Do you want to know which one is the best formation to bring more success to your FUT 14 club ? If so, you need to read this FIFA 14 Ultimate Team Formations Guide.
Even if you have made that decision, be sure to read this article. You will find that the options are many and there is always room for improvement.
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How to Choose the Right FIFA 14 Ultimate Team Formation for your Club
Before even starting to sign players, you should start by setting the formation that will implement on your squad. If you leave the decision for later, you will not equip your squad with players who really need and you will be penalized in the individual and squad chemistry. You can solve the problem by buying new players and, in certain cases, positioning cards but the investment will be very high.
There is not a better formation than other. All of them have strong and weak points. You should decide which one is better to you.
The most common question is: How do I decide the formation that I’ll use ?
There is no one exact answer, but you should consider a few factors:
- What is your play style ?
Do you often attack by the wings ? Do you enjoy possession ? Do you have a patient style ? Do you often play in counter-attack ?
- With which formation you are most familiar and which ones you like most ?
There is any formation that let’s you more comfortable ? Did you have better results with some formation ?
- Into which formations the players that you think are essential fit ?
The attributes and skills of your essential players can be better used in some of the formations?
- What are the formations best suited to the goals you set for your FUT 14 clubs?
Do you want to try to win all the matches even taking risks or do you will be happy even not winning all the matches ?
The twenty five FIFA 14 Ultimate Team Formations
There are 9 new formations in FIFA 14 Ultimate Team.
For each formation we will explain how it works and will bring you the main advantages, disadvantages and which popular clubs use it. But there’s more! We will suggest, for each position the work rates and attributes that we think are more important.
Click over the formation to learn more about it.
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3-4-1-2
3-4-2-1
3-4-3
3-5-2
4-1-2-1-2
4-1-2-1-2 (2)
4-1-4-1
4-2-2-2
4-2-3-1
4-2-3-1 (2)
4-3-1-2
4-3-2-1
4-3-3
4-3-3 (2)
4-3-3 (3)
4-3-3 (4)
4-3-3 (5)
4-4-1-1
4-4-2
4-4-2 (2)
4-5-1
4-5-1 (2)
5-2-1-2
5-2-2-1
5-3-2
Click on the image to see it larger.
3-4-1-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
One of the less popular formation. The key element of this squad is the CF. You should invest some coins on a really good player for this position.
Very attacking formation.
Defensively weak and susceptible to dangerous counter-attacks.
Needs pacy defenders and wingers with a medium defensive work rate.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 3-4-1-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB C | Medium | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CF | Medium | Medium | Passing | Shooting |
| ST R | High | Medium | Heading | Shooting |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
3-4-2-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Napoles, Fiorentina.
Similar to the 3-4-1-2 formation, with a change to the forward players. Even less popular than the previous one.
Very attacking formation with three players right in front.
Defensively weak and susceptible to dangerous counter-attacks.
Needs fast defenders and wingers with a medium defensive work rate.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 3-4-2-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB C | Medium | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| RF | High | Medium | Pace | Shooting |
| LF | High | Medium | Pace | Shooting |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Passing |
3-4-3
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Wigan.
Similar to 3-4-2-1, with the change of forwards to wingers.
Attacking formation.
It offers plenty of width in attack which makes it suitable for those who love crossing.
Defensively weak and susceptible to dangerous counter-attacks.
Needs fast defenders and wingers with a medium defensive work rate.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 3-4-3 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB C | Medium | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Low | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| RW | High | Medium | Pace | Passing |
| LW | High | Medium | Pace | Passing |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
3-5-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Juventus, Brescia, Pádova.
One of the most solid formations. The key element of this squad is the CAM. You should invest some coins on a really good player for this position.
Very compact formation that provides 5 or even 7 elements to defend when you need to hold on a result.
Suitable for those who like to dominating.
The RM and LM need to have winger attributes but also medium defensive work rate.
Inadequate if the opponent plays with fast wingers.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 3-5-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB C | Medium | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CDM R | Medium | High | Passing | Defending |
| CDM L | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CAM | Medium | Medium | Passing | Vision |
| ST R | High | Medium | Heading | Shooting |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
4-1-2-1-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: AC Milan, SL Benfica, Galatasaray, DC United, Columbus Crew.
The most popular of all FUT 14 formations. Widely used in real football, this formation in diamond shape has the CAM as key element.
Good defensively since sometimes CDM plays like a CB. Suitable for those who like to play through the middle.
Balanced formation that offers defensive security in midfield.
Too narrow.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-1-2-1-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM | Medium | High | Defending | Passing |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CAM | High | Medium | Passing | Ball Control |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| ST R | High | Medium | Heading | Shooting |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
4-1-2-1-2 (2)
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
Variation of the very popular 4-1-2-1-2 that let players control the midfield. It is even more narrow than the original, giving them a much tighter diamond.
Suitable for those who like to play through the middle.
Suitable for those who like quick feet and passing style.
Too narrow.
Needs good full backs since the wings get very exposed.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-1-2-1-2 (2) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM | Medium | High | Passe | Defending |
| CMR | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| CAM | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| CML | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| ST R | High | Medium | Shooting | Pace |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
4-1-4-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: FC Bayern
The only completely new formation on FUT 14. It is very similar with the 4-5-1 (2) but the CDM in front of the back four gives more security on the defence.
Very organised and solid midfield build up.
Lacks a little attack
The striker may needs support. CM’s should have high attacking work rate.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-1-4-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM | Medium | High | Defending | Passe |
| CMR | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| CML | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-2-2-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: São Paulo, Anzhi, América, Monterrey, Nantes, FC Seoul.
It is one of the most balanced formations. Similar to 4-4-2 but with players more qualified to defend and others to to attack.
Have enough players when defending or attacking.
Suitable for anyone who likes to have possession of the ball and to anyone who likes to give freedom to CAM’s.
The CAM’s play on the wings and may not have the required attributes.
Requires some practice time to become familiar with the formation.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-2-2-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM R | Medium | High | Defending | Passing |
| CDM L | High | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| CAM R | High | Low | Passing | Dribbling |
| CAM L | Medium | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| ST R | High | Medium | Shooting | Pace |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Passing | Shooting |
4-2-3-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Spurs, Schalke 04, O.Lyon.
Formation much appreciated by the FUT 13 players. Allows multiple offensive options but with the security of two CDM in defence.
It has three types of attacking players increasing the range of offensive possibilities.
Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
The CAM’s play on the wings and may not have the required attributes.
The CDM’s can become very tired because they are forced to defend and to fill empty midfield.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-2-3-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM R | Medium | High | Defending | Passing |
| CDM L | High | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| CAM R | High | Low | Passing | Dribbling |
| CAM L | Medium | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| CF | High | Medium | Passing | Shooting |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Pace |
4-2-3-1 (2)
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: West Brom and Borussia Dortmund
The most requested of all FUT 14 formations. A more attacking wider variation of the 4-2-3-1, that converted the wide CAM’s into natural wingers.
Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
Suitable for short passing style as well as fast counters
Needs a really good player to play as a CAM, the key position.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-2-3-1 (2) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CDM R | Medium | High | Defending | Passe |
| CDM L | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| CAM | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-3-1-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Aston Villa.
One of the formations most recommended for those who like to play through the middle. The key element of this squad is the CAM. You should invest some coins on a really good player for this position.
The CAM and the two ST make this formation extremely dangerous in attack.
Suitable for those who like to play through the middle.
Very narrow formation. Crossings hardly happen.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-1-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Defending |
| CM C | Medium | High | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | Medium | Medium | Defending | Pace |
| CF | Medium | Medium | Passing | Dribbling |
| ST R | High | Low | Shooting | Pace |
| ST L | High | Medium | Shooting | Pace |
4-3-2-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Paris SG, Inter, Bayer Leverkusen.
Similar to 4-3-1-2 but with two CF’s and only one ST or similar to 4-3-3 but the left and right forwards are tucked inside rather than to the wings.
It is wider in the attack than 4-3-1-2.
Suitable for those who like to play through the middle.
A bit narrow formation, specially on the midfield.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-2-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Defending | Pace |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Defending | Pace |
| CM R | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM C | Low | High | Defending | Passing |
| CM L | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| RF | High | Low | Passing | Pace |
| LF | High | Low | Passing | Pace |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Pace |
4-3-3
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Arsenal, Ajax, FC Porto and Santos.
One of most famous formations on FUT 13. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Barcelona in last years.
The closeness and the balance of the six men from the front allows safe passing game between them.
Chance of fast attacks on the wings.
Only one ST may be insufficient.
Insufficient players that help the back four.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-3 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM C | Low | High | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| RW | High | Low | Passing | Pace |
| LW | High | Low | Passing | Pace |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-3-3 (2) HOLD
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
The first of the new 4-3-3 variations offers a holding defensive midfielder anchor in the midfield.
Chance of fast attacks on the wings.
Good defensively since sometimes CDM plays like a CB.
Only one ST may be insufficient.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-3 (2) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| CDM | Low | Medium | Passe | Defending |
| CM L | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| RW | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| LW | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-3-3 (3) DEFEND
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
This defensive-minded 4-3-3 variation offers two holding defensive midfielders and one centre midfielder in the midfield
Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
The three attackers get too lonely.
Wingers need to cover more field. Midfield is too isolated.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-3 (3) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CDM R | Medium | Medium | Passe | Defending |
| CM | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| CDM L | Medium | Medium | Passe | Defending |
| RW | High | Medium | Pace | Stamina |
| LW | High | Medium | Pace | Stamina |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-3-3 (4) ATTACK
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: -.
The probably most attacking of all FUT 14 formations is a variant of the 4-3-3 that turns one of the midfielders into an attacking midfielder to support the front three.
Suitable for those who want a very attacking formation.
The closeness and the balance of the six men from the front allows safe passing game between them.
Chance of fast attacks on the wings.
Too attacking formation for most of the players.
Huge empty space between midfield and the defence.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-3 (4) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passe | Defending |
| CAM | High | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| CM L | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| RW | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| LW | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-3-3 (5) FALSE 9
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Barcelona, AS Roma, Liverpool and Swansea
The final 4-3-3 variant offers a deeper-lying center forward position to hold possession and help build-up the attacking play.
Balanced formation that is suitable for those who like to run at defenders.
Good defensively since sometimes CDM plays like a CB.
Wingers need to be able to cut inside and look to get at goal.
Not a good formation for crosses.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-3-3 (5) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| CDM | Low | Medium | Defending | Heading |
| CM L | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| RW | High | Medium | Pace | Shooting |
| LW | High | Medium | Pace | Shooting |
| CF | High | Low | Pace | Shooting |
4-4-1-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Manchester United, Atlético de Madrid, Valencia, Queens Park Rangers, Málaga.
Widely used in the world of football and in the Barclays PL in particular. Similar to 4-4-2 but one of ST backs for CF.
Better for a passing team and less direct.
The CF can be used to be the creative force or to break up play.
The CF drops too deep and leaves you isolated up top.
Some of the mid fielders should have good defensive attributes to help the back four.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-4-1-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Vision |
| CM L | High | High | Stamina | Defending |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CF | High | Medium | Passing | Shooting |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-4-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Manchester City, Newcastle United, Borussia Monchengladbach, Basel, Mónaco, Celtic.
The classic formation. Widely used in the world of football and the second most used in FIFA 13 Ultimate Team. Organised structure of defenders and mid fielders moving as a line up and down the pitch.
The safest option for those players not too sure on what formation to go with.
Solid and good for attack through the middle or on the wings. Fullbacks can support wingers.
Formation a bit predictable for opponents.
Some of the mid fielders should have good defensive attributes to help the back four.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-4-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Drible |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Vision |
| CM L | High | High | Stamina | Defending |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Drible |
| ST R | High | Medium | Heading | Shooting |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Pace | Shooting |
4-4-2 (2)
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
A more defensive variation of the classic 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders in place of the usual centre midfielders.
Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
Suitable for those who like wide counter attacks.
Lacks creative play in the midfield.
Needs fast wingers.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-4-2 (2) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Defending |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| CDM R | Medium | High | Defending | Passe |
| CDM L | High | Medium | Passe | Pace |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Passe |
| ST R | High | Medium | Heading | Shooting |
| ST L | Medium | Medium | Shooting | Pace |
4-5-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Southampton, Lazio, West Ham.
Formation that puts 5 players in midfield, two of them supporting the striker. For many years, it was the favourite formation of many European teams.
Suited to players who prefer to build play patiently.
Probably the best formation for who wants to keep the ball.
Not good for direct play and long ball styles.
CM often tends to get lost and caught out of position.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-5-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM | Medium | High | Passing | Defending |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CAM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Dribbling |
| CAM L | High | Medium | Passing | Shooting |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
4-5-1 (2)
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
The 4-5-1 variation adds more midfield steel. The three centre midfielders make it harder to break down on the counter and leaves less gaps for the attack.
Suitable for those who wants to keep the ball.
Only one ST may be insufficient.
CM’s may need to help the back four.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 4-5-1 (2) TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATA | DEF | |||
| RB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| LB | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| CM | Medium | High | Passe | Defending |
| CM L | Medium | Medium | Passe | Dribbling |
| LM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| RM | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
5-2-1-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
Formation used by fewer FIFA 14 Ultimate Team players. Similar to 5-2-2-1 but with two ST with a more creative CF option.
