Custom Tactics for 4-2-3-1

Back again by popular demand with yet another tactics review and this week we are looking at a FIFA classic with 4-2-3-1 formation.  Cue the “hello darkness my old friend” music as I dive back into a formation that was once a fail-safe when nothing else would work.  In all honesty, I have not used this formation very often in FIFA 21 and after a week of tinkering and adjustments, I just might throw caution to the wind and roll with it this coming Weekend League.  The gauntlet has been set for this weekend with the win based incentive rewards and you know it is going to be a sweat filled state of affairs. Therefore I really see no better time to truly back my own review and suggestions that this formation will work.  Hopefully, all goes well and I will keep anyone following me on Twitter @IVIaeNine updated throughout the weekend… wish me luck. On to the tactics:

Why 4-2-3-1?

Strength in numbers.  With this formation, I always feel that I have defensive stability not fully realized in a lot of the other formations I have reviewed.  Primarily the two CDMs offer a cover that is not present in my normal 4-4-2 (due to the marauding attacking CM) and provides a second set of hands to carry the defensive load in the center of the pitch.  Utilizing this formation across a healthy sample set of Rivals matches reminded me just how in control you can feel without the ball in your own third when this formation is operating successfully.  Additionally, the potency of the counter-attack does not get much better than with the 4-2-3-1 as the LAM (Left Attacking Mid) and RAM (Right Attacking Mid) bring that extra wide threat into the box.  I am calling it now… I foresee a small drop off in goals this weekend from my normal average, but much improved goals against total will be worth the sacrificed second striker in the attacking third.

Tactics
 

Play Style

If I had to define the 4-2-3-1 in a word it would be… Reserved.  Yes of course, you could put your CDMs in a more offensive setting and leave your CAM, LAM, RAM and ST forward… but then you might as well just throw everything at it with the 4-2-4 and call it a day.  For me, the 4-2-3-1 represents a more cautious approach than most of the other popular formations. Obviously, when you get everyone moving forward and on the front foot you will always cause opponents issues, and the 4-2-3-1 is no different, but overall it just doesn’t scream breakneck football like a two striker formation.  The counters will always be fast and furious… but generally speaking it is slow and steady wins the race with the 4-2-3-1.

Width 

Much like my 4-4-2 Tactics I want my wingers starting narrow in defensive situations and attacking situations.  The school of thought is that leaving space on the wings offensively allows room to then run into that space and pull defenders away.  Additionally, the channels are provided for the striker to stretch defenses and really advance your squad up the pitch with one simple pass.  Finally, the Get in the Box instructions work even better the more central the starting position of your LAM and RAM… providing additional bodies in dangerous areas.  From a defensive perspective if you are going to allow space to your opponent it is better on the wing than in the center of the pitch bearing down on your keeper.

Depth

5, 6 or 7… depending on how wild I am feeling that day.  Anything lower and I find I simply cannot press my opponents to get the ball back further up the pitch.  Once you enter the 4 or lower conversation it is Drop Back Danny territory and you are ultimately forming the umbrella of death around your box.  From a defensive perspective or simply keeping the lead in the final 10 minutes, it makes sense and 4 or less depth has its place.  But overall I generally avoid it at all cost and try to maintain pressure on my opponents throughout the match.  Granted, 6 or 7 depth will certainly run the risk of a blind through ball or over the top pass undoing your defiance… but I want the ball as often as possible, and this is the best way to press the issue for getting it back.

Player Instructions

ST: Clinical Finisher Required → Bal. Width - Mixed - Normal Int. - Stay Forward

CAM: Pace, Solid Dribbling, 4+ Weak Foot → Basic - Balanced - Stick Position - Normal Int.

LAM: Left Footed, High Stamina → Come Back - Get in Box - Stick Position - Normal Int. 
RAM: Right Footed, High Stamina → Come Back - Get in Box - Stick Position - Normal Int.
* Note: Against a weaker opponent I am quick to turn Come Back to Basic or even Stay Forward

CDM #1: Magician, Ball Player → Bal. Attack - Stay Back Attack - Normal Int. - Cover Center
CDM #2: Wrecking Ball, Defensive Specialist → Bal. Attack - Stay Back Attack - Normal Int. - Cover Center

LB: Left Footed → Stay Back Attack - Normal Int. - Mixed Attack
RB: Right Footed → Stay Back Attack - Normal Int. - Mixed Attack

CB: → Stay Back Attacking - Normal Int.

GK: Come Crosses - Balanced

Conclusion

I said it once and I’ll say it again… I love this formation roulette since I started these tactical reviews.  It is a nice change from the norm and has actually made me realize a lot about what I like and dislike in other formations.  I think that is ultimately why I want to give the 4-2-3-1 a real test this weekend as I have started to notice small deficiencies in the defensive side of my 4-4-2 that I am hoping can be fixed by the formation tweak.  Obviously, it is always the operator behind the controls that is pulling the strings… but setting up for success can’t hurt my chances.  Please.  If you give these tactics a run out let me know in the comments below how it goes, or send me a message on Twitter.  I am interested to hear how they functioned for you in-game.  Hoping you are safe and well.  Cheers for reading.

4-3-1-2 Custom Tactics Video: