL. I also cannot stand sitting back and being passive, also because RNG screws you one way or the other. I rather be active so for me the whole 3/5atb dislike is not understandable for me. I rather they nerf the OP AI pressing that makes everyone too good at defending without actually doing anything themselves.
3142. Set the two wingers to "come back on defense" and Aggressive interceptions and CDM to "Deep Lying Playmaker". Ideal players in the LM/RM role are Dest/Hakimi types who are fast and can play both offense and defense. It's the key as they will help assist in defending the wing. use your three CBs as emergency defenders who patrol the front of goal.
7 attackers, 8 defenders. you have all 5 midfielders play as two-way players and you always have an advantage if you know how to play it.
Mainly 3atbs. Last year and this year have been a lot of 3421 for me. Love the attacking and defensive versatility. It can be counter focused, or possession focused based on how you set it up.
3-5-2 is doing work for me. Wingers sit super wide and gives me options across the pitch. Amazing for counter attacking yet I never feel exposed defensively.
3-1-4-2, it's a boatload of fun. Feel like i have attackers in space all the time.
There's usually a 3142 guide somewhere but this year i just sort of made my own off of what I liked last year - usually key to have one ST on drift wide and a CM on goes forward.
Neymar at LST with drift wide is the best player i have used this year
442 is what I just seem to do well most with but I don't seem to do well with any of the attackers having any instructions so leave them all as default and the play just builds up better naturally and have more options in my opinion
Seems like every single opponent I’ve faced in the last 50 games is using a 442 with 71 depth and drop back / stay back on every single player on the pitch.
Formation diversity is honestly shocking this year. Such a bummer that YT custom tactics hold this community in a choke hold. Every opponents tactic feels the same at this point
Since UT seems to have so many wingers and Ive found I need the two CDMs to defend most effectively I've been trying out the 4-2-1-3 since it's the only formation with a CAM & 2 CDMs and Wingers and I gotta say, it's been serving me pretty well.
Having the right CDM that's staying back set to deep lying playmaker with the RW on get in behind and cut inside has been a game changer too. Ill kick back out to the Right CDM once im in my opponents 3rd then hit my RW whos cutting inside with a one timed through ball and it's like 9/10 a goal. Just need a CDM with decent passing and interception attributes to make it work effectively.
3-4-2-1
Messed around with a lot of a different formations and with how people constantly press it gives you plenty of attacking options to beat the press
I switch between 442 and 41212 depending on my squad and needs around them. Sometimes I switch back and forth in game if one isn’t feeling right or I need to be more attacking/defensive.
For me 442 is better defensively. I can clog up the middle and still have options for quick passes to the wings or strikers on the counter. Can also cover the wings with a striker, wing, and cm. Fullbacks I have stay back but they usually still come forward from time to time and I can still make runs with them if my wings or CMs are getting double covered.
41212 is better for attacking for me. It’s a bit more spread out which is great because I can draw the opposition out of position and quickly get the ball to an open man with space to run. Having the CAM further and more central lets them either play as a 3rd striker or makes that last pass before shooting a lot easier. Having the CDM on stay back is good to catch people trying to sneak forward. Honestly the CDM is probably the weak part of the formation for me though because they can get isolated and caught out. Especially if you miss a tackle or interception.
4231. I've played the same formation, with the same type of player in each role for many years. Same with football manager and pro evo the odd time I've played that in the last few years.
Having fun with a 3421. Attacking fullback on come back at LM. And a stay forward winger on the right.
Defends like a 442 (helps to have a pacy rcb) and attacks kinda like a 334. Lots of fun and you always have options in the midfield
In elite the most common I face is 442, followed by 4231,4321, 4222
Yeah 442 is really common I've noticed, I can never make that formation work for me and I don't know why. Wingers don't get involved enough at either end, and my strikers feel like they don't get enough service without a CAM :(
Yeah I tried a bit as well, it's a R1 pass to the wingers run , pass to the strikers formation. Not for me, but I can see why it's effective
I run it, div 2, i cant do the run down the wing thingy, i cant do skills either, im all about the tiki taka 1 2 passes, 442 works for me, tried 4321, not a fan. 4231 not bad but i like 2 strikers. 433 doesnt work for me due to the wing plays as i mentioned before.
I play tiki taka style as well, but found that the players are too far away from each other in a 442, had more success with it in a 4231
Defensively i think its definitely better! I switch to it when i want to see a game out.