Strong defence with space for wing backs to run into.
The best formation for who likes to play in counter-attack.
Can be narrow attacking wise limiting options.
It depends too much on CF so he must be really good.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 5-2-1-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB C | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Vision |
| CM L | High | High | Stamina | Defending |
| CF | High | Medium | Passing | Shooting |
| ST R | High | Medium | Shooting | Heading |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
5-2-2-1
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: Monarcas Morelia
One of less popular formations on FIFA 14 Ultimate Team. Similar to 5-2-1-2 but with 1 up top supported by a left and right forward either side.
Probably the formation more solid defensively.
Suitable for who likes to play in counter-attacks.
Very weak if the opponents put many players in the midfield.
The RF/LF’s may have to help the CM’s.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 5-2-2-1 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB C | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM R | Medium | Medium | Passing | Vision |
| CM L | High | High | Stamina | Defending |
| RF | High | Medium | Pace | Shooting |
| LF | High | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| ST | High | Low | Shooting | Heading |
5-3-2
Popular clubs that usually use this formation: –
The most solid and balanced formation of 5 defences. Although seemingly defensive formation can become a very offensive.
Strong defence with space for wing backs to run into.
Can be narrow attacking wise limiting options.
| OUR SUGGESTIONS TO A 5-3-2 TEAM | ||||
| POSITION | WORK RATES | MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES | ||
| ATT | DEF | |||
| CB R | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB C | Low | High | Defending | Heading |
| CB L | Medium | High | Pace | Defending |
| RWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| LWB | Medium | Medium | Pace | Dribbling |
| CM R | High | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| CM C | Medium | Medium | Passing | Defending |
| CM L | High | Medium | Passing | Pace |
| ST R | High | Medium | Shooting | Heading |
| ST L | Medium | Low | Shooting | Pace |
To choose a formation is a step much more important than many gamers think. It can make the difference between winning and losing many matches. Choose well …
As promised, we have closed the comments to this article when we reached the 500 comments. It is more than enough to explain everything you need to know about it. It makes no sense to have so many comments since nobody will read all of them and most was asking the same questions. Thank you.
I like to play counter attack and crossing with speedy winger type players what formation
442 (2)
Hey Rodrigo!
I’m having difficulty picking my formation that would suit my play style the best. Apparently, I do well with 2 strikers and I need a very good defence. I’m a sort of a player who doesn’t keep possession all that much and attack more, which furthermore reinstates the reason I need a solid defence. Please help me out here!
What do you think about 41212 ? Two stikers and a CDM helping the back four.
Hi again!
So, which CDM do you recommend me from the BPL which is not Yaya Toure since I unfortunately don’t have the coins for him. Someone good, effective and who tracks back helps the back 4 a lot?
Fellaini is good and cheap.
Hey man, love the site. Awesome work. The Bpl guide was full so I’m posting here. Could you please rank vertonghen,Kaboul,Luiz in order of preference with reasons? I play a 41212. Thanks a lot.
Hi. Thank you.
It depends of many factors as your play style, his team mate, formation, etc…
My favourite is Luiz, then Kaboul and then Vertonghen. But if you play with Kompany, Luiz may not be the right player due to his work rates.
We have explained this better on the guide and on the comments. That’s why they are closed.
Is there any chance that now that Inter uses 3511 itll be in fifa 15 UT?
I don’t think so. But who knows ?!
Rodrigo, very informative articles here buddy. I like your insight & knowledge. I am playing with a bundesliga squad…which happens to be your exact squad 🙂 in your bundesliga squad guide unlimited budget…I am not patient and love attacking straight forward taking turns with Ribery & robben on the wings..I have been switching between the 4-3-3 (3), 4-3-3(4) & 4-4-2..is there any other formation you suggest to utilize my style & wings more??
Thank you very much.
You can also try 433 and 4231 (2)
Hi,
I have about 750k coins and like playing the 4-2-3-1 formation. What league would you recommend?
Thanks
Ben
BPL
Hi Rodrigo,
can i use custom formation (not tactics) in Ultimate team? for example, the formation i did for Seasons(not FUT) it’s not listed as a custom formation when i am choosing the formations for my U Team..
thank you!
No, you can’t
Regards
Players: Ronaldo Pele Messi Maradonna Best Bale Zidane Beckenbauer
not fifa another game do suggest the best formation…
hi
what about 199 ?
thanks
Hi.
This is not an Ultimate Team question. Sorry.
Regards
thanks
Hi your article is very helpful and sorry for asking so many questions,
I am losing many games and i want to know where i can improve.
https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/7091197/
I only have a 30k budget but if i sell players i can buy others.
Hi.
In my opinion, you should try Navas and Kompany. 30k should be enough if you sell the players you have right now. Also check if RVP is a good player for you. If he is not, try another one. He is very expensive and you could improve your team with his coins.
Regards
Thanks it has a helped a lot!
I’m having a hard time deciding which squad to use please help https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/7091197/ https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/7091404/
Hi.
You are comparing teams with dfferent formations. It isn’t easy.
My favourite is the BPL squad.
Hi Rodrigo, how are you ?
im building spain team but what formation they use ?
and who should i use as strikers ?
thanks
Hi. Nice to see you here again.
Spain National Team uses 4231. To ST you have several players like Torres or Negredo. But my favourite is probably Fàbregas.
HI , it is again me,
this time I am with my team https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/7064501/
I am struggling to play against Bayern (4141), Man city (442) and some times Juventus (3142) and Barca (433(5)).
Can you please help me with formations to beat these teams, thanks .
I like to attack with speed and play offensive. I don’t mind to change formation, position and players.
Thanks for your help
Hi!
Any ideas for the best midfielders to play in the 4-3-3 (2) formation? I have Yaya Toure as the holding midfielder, have a 200k budget
Thanks
Ben
Sorry forgot to mention, I have a BPL team.
Hi.
It depends of your team. Mata and Silva can fit well for most of the players.
Hi Rodrigo!
I’ve been messing around with the 4-5-1 formation and it was winning me games, but not really so much anymore. I have RVP up front, with Suarez and Rooney manning the CAM positions. I find myself wanting to play the long ball more, but this formation is lacking in that department. I like buildup play, but look for the long ball or a through ball in the middle of the pitch. What should I do? Thanks!
Dan
Try another formation. With the 41212 or 41212 (2) you can do this and those 3 players fit on them.
I use 4-3-3 with a BBVA squad, it is amazing fast passing works a charm. My team is Courtios, Juanfran, Pique, Mascherano, Filipe Luis, Busquets/ Alonso, Fabregas, Modric/ Isco, Pedro, Diego Costa/ Vargas, David Villa. Wasn’t too expensive and yeah works very well.
Hi, Rodrigo!
Great tutorial by the way. I just need some help deciding on a formation. For me, I like to pass around, do a lot of through balls and sometimes like to cross. I like a solid full backs to ensure a solid victory. I’m in desperate need of a formation. I also like a bit of space to pass around. Pass and move is my style. I have quite good players (from BPL). I also have about 40k to spend if I need to buy more.
Thanks,
Alex.
Hi Alex. Thank you for your kindly words.
41212 (2) is great for what you want except for crossing. You can also try 41212 but it isn’t so good for a passing style.
If you really want to have the chance to cross, I suggest 4411 or 451.
Regards
Hi! Can you suggest me what team would be good in FUT for me? I like running with my wingers and than cross the ball at the stricker.And what tactics would you suggest me because i like that when i pass the ball the stricker should advance and i cross the ball to him.
If you don’t know which formation you should use, try 442. You can check THIS guide to take some ideas of a Serie A team (good vale for money).
How do you mean Google translateur ??
The article we have suggested was written in Portuguese language. You will need a translator to help you, like THIS one.
Because i see on defense They take THE players are very quik to THE ball They dont just stand around and when They are passing players come very quik forward please help just tell me how Much i need to put on THE Every bar there are 8
Thxxxx
Hey there i see a lot of players on live stream use a custum playbook on FIFA ULT 14 i know where to do it. But can you help me setting it up like defense building up and creating chansons please help me i have it all on 100 is that good ??
Use Google Translator and check THIS article.
Good luck.
Hello again. By now you may know that i check this site A LOT. I was using a 5-2-2-1 formation for my bundesliga squad but since i have so many players for a lot of positions i decided to try 3-5-2 again. I seriously underutilized my wingers last time i used it. I discovered that i really liked it and that one ST is much worse at winning crosses than two are. I have Lewandowski and Mandzukic as STs so heading is very nice. I am a little surprised so now im wondering if there will be an even better one for me. I am not great at building play but instead prefer to play with frequently switching possession and aerial contesting. I play a lot on the wings, and sometimes i force corners but i rarely cut in unless i have an easy opportunity. I rarely use lobbed passes or through balls but i use a lot of ground through balls and i am deadly through the middle with many players in the middle. I prefer having a CDM if they are pacey or have good heading, and i like having one or two players in the middle that distribute the ball really well between defense and offense, like the CM in 4-5-1. I dont mind not having full backs as long as i have at least 2 CBs with pace above 70-75ish. Any suggestions for me to try? I’m going to try out 4-1-2-1-2 and 4-2-3-1 (2) soon because i haven’t used either in a while.
Regards
Hi.
You have talked about several formations but I think there is another one that you can try: 422 (2). It has everything you asked except the CM’s but CDM’s can work as CM too. Try it.
Regards
Will do. Haven’t used either 442 in a while. 41212 had too many out of position times and 4-2-3-1 (2) only had one striker and i wouldve preferred one CDM 2 CAMs on that one. So more like a 4-5-1 only CDM instead of CM. Will try 442. Any place to suggest formations for fifa 15? I want 3511, 424, 541, and maybe 5311.
Hi
What formation do you recommend for me? I like to play 4 in back and I like the cut inside with rues or hulk
41212
We will close the comments of this guide as soon we reach the 500 comments (more 20).
Hi man, nice blog by the way. I congratulate you!
This is my squad: https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/6640505/ Please take a look at it for a moment.
I love playing with fast passes, running with the wingers, centering and heading for the goal. I also like to filter some balls through the center to the attackers.
I have been using this formation4-2-3-1(2) and it’s really solid on the defense and i make some goals when the opponent is not too good.
However, i’m having some difficulties when attacking, and i don’t make sufficient goals. I only make 1 or 2 goals per match.
Do you recommend me any other formation? I like to have a solid midfield with fast wingers. I love the 4-3-3(5) using the false 9 but you said that it’s not good for crosses.
So please me and tell me what formation is the best for me considering that i’m not too good at defending and i love to make lots of goals through crosses and through balls
thanks
By the way i would also like to make my full backs go attacking… Something like the barcelona style of playing except i want to have a good 9 player to head for goals.
Eto’o scores a lot of goals with his head on my team.
Hi. Thank you.
You are using the right formation according to your play style. 433 (5) is not good for crosses because the ST may not be there.
The only thing I disagree is Reus on the left side. I know he is a great player but you can use someone with individual chemistry 3.
Regards
Thanks brother, However on the 4-2-3-1(2) formation the wingers don’t attack that much since they are midfielders. I’m wondering if i should use the formation 4-3-3(2) since i can attack a lot through the wings and at the same time have a good ST for heading. Do you think it would work for my style of playing as i described in the last post? this is the formation i asking you about: https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/6662166/
Also, you mentioned you don’t think i should use Reus. I also have Willian, do you think i should buy Hazard or is Willian enough?
I have available 200K coins to spend on players; considering my BPL squad, what other player do you think i should buy to improve my squad?
thanks for your help…
Hi.
I think Willian should be good enough. With those coins I think David Silva could be a good improvement or even Aguero.
Your formation is OK for you.
Regards
Hi
I have a Belgian national team with a 3-5-2 formation
GK Courtious
CB Vermalen Kompany Vertoghen
CDM Witsel Fellani
RM Miralles
LM Hazard
CAM De Bruyne
ST Benteke & IN FORM Lukaku
Is this a good formation/lineup?
Thanks
Hi.
We haven’ tested all these players. But it looks nice.
hi,
Which formation do you recommed for a brazilian team?
I play much on speed and ”high deep through ball”.L1 triangle.
And i like to play fast on counter and defensive so i dont get easy a goal against.
433 seems fine for you.
What do you think of 4-2-3-1 (2)?
One of the most popular formations.
Wow,
I think this is the best guidance about formations.
I could not find any better article than yours, you are genius Rodrigo, thanks.
Can you help me to pick a formation plz?
What is the best formations against:
4141
4231(2)
433(5)
4231
352
442
4222
433
(I mean, a separate formation for each of them, thanks)
Thank you very much in advance.
Thank you.
I can say that this article is the most visited page of our website on the last months.
It is impossible to say that formation x is the best one to play against formation y. It depends a lot of your play style and your opponents style.
Regards
Thanks for your reply.
Which formations(a,b,c,d and e) do you recommend to win FC Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Dortmund and Juventus. All of them are in Div 1.
I really appreciate your time and reply, thanks
Hi.
