Best FIFA 21 formation 4-2-3-1

The number one formation on FIFA 21 is 4-2-3-1 in our opinion. Over the past years we have preferred 4-2-2-2 with strikers but with our new team set up and tactics 4-2-3-1 is perfect. It maximises the players abilities and strengths. Gives lots of attacking options with narrow or wide tactics. Changing between them can change how strong the defence and attacks are. Without moving players out of position during transition. We have found this important in FIFA 21.

Advantages: Extremely strong defensively if have good powerful CDMs, Lots of attacking options with central CAM key player. Switch between attacking and defensive tactic of formation so players quickly organise.

Disadvantages: Lack of 2 strikers is the only issue. But with the right players and instructions CAMs will quickly join striker.

4-1-2-1-2 formation FIFA 21

2nd is the classic 4-1-2-1-2 formation. Great for a balanced attack and defence With wide and narrow versions to switch between in game. The quick positioning of players and passing options is key in FIFA 21. Also allows you to either use wingers or central midfielders depending on your favourite players and style of play. A creative ball playing cam with good wingers will create lots.

Advantages: Strong attack and defence with players spread over the middle of the pitch. Can easily switch between narrow and wide during game without dragging players out of position. Easily switch between attacking and defensive tactics.

Disadvantages: Need a very good CDM to make it work to full potential.

4-1-4-1 formation FIFA 21

Our 3rd favourite formation is 4-1-4-1. A fairly new formation to FIFA it allows you to change how you attack and defend very quickly. Change tactics to have fullbacks attack or central midfielders, or all of them. The CDM can drop into a back 3 to cover. When needing to protect a lead change tactics to forward and wide players to drop back. Again rather than changing to different formations which we think is key to FIFA 21.

Advantages: Extremely strong defensively if have good powerful CDMs, Lots of attacking options with central CAM key player.

Disadvantages: Lack of 2 strikers is the main issue. But with the right players and instructions not a problem.

4-2-2-2 formation FIFA 21

Only 4th favourite this year is 4-2-2-2. Strong and balanced designed for short or long passing with strong defensive positioning. Depending on the opponent strengths and weaknesses the CAMs can attack inside or outside working 1-2s round defenders and through balls. Works really well with most attacking styles especially fast build up and balanced. However to really go all out attacking need other formations.

Advantages: Very attacking with freedom for the CAMs to influence. Excellent for ball position and 1-2 passing.

Disadvantages: CAMs not naturally good wingers for crossing so could need to change formation. Feel like FIFA 21 is better with a central player this year for attacking.

4-3-3 formation FIFA 21

5th is the 4-3-3 formation. We prefer version 5 with the false striker CF role. This is a good formation for possession football but also counter attacking wing play. Set the wingers to cut inside and a good playmaker as CF can keep putting them through. Can easily create Liverpool tactics using this.

Advantages: Has close midfielders for triangle passes with high wingers to stretch the play. Extremely good for counter attacks, don’t even need to set players to run in behind. One of the strongest formations for attacking if good at FIFA.

Disadvantages: Can be weak in midfield if only 1 player who can tackle. Lacks that CAM and striker link up and if you go for a more attacking version you lose the defensive side. Need to be very good at FIFA 20 to use this formation.

The other formations are in no particular order. Often you need to decide whether you base your play on players or a formation. Then adapt one to the other. Luckily you can now set formations and tactics so in game you can switch quickly. Meaning you can have wingers in a formation and then set them to be CAMs in a different formation.

4-4-2 formation FIFA 21

The original formation and a good one to use this year too. Not quite in our top 5 as it just lacks that creative edge unless using the very top players. Good for keeping shape and strong in both defence and attack. Top players have liked it more this year.

Advantages: Solid and well spaced out across the pitch attacking and defending. 2 strikers.

Disadvantages: No designated defensive or attacking midfielder. Have to use player instructions.

4-4-1-1 formation FIFA 21

Almost same as 4-4-2 but better if you have a CF who can have a free role. Think Cantona, Ronaldinho and Zidane type player who can roam about finding space. Barcelona fans could use it if they have the luck or coins to buy Messi.

