Alright lads, let's dive into a tactic that absolutely smokes the 4-2-1-3, which is probably the most meta and overpowered formation in FC25 right now. This 4-2-3-1 flat is the perfect counter, so let's get into it!
Tactics and Instructions
First up, the tactics, and the code for this setup will be in the description and comments.
- Defensive Style: Balanced.
- Build Up Play: Balanced.
- Defensive Depth: 61. This is the sweet spot, lads. You don't want to get stuck in your six-yard box. 50 is good if you're struggling with those over-the-top through balls or defending on the new patch, but anywhere between 50 and 61 is perfect.
Now, let's talk about the players:
- Goalkeeper: Sweeper Plus or Plus Plus. Use whatever role your keeper has.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. I just think it's the best for defensive solidity. Your defense stays in the same shape, unlike Stopper or Ball Playing Defender, where the shape can be a bit more varied.
- Fullbacks: Balanced. This is super important for countering the 4-2-1-3. A lot of people use "Fallback and Defend," which is good for most formations, but not for this. If you use Fallback and Defend, they sit a bit deep, which means they're not covering the wingers. The wingers will always have their feet free and be able to turn and face up your fullback. On "Balanced," they step up a touch. If they have the Intercept playstyle or playstyle plus, you're going to intercept so many more passes. When they're rushing the ball out, you'll get the opportunity to intercept and quickly counterattack.
- CDMs: One Holding and Defend, the other Deep Lying Playmaker and Roam. The reason I like this setup is because it mirrors the 4-2-1-3, but with better passing options. The Roaming CDM will support the attack, so you want someone like Guendouzi who can shoot, pass, and do everything. The Holding CDM, like Kuman, will win the ball back. Pedri is your all-around CDM.
- Left Mid and Right Mid: One Inside Forward and Balanced, the other Winger and Balanced. These are crucial. This formation is so effective against the 4-2-1-3 because these wide areas allow you to exploit the 4-2-1-3's biggest weakness: the space in front of their fullbacks. When you're using this formation, especially with the Winger, they're going to get a lot of space one-on-one with the fullback. If they're not good at defending, you're going to smoke them out wide. The Inside Forward will step inside, but you'll still create space out wide. The Winger should always stick wide.
- CAM: Balanced, Balanced, and Playmaker. I prefer the Playmaker role in this formation because she'll come back and help defensively, but also be in that number 10 position to create. You want some passing playstyles on this player.
- Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack. You want an absolute killer up front.
Gameplay Mechanics and Tips
One of the best things about this formation is that when they turn over the ball, you're going to have so much space. Your left and right mids will be open every single time because they simply don't have any wide players defending.
Another key to annihilating the 4-2-1-3 is to play slow. Don't rush! Take your time, build up slowly. They will struggle so hard to take the ball back off you because you have so many more options in midfield. Overload them wide, take it slow, and don't get into a basketball match. They want to go up and down, but if you turn the ball over fast against the 4-2-1-3, you'll be in for a tough time.
Player Selection and Substitutions
- Center Backs: Pace and defensive playstyles are a must.
- Fullbacks: Their main job is defending, but they need to be capable on the ball and able to pass.
- CDMs: I do swap out Pedri for Guendouzi.
- CAM: I don't sub out Bob Matić.
- Wingers: I sub out Ronaldinho for Gareth Bale if I'm using Wingers, or Ansu Fati if I'm using left or right mid.
- Striker: I sub out the striker for Bunny Shaw.
Don't underestimate using all five subs, lads! It's super important.