As we said before, it is impossible to say that formation x is the best one to play against formation y. It depends a lot of your play style and your opponents style.
hi rodrigo,
I want to make a BBVA squad with IF vela as a st.
do you think 4-5-1 is a good formation with modric and isco CAM, iniesta CM, di maria RM villa LM?
or do you have any other options for me?
It seems OK to me.
hi,
i now have the 4-5-1 formation and it plays good but I miss the thing of crossing and heading.
maybe 4-4-2 is a better thing for me with benzema and vela IF as ST’s, CM’s xavi and iniesta rm di maria and lm david villa.
can you give me an advise of what i should do?
i like crossing and heading but i also like to play vela with his dribbling and finishing.
thanks!
Yes, try 442 if you like crossing. Just take care with the gap between defence and midfield.
Hi,
I just came across your website and find your information useful. Starting to get my interest in fifa 14. Anyway, do you have any guide where I can get the full controls for Classic? e.g. what to press for through pass or lob the ball over the goalkeeper?
Actually, I playing IOS version, Didn’t realized your site is for ps3 🙁
Our site is for all platforms but most of our content is for consoles version. We do not have any guide with the mobile controls.
Hi Rodrigo which is the best formation to play through the middle in BPL.
In my opinion 41212 but it depends of your play style.
I play with lob pass the most but i like also to cross so i want a mix of this.
41212 is good for that play style.
You have thousands of teams for that budget on our guides. Just check, please. OK, not thousands. But dozens.
And sorry because i forgot i have just 37K can you please make a team for me .
Hi Rodrigo
I want to use both Mame Dioouf and Adrian Ramos in a squad together. What do you think would be the best formation to have them together and be able to put in a lot of crosses?
Thanks
Many formations can work. Try 442 (2) for example.
Hi! I like playing with a lot of crossing and a lot of through passing. Can you suggest me a formation?
It may be several formations. Try 442 for example.
3-5-2 is a good shout as well, I have a Fenerbache/EPL hybrid and it’s so fun to have Nani/Schurrle cross balls into Drogba to score with ease while IF Sneijder can pick out the perfect pass for Yilmaz/Doumbia.
Hi Rodrigo,
i want to build a team including Bale, Neymar, Ronaldo and Robben for a counter attacking style with long passes, lobs n through balls.
I liked 5221 but theres only place for one striker and no cam position.
In a formation like 41212 or 352 i feel like Ronaldo is wasted on the lm position so i’d prefer a position with rw/lw wingers and 2 strikers or one striker and one cf/cam. The only i found would be 4411 and 433 (4) but the first wasnt that good for throughballs and the second is defensively weak.
What would you recommend?
Regards
I really don’t know how you will join Robben to that team without damaing the chemistry.
In your case I would go for the 433 (4). It is a great formation for your players.
Hey can you help me with a formation thats good for playing down the middle lots of cm and cams but with wingers
4141 and 451
Hi
I’m thinking of making a hybrid which includes Ligue 1 and a country but not sure which one to pair with. My formation is going to be 41212 with wingers. P.S I don’t want Spain, England or Germany.
Thx again.
If making a hybrid between ligue 1 and a nation is impossible, I would like to make a hybrid with two countrys. I would not like to have Germany, France, Spain or English.
Hybrids are really hard to build. Have you tried Ligue 1 x Serie A ?
Hallo Rodrigo,
i try to play Juventus and my question ist, which formation ist best for Juventus. I try 3-5-2 but i become lot of goals throw mittle. I like 4-1-2-1-2, but i dont know which 2 defenders on RB and LB.
Thanks for help
Jan
Hi.
352 is the best formation to Juventus. If you use a 4xx formation you will have that problem of RB/LB.
Hi,
thanks. Here my squad now and my future.
https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/5999589/
https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/5999847/
mayby i try Giovinco as ST with Sniper
Serie A Guide will be released next Sunday.
https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/5824123/
Hi Rodrigo,
I’m currently playing that team, its absolutely amazing, I’m not yet sure though if I should play it in 433 (5) like in the link or in 433 (4), switching Khedira to LCM and Modric as CAM. I tried it out and it worked just as well, couldn’t really figure out a difference.
I usually try to send long lobs to my 3 attackers outrunning the defenders.
Custom Tactics are set to Counter Attack and Team Pressing.
Which formation would you prefer regarding the team and playstyle?
Also I’m thinking about replacing Modric by Isco IF, although he scored 4 goals in 13 matches now. I tried Diego Godin IF instead of Boateng, Casillas instead of Neuer and Lahm IF instead of Piszczek but didn’t like them.
Thanks for any feedback.
Regards
I forgot to say that Alba could also be replaced my Marcelo if that would be better.
My chemistry styles are:
Neymar Hunter
Bale Hunter
Robben Hunter
Modric Catalyst
Khedira Shadow
Schweinsteiger Engine
Alba Backbone
Ramos Anchor
Boateng Anchor
Piszczek Anchor
Neuer Glove
Hi.
Really nice team. I love hybrids.
I think you don’t have to change anything. If you are going well with this one why should you change ?! You already tried several players, so I think you already have your perfect team. Don’t forget that you can create your own custom tactic.
Regards
Thank you,
would you use 433 (4) or 433 (5)?
And Xabi Alonso or Sami Khedira?
I’m also not 100% sure which custom tactics to set to improve my tactics for long passes and lobs.
With your players you should use 433 (4). Xabi Alonso is better thanks to his amazing passing.
About custom tactics, you can take a look HERE (use google translator).
By the way should I position change and buy asamoah or buy el shaarway
I also got an italian manager for full chem
Hi.
You haven’t used ‘reply’ so I don’t know which one is your team. By the way, I can’t answer about Serie A questions yet.
Regards
Hi Rodrigo,
I’m thinking of making a Serie A and Bundesliga hybrid in a 4-3-3 (4) formation.
I’m thinking of getting the following players:
GK- Marchetti
Left CB- Chiellini
Right CB- Hummels
RB- Piszczek
LB- Radu
Left CM- Vidal
Right CM- Gundogan
CAM- Marchisio (position change)
LW- El Shaarway
RW- Farfan (postion change)
ST- Don’t know Balotelli or Tevez not sure?
What changes would you make to my team if it was a 100k squad
Hi.
We haven’t published the Serie A Guide so we can’t give you an answer. Please, wait two more weeks and we will be able to answer you.
Regars
Hey do you think that a 5-2-1-2 is a good formation for
RWB: Kyle Walker
RCB: David Luiz
CB Koscielny
LCB: Pique
LWB: Alba
LCM: Fabregas
RCM: Mikel Arteta
CAM: Ozil
LS: Rooney
RS: RVP
GK: Lloris
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Yes, if everybody has individual chemistry 10, then it is OK.
Regards
hey was curious ask i like playing lob balls and passes through the middle and cut in with winger but im often exposed at the denfence when i play with 352 what are some better alternatives
I think 41212 could be a good alternative formation to you.
Hi Rodrigo 🙂 I really love this tutorial but i have 1 Question.. i hate crossing i never used crossing and i like to play counter attacks and long passes to attackers and my attacker is Romario the Legend… what you think is the best formation? i still have 3 million coins other than Romario. Please Reply Asap Thanks 🙂
Hi.
5212 is a good formation for who loves counters but not by the wings.
If you want a more popular formation, you can try 4231 or 41212 (2).
Regards
Hi I had some minor changes to my team,
Firstly, who’s better Alonso or busquets.
Secondly I got Vertonghen instead of Koscieny
Thirdly I’m thinking of changing Paulinho to a CDM instead of having Garcia
Anything u think of my Team
Hi.
Alonso is better. Paulinho is also a decent player. Depends of what you want. Javi Garcia is a good CDM for who wants someone to defend.
I also got the manager Roberto Martinez to get full chemistry.
Yes, it is important to get individual chemistry 10 for all your players.
My striker is Benzema
OK.
Hi Rodrigo,
Any improvements I need to make for my Liga BBVA and BPL hybrid?
Formation is 4-2-3-1(2)
GK- Hugo Lloris
LB- Marcelo
RB- Zabaleta
RCB- Koscieny
LCB- Ramos
LCDM- Busquets
RCDM- Garcia
CAM- Isco
LM Not sure Turan or David Villa
RM Navas (got him in pack)
Hi.
You missed the ST.
The team seems OK for a low-medium budget. We prefer Turan. You are lucky: Navas is a great player.
Regards
what formation is the best for long pass and fast attack ?
41212 is the most popular formation that works well with that play style.
Hi Rodirgo, which ist the best formation for them who like to dominate the opponent?
LG Steve
Hi.
Maybe 352.
Regards
Hey, I got a question, which formation is the best for a Liga BBVA and BPL hybrid for 100k. I have a few choices 4-3-3 (2), 4-3-3 (4) or 4-2-3-1 (2)
You should choose the formation according to your play style and not according the players.
Anyway…
433 (4) to BBVA and 4231 (2) to BPL.
Hi rodrigo, love the site. I’m a huge lfc fan and have just bought Suarez. I normally play the 4-2-3-1 formation with the 2cdms in the bpl, but with a stronger target man up top. In playing now I find Suarez too isolated and can’t get him involved as much as I want. I believe he will work better alongside another striker, but do not know what formation to try. I love the counter and quick short passing. -any suggestions ?
4231 (2) is the right formation to you. The problem is not the formation. The problem is the player. You need to change one of them.
Hi Rodrigo, I just have a question about which formation to use for my ultimate team squad. I currently use a 4-5-1 formation, the one that looks like a 4-3-2-1. It’s better than the one I previously used but I don’t feel fully confortable while using it. Although I like to build patiently and have lots of possesion I cant manage to make short passes which is one of the things that defines my Fifa style. Basically I like to have possesion of the ball and make short passes, sort of like spain did in the past world cup; making short passes in a small space. Could you tell me which formation/s would suit me best? Im thinking of the 4-5-1 (2) but I’m not sure and I would really like your advice.
Other data about my team:
– I often feel that my team is split up and are forced to make long passes.
I play like this:
GK: Casillas
RB: Dani Alves
CB: Pique
CB: Ramos
LB: Marcelo
RM: Di Maria
CM: Xabi Alonso
LM: David Villa
CAM: Isco
CAM: Iniesta
ST: Fabregas/Benzema
Please tell me what you think on which formation should I use based on my possesion, short passing style. I dont mind spending some coins on changing the players position… Everything is usefull and thanks a lot. Apart from that I also feel the need to thank you for improving the fifa life of many people. Recently I read an article you created about the TOTY and it helped me a lot, so anyway thanks for all of your articles.
Thank you.
451 (2) seems OK to you, yes. Try it. To your play style maybe Xavi would be a better choice than Isco.
Regards
hey rodrigo,
I have been using Lewandowski but I don’t like him that much. Should I sell him for aubemeyang and thiago Silva?
Sure!
Hey rodrigo, I am looking for a formations. I like to play up the wings and take long shots with my mids. I dont usually cross and i need a formations where the defenders can get back easily to defend. I use Bundesliga. please help me out. thanks
Hi.
Our suggestions: 433 (2), 4231 (2) and 41212.
bumb.
I don’t know what happened to the answer. I will have to write again.
It is impossible to build a team with full chemistry (individual chemistry 10 to all) with these players. You have players from 4 different leagues. You need to focus in one or two leagues.
Since you have most of the players of my team, just click HERE to see my squad.
Regards
hey this was really helpful. i almost always play through the wings, but all the formations that are wide, have less defenders. i am not a particularly good defensive player, so what would be a formation that is wide, with preferably 4 in the back
4141, 4231 (2), 442 (2) and 433 (3).
help me to improve my squad
my players:
GK – Casillas, Buffon
CB – Silva, Kompany, Ramos
LB – Cole, Marcelo
RB – Lahm, Alves
CDM – Alonso, Toure
LM – Hazard
RM – Di Maria, Navas
CAM – Silva, Ozil
ST – Aguero, Van Persie, Falcao
my style pass the ball to wingers and keep running then shot, and sometimes quick middle attack. can you help me to build me squad ?
Im using the 3-5-2 formation, with a budesliga squad and my playstyle is mainly dependent on crossing. I am stuck on division 4 in online seasons. Please suggest some ways to improve my squad, it is as follows:
GK Adler
RCB Subotic
CCB Hummels
LCB Dante
LCDM Luiz gustavo
RCDM Javi Martinez
LM Elia
RM Farfan
CAM Diego
LST Huntelaar
RST Mandzuckic
I have been playing with this squad all the way from div. 9.
Hi.
On the high divisions sometimes we need to make some improvements.
First of all, I think you should play with two fast CB’s. The slower one should be on the centre. Maybe you should try Felipe Santana instead of Dante.
Generally speaking, I like your team. It is a very balanced team (except the CB problem). With your budget you can not improve it much more. You have good players on the wings for your play style and Mandzuckic to score with his head. In the future, you can buy Gundogan to the Diego place.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo, Im using the 4-2-3-1(2) with an all french team including pires, ribery, inform Benzema and many other solid players however I am struggling against formation with 4 defenders in the back. How would you suggest setting up attacks when I have possession? Also what custom tactics would you recommend if any? Any tips would be appreciated!
How is your play style ?
