Which one is the best FIFA 19 formation to play? Do you want to know which formation is the best one for your team? If so, you need to read this guide that shows you how to pick the best FIFA 19 formation to you. Even if you already know which formation to use, be sure to read this article. You will find that there are many options and there is always room for improvement.
How to Pick the Best FIFA 19 Formation
What you should keep in mind before picking the best FIFA 19 formation
Before you even start to sign players, you should start by setting the best FIFA 19 formation that you will implement in your squad. If you leave the decision for later, you will not equip your squad with players who you really need and you will be penalised 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.
It is also important to notice that there is no better formation than another. All of them have strong and weak points. You should decide which one is better for you.
The most common question is: How do I decide the formation that I will use?
There is no exact answer, but you should consider a few factors:
✔️ PLAY STYLE
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?
✔️ PREFERENCES
With which formation do 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 any formation?
✔️ PLAYERS
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?
✔️ OBJECTIVES
What are the formations best suited to the goals you set for your FUT 19 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 Best FIFA 19 Formation
The most used and the best FIFA 19 formations for defending, attacking, possession, crossing and counter styles
If you want to know which one is the best FIFA 19 formation to you, you should analyse carefully every single formation here. However, if you are too lazy to do that, take a look to the top formation we have gathered for you.
Top 5 Most Used FIFA 19 Formations
The most used and the most popular formations are almost the same. This doesn’t mean that they are the best ones. However, if you don’t know from where to start, these ones are good suggestions:
1 41212 (2)
Variation of the 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.
2 4231
Formation much appreciated. Allows multiple offensive options but with the security of two CDM in defence.
3 4321
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.
4 433
One of most famous FIFA 19 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
5 41212
This popular formation in diamond shape has the CAM as key element.
Top 5 Most Attacking FIFA 19 Formations
Please note that the most used attacking formation doesn’t mean it is the best attacking formation. If you are looking for a formation setup for an attacking style, please take a look to this TOP 5:
1 3412
One of the less popular FIFA 19 formations. This formation is a variation of 3-5-2 where the wing players are more withdrawn in favour of one of the central midfielders being pushed further upfield into the playmaker position, the “number 10”.
2 3421
Similar to the 3-4-1-2 formation, with a change to the forward players. Even less popular than the previous one.
3 343
Similar to 3-4-2-1, with the change of forwards to wingers.
4 3142
Similar to 3-5-2, where a defender (preferably a sweeper) helps midfielders on attack and defence.
5 433 (4)
Similar to 4-3-3, that turns one of the midfielders into an attacking midfielder to support the front three.
Top 5 Most Defensive FIFA 19 Formations
Please, note that the most popular defensive formation doesn’t mean it is the best defensive formation. If you are looking for a formation good for a defensive style, please take a look to this TOP 5:
1 5221
One of less popular FIFA 19 formations for Ultimate Team. Similar to 5-2-1-2 but with 1 up top supported by a left and right forward either side.
5 541
One of the most solid of the 5 at the back formations in terms of defensive set-up and overall structure.
2 5212
Formation used by fewer FIFA FUT 19 players. Similar to 5-2-2-1 but with two ST with a more creative CAM option.
3 532
The most solid and balanced formation of 5 defenders. Although seemingly defensive formation can become a very offensive.
4 433 (3)
This defensive-minded 4-3-3 variation offers two holding defensive midfielders and one centre midfielder in the midfield.
Top 5 Best FIFA 19 Formations for a Counter Attack Style
There are formations more suitable to be used in a counter attack style. If you identify yourself with this playing style, please take a look at the TOP 5 formations for you:
1 5212
Formation used by fewer FIFA FUT 19 players. Similar to 5-2-2-1 but with two ST with a more creative CAM option.
2 5221
Similar to 5-2-1-2 but with 1 up top supported by a left and right forward either side.
3 424
It attempts to combine a strong attack with a strong defence.
4 433 (2)
The first of 4-3-3 variations offers a holding defensive midfielder anchor in the midfield.
5 442 (2)
A more defensive variation of the classic 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders in place of the usual centre midfielders.
Top 5 Best FIFA 19 Formations for Possession
FIFA isn’t played the same way by everyone. If you prefer a passing and possession style, keeping the ball with you and building up your game patiently, you should look to the following TOP 5 formations:
1 451
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.
2 451 (2)
The 4-5-1 variation adds more midfield steel. The three center midfielders make it harder to break down on the counter and leaves less gaps for the attack.
3 41212 (2)
The 4-1-2-1-2 variation let players control the midfield. It is even more narrow than the original, giving them a much tighter diamond.
4 4411 (2)
A variation of 4-4-2 formation with one of the strikers playing in the front line and is supported by an attacking midfielder (CAM) behind him.
5 4411
Widely used in the world of football and in the Premier League in particular. Similar to 4-4-2 but one of ST backs for CF.
Top 5 Best FIFA 19 Formations for Crossing
FIFA isn’t played in the same way by everyone. If you prefer a crossing style, taking advantage of the wings, you should look to the following TOP 5 formations:
1 343
Similar to 3-4-2-1, with the change of forwards to wingers.
2 442
The classic formation. Widely used in the world of football. Organised structure of defenders and midfielders moving as a lineup and down the pitch.
3 442 (2)
A more defensive variation of the classic 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders in place of the usual centre midfielders.
4 433
One of most famous FIFA 19 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
5 3412
This formation is a variation of 3-5-2 where the wing players are more withdrawn in favour of one of the central midfielders being pushed further upfield into the playmaker position, the “number 10”.
Our Top 5 FIFA 19 Formations
You already have chosen your formation, right ? Maybe not. Most of the time, even if you have your very own playing style, the best formation is not the most attacking or defensive one but the most balanced one. Take a look to our personal selection of the best five formations to be used in this game:
1 532
The most solid and balanced formation of 5 defenders. Although seemingly defensive formation can become a very offensive.