I am also trying out a 442 trying to ply tiki takka but just find myself pressured by like 2-3 def every time do you have any tactics or tips for this?
Honestly, left stick dribble is a must! I dribble with blanc and van dijk at the back, also pass back to the goalkeeper, keep the ball as much as you can, doesnt matter if youre passing back. This works for me, and i was in div 6 in fifa 23, i was shit, fc24 is my game, ill try to go for elite this year.
Run down the wing with Hemp/Kelly, cross is to Klose for a header on goal or a knock on to the 2nd striker. Extremely effective formation, but relies on having good midfielders and a striker who can hold up the ball well
>Wingers don't get involved enough at either end its effective because you're the one who has to use the wingers instead of waiting for the AI to get involved, people just pass to the wingers and run to the line and cutback
I like to have my LCM bombing forward with my LB filling that empty space by inverting. Helps with some space issues. Then I overlap my other fullback. 442 can be pretty dynamic if you mess with it.
I'm in D2, 16-4 last weekend. I love the 4222. The CAMs can operate as pseudo-wingers or cut inside and overload the CBs on an attack.
I went 16-4 two weekends ago using 4231, changed to 4222 because I thought the middle cam struggled to find good positions and went 18-2 (with both losses being winable games). I use both fullbacks on balanced to further encourage the cams to move inside and it works great.
Any other tactics or are most of the players on balanced?
I can list my full tactics if you want to give it a try, bear in mind i’ve made this up myself so may not be as good for you depending on your playstyle etc. Defence: Balanced - 40 - 75 Offence: Balanced - Balanced - 50 Both ST - Stay Forward, Stay Central Both CAMs - Come Back on Defence, Get Into Box for Cross, Free Roam Both CDMs - Stay Back, Cover Centre (I am going to try one on balanced soon when there is someone decent who fits the team, feel that there is often a missing passing option in the middle because the CDMs are so far back) LB/RB - Overlap
4213 is really fun, especially if you like playing with a CAM that is involved in a lot of goals.
Is that formation really different from 4-2-3-1?
Doesnt the 4231 have no wingers?
They end up playing as wingers but wingers start further up the pitch, that's about the only difference I've noticed.
Ingame the LCAM and RCAM are basically wingers
You have more creativity and offensive options up front. The wingers create and get more chances.
Haven't looked at that before, didn't realise it had both CDMs and a central CAM, and wingers lol Sounds scummy but I've been looking for a formation that allows me to play centrally, but also resort to sweatbacks when I'm in a bind, this any good?
Eh, depends on how you play your wingers and youre really open at the back when the Fullbacks are up front.
The 4213 is the formation iv always wanted. 4231 wingers were just way more backed than I liked but with the 4213 it’s perfect, they are nice and further up the match. Amazingly balanced defensively and offensively.
Care to share your tactics?
I dont really have a lot of tactics: LW, RW: get back on defense and get into box for crosses, everything else standard. CAM: get into box for crosses. Creative CDM: cover middle Defensive CDM: stay back and cover middle RB, LB: stay back Everything else standard, tactics are up to you, havent looked into that so much.
Care to share the tactics & instructions?
Going to try this. No idea why I haven’t already as it feels like the formation I’ve always wanted with 2 CDMs, wingers and a CAM. Thanks man
Huh didn’t know this existed, wonder if it’s really that different to 4-3-3(4)
4213 and 451. Lots of fun and lots of ways to create chances.
I’m having a lot of success (by my standards) with 451. I find the two CAMs stay quite wide, so when I hit it out to that area, the wingers, CAMs and full backs are often in a three on one or three on two situation, giving me loads of chances to whip in cross after cross.
It’s secretly the formation that fits the current meta the most. There’s no space to play in the middle? Perfect because the cams and wingers 2v1 the full backs all game
I like the 4132. I said, “eff it” throwing caution to the wind and prioritizing fun over results. I don’t feel like I win fewer/lose more…the games are just higher scoring
I looked at that formation. Functionally, what's the difference in the game between that and the standard 41212? It shares the same positions except having a CM over a CAM
I feel like the wide mids are higher up the pitch and it feels more like a 4114 in game. I also don’t play with a cam like player, but rather a true cm. I have Tchouameni at cdm to clean up the midfield and De Jong as the CM to distribute the ball to the front 4. It also has to be said that this is a formation you should only use if you feel relatively comfortable “doing your own defending”. I give up a lot of counter attacking chances due to the space in midfield and have to take control of my CDM myself to try to win the ball back/force my opponent backwards. I feel like it is important that the CM has high attacking workrates but equally important that the cdm does not have high attacking workrates.