I typically like to work the middle, either taking some long shots at the back corners or working the wingers in to finesse it in. I personally hate the sprinting down the pitch and crossing it all the time tactic although if I have no other option I will cross it. That is my offensive mind in a nutshell!
It depends of what formation your opponent is using. For example, against teams in a 442 formation, you should explore the gap between his midfield and his defence. There is no special custom tactics against 4xx formations. That is the most natural formation you will find. You should check the work rates and the pace of your opponents CBs. If they are slow or have a bad defensive wr you should try fast balls to their back.
Regards
Hi Rodrigo
I use a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, all player are from the EPL. I am looking for a nice CAM, I was thinking Cabaye, but he lacks pace. Any suggestions?
From India
Cazorla is a good player and he only costs 7k at this moment.
Hi Rodrigo
what is better for quick counter, 442 or 41212? or a formation that is the best for counter attacking?
regards from indonesia 🙂
Hi.
442 is better for counter attacking than 41212.
You can also try 442 (2) and 5212
Hi Rodrigo
Have a problem with my formation since a change the league when played on premier league ive used 4312 and have a lots of winnings but now when I a change to spanish with the same formation I couldn’t win.my lb Jordi alba and rb Dani alves to attacking which make my defence so weak.what u recommend me to do? Or which formation will be good for the spanish league?Thanks in advance
The LM and CDM are the weakest positions on BPL. That’s the only precaution you should take when choosing your formation. You can try Marcelo instead of Alba. He has the same work rate but better defending stats. On the righ side, João Pereira and Juanfran have much better work rates than Dani Alves but you will loose quality on your team.
You can also try to set a custom tactic that fix your problem.
Regards
Hi Rodrigo!! Changed my play since last time we spoke..Tried a variety of Formations lol.Been playing a lot with 3 at the back,getting destroyed.. Need a formation for (Me doing) Fast Counter Attacks 🙂 I’ve got better passing the ball , Still use the wings.. Would prefer a 2 striker formation , Not really in to having a CDM..
Many Thanks Luke
Really ? You don’t need a CDM ? In that case, it is easy. 442 is perfect for you. I hope…
On work rates and most important stats: i saw that often players that played in the same position except on the other side, like LM vs RM or LCM vs RCM, had different suggested work rates. Is this because of the fact that the left offense and the right defence are stronger than their opposite counterparts in terms of rating, popularity, and most important stats, or just because you may, for example, want one striker for heading and another for shooting? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
The second one. And it depends of the work rates and the attributes of the closest team mates.
But don’t forget that these work rates are only suggestions !
Ok thank you. I wish there was a formation builder on mobile….
ohh god, you helped every one and forgot me -_-
Sorry. I didn’t see you.
4231 (2), 433 (2) 4141 and 442 (2). By order.
Hi rodrigo, I love your website. What do you suggest be my formation? I prefer attacking and scoring on the wings with reus and blaszczykowski but i also have lewandowski as a striker. I’ve been switching between 4321 and 433(5) because it allows my wings to cut in and shoot. Any advice?
Hi. Thank you.
You can try 4231 (2) too.
Regards
Hi rodrigo I play a 41212 who do you recomend as left mid and right mid i like to cut inside and shoot. I have a bpl squad
Hi, Viktor.
You probably have missed our BPL Guide. You have everything you need there. Click HERE to check it.
In our opinion the answer is Navas and Hazard. But Willian is great too.
Hi rodrigo, i like your website and your guides. You should link custom tactics to this formation guide. Many players don’t know some formations work better with short or long passes etc..
Anyway nice work!
It is in our plans to publish a guide about custom tactics.
Thank you.
Regards
hi Rodrigo, I was wondering which formation would best suit me, I score mainly from through balls or crossing, I like to have at least 1 defending mid and ONLY one striker, my wingers are my best part of my team and I like to cut in and score with my wingers.
I usually use 4-5-1 (2) and it seems decent but is there something better?
Hi.
433 (2) may be a good formation to you too.
Regards
Hi. In FIFA 13 i used the formation 4312 for much success for my playing style. Through balls and counter attacking. So naturally when FIFA 14 arrived a chosen the same formation but I’m not having anything like the success a had. I have Rooney in CAM ( wish it was still a CF) and decent ST’s and CM’s but im really struggling to win games and get up past division5.A like to think a suddenly didn’t start to suck at FIFA and maybe that I’m doing something wrong? Lol. Any tips, advice would be good. Thanks.
Hi.
Maybe you should try to play a couple of games on seasons trying another formations. It is a good way to check if there are better formations or not.
Hi Rodrigo,
who is a good cam for van persie and eto. I tried suarez and rooney but didn’t like them to much.
David Silva.
Hi Rodrigo . What do you know about Suarez? Is he good ST , or i had to use him with CAM?
And my Team is Eto , Sturridge and the CAM is Suarez . Which formation is the best for they?
Regards
You should choose your formation by your play style and not by your players. 41212 works well.
Suarez is a good player. But honestly, he is too expensive right now. He was used to have the same price of Rooney but, due to his amazing performances IRL, he is 25k more expensive now.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo Read through all the formations and you BPL guide and they are great, but i still have one question for you. I like to play down the wings a lot but i would also like the opportunity to go through the middle or hold up the play. What formation do you recommend at the moment i am using an England team with Legends Card Teddy Sheringham.
442 is great for what you want. Just check if you have one CM with good defensive work rate.
Hey Rodrigo!
I have around 80k budget and i want to build a premier league side. I have 3 teams right now, 41212, 41212 (2) and 433(4). My play style can be through the wings with cuts inside or crosses, or build up play through the middle, but my goals are preventing the counter attack and doing counter attacks. What formation should I use? I was thinking about shifting players around too but im not really sure about that
Of these 3 formations I suggest the 41212 (4).
This is a brilliant read but I’m wondering can these formations be trusted for seasons too and not just ultimate team as stated in title?
Thank you very much.
Yes, these formations work also on other FIFA modes. But the guide is for Ultimate Team because there are more formations on other modes.
he rodrigo, tanks for the guide but i still need some help, i like to play with crosses from my wingers, and ik like to play with through balls. and i still have problems picking the right formation, what do you think i should use. thanks
41212
i need help, my style to pass the ball to the wings and keep running then shot. what formation should i use ? im building premier league team.
thanks
Hey Rodrigo,
First of all, I want to thank you for making this amazing site! And now my question: I have played alot and now I have enough coins to buy a expensive bundasligateam, but i don’t know wich fortmation I should choose. Let me tell you my play style: I pass alot, give alot of high passes to my strikers (with L1 triangle) andplay alot trough the middle… So what formation should I pick?
Sorry for my English,
And greetings from Belguim!
Hi.
You may try 41212 (2) or 4312.
Good luck !
Hey Rodrigo,
I am somewhat new to FIFA Ultimate team and have been toying with my roster trying to find the right fit for me. Right now I am working with a team somewhat built off of your BBVA guide (which was great by the way). Right now I am playing a 4-1-2-1-2 with Diego Costa and Benzema as my two ST, Guardado as my LM, Di Maria as my RM, and I am switching between Neymar and Iniesta at the CAM spot. I am trying to find a formation that allows me to have Iniesta and Neymar playing at the same time but I don’t want to sacrifice my one of the two striker spots up front or my speed on the wings with Di Maria and Guardado. (I like to attack on the wings pretty frequently) Do you have any suggestions or am I simply looking for a formation that doesn’t exist? I was thinking about maybe trying a 4-4-2 with Neymar and Iniesta as my two CMs but I have no idea if this would work or leave me too exposed defensively without a CDM. (I also like having 4 in the back if possible) Thanks for your help and for the awesome guides!
-Ian
Hi.
Fist of all, welcome to the FUT world. If you are new, we suggest to take a look HERE.
About the formation you are looking for, it doesn’t exist. You would have to drop one striker (Diego) in order to get RM/LM, 2 CM’s and a CDM on the same team. You can try 442. We love that formation. If you know what you are doing, maybe you may adapt to that formation.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo,
Great explanation of all the formations! I was wondering if you can give me some advice on a formation i should choose for a international side? I was thinking Brazil but do you have any other teams in mind?
Thanks
My favourite is Portugal. 433.
Hey! nice guide:)
I am currently building a BPL squad, and my play style is not really just doing one thing all the time. Anyways i wanted to know which formation you would recommend? I Like to pass the ball up to the midfield and then either try to play close passing all the way up to the goal, sometimes i play through balls from the middle out to the sides, and try to make a quick play. Other times i like too build the play up through the middle and then out to the left or right midfielders. I hope you understood some of my playing style, and i was wondering what formation you think i should try out? 🙂
Hi. Thank you.
451 and 4141
Hi Rodrigo,
These tips are awesome. But i have a question i built a BPL team with formation 4-4-1-1 and i used all these work rates but it isn’t really effective ( for me ) 4 loses in a row ( UT online ) what do you think? I like a through balls over the defenders head and fast attack with less passing. Can you tell me some formations to use with my BPL or what are the best leagues to use with these conditions?
Best regards
Hi.
Our work rates are only suggestions. You shouldn’t quit to buy the players you want just because the work rates are not exactly the same.
Your play style is good for a 41212 or 41212 (2). If you have enoug coins to buy Touré, BPL is perfect.
Hi Rodrigo compliments for the great guide. What do you think about lb/rb with H/M? we have many good platers but in your formations no one has a lb/rb like this, so wath is the best formation to play with alaba,marcelo,dani alves,filipe luis, clichy, etc etc? and what about srna sif? i think he is the best in game but with H/H wr i dont know what kind of team i can make around him.
Thanks.
Hi.
Our work rates are only suggestions. You shouldn’t quit to buy the players you want just because the work rates are not exactly the same. We suggest M/M for most of them and H/M is not so different. You can also use LB/RBs with H/H but you should pay attention to more things like their stamina and the WRs of the other players on the team next to him.
Regards
I have different teams from different leagues. Apart from BPL and BBVA most leagues lack good LBs/RBs so I end up building teams with 3 CBs.
My playing style is lots of passes and mainly over the wings, I barely attack through the center and score most goals on crosses or on 1 on 1 with the goalie if I manage to put a long ball through.
What formation is good for 3 Defenders, with lots of crossing and two strikers for mainly counter attacks…
Thank you
Bundesliga also has good RB/LBs.
The formation you are looking for is the 3-4-3.
Regards
I rarely play with Bundesliga, more like Seria A or BPL
OK. Serie A LB/RBs sucks…
And If I would use a 4 Def Formation, which one is best for having clean sheets, and attacking counter over the wings?
BPL or BBVA
I meant the formation, not the league, what formation to use with 4 DEFs für Counter and lots of crossing
442 (2) is a good formation for that.
Hey First thanx for evrything
And I want best formation for real madrid plz ma Defence is very bad go to middle why :s plz give me Best formation and thanx
Hi.
The formation depends of your play style and not the team. To get the best of Madrid’s players and keep your defence strong, we suggest the 442 (2).
Regards
Thanxx I will try it ^^
hi, what do you prefer, the 4321 or 433?
I prefer 433 but it doesn’t means that is a better formation to you.
Hey Rodrigo quick question, I use the 3-5-2 formation and i do a lot of crossing with my RM. I have Klose and Gomez up front but I want Klose to receive the crosses because of his heading. Which side should i put em?
In my opinion, you should put him in the side you cross more: the right side.
Borussia Dortmund play a 4-2-3-1(2), not a 4-2-3-1
Fixed. Thank you.
Whats the best formation for crossing?
Any formation with two wings and two strikers is good for crossing.
Thanks for the guide mate. Which one is better for crossing?? 41212 or 442? and is 442 prone to counter attacks??
Hi.
442 is better for cossing and is also prone to counter attacks.
Hi Rodrigo,
What a great job of you to giving good tips to build a team, although I knew the most of things you explain. I have a few questions for you:
If I play with a 4-1-2-1-2, I prefer the workrates: ST R :medium/medium ST L: high/medium. Can you explain why you prefer ST R high/medium and ST L medium/low? and can you call Strikers with the medium/low workrates.
I like to pass quick, trough the middle, balls over the top, i’m a good crosser and header. which formation(s) you recommend me?
Thanks
About the work rates, the difference for your preference is very small. It is just a medium that turns into a low. In my opinion, if you already have a CAM with a high attacking WR, you don’t need that both ST come back on the field.
Ibrahimovic, Balotelli, Óscar Cardozo, Javier Hernández, Emmanuel Adebayor and Fernando Torres all have medium/low work rate.
41212 and 41212 (2) seems OK to you.
Regards
Oh right thanks. I’m more a proclub fan, when I play it I play always with the 5212 formation because that is the only formation that works good for me on proclub. Do you have any idea why and which formations I also should try? (WR’s of all players on proclub are medium/medium)
And my last question is, what is the best league for the 4231(2) formation
Bundesliga works fine on a 4231 (2).
If you like to play on 5212 maybe you should start by trying 532.
thnks rodrigo
just last question
in formation 4-1-2-1-2
what is the best chemistry card for each positoin
It is a long answer. And it depends of the play style of each one of us.
I will try to write an article about that.
