Alright, let's dive into the tactics for the 442, my bread and butter formation! This is the one I always come back to, and trust me, it's still a beast.
Tactical Preset and Build-Up Play
First things first, the Tactical Preset. We're going custom, obviously. Why wouldn't you be? Now, for the build-up style, you've got two main options.
- Balanced: This is my go-to. Players will mix it up with forward runs and coming short. The team transitions smoothly between phases, which I love. I like being in control, manually triggering runs with L1 and telling players to come short with R1.
- Counter: If you're struggling defensively, give this a shot. When you lose the ball, your players sprint back into shape. When you win it, they break forward quickly. It's good, but I prefer the control of balanced.
Defensive Approach
Next up, the defensive approach. You've got a few choices here, but I'm currently running with:
- Aggressive, 95 Line Height: This is the super meta setup. It's effective, overpowered, and broken. If you're struggling defensively, try High or Balanced, maybe 50 or 70 for the line height. Let me know in the comments if you have any luck with it.
Player Roles
Now, let's get into the player roles. This is where we really make the 442 sing.
- Left Striker: Advanced Forward and Support. This is a hybrid role, like a number 10 and a half. They drop a bit deeper than an Advanced Forward but not as deep as a False Nine. It's fantastic in a two-striker formation.
- Right Striker: Advanced Forward and Attack.
- Left and Right Midfielders: Inside Forward and Balanced. This is key. They'll drift inside, creating central options, especially for those Finesse Shots. They can still hug the touchline when needed, especially when you win the ball back quickly.
- Left Central Midfielder: Holding and Defend. This is a recent tweak. With the 4213 being so popular, I've found that having one CM on Holding and Defend helps shield the back four and deal with the opponent's CAM.
- Right Central Midfielder: Box to Box and Balanced. This guy does it all, getting forward and helping out defensively. It's essential to have at least one box-to-box midfielder in the 442.
- Left and Right Backs: Full Back and Defend. You have to use this because of the 4213 meta. If you don't, you'll get exposed by overlapping wingbacks and through balls to the CAM. I don't like using it, but it's necessary.
- Center Backs: Defender and Defend. Simple, solid, bread and butter.
- Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper and Balanced. This is a hybrid between a sweeper keeper and a standard keeper.
That's the setup, folks! Remember, the key is the inside forwards tucking in, giving you Finesse Shot options and the ability to speed boost out wide. The holding midfielder and box-to-box CM combo is crucial for balance.