Alright, let's dive into the 4-4-2, the formation I firmly believe is one of the best two-striker setups in the game, and honestly, a classic in FIFA history. Lately, the 4-2-3-1 has been popular, but the 4-4-2 is still a top-tier formation that's surprisingly underused. I'm recommending it now more than ever, especially with the new CR7 Flashback card, which is a fantastic link-up card due to its aerial plus and ability to turn with its back to goal.
Squad Selection and Player Roles
The 4-4-2 thrives on strong strikers up front. I'm talking about those who can hold up play, link up passes, and survive when a center back is breathing down their neck. Avoid using two smaller, weaker strikers. You'll find yourself in situations where one striker is making a run, and the other is stuck with their back to goal.
Here's a breakdown of the custom tactics and player roles that make this formation shine:
Custom Tactics
Here are the custom tactics I use, with the code in the top right of the screen:
- Build Up: Solid Balance
- Chance Creation: Balanced
- Defensive Style: Aggressive
- Defensive Width: 91
A quick note on the defensive width: I've noticed that the game sometimes visually glitches the defensive width back to 95 when set to aggressive. This is just a visual bug. If this happens, simply go back and change it back to 91, and then leave the menu. It should stay at 91. If you don't want to deal with the glitch, just don't go into the custom tactics menu mid-game.
Player Roles
-
Strikers: Advanced Forward (x2)
- I know it's tempting to experiment with different roles, but two Advanced Forwards is the way to go. Having both on attack is a bigger benefit.
- Advanced Forwards are smart. They still drop deep sometimes and help in possession.
- They offer a good balance of runs and link-up play.
- Poachers only go in behind, Target Forwards don't run behind and don't drop deep, and False 9s drop deep into midfield. Advanced Forwards do everything.
-
Center Midfielders: Deep Lying Playmaker (x2)
- Deep Lying Playmaker with Build Up is my new favorite role.
- They don't travel up the pitch much, staying in CDM space.
- They complement the attack by creating chances without getting into the box.
- They sit at the edge of the box, almost like a CAM, and create chances.
- Look for players with good passing playstyles here.
-
Wingers: Left Mid and Right Mid (Balanced)
- These players are not always going to act as wingers.
- Their priority is to create goals, not score them.
- They control the wings and dribble up the pitch.
- When it's time to shoot, the focus is on getting the ball to the strikers.
- They will make runs, but only if a striker makes a run first.
-
Fullbacks: Stay Back While Attacking (x2)
- Fullback Defend is crucial.
- Fullbacks need to stay close to the center backs to prevent getting caught out of position.
-
Goalkeeper: Default
- Goalkeeper Defend. Do not use Sweeper Keeper.
Gameplay and Tactical Considerations
This formation doesn't defend as well as a 4-2-3-1, but it's still very solid. You're comparing two center mids to two CDMs. You'll need to control your center mids and defend manually. If you can do that, the 4-4-2 will defend just fine.
The 4-4-2 offers a different approach, allowing you to use center mids instead of CDMs. EA often releases better center mid cards than CDM cards, giving you more options for your starting eleven.