Regards
can someone help me to setup a team ? i got 5m coins ? my email is [email protected]
Hey I just wanted to say that Barcelona, Swansea, Roma and Liverpool all play with the 4-3-3(5) FALSE 9 formation, not with the regular 4-3-3. Suarez, Messi, Totti and Michu aren’t full blown strikers, they are false 9s.
Fixed.
Hello, i need a good formation for my BBVA squad. i have marcelo,ramos,miranda,pique,alves,rakitic,xavi,iniesta,xabi,busqets, black players; benzema,pedro,neymar now i play like 4-3-3(2) but my defense suckt, can someone help me to setup my formation ? i need a formation for defence and counter attack 🙂
433 (2) is a good formations for your play style. However, you can also try 442 (2) and 5221 and 5212.
Regards
oke but, my DMC players are not good enough i think :s i sold all my players, and i got 5m coins. is it possible to get a team with messi,ronaldo,imbrahimovic ?
The best CDM s Touré. It is not possible to get a team with all that stars with “only” 5 million coins.
Hey rodrigo , do you think 4-2-3-1 is a god formation for this team https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/4127498/ ? and if you think i should replace some of my players can you say who :)? i think this team is very good but i really need a tips how i should improve my playstyle
Hi.
We can not suggest you changes because we have not analysed the Serie A players. You can try to ask us again when we release the Serie A guide.
The formation seems OK.
first of all thank u very much for ur advices , i tried 4-1-2-1-2 with calcio players and it works good . But , good not enough for me 🙂 .
u see in RB i only can use De Sciglio while i love to put maicon but according to rate that u put maicon isn’t the right choice ?!. So as tevez i cant find any form to fit him .
my quoestions are:
1- it is o.k put maicon in 4-1-2-1-2 even though his rate not fit the fourm ?!
2- there is any form for players with high rate in defence & attck such as
tevez , marchisio , vidal , cavani …etc ??
thanks for ur help
Hi!
1 – Yes. There is no problem. In our opinion, his position is not a crucial one. It is different from CB in which you should use the right work rate. You can live well with that.
2 – Can you explain it better ? Are you asking by an IF card with high/high work rate ?
Regards
thanks for ur answers
in my second question . what i meant that players like tevez and cavani have no fourm to fit them , i’m big fan of carlitos but according to ur suggestion in work rate he has any formations to fit him because of his high rate in defence and in attack .
thanks again :))
Hi again.
Our suggestions about work rates are only suggestions. We just want to alert that there are better players for some formations than others. In most of cases, you do not need to choose another player just because his work rate doesn’t match with our suggestion. For example: if Tevez has high/high there is no problem to play as ST since the formation has another ST with different WR.
Regards
Does it matter too much if you play LM/RM’s as LW/RW? also, is it fine to have them in a different position without position changers?
It’s all about chemistry. If they have individual chemistry 10 in both positions, it makes no difference. Otherwise you should use a card.
Hey I have a bundesliga team and can’t decide on either the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-4-2 which is better for that league
In our opinion it is 442. Bundesliga has good wingers.
best formation in the game?
You didn’t read the article!
It is highlighted in yellow: “There is not a better formation than other. All of them have strong and weak points. You should decide which one is better to you.”
Hey rodrigo 🙂 which formation should i use for this team https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/4022508/ ? and should i replace some of my players and who then ? i really suck with this team…
Hi.
433 should be fine but if you are conceding many goals, try 433 (4), You will have to buy Song in that case.
You have a big problem with that team: ALL you players (except the goalkeeper) have high attacking work rate. It can not happen. It is impossible to win like that. Try, for example, to change Piqué by Pepe. It will be enough to make a huge difference on your performance.
Regards
that wasn´t good … i hate bbva because i always loose because they are crosing in to the box and and then i can´t do anyting
yeah i forgot to say that casillas is not a very good GK in fifa 14
so i bought Courtois he is so much better
I play 4231in bpl what would be a good st and cam for on de left and right sight
It depends of many things: your budget, your play style, your preferences, etc…
We suggest you David Silva and Rooney as a CAM and Aguero as ST.
Check our BPL guide HERE.
Regards
Oh, about the 4-4-2: I can’t find any decent LB/RB with medium/high, are the workrates that important?
The work rates are important but our suggestions are only… suggestions.
You can use players with different work rates. The important is not use players with the opposite WR.
https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/3864930/
so that would be the perfect 4-2-3-1? (except for Sturridge, Agüero is too expensive)?
Thanks
Hi.
‘perfect’ is a strong word to define it. But it is a cool team.
Regards
Olá Rodrigo
Tentei a táctica 41212 e é muita boa em relação ao estilo de jogo que eu gosto, mas não consigo ter bons jogos contra pessoas que jogam com 433… disseste-me que qualquer formação com 5 defesas é bom, mas é um pouco defensivo e não é tão fácil para marcar que achas que devo fazer eu gosto de jogar em desmarcação tanto pelo meio como pelas alas.
Cumprimentos e Obrigado
Olá de novo.
Existem três boas e populares táticas que são simultanemante boas para quem joga pelas alas e para quem joga pelo centro: 442, 41212 e 4231 (2). Defensivamente a 442 é muito vulnerável no espaço de terreno que fica entre a defesa e o meio campo. A melhor destas três para quem quer ter mais coesão defensiva é a 4231 (2).
Cumprimentos
Hi Rodrigo,
which formation would you recommend for me? My playing style is, that I like playing through the middle with my midfielders. I like passing the ball through my midfield to my striker(s) which scores my goals. BUT I also like attacking by the wings, crosses by the wingers into the middle ( penalty area/ box ) and scoring by headers. Which formation, would you say, fits to my playing style?
I prefer 442 ( with CM ) 41212 ( with RM and LM ) and 4231 ( with RM and LM ) but I am open for new other formations.
Thanks for reading!
Regards.
Hi.
The best formations for your play style are exactly the three that you like more: 442, 41212 and 4231 (2).
We have no other suggestion since these three are the better ones.
Regards
Hi, I was wondering what would be the best formation for me, I like to cut in a lot with my wingers and have a shot, or cross it in and header it, the formation I usually use is 4-3-3 (false 9) or 4-2-3-1 (2),
my ST/CF is Bale, my LW is Reus (he can play LM too) and my RW is Robben (who can also play RM) I have a lot of pacey players and I like getting into a good position to shoot, Bale is pretty good with the two formations I use but I might sell him and might get someone like sturridge, aguero, or jovetic (if I do sell bale which of these 3 players would be the best of my play-style)
Hi.
Any of those two formations seems to be good to your play style. If you sell Bale, try to get Aguero. He is the best of the three and can play as you like.
Regards
Hey rodrigo thx for ur formation guide, but my question is do you have a personal tactic guide? ?
Good continuation
Thank you.
Not yet. But we re working on it.
Regars
hey rodrigo
i have a 4222 bpl squad its formated by:
de gea(think i will change it for hart)
zabaleta – cahill – koscienly – jose enrique
sandro – essien
eriksen – kagawa
soldado – negredo
i have a budget of 20k, im also thinking of changing to a formation with rm and lm but the wingers that i can afford kind of suck, i like using lob passes, like counter – attack and score by heading, i dont know if thats the best formation, i would like to know what do u suggest me
I think that you need a formation more wider on the attack. 4231 (2) for example. If you want to keep two strikers, you may try 442 (2) too.
With that budget you may try to buy a decent RM and decent LM like Valencia and Schurrle.
Regards
hi there. which formation is the best formation if you play really on the defence. like cdm so you have many defence. and you play on the wings (Lw and Rw)
442 (2) and 433 (3)
Any suggestions of must have player’s in a 442 liga bbva team? cheers
Yes. Just check the BBVA Guide that we will publish in the coming days. You will find there everything you need.
Hey Rodrigo
I have a US national team with a 4-3-3(3) a BPL with a 4-3-3(2) and a silver La Liga team with a 4-3-3(2). I have tons of consumables and club items. My club value is over 10 million. If I sell everything I own could i make close to 10 million?
Thanks, Nick
Unfortunately, no.
hi i liked you post. it looks you did really hard work on it. i have a problem with my defence & ususally opposition scores against me..i love heading or crossing..so would you suggest me a good formation ? thanks 🙂
Thank you very much.
There are other good formations for your profile but I believe that you should try 442 (2). You will have 6 men defending, other two crossing and other two heading.
Regards
Hi, I have recently hit a Division 2/3 wall in Online Seasons. I recently sold Neymar and purchased Gareth Bale ( Because of his superior shot, pace, and playmaking ability), but I’m not sure what formation would be best to use him in as I havent used him yet. Typically, I used a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 (2) as single striker formations with Neymar, but I’m willing to try something new. I enjoy the wingplay of Cristian Tello and Angel Di Maria as they get involved a lot with through balls and crosses. Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Iniesta make up my current midfield, as they are all great playmakers and I utilize through balls to my striker and wingersWould he be sufficient at ST in those formations? Also, how successful would Bale be at CAM in a 4-2-3-1 (2) with Karim Benzema or Diego Costa at ST?
Thanks,
Adam
Hi.
In a 433 or 4231, Bale need to be the ST. On a new formation he may play as a ST or as a CAM. In our opinion he plays well on both positions. As a ST the only bad thing is his heading (and jumping!). He can score with his head but don’t expect miracles. It may be better to place him as a CAM (CF is the better position to him). About your CAM’s, don’t forget taht you can try other good players to those positions, as David Silva and Mata, for example.
Regards
One more question. Would Bale perform bettter in the 4-3-3(5) (False 9) or the classic 4-3-3 with Tello and Di Maria on the wings?
Probably better as false 9 but the best way to know is to try.
Regards
Hi, a lot of your formations suggest having a cb with low high work rates, I have looked at every epl cb and not one has that work rate? Can you help. I’m trying to better myself I’m in fut division 2 but cannot get better than scraping through. Like clockwork I lose the same series if games the same way and can’t affect it. I dominate all my games creating more chances but as if it’s pre written the games I’m likely to lose (middle of season) everything I pass runs on shoot hits bar etc. consider myself a good player but can’t understand how I can control games and get hit with a sucker punch
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Diakité, for example, has those WR. However, as you already know, you don’t need to use exactly the same work rates. It is just merely indicative. The important is not use two CB’s with high/low or something like that. The WR we suggest are the best possible but doesn’t mean we can get it to our team.
About your skills, what can we say ? Just don’t forget to relax. Everytime we get upset with the game, we play worse.
Regards
Hey, which formation do you recomend if i play with Bundesliga players?
This is my team :lewandowski, aubameyang, blaszeczykowski, gundogan, mkhitaryan, Luis Gustavo, pisczeck, hummels, weidenfeller, boateng, alaba and Müller 😀
The formation depends of your play style and preferences. For us, 442.
Hey , I recently purchased IF Totti so he plays in a central role now instead of on the wing of course. I’m having trouble integrating him into a team. I put him in a 3-5-2, but it doesn’t seem to work, because he just always gets swarmed and there’s never really enough players for him to pass it to. I’m looking for a formation where he can still be involved, but get more help. Any recommendations?
Hi.
352 is one of the formations in which he should be more involved. Maybe you may try 4411. It may works.
Regards
hi rodrigo, just wondering does man united usually use the 4-4-1-1 or the 4-4-2?
Hi.
I think they play on both formations. Sometimes with a CF and others with two ST. Am I wrong ?
Hi Rodrigo!!
Tried a few formations out..You have any recommendations for a Counter – Attacking formation with 1 Striker??
And 4 at the back!!
Hi.
Try 4231 (2). Any 433 should work too.
hi, can you please compare the 4.2.2.2 and the 4.4.2 formations. im trying to choose one.’
Thanks
Hi.
On the classic 442 you can play by the wings or by the middle. On 4222 is harder to play by the wings but the players are closer and there is no empty space between defence and midfield as it happens with the 442.
hi, i have a lot of problems with picking up the right formation. i like to play with wingers and give cross passes in the box, but i also like to play through balls (triangle passses ps3). which formation should be the best one for me? (4231 perhabs?). and which striker do you prefer as a lone striker? i tried ibrahimovic, he was very good for me but not the player i am looking for. i mabey want to try lewandowski if what do you think about him? should he fit a lone striker position well?
hi, i have a lot of problems with picking up the right formation. i like to play with wingers and give cross passes in the box, but i also like to play through balls (triangle passses ps3). which formation should be the best one for me? (4231 perhabs?). and which striker do you prefer as a lone striker? i tried ibrahimovic, he was very good for me but not the player i am looking for. i mabey want to try lewandowski if what do you think about him? should he fit a lone striker position well?
To choose the right formation is not easy. The best way to do it is to test it on the field. Probably 4231 (2) should work to you.
Ibrahimovic is a monster but I believe you are looking for something like Aguero. Much better than Lewandowski. But yes, he can play as lone striker.
Regards
Hi dude , I want to play possesion style with crossing. I have 2500 K . By the way my defence is not good. What can I do ? Can you help me ?
Try 4141. Hire good defenders, with high strength, defensive attributes, pace and heading.
Regards
Thanks for advice Rodrigo. I’m using 4-1-4-1 and It works. I have got two different team. Bundesliga and Bpl. Bpl — Lloris , Kompany, Kaboul, Micah Richards, Clichy, Toure ( Cdm ) Gerrard and Cazorla ( Cm ) Hazard and IF Navas and Eto’o.
