Alright, let's dive into how to counter the dreaded 4-2-1-3 formation in EA FC, a formation that's both incredibly annoying to play against and, let's be honest, often overpowered. But fear not, because I've got a solution for you: a formation and the right tactics to give you a fighting chance. We're not talking about an easy win, but this setup will allow you to effectively counter the 4-2-1-3 if you play it right.
The Formation: 4-2-3-1 Wide
The formation we're going with is the 4-2-3-1 Wide. This formation offers a great balance of defensive stability while still allowing you to build up attacks and be dangerous in the final third, with the right instructions. Why this formation? Because the biggest problem with the 4-2-1-3 is its counter-attacking ability. So, we need to stop those wingers from getting in behind easily and prevent the CAM from finding space. The 4-2-3-1 with the right instructions on the fullbacks and CDMs allows us to do just that.
Tactics
Let's get into the specific tactics for the 4-2-3-1 Wide to counter the 4-2-1-3. These tactics are specifically tailored to deal with that formation.
- Build Up Play: Balanced.
- Defensive Style: Balanced. We're using balanced because we have CDMs, so they're already sitting a bit deeper. We don't need the defensive line pushing up too much. A high line is deadly against a counter-attacking formation like the 4-2-1-3.
- Defensive Width: Up to you.
- Defensive Depth: Up to you.
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Keeper (personal preference).
- Fullbacks: Fullback, Defend. This is crucial. If you set them to balanced, they'll push up too much, and you'll get caught out by through balls to the wingers. We want to prevent that. We don't want them heavily involved in the attack.
- Center Backs: Default, Defend. Not much to say here.
- CDMs: Deep Line Playmaker, Defend. This is where it gets interesting. They'll start deep, slowly move forward when you have the ball around the opponent's box, and move out wide a bit more. They'll be a better option in the build-up. It's tough to build up against the 4-2-1-3 because of its press. Having a good passing option is key. I prefer "Defend" because we need to eliminate the opponent's CAM.
- Wingers: Inside Forward. They need to cut inside. This is the most effective setting right now because fullbacks don't track them well.
- CAM: Playmaker.
- Striker: Advanced Forward.
The key adjustments are in the back four and the two CDMs.
Attacking Against the 4-2-1-3
Now, let's talk about how to attack against this formation. Remember, they often defend with only six players, with the CAM and three forwards not tracking back.
- Solid Build-Up: You can't afford to lose the ball in your build-up. Be sure of every pass. Try to bait them out.
- Exploit Space: The goal is to bait one of their CDMs out of position to create space.
- Patience: Be patient. Don't rush things. If you lose the ball, you're vulnerable to a quick counter.
- Target the DMs: Once you get past their front four, target the space behind their DMs. It's often a 3v2 situation in the middle.
- Speed Up Play: Speed up the play once you're behind their DMs.
- Take the Right Passes: Make the right passes and turn the right way to create scoring opportunities.
The key is to get past their front four, then be patient, wait for them to commit a DM, and then find your striker.
Defending Against the 4-2-1-3
Defensively, remember this: the biggest threat is through the middle because of the inside forwards, CAM, and striker. The wings are less dangerous.
- Keep the Middle Closed: Focus on keeping the middle of the pitch compact.
- Aggressive Fullbacks: Be aggressive with your fullbacks. Use R3 to manually select them and pull them inside. You can win the ball back easily with them.
- Compact Defense: Keep your center backs and CDMs in good positions.
- Mark Passing Lanes: Cover passing lanes. Force them into difficult passes.
- Don't Allow Counterattacks: The danger is the counter. Don't let them counter.
- Control the CAM: Your CDMs need to be on the CAM.
- Force Them Back: Force them back and make them play in front of you.
The goal is to stop the counter-attack. Even if you don't win every game, this approach will give you a much better chance.