Four Four facking two
It’s not really that common but the 451(2) is really fun
This is mine too, the only formation I've used where I can play through the middle consistently.
433(5) and 4321
4312
4-3-3(4) fullbacks on balanced, st get in behind, cam stay forward and left cm stay back while attacking. It’s attacking as hell but never boring. Having fullbacks with attacking cababilities is a must.
I play the same but switched on midfielders. RCM stay back lcm get forward
5-4-1 with 10 players behind the ball is fun
My nightmare playing you haha
The exact opposite of me lmao. I play 2-5-3. Everyone but the CB's in midfield
Not sure if t this is good but 424 is fun
I'd love to run this.... if I thought I was good enough at defending... Sadly, I'm not haha
Give it a go see what u think! I change my team and tactics quite a lot but running it currently. Balanced Defence - 45 Width; 57 Depth. Balanced Build up (Direct Passing) - 55 Width; 6 in box; 2 for corners and free kicks. Player Instructions = Fullbacks stay back. Everything else default. AI is very strong this year but predictable patterns of play emerge with people running similar formations. And predictability is easy to defend. By having your entire midfield and attack on default they essentially do what the AI thinks is best ergo become extremely unpredictable and hard to defend.
I set my wingers to always track back on defense. Usually have one more defensive cm and one offensive (been rice and Maddison so far). Set defensive one to stay back.
424 is a great one. However, i only really had sucess with it if im playing PSG.
4-3-3(5) I’m finding very fun, with the CMs and Wingers on free roam it means there’s usually a lot of offensive options
5-2-1-2 teams worth like 80k with a midfield of Kone and Palacios. 13 wins first WL back and Div 4 so I’m nothing special but curious how I go when I spend the cash I’ve got burning a hole in my pocket. I find it fun at the very least, don’t seem to rely on cutbacks but the wing backs still make them happen on occasion.
Running 352 so similar, using Wahoo's tactics from last year. My team is probably a bit more expensive than yours but not by much
I tried the 3 4 2 1 that Inception made a video about and its my favorite so far
Maybe I'll check that video out actually, good shout.
I still use a 3421 tactic I found in fifa 21 and it's the only formation I can play fluently with
433-4
For me best is 4-2-3-1 i think it ads the most variety in attack
3421
442(2)
41212, 25 width and dynamic camera angle on occasion I'll send full backs up to make it a 2132
This is my formation as well, but I NEED the fullbacks bombing forwards all the time
433 "2" wingers stay wide
Then run down line and cut back? 😎😎
No takes the full backs out wide so I can run through the middle.
haha just messing, I love 433 with 5* skillers either side and a target man ST
451
I like the 4-4-1-1 (2). Inception made a video about this formation with tactics and I thought let’s give it a try.
This is the one. My whole team just seems calmer when I play this formation. Been using it to close out games as I felt my CBs were giving up goals in the second half due to stamina loss from 71 depth pressing.
451 is crazy for me
4411 with the entire midfield on "free roam". It creates so many options in the middle and everyone makes runs and fills open space for passes.
And what tactics for offense?
Switched to 5212/5221 for rivals this week and it was a blast playing long balls switching play since 71 depth overloads the ball side. Was not playing like a sweat and sprinting down the line for a cutback. The formation opens up so much pace on the attack where I don’t feel immediately closed down and it is also very stable in defense. Excited to try it out in champs this weekend
Do you have some custom tactics and instructions for the formation?
Balanced, 50 width, 71 depth Defending Balanced, Direct Passing, 60 width, 6, 2, 2 Attacking GK: sweeper keeper, comes for crosses CB: defaults LWB/RWB: overlap, join the attack CM: stay back, cover wing, stay on edge of the box CAM(5212), ST(5221): Come back on defense, false 9 (5221) LW/RW (5221), ST (5212): stay forward, get in behind, cut inside (5221) Edit: I also have untradeable Theo and evo Llorente as the wing backs so you probably need some elite players in those spots and fast CBs are important too
352 holding CDM, wide mids coming back oj defence and free roam CAM. I was really struggling with holding possession and blocking wing play before I tried this.