Bundesliga — Neuer, Hummels, Boateng, Alaba, Lahm, Schweinsteiger ( Cdm ) İlkay and Diego ( Cm ) Reus and Robben and SIF Lewandoski.
What do you think ?
Hi.
I can only talk about the leagues which guides we already have published. In this case, BPL.
If you check our BPL guide you will see that you have almost the team that we have recommended. You have missed Aguero and Silva, probably because you don’t have enough coins for them. The only thing I would change in that team is the midfield. Mata, for example, is better than Gerrard and Cazorla.
Regards
Olá Rodrigo
Tenho umas questões e precisava de ajuda…
Eu gosto de jogar em passe em profundidade e passes longos em profundidade, um jogo rápido que os jogadores se adiantem ou entrem pelo meio e se desmarquem qual a melhor formação para tal?
Outra pergunta qual a melhor táctica contra um 4-3-3?
Olá Diogo.
O 41212 é muito conhecido pelas desmarcações pelo meio. A jogada em que a bola é lançada para as costas da defesa contrária, resulta muito bem nesta tática.
Qualquer tática 5xx deve resultar pois os alas defensivos marcam os LW/RW e ainda fica com 3 homens ao meio para marcar o central e eventualmente fazer a dobra.
Cumprimentos
which is better, the 442 or 442(2), and why?
Hi.
In our guide we have highlighted this: “There is not a better formation than other. All of them have strong and weak points. You should decide which one is better to you.”
442 is more attacking, placing players on the middle of the field but with an empty area between defence and midfield. 442 (2) is more defensive, placing players between defence and midfield but with an empty area on the middle of the field.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo!
I play allot of fut, but im having a hard time finding a formation that fits my playing style. When I play season im playing on autopilot and win 90 % of my games i 1.div. Using Real Madrid and keep the ball in the team playing from side too side til there comes a opening, I go for the crosses when there is good runs in the box specaliy if im going for an urly cross. I also go for the counter if im overnumbered.
In Fut things happen faster so im struggling with my playing style, jumping up an down from 3-4 div.
The main things im struggeling with is that im often wins the ball back fast after a misspass, mainly high up in the field. But in Fut it seems that eighter the midfielders have gone too far up or staying to close to the defenders, this makes a big room between the midtfielders an the defenders. So i often lose to people i consider myself way better then.
The other problem is that whem im figure the formation doesent work and I chance, I have to spend allot of coins on new players and selling the ones that doesent fit. And in 80% of the cases i have a loss on the players since the marked went down and ofcourse up on the new players I need..
So even if im playing much and try to make money on the market I never get enough for the big players I really want, like Ronaldo, Bale, Messi and Ibra.
So now im thinking of trying the 4-2-3-1 (2) formation with both my laliga team and serie A. I go for iniesta an tevez on the cam posison.
These are the player im thinking of in my new formation (going from right)
Serie A: Handanovic-abate-chiellini-ogbonna-asamoah-de rossi-vidal-candevra-el sharaawy- tevez-balotelli
LaLiga: Courtois- alves-pique-ramos-marcelo-busquets-fabregas-Di Maria- villa- iniesta- costa
Any tips or toughts? Many thanks 🙂
Hi.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Finding the perfect formation is a really hard job. We have not found it yet.
4231 (2) may work for you but, as you know, you will need to try it. We haven’t published the BBVA or Serie A guide, so we can’t suggest players we didn’t test it yet.
Regards
Hi Rodrigo, love your articals. Keep it up. Just wanna know work rate impact on a game. Is it better have a player like Howedes (82) with M/H defensive work rate over Hummels (85) H/M although Hummels have better defending stats? Does work rate really matters???
Thanx
Thank you.
Yes, WR really matters. And a lot. Try for example to place two CB’s with high attacking WR on a 4xx formation and you will see how many goals you will conceding because they are often out of position. You don’t need to have the same WR we suggest. It is only a suggestion, but try to be smart on your own choices.
In your example, I prefer to have Hummels but I also prefer to have one Hummels and one Howedes instead of two Hummels.
Regards
hey, whats the best formation for a liga bbva squad at the price of around 1 million coins?
There is no better formation than other. The good for me may be bad for you.
I like to play on a 442 with a BBVA based team.
Regards
hey rodrigo,thanks for the article and
i mostly prefer a wing play.so, which formation is best for wing play with best defensive line(my defence is a bit weak)
thanks.
Hi. Thank you.
Probably 442 (2)
hey rodrigo, im making an OP team, wondering what formation to use. What are some good solid, attacking all round formations?
Hi.
It depends of your playstyle. 41212 is an attacking formation very solid, for example.
Hey Rodrigo!
Which formation would you recommend for
1. Bundesliga squad?
2. Barclays Premier League Squad?
3. A formation with 4 defenders?
Thank you!
Regards!
Hi.
It depends of you play style, preferences, budget, etc… It is impossible to give you an answer without that. To us, 41212 on BPL and 442 on Bundesliga.
Regards
Hi, first thanks.
I’ve already a BPL and Bundesliga squad and just wanted to improve it.
The worth of my squads are :
1. BPL -> 110K Coins
2. Bundesliga -> 60K Coins
I prefer a defence with 4 defenders, playing through the middle but also with my LM and RM ( a balanced mix but more through the wings ) long air passes, crosses. What would yo say?
442
Fantastic article, well done Rodrigo Lopes! Thanks for the useful information.
Thank you for your words.
Hi! Nice guide, but i would ask if you new what formation that is best to Crossing, i use this alot, and i find it hard to get it through the Wings and into the box, with the Normal 4-4-2
Best Regards Holrits!
Btw, you can see my team here: https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/3133329/
Very nice team. Hope your Pardew have BPL active.
442, 442 (2), 4231 (2), 451, 451 (2) and 4411.
My current team is a 4-3-3 (2) formation with a solid defence consisting of constant chiellini ogbonna abate and even de rossi at cdm. However even though the defence has good pace strength and heading stats backed up with good workrates i still conceed almost all my goals from over the top balls counter attacks and crosses. Is there any formation which helps prevent some of these problems whilst maintaining enough numbers in attack to be able to score goals consistently.
Hi again.
You are asking by the perfect formation. It doesn’t exist. If you want clean sheets, you should try a 5xx formation. However, you will score less goals.
Test several formations until find the perfect one for you. We are all different. The good for me, may be bad for you and vice-versa.
Regards
I may try a 5 x formation soon but i want to give 4-3-3 (2) one more chance as i really like it’s attack do you think if i maybe get a right back with a high defensive work-rate my team will leave less gaps on the counter as i do not really need an attacking rightback with the wingers in my current formation.the only problem with that has been that most of the high defensive rightbacks are quite slow so do you think changing to a defensive right back will leave less gaps on the counter?
Hi again.
The role of fullbacks on the defence is more to avoid crosses. If you buy fullbacks with high defensive work rates, you may avoid a couple of crosses but not the top balls. To be honest, I think it more important to focus in a good CDM. If you already have a good one, as you do, maybe you should try to improve your gameplay. Take a time to test some plays on Arena.
Regards
After being held up in division 4 for the third time in a row i decided to use 3-4-3 and i had no problems attacking and my opponents struggled to break me down as i had 2 players on each wing with two of the games most all rounded players in the midfield. when i was leading by enough or i had to close out a game i simply switched to 3-5-2 and subbed in gomez and de rossi for the 2 wingers.I managed to get into division 3 with 6 wins a draw and a loss while destroying the majority of my opponents I can hardly believe 3-4-3 was so effective but i guess it favours all kind of attacks and is reliable at the back.Thanks for your help
the squad i used-https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/3295160/
Thank you.
Great article!! I love the vast number of formations, but at the same time, it’s tough decide which is the best one for me. I want to play with two strikers, as well as outside midfielders/wingers who can whip in a good cross. What would you recommend?
I’m thinking of actually using a 4-2-3-1 (2), and dropping my second striker (Suarez) to the CAM position. Would he still go forward enough do you think?
It seems very well. Suarez has high/medium work rate, so he will be on the box many times.
Okay cheers buddy!! Tried out 4-1-4-1,because i love to cross also on the counter..It was okay,but could not create much.
What’s your view on 4-5-1 (2)
That’s what i last used!! Think 4 at the back with 1 ST
Sorry again. But those formations are the best ones for your play style.
whats the best formation for BPL ?
Difficult question since it depends of your play style and preferences. If the budget is not a problem, we think 41212 is great, using Touré as CDM.
Regards
Tried the 4-4-2 (2) a while back!!Any formations you recommend with 1 striker..
5221
Hi Rodrigo!! Got to Div 6 on UT , but getting found out.. Was playing 5-2-2-1!! Prefer counter – attack style with 1 striker and players crossing in..
Maybe 442 (2)
Rodrigo….I like to possession based football without much crossing and headers. What is the best formation for this and to guard against the opponents counter attack
41212 (2), 4222 and 4312.
Thks for the advice
I have also tried creating a couple of custom formations…….but they dont really seem to work out.
What is your opinion of creating a formation in fifa 14
A custom tactic ? We have not enough experience in doing that. We will try to publish an article about it.
Regards
hi rodrigo , suggest me a formation to counter a 532 formation player who plays with rare crosses & lots n lots of through balls
Use the same weapon: 532. If you prefer a 4xx formation, maybe 4222 will work to you.
Regards
hey, im using a 3-5-2 serie a squad, which player do you suggest as a CAM?
Depends of you play style, preferences and budget but you will be OK with Marchisio, Hernanes and Pirlo (if you don’t mind his low pace). If you have a fat budget, Tévez and Di Natale are good players to this position.
Regards
hi, what do you think are the top 3 allround formations in fifa 14 today?
Hi.
The most used is still the 41212, then the 433 (4), then 4231 (2) and the fourth one is 422.
Regards
hey Rodrigo,
thank you for your information guid.
I am struggeling with my 4321 team.
Schurrle Benteke Mirallas
Gerrard Tiote De Bruyne
Cissokho David Luiz Vertonghen Richards
Cech
I have problems to create good opportunitys and in the defence I always get out countered(don’t exactly how to spell it)
Do you know what I could change or do better?
Do I have to change players or maybe formation?
I like to play with wingers like schurrle to cut inside and shoot
Thank you
Hi.
Thank you. We have several others goods guides in our website too.
You may need to change your formation to stop conceding goals on counters. You can start trying 433 (2), for example. It is similar but wider on the attack and with a CDM helping the back four.
Another really really really important thing is your CB’s. Look to their work rates. Both are high/medium, which means that they will be out of position many times. Never use two CB’s with high attacking work rate. Kaboul, for example, will work much better in that team.
Except the CB’s problem, your team looks great.
Please for my sake could you add West Brom as an Example of a team that uses 4-2-3-1 wide also great tips 🙂
Done. 🙂
hi.
i am trying to make custom team and play friendly matches . that team will consist players like drogba, pirlo, lampard, ferdinand, henry, totti etc. can you suggest me formation. and other question is does team chemistry play role in offline carear mode like players from same country or club have good chemistr.
Hi.
It is impossible to suggest you a formation without knowing your play style, preferences, etc…
Chemistry only exists in Ultimate Team mode.
Regards
i like to use players with low speed. and play passing game and somtimes cross. i like to keep possession and do not allow opposition to get hold of the ball for a second. currently:
buffon
johnson vidiv ferdinand cole
gerrard de rossi
ronaldinho
henry
totti
drogba
i want full attacking game thinking of moving lb and rb up . and replacing defensive player like derossi with totti . i finish most of the games with opposition do not have single shot against me. but i find it hard to score despite lots of possession.
Hi.
You already have the right players for your play style. Maybe I may suggest you Pirlo that fits very well in that team.
You haven’t said which formation you are using but I suggest something like 4222.
Regards
thanks i got pirlo as sub. formation is like 4231 with 2 cm instead of cdm and 1 lw instead of lam. only point i do not understand is that i think team chemistry is important in offline career mode as well. becoz in manger mode if you make too many changes in a team you game play efficiency reduces very much. about formation now i want to try a craxy 2422 so i can have more passing options in midfield.
Hi.
2422 is not on UT. Chemistry is only for UT. What happens in Season, for example, is that your player rating will be affected if he is out of position. Just test with a player and you will see the rating changing. But he will play the same way no matter tha nationality or league of the manager or his team mates.
hi
i think there is team chemistry in career mode becoz when i start playing with for example arsnal they play well but if i make too many transfers and play new player they do not play like team
Hi.
As you know we are a Ultimate Team website. We are not sure about other game modes.
Regards
Hi, What’s the difference between the 4-3-1-2 and 4-1-2-1-2(2)?
Those formations are very similar. The difference is that, in 41212 (2), one of the CM’s plays as a CDM which means that the four players of the diamond do not play as close to each other. 41212 (2) is more defensive since that player fills an empty space between defenders and midfilders.
Hi what formaation do u suggest fir me. I play down the wing and cross the ball or cut inside. My bundesliga side works well in 42312 but i use diouf instead of lewandowski as diof gets to ball all the time. Also what league would u suggest
Hi.
