Alright, YouTube, let's dive into a custom tactics video for a formation I call your bread and butter: the 4231 narrow. This is the one with the three CAMs, not the left and right midfielders. I actually think this is a better formation than the 4231 with the wide midfielders. So, without further ado, let's get into the custom tactics. Remember, the code will be in the top pinned comment and at the end of the video, so you can just type it in and get the tactics right away.
Tactical Setup
First, the Tactical Preset is, of course, going to be on custom. I don't know what the FC preset is like, but for me, it's always custom. This is the 4231 narrow, an amazing formation. Trust me, it's always meta, always usable, and always one of the best formations in FC. The reason being is because you have two CDMs, giving you a really solid defensive platform, and then the three CAMs create tons of opportunities. Plus, with the one striker, it's very popular in modern football.
Build Up Play
Now, for the Build Up Play, there are two options you can use.
- Balanced: This is the option I use. Players will vary between forward runs and coming short. The team's transition to their in-possession shape will be steady rather than sudden. This is very good for the 4231.
- Counter: If you struggle defensively or to create opportunities, counter is a good option. It's great for getting into goal-scoring opportunities.
I prefer Balanced because I like to be in control of organizing my team in the offensive mode.
Defensive Approach
Similar to the Build Up Play, there are two options for the Defensive Approach.
- High: I recommend using high on the defensive approach and 70 on the line height. Because we have two CDMs, we can afford to be aggressive with our defensive depth. We can get in our opponent's face and really press.
- 55 Line Height: If you struggle defensively, I'd recommend 55 on the line height. It's very good for the 4231.
For me, it's your bread and butter: 70 on the line height. You'll see I use 70 defensive line height and high on the defensive approach in most of my formations.
Player Instructions
Now, let's get into the player roles. Remember, you have to defend in the formation you're playing, so we have to defend in the 4231, which is absolutely fine. It's an amazingly solid defensive formation.
- Advanced Forward: I recommend using attack. I noticed that when I used "Get in Behind" on the advanced forward, my striker drifted wide too much. Attack means they make penetrating runs in behind.
- Middle CAM: Shadow Striker and Attack. We need our middle CAM to get forward, score goals, and get assists.
- Left CAM: Playmaker and Roam. I want them to make a lot of inward runs and play as a free roam on that left side.
- Right CAM: Playmaker and Balanced. They will drift inwards, but not as much as the left CAM.
- Right CDM: Holding and Defend. Their job is to shield and protect the back four, intercept the ball, pass the ball, and give it to the more attack-minded players.
- Left CDM: Holding. We play a double holding role with this. It gives a nice bit of protection to the back four and then they just give the ball and pass it to the better players.
- Left Back: Attacking Wing Back and Balanced. My left back will be bombing down that left-hand side, and that's why I have my left CAM on free roam.
- Center Backs: Defender and Balanced.
- Right Back: Fullback and Defend. We defend in a lot of my formations at this moment in time as a traditional back three.
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper and Balanced.
And there you have it, YouTube! The code is on your screen. These are my brand new updated 4231 custom tactics.