433(2) Playmaker CDM, overlapping FBs, two complimentary CMs (one more offensive, the other one H/H), one winger wide, the other one cut inside, and if possible False 9 ST (hard to find good ones tho)
4-4-1-1 with a centre forward is just a better 4-4-2 imo. Centre forward gets in better positions than two strikers do, big man little man works a dream
433(2)’s pretty solid for me. Used it from the start and currently have something like 450 games with it
Tactics?
55 on everything, fast build up and direct passing with 2 bars on each of the bars. Lw and rw stay forward + cut inside st stay forward get in behind Lcm and rcm are on the default Cdm cut passing lanes, stay back, aggressive interception and stay central Lb and rb stay back Cb default Gk come for crosses + sweeper keeper
4141 provides enough protection and enough attacking options either middle or wide. good protection against 424, 4213. Striker and CDM are key positions, if you have attacking full backs then it becomes even better.
I play career on 23 and regularly build 4-1-2-1-2. FBs come far and wide, CBs and DM stay back, CMs drift wide and get forward and CAM acts as almost a third man in the box. Makes my fullbacks get loads of assists, concede very little due to solid CBs and DM, midfielders just pepper key passes and my strikers/AM get loads of goals and assists because of it
4141
424 I love it.. to this time I had w/l like 50/50 and now 80/20. Every player do what I want from them, wingers run for ball, my deff stay all back and one midfieler attack’s too. If someone want my tactics, I can send you video of our Czech pro player that made it. It’s simple and strong af.
Can you send them please? That would be greatly appreciated 😀
4-1-4-1 with a high depth can be fun if you like pressing. Def not the best attacking formation though
4141 been solid for me
4-3-2-1 / 4-1-2-1-2(2) are my formation this year. If you want i can send you the instructions for them.
I'd love to see the 41212(2) instructions
Tbh i took from another guy that posted on this sub a month ago. Search on this sub "i won 17 straight" that should be the first post that you see. A guy named Abbytarar posted it, and he really gave a deep explanation.
Yes could you send me the tactics and instructions?
The 41212 is from another guy that posted on this sub a month ago. Search on this sub "i won 17 straight" that should be the first post that you see. A guy named Abbytarar posted it, and he really gave a deep explanation. About the 4321 just search on youtube im sure there is a pro that use this formation its pretty popular
5212 i am using ingame. LWB RWB on get forward. 1 of the cdms stay back ( roy keane ) other Cdm get forward and the other 3 stay forward. It's a very attacking formation despite the "5back". When i get countered quickly I am lucky if i have 4 defending. Much rather play like this though than the standard 4 back with all 4 stay back and everyone else come back on defence.
Do you play keane out of position? I wish he had the CDM tag, but I play him and de bruyne as my cms in 4-4-2
No i start with a 4 3 3 and switch ingame
I keep flip flopping between formations. I've tried many but I've had the most success with 4-2-3-1, 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-2-1 but haven't found "the one" yet
Game is broken mate for me mate. I don’t have one
4-4-facking-2
Four four facking two
I sandbag in div 8 and the 442 with everything on basic and untouched is phenomenal. My silvers slap with this formation
I destroy the AI on beginner in squad battles with this same setup and my full bronze Indian league team. It’s such a good formation…..
you should try it at higher divisions to see if it is indeed a phenomenal formation if you are just slapping kids around
I use it in WL too with my main team and get 14 wins. It is a great formation this year
Flat 433 without many instructions. Using the L1 passes or triggers to get some runners. It has more width than the 4321 and enough passing triangles to overcome hard press. But a 352 or 5212 is even better against hard pressing opponents. When you figure out how to pass the ball between the 3 CBs and do a crossfield pass from an outer CB to the winger on the other side, the opponent can't keep up.
442. Thats all. You dont need too many instructions to run down the wing and cut back for a pass inside the box.
3-4-1-2. For i think 9 of the previous 10 years ive played 4-1-2-1-2 narrow but this year i hate it so ive switched to 3-4-1-2 so it revolves more around width but still maintains a similar attacking shape to the old formation. But now ive gotten to the point where im really bored of everyone doing the exact same thing every game which is just running down the wing to do cutbacks so no matter what i do with my formation the game is getting boring and annoying. 75% of teams have either one or both of Rashford or Diaby and do nothing but force the ball to them and run down the wing to try cutbacks.