Why do you want to change ? If it works well with you, keep it.
Thanks for that.
I just wanted to try a new formation where I can cross the ball in. What other leagues are good for that?
I was thinking about 433 but still not too sure. So i was wondering about your expert advice as i have read alot of your posts which are great
With your profile, 4141 would work fine. However, if you want a wider attack you may try 433 (2), for example.
The league depends of your budget. Serie A has nice prices but it is not good for 4xx formations since the full backs are not great. If you have a good budget try BPL. I don’t recommend BBVA since it hasn’t a good LM (except Ronaldo). Take a look also to Brazilian team.
Thanks for that.
I have lloris,sagna,diakhite,sahko,clichy,toure,carzola,rooney,navas,hazard,benteke.
Suarez or rooney as cm? Please suggest other alternatives if u can. I have 2million budget. Thankyou
Hi. Can you post it on our BPL Guide comments ?
Thank you
whats a good formation if you like to do short passing around with the CAMs and CMs, but not building up slowly, building up play with passing very quickly..
Regards
4-1-2-1-2 (2)
Hi.
Just wondering, what’s the disadvantage of having no wingers in a formation such as the 41212(2)
Secondly, what is a all round better formation (more attackive and counter attack style) the 41212 or the 41212(2)?
It has two main problems: the attack is too narrow (crosses never happen, for example); the full backs don’t have support.
41212 is better for counter attack and better for attack if you like to run by the wing and cross. 41212 is better to attack if you like a fast passing style between the 4 players of the midfield.
Regards
Thank you for.your informative guide. My only problem with you is with the 451 attack formation. I dont agree that the cm will get lost and caught out of position. Ive used this formation and beleive me its probably one of the best formations in game. When you dont have the ball the team defends together and on the attack its more direct unlike what you said. cheers
Hi.
We respect your view and it is good to have different opinions. We still believe that the CM is too alone and that this formation is not good for direct play and long ball styles. We know that there are many people that agree with us, but we also believe that many players may agree with you too. In fact, there is no better formations. Maybe this one is better to you, to your play style.
Regards
Hi, helpful website! I just wanted to know : I am building a 1 million coin BPL team. I wanted to know a good formation for me ; I like to build up play in a quick passing style, with many options when I need them in attack.I like to build up play from wide in defense to more narrow in attack. I prefer a formation with 2 strikers. What are the top two formations you would use in my postition?
Thanks
41212 seems erect for you.
Check our BPL Guide to see our opinion about good players.
Regards
Hi I was wondering what do you think is the best defensive formation against most of the formations?
Hi.
Probably 5221 is the most defensive but I prefer the 532.
Regards
I was thinking 4-2-3-1 (2) would be up there or is having the extra CB better than the 2 CDMs? As for the RWB & LWB for the 5-2-2-1 would you put a more Striker oriented player like Hulk or more Defensive player who can also somewhat shoot like Maicon?
4231 (2) is very popular but no so defensive as 5221. You would use Maicon in that case.
Regards
hi, i am building a Brazilian team worth 600k. I was wondering what formation is good with my style (2 strikers). I like to build up play very quickly with passing, and on counter attacks. I am not a very patient player. What 3 formations do you recommend with 2 strikers?
By order: 41212 (2), 412212 and 5212
Hi,
first of all great job u do keep it going!
I cant really find a formation for me, last year 3-5-2 was amazing, this year I like 4-3-3 for attacking but I concede to many goals, I also like 4-2-3-1 (2) but I feel like the wings are to defensive, do u have a suggestion with which formation I can fast attack with wingers if needs to but still play around the box with short passes until one of my player makes a cut either in the box or on the wings ( I only use crossing when someone is free or I feel like I’m not getting through the defense
thanks man appreciate it
Hi. Why don’t you try 433 (3) or 433 (2) ? You will have more players on the defence and will play with the formation you have enjoyed.
Hi Rodrigo,
I find your guide very helpful, already used the 3-5-2 formation and followed your work rates given above. Played 10 games, won 9 lost 1 and only conceded 2 goals. I am looking to make another 3-5-2 formation or something similar without the following players: Ogbonna, Caceres and Chiellini. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Nice to see that it has worked for you.
Are you asking for a team ? Check our league guides to get some ideas.
Regards
Thanks
Hello. You said that you will post a guide for BPL. I want to fresh start with a new team. I’d player 4-1-4-1 with Seria A players but now I want to test BPL.
I need your advice for players and formation. I was thinking 4-4-1-1, with Schurrle and Nani LM/RM, CM Fellaini and Gerrard, CF Rooney and ST maybe Van Persie, but I don’t think I have coins for him at the moment.
Thanks!
Hi.
That BPL guide will be published on next Sunday. If you don’t mind, place your questions there and we will try to help you the best way possible.
If you are curious about the guide, take a look here: https://www.fifauteam.com/pt/barclays-premier-league-fifa-14
Regards
What formation do you recommend to play in the wings and to keep the possession of the ball?
352, 4411, 451 and 451 (2)
Hi.
Basically I recently had a Serie A team on 4-1-2-1-2 and ive gotten bored of it and want to try to build a barclays league squad. I want to use Suarez but im not sure in which position and formation i should place him in,to get the most out of him.
I like to play on counter attacks and long passes to get past the defense quickly.
What would you recommend? Should I keep on using 4-1-2-1-2?
Hi.
CF is the better position for him but he can play as a ST or as a CAM too.
41212 works fine for your style of play. If you like it, don’t change it. In that case try him as CAM and then as ST and decide which one you like it more.
Regards
4-4-2! 80k! What league should i have? dont Serie A, because the backs in Serie A is not so good!
BBVA, for example.
how is playing style in 3-5-2? whats the best league for 3-5-2?
Very solid formation. Good for defensive style, specially in the middle. Serie A is a good choice for this formation.
Regards
What you think about 4411 with Prince Boateng on CF?
Hi Rodrigo!
How I can improve my team:
4-5-1
Neuer
Alaba-dante-hummels-pizchek ( anyone in 100k limit)
Reus-kroos-gundogan-schweinsteiger-blaszczykovski(subs: Draxler,Muller, Boateng, anyone in 100k limit)
Lewandovski(subs: Gomez, Aubumeyang)
I tried a lot of formations with different teams but didnt choose yet.
What’s the best formation for those players?
I like to play pass with possesion
Thanks
Hi.
We are now testing the players of several leagues and we will publish a guide for each popular league in the coming weeks. The first one will be the BPL. Don’t get us wrong but we always try to give the better opinion possible and right now we can not do it since we have not tested all the players. We can not give you suggestions until we have 100% sure of what we are saying. Feel free to ask us again as soon as we publish the Bundesliga guide. It will be a pleasure to help you.
Regards
Have you ever tried a 3-2-3-2 formation lile this ? Because I have been using it in and is very good defensively and attacking is awesome, I have not received gols since I started using it.
The two cdm’s go back to defend as cb so it is a 5-3-2 when defending.
Please tell what do you think
#. St #St
#. Lm #. Cam #rm
#.Mcd #Mcd
#.Rb #. Cb #rb
Hi.
I only tried the FUT formations. 3-2-3-2 is not a FUT formation, so I didn’t tried. I don’t know how it is.
Regards
What playing style is 4-2-3-1 (2) and how is the 4-4-2? Difference?
Hi.
Those formations are very different. It’s easier to say what it is the same than what is different.
I like to play with fast counter attacks after I won the ball in the defense.
If I need to build up (e.g. after goal kick), I like to play over the wings.
What’s a good formation?
442 (2)
hi rodrigo i have two team bblva and ligue 1 which formation work? ligue1? and bblva? thank you
Hi.
We always say to choose a formation by your play style and not by the league.
In our view, 442 works fine for both.
Regards
why have you written that Real Madrid, Chelsea and Dortmund use 4-2-3-1?
they all use 4-2-3-1 (2)!! do i have right?
Probably yes but it is not always easy to say if it is formation A or B. In Real Madrid, for example, Ronaldo loves to play to the middle, making him many times a CAM.
If you search on the internet you will see both ways. If you show us a good and strong source we will update the guide.
Regards
It is interesting that although it is known that the Real Madrid uses 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-2-1 (2), Ronaldo’s card shows him as a LW. As LW that is not present in both of those formation that would mean you would have to change is position to use him properly.
Good point!
Hi Rodeigo. Very nice article!!
I now is the lucky person to have both Neymar (ST) and Messi i the same squad. But I don’t know which formation is the “Best” to get most out of Messi??
Please help?
Haustein
Hi. Thank you.
Probably any formation with a CF. He is good in that position.
Regards
Hey, i like to play through the middle on counter attacks! What formation and what league?
5212
Hello Rodrigo!
Nice guide and I was just wondering which 4atb formation is best suited for me.
I can’t score on headers and I like to play through balls. I’m also very good at one two’s. What formation do you suggest could fit me best?
41212!
What formation is Jose Mourinho use in all the team he is coaching? I like hes playing style!
433 or 4231
Hello. I think i go for 4-1-2-1-2! Can i keep possession with that formation? I just have 75k so i cant have Yaya Toure! So who can i use at CDM?
Hi. Sure, you can.
Until you have enough coins to buy Touré, try Tioté.
Regards
what about a possesion formation? what formation can i use for possesion and counter attacks?
451, 451 (2), 4222 and 4411 (by order).
Hey, i have 80k and gonna build me a team! I like fast Counter attack! What league and what formation should i use?
You can try a BBVA squad with 451 (2)
Hey. I have 80k to build a team, im gonna use 4-4-2! What league is the best for 80k and 4-4-2?????
Hi!
Depends of how good you expect that team gonna be.
We suggest the BBVA but Bundesliga may be a good option too.
Regards
Sorry, i mean 4-2-3-1(2). And i have 80k! What league?
Maybe the Serie A. They don’t have great RB’s and LB’s but their CDM’s are really good.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo! Very good analysis, really usefull..
I was wondering if it is possible to play with two different formations in one team. I can hear you think: of course you can do this! But my question is actually if it possible to save your custom formation settings?
If i save it in the formations menu, it keeps on changing. For example: If i play Hazard with high att work rate and low def work rate in 3-5-2, this is also the case in my other formations…
I hope you understand my question…
Thanks!
Hi. Thank you for your words.
It is not possible. The only thing you can do, if you want to play in two different formations or with different players, is to create a new squad. It is easier and faster than do it manually.
Regards
can you say some formations that are amazing in defence and amazing in attack?
You want the perfect formation but it doesn’t exist. Every formation has good and bad things.
i like to play with through ball and cross from the wing side, is there any formation that suit to do passing offence??
If one ST is enough for you, try the 433 (4)
top 5 formations in fifa 14?
41212, 442, 433 (4), 4141 and 433
4-1-2-1-2 ? Who of them ? The wide one?
Yes, the main one.
hi, I’m a bit confused as to what formation to use, hope you can help me.
I like to have lots of the ball and give the opponent little chances if possible. I prefer to pass and score but also like to score heading goals.
Im currently using 4-1-2-1-2, and is working well but i feel a little bored with this formation because i only counter attack and dont have much possession.
finally, if you know, how do you get the players to press the other team like barca or bayern, my players never do it!
Thanks
You can try 4-2-2-2, for example.
On PS3, press “select” and choose “pressure”.
Regards
Hello, nice guide! Would u recommend a 442 or 442(2) in general for a player who has more of a counter attacking play style??
Thank you.
442(2) if you counter attack by the wings.
Nice formation reviews Rodrigo! Can you show me a serie a squad for 100 k in a 4-3-1-2?
Sorry but we haven’t tested players from Serie A. Ask us again when we publish the Serie A guide, please.
Regards
What is the difference bettween 4-4-2 and 4-4-2(2) in regards of crossing and counter attacking
We already have answered that. Check the number 88, please.
Hi, I was looking for a formation. My play style; counter attacking, attacking player and am impatient and don’t really like do build up my play. I would prefer a 2 striker formation, but whatever’s best plz recommend 😀
You can try 442 (2)
Hello I need epic help! Right so I made a full Bor Dortmond team with some BM players but I always seem to struggle in defence no matter what. My attacking play is the only thing that is winning me games but I think it’s down to formation. Iv sold that team and have around 140k coins or so and I’m going to make a EPL team what formation and players would you recommend me? Bare in mind I love passing and build up play but my defence needs work.
Hi. In my opinion, 41212 is a great formation for EPL squads and for players with your profile.
Try it!
Om gonna build me a squad. But i dont know what i gonna choose, 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3 (2) HOLD?? Can you tell me little about this formations?
433 (2) is more offensive than 4141. It’s wider in the attack but don’t give you the same security in the defence as the other one.
Ola Rodrigo saudações benfiquistas
Tenho uma equipa da BBVA um 433(4)
EE:Guardado
ED:Alexis
PL:Diego Costa
MCO:Isco
MC:Koke e Modric
DE:Jordi Alba
DD:João pereira
DC: Miranda e Pepe
GR:Courtois
estou a ter muitos impates que achas que deva mudar?
Olá Diogo. O Benfica é o maior, sem dúvida. 🙂
Não vai levar a mal mas só damos recomendações de jogadores e analisamos equipas após lançarmos o guia da respetiva liga. No caso da BBVA julgo que será daqui a três semanas.