Advantages: Solid and slightly more defensive than 4-4-2. The CF can be used to roam free and create havoc if a top player.

Disadvantages: No designated defensive or attacking midfielder.

4-3-2-1 formation FIFA 21

Similar to the 4-3-3 but front three close together. A useful formation with the right players as they can create triangles and quick one two play. Strong counter attacking options as front three will often be in the channels between defenders.

Advantages: A close forward three can work short balls to find gaps. Positioning means they can also find open channels.

Disadvantages: Not as strong in midfield and narrow. Attackers can sometimes be too close together.

4-3-1-2 formation

Very narrow formation which can be really good. Not many options in style of play but fast build up and possession players could enjoy the simplicity. Narrow formations are hard to break down but FIFA 21 is strong from wide areas. Why this isn’t as powerful as last year.

Advantages: Two strikers and CAM can create lots of triangles for through balls. Solid down middle generally.

Disadvantages: Predictable when defending against and lacks wide options.

Best three at back formation FIFA 21

Our favourite 3 at the back formation doesn’t quite make it into our top 5. The 3-4-1-2 gives so many attacking options and very solid down middle of pitch. Had a lot of fun using this trying to blitz teams to complete objectives. Maybe not advisable in top divisions or fut champions. Unless you are a top player with top players.

Advantages: Wingers can be used defensively or attacking depending on style of play and tactic.

Disadvantages: Can still be exploited down wings but not as open now that you can drop midfielders into defence.

3-5-2 formation FIFA 21

3-5-2 formation is similar but more defensive. Gives good positioning across the pitch for attack and defence. The CDMs can cover the wing to help defenders and also fill the midfield when attacking. Excellent for fast build up and possession play.

Advantages: Good for dominating midfield and lots of attacking options to outscore your opponent.

Disadvantages: Can be exposed on wings as most CBs have less pace. Left and right mids need to have defensive skills or rely on CDMs.

4-5-1 formation FIFA 21

Although seen as defensive this is more of an attacking formation. An arrow of attackers supported by one CM. Can be used in many different ways from slow wing build up to balls over the top. Maybe use this to surprise opponent expecting a defensive set up.

Advantages: Attack high up the pitch and put pressure on opponent.

Disadvantages: Bit weak defensively as need a very strong CM who can do everything.

5-2-2-1 formation

A perfect counter attack formation relying on wing backs to boost the midfield. Can also push wingbacks into attacks. Useful for trying to win a game if needing goals with caution.

Advantages: Lots of defensive cover and good if have excellent left and right forwards.

Disadvantages: Hard to play possession game in midfield. Forwards and wingbacks need to help midfielders.

5-2-1-2 formation

Quite a narrow formation and dependent on very good wingbacks. Could switch between this and 3-4-1-2 to quickly transition from defence to attack.

Advantages: Strong defence with space for wingbacks to run into. Strong centrally if you like to attack down the middle and passing options.

Disadvantages: Can be narrow attacking wise limiting options. Wingbacks have to work hard.

5-3-2 formation

A solid formation good for slow build up. Doesn’t quite have the same impact defensively as CDMs are more important than CBs in FIFA 21. Just better options in other formations really.

Advantages: Good coverage across the pitch. Can help possession play.

Disadvantages: No natural width and no CDM so lacks the cover needed.

3-4-2-1 formation

Three attackers fairly close together can be dangerous if countering at pace. With 4 players behind them it gives a lot of attacking power. Not great for defending but if needing goals could be a plan b.

Advantages: Packs midfield when defending but gives every option for attacking. Excellent with top attacking midfielders.

Disadvantages: Not good for defending as better opponents will expose defence.

3-4-3 formation FIFA 21

Quite a good balance across the pitch and lots of attacking options. Unfortunately it is only advisable for higher level players who can score more than their opponent due to taking chances.

Advantages: Can have 7 players attacking at once if going for goals.

Disadvantages: If you aren’t good enough opponents will exploit lack of pace at back and channels for cross.

Top 5 formations fifa 21 video

Pro player Boras gives his top 5 fomrations so far. Much respected within the community and a great player to learn from.