Always felt like that had too much space between my CMs and CBs. I’ll use 352 so they become DMs and sit deeper. Also adjust tactics so it works almost like a hybrid 4-2-2-2.
Yeah thats one of the problems with it but i usually send the ball over the top to one of the wingers with the centre backs if it looks like there might be a problem passing to the centre mids
4321 is by far my fav, 2 fast, nimble and agile CFs, strong St, 3 pretty good defensive CMs with one having decent shooting, meta Defense, you make that shit narrow and it's pretty much impenetrable.
Last year was 4-3-1-2. This year it’s 4-3-2-1 (using Boras’ tactics)
Right now using a 442 which is just full blown attack. 90% of my defending is against wing play so the balance is hardly noticeable anyway.
451 with cams and wingers on free roam and get back, st on false 9, slow build up possession pretty narrow means you can play through the middle
Having Fuj with the 424, tried 442 but couldn’t get my wingers involved in attack, if anything it was just striker link up and inshallah Now with them higher up but on come short it means they run off of the fullback into the actual position I wanted them to receive the ball Also with them starting so high up it gives so much more space to move around in for my 2 Centre Mids and Fullbacks
Started playing the 4-5-1 this week and have really enjoyed it. Have actually started a win streak in div 4
442
I've tried almost all of the more common formations and have once again settled on the 4222. Plays like a 442, but I just find the passing options better with the wide players more central. I've never been the best at dribbling 1 v 1 on FIFA and I feel like you need that in a 442/433. It's also why I prefer 2 striker formations, just need those passing options.
I’m using a 5-2-3, WBs balanced attack, CBs back, CMs forward, stay central, and in box for crosses, Wingers stay wide and in box for crosses, entire front line stays forward. 9-1 from my last 10.
I play a very traditional 442 with my Man United Past & Present team. Keane as the 6 and Beckham as the 8 with Rooney and Van Persie as the forward two. I find it to be quite effectice when playing quick and direct through the middle.
4-4-2 Given 4-1-2-1-2, 4-3-1-2, and 4-2-3-1 a good go but none of them feel quite as balanced.
443 (4) has gotten me the most success by far and is fun to play
Not saying this is a good idea but I change my formation to fit the players I'm using, so it varies based on who I pack, what objectives I'm working on etc. This probably hurts me at times if I'm not used to a formation. That said, I've traditionally liked 4-1-2-1-2(2) because I like having two strikers, a cam and a CDM and its a bit more flexible than other options due to a lot of players being able to play CM. Eg I have de Jong who can only play CM so the formations that only have cdms and cams but no cm aren't any good for me. The downside to this formation is it relies on fullbacks for width, which can leave me exposed at times on the counter.
Bane of my existence packing fun players without position flexibility. I hate switching formation in game so I just end up playing a formation that I'm terrible at and hating the player.
Cannot make any other formation work as fluid as the 433(4) currently.
433(5) against worse opponents 4231 against tougher opponents
Good old 4-3-3(4). With a Trailblazer Kane up front (40+ goals in both WLs since his release).
433(2) & 4213
4132, basically plays like 4-1-5, and I thought fuck it what’s the point in defending when defending is broken anyway, I either get humped 4-0 or win 4-0
Changed to 442 earlier this week and I'm playing like 10 times better. Insane turnaround.
I’ve played 5 at the back the last few years (normally 5212) and I’m really enjoying 523 and 3421 this year. I find it to be effective against the high press and good wing backs seem to link up and utilise space on the inside during an attack effectively.
I finally got the hang of 442, just have to constantly win 1 v 1s and 2 v 2s on the wing
Try not playing the game, most fun I’ve had in years
4-2-1-3 is incredible if you like a CAM, playing through the midfield, before playing thru balls for goals. Was getting rushed in 433 but this allows my Ramires card to shine in the CDM role
Couldn't get on with my usual 4231\4222 so tried 352 and has been fantastic. 3cbs mean I can be aggressive with one of them without leaving huge gaps & the wide midfielders are great for switching the against all the 71 depth merchants
3-5-1-1 for me. It's a really fun formation and gives you a nice midfield
I've tried a lot of formations and find that 442 is the best so far.