Fazemo-lo porque queremos manter a qualidade das nossas sugestões. Só depois de testarmos os jogadores todos é que podemos opinar com segurança. Assim que sair esse guia pode então colocar-nos a questão. E se quiser pode fazê-lo na versão portuguesa do nosso website.
Cumprimentos
Hey, I like to attack trough the middle and on the winger, and i like to cross and score on crosses. What formation?
Hi.
There are so many formations with that profile. Maybe you should start by the classic 442 and see if it works with you.
Regards
Now im gonna build me a 4-2-3-1 (2) BPL squad! I have to use much money on a CAM, is Kagawa good enough??
He is not bad. If you don’t have enough coins for David Silva or Rooney…
How is the 3-5-2?
Looks fine for that purpose.
I like to attack trough the middle and on the winger. I like to cross and score on crosses. What formation?
Not sure we will see my reply, so i repost here :
So, i try 2 formations yesterday
– 4411 : not fan of it, results were good but not really fun. Too slow and a lack of run into the box
– 433 (2) : i know that you advice me to take 433 (3), but 2 CDM is too much for me. Very fun too play, i can cross or i can use wingers to cut inside… I have always the choice to do what i want. I put Valbuena in CM with Cabaye and they are awesome.
I need to change some things to use it with my team from Argentina.
Is it silly ST or CF (Tevez, Messi…) as Wingers? Because i will lost a lot in chemistry?
My LW with best foot Left and my RW with best foot Right, with the 2 with 4 stars in Weak Foot, is it better to change side or to keep them in their right side? (hope EA will add side change cards)
Thx in advance
Yes, we saw it.
EA will not add side change cards. Keep them in their right side. About using as a winger a player out of position, depends of how much chemistry they get. Try at least 8. It is easier with LM/RM than LW/RW. But you will not ger better than 7. See HERE to learn more about it.
Regards
HI! Im looking for a formation for me. I am very attacking, pretty impatient and like to play down the middle! any suggestions?????
41212 (2)
What about a 2 striker formation?
521 and 442 (2)
Very nice article, thank you. I have a question for you, my build-up play happens through the wings, what formations would you suggest for me to try?
Thank you.
There are many good formation to play by the wings. We like the 442, for example.
Regards
Hi…nice website
I am really struggling to find a formation to suit me. I am in div 3 (online seasons). I am a very impatient player….and want quick counter attacks. I don’t usually win in possession. I have a pretty solid epl team feat. Van persie..What 3 formatioms would u recommend for me (in order plz)
Thanks
5212, 5221, 4321
Hello
Thanks a lot for your analysis and your website.
I have difficulties to find my formation.
For the moment I play a 4-5-1 with Argentina
Higuain/Milito
Palacio Tevez
Gaitan Zanetti/Salvio/Pastore
Lucho
Ansaldi Garay Coloccini Zabaleta
Caballero
And one thing i like the most in this team is to forward pass from RM into the run of Palacio behind defenders or Tevez who is everywhere (but not enough in an dangerous position). The striker is there in order to be a control tower for headshot on a cross or pass in the run of a CAM
and the same in Ligue 1
Gomis
Valbuena Cabella/Gourcuff
Alessandrini/Ayew Lucas
Joao
Maxwell Alex Nkoulou Marino
Ruffier
I think I play the 2 teams in the same way but i have more difficulties with this one.
So, i am not sure that this is the best formation for me
I like to make forward pass behind defenders
I like to have the choice to cross with wingers or to cut inside and goal
I like to have a solid defense
I hate to see 2 ST look at each other (I prefer to have only one)
I have difficulties when the play is stopped to dribble defender, i need to have the ball always on movement.
I like to have to BIG shoot from outside the box
Maybe you can help me to help me choose a better formation? (if i am not requested the perfect formation :p )
Or maybe to tell me what is wrong in my actual teams
Thx a lot
Hi.
You need to try to know which one will work better with you. Here are the good formations for what you want: 5221, 4411, 433 (3) and 4141. 451 is not as good as CM often tends to get lost and caught out of position.
In your case, I would start by the 433 (3).
Good luck!
Thx I will try them.
Hi rodrigo, thanks for all the effort you’ve put in for great formations in FIFA 14. I’ve made a team with the 4-2-3-1 (2) formation in Seria A. I play on ps3, if you can, can you make improvements to the team? Good strengths, workrates, and you know all the other stuff. Maximum 30k.. Have a look at my team and reply asap pls! 🙂 + have a look at my bench and decide who’s in the starting 11.. https://www.futhead.com/14/squads/2076932/
Hi.
We are now testing the players of several leagues and we will publish a guide for each popular league in the coming weeks. The first one will be the BPL. Don’t get us wrong but we always try to give the better opinion possible and it is rigt now we can not do it since we have not tested all the players. We can not give you suggestions until we have 100% sure of what we are saying.
Feel free fo ask us again as soon as we publish the Serie A guide. It will be a pleasure to help you.
Regards
Whats league is best with 4-4-2 ?
Please answer as fast as possible. Tnx
Maybe the BBVA.
Im in 4. Division in online seasons. I have 100 k to build a team. Whats playing style is 4-3-3 (2) and playing style for 4-4-2? And what legane should i go for if i choose 4-3-3(2) and what league if i choose 4-4-2?
They are very different formations. 442 is wider while 433 (2) is better designed for fast attacks.
BBVA works fine on a 442 formation and BPL on a 433 (2)
Hey, im gonna build me a BPL squad, but i dont know what formation. What formation should i go for? 4-4-2, 4-1-2-1-2, 4-2-3-1 or one of the 4-3-3?? What the difference of this formations?
Hi.
We always say the same thing: choose the formation by your play style and not by the league.
In our opinion, 41212 is one of the best formations for this league. Touré is perfect to CDM position. If you want a wider formation try the classic 442 but pay attention to the back of your midfielders. 433 is a great formation for who loves to attack.
Regards
Hi,
You are doing a realy Nice Job with your tips.
I have a question, i only play with barca but i dont like the 433 formation.
I want a more solid one and i was thinking about the 442 formation.
Do you think it will work or do you have a alternative formation with 2 st and a solid formation what could work with Barça?
Last question, i dont like the tactics off Barça either because when i play for example against real i get 2 many trough balls and bale and cr”7 killin me, how can i stop that by chanching tactics.
Thank for your time, sorry for the english i am from Holland and i did not finish college.
Thank u greetz Erwin
Hi!
Thank you.
442 and 433 are very different formations but it should work.
It isn’t easy to suggest something because I don’t know which is your play style.
About the second part of your question, pay attention to the work rates of your players.
Regards
hi Rodrigo hope your fine ,thank for your amazing guide
i want your advise to choose what formations shall i sort inorder to choose the best one out of the 25 formations
my play style is 1-2s, 1-3s and wings , can you please sort for me what formations are suitable for me ,and specify if possible the best formation for me
one more thing, can you give me your psn so we can play together??
4231(2)
thx for replying, is there any formation that is suitable for my play style 1-2s and wings and have 2 st and atleast 1 cdm??????
You can try 442 (2)
Every 4 or 5 atb using med-med workrates…some of the best off the ball runs and players are high med..especially 5 atb u need a high med
Don’t forget that these work rates are only suggestions
Really good guide – thank you ! im struggling with my back four in 442. Ive followed your suggested work rates for 442 however would it still work if i used MED/MED fulbacks with one pacey MED/MED CB too and one MED/HIGH CB to cover ? essentialy the same as the rates you have outlined but would probably sit not quite so deep ?
Thank you
HI.
Thank you.
Our work rates are only suggestions.
It probably will work but the best thing to do is to try yourself I see if it is OK for you or not.
Regards
OK thanks, why would you suggest high def workrate fulbacks over medium tho as there is more MED/MED options in the database than MED/HIGH ? and even more HIGH/MED (although I know these are for more attacking formations)
Our work rates are only suggestions.
In our opinion it should be like that. However, we do not recommend to buy a much worse player just because he has better WR’s.
Regards
Great article
What formation you use ?
Thank you!
I prefer the classic 4-4-2. But it is a personal question. I believe that there are better formations for me but I would have to spend time to get me used to them.
As soon as I get some time available, I will start to play with other formations.
Regards
I prefer 4-4-2 as well but like in real football there is a significant shortage of good LB/RB so I end up building teams with 3 men in the back
Hi I don’t know which formation to use 4-1-2-1-2 or the 3-5-2 both work just as well for me but I’m want to make a Bundelisga team and my budget in fifa 14 ultimate team is 35000 which formation would work well with a Bundelisga team with a 35000 coins and also you have to think about the work rate too which is why I need your help
Hi.
We can not help you at this moment with Bundesliga players because we haven’t test them. We will have to do it soon to write the Bundesliga Guide.
In our opinion you should choose the formation in which you play better. About the work rates, our tables are only suggestions. But you need to take some cares, as not placing both CB’s with high attacking WR or two ST with low attacking WR. If you need help about the WR, show your squad and we will try to give our opinion if it is OK or not.
Regards
Hey Rodrigo,
first I’d like to thank you for this epic formation guide. It helped me a lot !
Now I would like to ask you something else.
In the part to the 4-1-2-1-2 ( with LM and RM ) you wrote the formation is narrow. Can you explain that a bit closer please, because isn’t it quite wide through the LM and the RM. I’m just asking because I wasn’t sure. And do you have any other negative aspects for this formation?
And another question would be :
My squad is quite ok ( in my opinion ) with the 4-1-2-1-2 formation which is one of my favourite formations. But it ( my squad ) is a bit better when I use the 3-5-2 formation. Now, I’m insecure that with the 3-5-2 formation my defense is too weak. What would you say to that?
And very last question ( 😀 ) what is your favourite formation of all 25? So the formation you play with. Which one would you prefer in general?
So, these are my questions to you and I hope you have time to answer them. If not, already thanks for reading!
All in all this is a very good guide. Thumbs up!
Greats from Germany! ( I think you already realized it through my language writing skills 😛 )
Dekis
Hi.
4-1-2-1-2 is the most popular one. So, it doesn’t have many negative aspects. If you try 4-4-2 and 4-1-2-1-2, both have RM and LM, but you will notice that 4-1-2-1-2 is much more narrow. Who plays with this formations likes to play through the middle.
You can use the 3-5-2 if you are feeling OK with this formation but don’t forget to have LM/RM with medium defensive work rate to help the back three.
I prefer the classic 4-4-2. But it is a personal question. I believe that there are better formations for me but I would have to spend time to get me used to them.
All the Germans I know have very good English skills.
Regards
Alright, understood.
Thanks for the answer Rodrigo!
I appreciate it!
Greets.
Hey rodrigo What is the main formation toluca (mexican team) ue
Hi.
4-3-2-1
Dude your site is unbelievable. About the formations i have a question about the in game formation.
In this version, unlinke the FUT 13, its possible to change/edit the formations when in game, and for these changes to take effect is necessary to save the formation. However next day when i’m going to play the formation is not saved. This is normal ? And if it isn’t, there is something i can do to change that ?
Just one more thing, about that quick formations do you have any tutorial?
Thanks
Hi Raul. Thank you very much.
We really didn’t know that it is possible to edit / change formations in game. We have not tried everything in this new game. We need more time to do it. So, we can not say to you if it is normal or not. We believe that it doesn’t work but it is only a guess.
We don’t have a custom formations tutorial, but we will try to publish one in December.
Regards
Thanks for writing this up. It’s extremely detailed and useful. I have a question though. I am evaluating a few different formations and creating some different squads with them to test them out. Vertonghen and Kompany are normally my CB’s of choice in most of my squads but they don’t have the particular work rates that you recommend? I am wondering what you think is most important, using beastly players like Vert and Kompany or using a lesser player with the correct work rate? 4-1-2-1-2 is the one I’m currently playing with.
Thanks.
Depends. I would say that a beastly player like Kompany should play no matters his work rate. It is the same to not place Messi on the field.
When you have other good choices for the same position, maybe it would be better to place a player with better work rate. In the case of Vertonghen, for example, I really believe that Kaboul may play better thnaks to his work rates.
Regards
OK, thanks very much!
Hey Rodrigo, what would be some good strikers (15k n under) to use in a 4231 (2) formation
What is your budget, platform, play style and which league / nation is the main one of your team ?
Regards
Hey, man I’m building a bayern team with lewandowski, gotze, kroos if, schwienstiger, ribery, robben, lahm, boateng, dante, alaba, and neuer. What’s the best formation for them? I’m thinking 4-2-3-1 (2), but also 4-3-3 (4), or 4-1-4-1. Out of those three which ones the best, or do you suggest another formation? Reply soon please!
Hey Rodrigo
am a fan of your work and research into the game, am currently playing a Prem 41212 wide and am using your tips and they are a great help so thanks for that, but i want to make a la liga team what formation do you thinks best ?
Hi Joel. Thank you so much.
We are writting a BPL guide to publish in ths first days of November.
La Liga will be the next one. We have not tested the BBVA players so we can not help you until we do it. Another thing: you should choose your formation by your playstyle and not for the players.
Regards