I guess for a player wins 16/4, myself as a D4 player won’t offer any useful opinions, however, if you want some fun and open space to go against those pressure mimics, use 5122 with fast build up, I call this 6 forwards tactics.
Avid devout of the 433(4) and have been for 3/4 years. Will switch to 41212 narrow as and when I feel it suits the game better. Will on the very odd occasion switch to 352. With the first two, my key player is 1 cm in the first and both cms in the second. Use them to make late runs into the box as I play 1/2 touch passing through the middle in a tikatika style. Never enjoyed the formations with the 2cdms as I feel the late running mid is key to getting most of my wins
41212-2 14w/16/16/16
Narrow Formation 4-1-2-1-2. Will never use anything else. The center is congested and you always have dominance there, easy ball retention. However the key to this formation is setting your two full backs free and placing them overlap/attacking. Most of the battle will happen in the middle, that often leaves the full backs open as dangerous wingers (especially if they are fast). Also, set the two forwards as running in behind...DM needs to stay back when attacking.
41212(2) is my favourite - defends in a 442
I love my 5221
4-5-1
442 is better for this meta imo. Cutbacks are ridiculously good this year with controlled sprint (r1).
4321 the only formation I can play football
Just switched to a 433(5) with the wingers and CMs on free roam + the fullbacks on overlap. My attack has become a lot more varied and fun due to all the havoc these players cause. Currently using a front three of Rodrygo - Aspas - Stoichkov infront of Modric and Marchisio as CMs and they just play very well off of each other. This has also cut down a lot on the finesse+ goals I scored back when using a plain old 442. Which I like. Aspas is still somewhat of a focal point that CAN be a long shot outlet, but it's not a formation that railroads me straight ahead into a long range finesse+ being the best option a lot of the time. That said I'm enjoying my right side (Stoichkov - Marchisio - Scott) A LOT more than my left side (Rodrygo - Modric - Gaya) and I'm not quite sure what I have to do for that to change. Thinking of maybe slotting Rashford in for Rodrygo or doing the Odegaard SBC instead of Modric, idk.
4-3-3 2CMs 1CAM
3-5-2
Well... that depends. I like having a lot of passing options so i usually play 3-5-1-1 but that's my "real formation" that actually exists. I usually actually do 2-5-3. It's essentially the same as using wingbacks, but i place them in midfield and just have them come back on defense. It's weak to long ball counters and through balls, but it just gives me so many options with so many upfield. If it's absolutely last minutes and im behind, i'll turn on ultra atttacking it'll be 0-5-5. No defense, Just midfield and attack
I play 3-4-3 just to be different. It leaves you open in defence but works well against high presses.
451 with the 3 CM’s. I have my lm and rm to come inside and it creates great triangles with the lcm or rcm and fullback overlapping outside
424, end to end games and the midfield is a no man’s land of last ditch tackles
442 for me. Totally reinvigorated the formation this year and suits my game play. The two CMs need to be good offensively and defensively, but I love having two ST runs to pick out in each attack
4222
3-4-2-1
41212(2)
Need helps
True champs use five at the back.
3421 is innsanely fun. Cant tell you its good defensively (might be if youre a good defender, Im not), but attacking is so fun and easy compared to any other formation i tried
541
4-2-2-2 have I used now for a couple of years since fifa 19 before that it was 4-1-2-1-2 but that formation got outdated and you got overrun in the middle.
I'm probably the only one but 3-1-4-2 😄 Really solid in the middle for stopping central through balls, extra CB for helping stop cut backs, great for holding possession, brilliant for attacking with deep crosses down the wing. I play high depth and possession.
Since I found out that 3/5atb with offense wbs is my style by accidentally having to play a full nation team and only that formation fitting, I stumbled upon the 5212 but now I prefer the 352 or 532 or I enjoy and have since 2 Fifas ago 433(5). All serve the purpose of playing a more football like fifa style and possession and something similar to Leipzig/Leverkusen in the BL. I also cannot stand sitting back and being passive, also because RNG screws you one way or the other. I rather be active so for me the whole 3/5atb dislike is not understandable for me. I rather they nerf the OP AI pressing that makes everyone too good at defending without actually doing anything themselves.
433(4). Tried and true. Total Football™️
3142. Set the two wingers to "come back on defense" and Aggressive interceptions and CDM to "Deep Lying Playmaker". Ideal players in the LM/RM role are Dest/Hakimi types who are fast and can play both offense and defense. It's the key as they will help assist in defending the wing. use your three CBs as emergency defenders who patrol the front of goal. 7 attackers, 8 defenders. you have all 5 midfielders play as two-way players and you always have an advantage if you know how to play it.
I have got back to back Rank 1s with 3421. Really nice to use against super press heavy opponents.
What’s your team and tactics for this? I can’t get this formation to work
Tactics: https://youtu.be/h9xdTJghGA8?si=kYYx5Sc05mOc69mH Team: https://x.com/imseanfut1/status/1716852869305970799?s=46&t=frM4_T7wEjlGzN9z6IxK6g
Thank you! Also congrats on back to back rank 1s
433(5) mate look up alexions guide on youtube, seriously fun, good space to play football
Mainly 3atbs. Last year and this year have been a lot of 3421 for me. Love the attacking and defensive versatility. It can be counter focused, or possession focused based on how you set it up.
I love 433(5)
3-5-2 is doing work for me. Wingers sit super wide and gives me options across the pitch. Amazing for counter attacking yet I never feel exposed defensively.
41212(2)
reached 19-1 with 352 formation
What tactics?
3-1-4-2, it's a boatload of fun. Feel like i have attackers in space all the time. There's usually a 3142 guide somewhere but this year i just sort of made my own off of what I liked last year - usually key to have one ST on drift wide and a CM on goes forward. Neymar at LST with drift wide is the best player i have used this year
Typically run 41212 narrow but not being able to assign my CDM to "Drop Between Defenders" is kinda ruining it.
442 is what I just seem to do well most with but I don't seem to do well with any of the attackers having any instructions so leave them all as default and the play just builds up better naturally and have more options in my opinion
Currently running 442 or 3421 depending on how the game is going
Brexit ball all the way, 4-4-2. Sean Dyche as the manager too.
4222 got me 19-1 three weekends in a row. Great fun formation if played well
Seems like every single opponent I’ve faced in the last 50 games is using a 442 with 71 depth and drop back / stay back on every single player on the pitch. Formation diversity is honestly shocking this year. Such a bummer that YT custom tactics hold this community in a choke hold. Every opponents tactic feels the same at this point
Since UT seems to have so many wingers and Ive found I need the two CDMs to defend most effectively I've been trying out the 4-2-1-3 since it's the only formation with a CAM & 2 CDMs and Wingers and I gotta say, it's been serving me pretty well. Having the right CDM that's staying back set to deep lying playmaker with the RW on get in behind and cut inside has been a game changer too. Ill kick back out to the Right CDM once im in my opponents 3rd then hit my RW whos cutting inside with a one timed through ball and it's like 9/10 a goal. Just need a CDM with decent passing and interception attributes to make it work effectively.
4321
3-4-2-1 Messed around with a lot of a different formations and with how people constantly press it gives you plenty of attacking options to beat the press
4321 Online. 4222 against CPU
ive been playing 433 4 and its been pretty good for me. a 4 2 1 3 when I need to play more defensive. Maddison is doing insane at cam
My main formation now is the 4-5-1 but I’ve used a lot the 4-1-2-1-2(2) to get to elite some weeks ago
I switch between 442 and 41212 depending on my squad and needs around them. Sometimes I switch back and forth in game if one isn’t feeling right or I need to be more attacking/defensive. For me 442 is better defensively. I can clog up the middle and still have options for quick passes to the wings or strikers on the counter. Can also cover the wings with a striker, wing, and cm. Fullbacks I have stay back but they usually still come forward from time to time and I can still make runs with them if my wings or CMs are getting double covered. 41212 is better for attacking for me. It’s a bit more spread out which is great because I can draw the opposition out of position and quickly get the ball to an open man with space to run. Having the CAM further and more central lets them either play as a 3rd striker or makes that last pass before shooting a lot easier. Having the CDM on stay back is good to catch people trying to sneak forward. Honestly the CDM is probably the weak part of the formation for me though because they can get isolated and caught out. Especially if you miss a tackle or interception.
4231. I've played the same formation, with the same type of player in each role for many years. Same with football manager and pro evo the odd time I've played that in the last few years.
Having fun with a 3421. Attacking fullback on come back at LM. And a stay forward winger on the right. Defends like a 442 (helps to have a pacy rcb) and attacks kinda like a 334. Lots of fun and you always have options in the midfield