2 41212 (2)
Variation of 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.
3 433
One of most famous FIFA 19 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
4 442
The classic formation. Widely used in the world of football.Organised structure of defenders and midfielders moving as a lineup and down the pitch.
5 352
One of the most solid formations. It has 3 central defenders (possibly with one acting as a sweeper). This system is heavily reliant on the wing-backs providing width for the team.
We shared with you the required know-how to choose the best formations. Now, it’s up to you.
Hey guys! BIG question here; Considering COOP and playing with a teammate, what are your thoughts on best formation and def/off style?
Hi Rodrigo I currently use 4-3-3(2). My team is
Gk/Kasper shmeicel
Lb/Benjamin mendy
Cb/Nicholas otamendi
Cb/John stones
Rb/Nathan clyne
Cdm/ luka milivojevic
Cm/Gigi wijnaldum
Cm/jack cork
St/ richarlison
Rw/alexandre pato
Lw/Justin kluivert
I like to play with a formation we’re I can you use my pacey wingers to run up the pitch and put crosses in and we’re I have support with my defence by dropping my midfield down. I would be really pleased if you could tell me what is the best formation for my play style
Hi Rodrigo. I like to play with wingers. So please send custom tactics for 532 & 5221 formation. There is 523 formation in FIFA 19 but I want to modify two strikers into attacking mid & one CM into DMF. How to modify player’s role. Please send me details.
Hi Rodrigo,
I took your advice from a comment before and it helped a ton! I have a new set up and team now which seems to be working nicely, but I’d love your feedback and advice on which formation to use for maximizing my teams potential.
Right now, I play 451 attacking. My team is:
GK: De Gea
LB: Marcelo
CB: Sergio Ramos (UEFA Champions League Premium SBC)
CB: Pique (UEFA Champions League Road to the Final)
RB: Alexander-Arnold (IF)
LM: Marcos Acuna (TOTS)
RM: Jadon Sancho (TOTS)
CM: Kerem Demirbay (TOTS)
CAM: Gianfranco Zola (ICON)
CAM: Marco Reus (POTM (91))
ST:Timo Werner (FUT19 Headliners)
My bench includes:
CF: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Flashback SBC)
CF: David Villa (Flashback SBC)
GK: Thibaut Courtois
CM: Toni Kroos
LW: Alphonso Davies (FUT Future Stars SBC)
LM: Alexis Sanchez (UEFA Champions League Road to the Final)
RM: Mohammed Salah (89 TOTW)
Reserves:
ST: Roy Krishna (82 TOTW)
There’s a lot of options with this team and I’d love to hear what you suggest! Thanks in advance!
Hi. Sorry for the late reply.
That’s a great team. I think this is the time to stop thinking about how to improve it even more and have fun. While playing with your team, you will find out for yourself its weaknesses.
hi rodrigo my team: gk oblak(95) lb alba(94) cb pique(96) ramos(91) rb carvajal(87) cdm busquets(93) two cm modric(92) seedorf(91) cam del piero(92) two strikers sua. SUBres(93) messi(94).SUB:gk handanovic(88) lm coutinho(88) cm banega(89) cm canales(90) cam sarabia(94). curent formation 41212(2). which formation best for my team in fifa 19 .
Hi. You should pick a formation according to your play style and not your players.
Hey Rod whats up.
Im not sure what formation i should use i feel i’m strongest when i have players in midfield and CAM seems to be a crucial position for me. Last week i played 4-3-1-2
1.donnaroma totw 89
2. carvijal totw 87
3.ramos MOTM 92
3.chielleni 90
4.sandro 86
5.tiago carnival 90
6. roy keane 90
7. pjanic totw or fernandino totw 88
8.mata flash back 89
10.lukaku
11. van bastian
I’m not sure if i should switch back to my 4-3-3 attack or not as statistically my wingers don’t produce alot but i seem to get more out of the team when i play this formation.
Just sold keano and van b so 1m burning a hole in my pocket. Any advice?
With a few adjustments you could try 41212 (2)
Hi Rodrigo, I just wanted to know your opinion on my team:
I play a 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow
Keeper: 89 Ter Stegen
Defenders: 85 Alaba, 85 Kimmich, 84 Sule, and 89 Hummels
Midfielders: 90 Kroos, 87 Thiago, 85 OTW Goretzka, and 88 James
Strikers: 90 Lewandowski and 86 TOTW Jovic
Nice team. You may need more pace in the midfield.
Hey Rodrigo
I’m currently flipping between two teams 4-1-2-1-2 wide. more looking for tactical advice but open to lineup suggestions
GK Ederson
RB Valencia
CB sokratis
CB Sanchez
LB Mendy
RM Mahrez
CDM jorginho
LM martial
CAM mhykitarian (that guy from arsenal)
ST Gabriel Jesus
ST Lukaku
GK Allison
RB trippier
CB alderwiereld
CB vertonghen
LB Robertson
RM sterling
CDM fabinho
LM rashford
CAM Alli
ST firmino
ST lacazette
Still building towards better quality teams but any advice would be great
Hi. Both teams look great. In the second case, you can try Thiago Silva & Alex Telles (or Alex Sandro later in the game) who will link OK with the GK and Fabinho
Hi rodrigo,
I currently have the following team,
De gea(91)
Carvajal (Headliner 87)
Sokratis(86 uefa)
VvD (85)
Baines(87 flashback)
David silva (93)
Arnautovic (Headliner 87)used in CM
Lingard(86 ucl live)
Hazard (91)
Owen (91 prime)
Salah (88)
Do you have any suggestions on a decent formation which offers both attack and defence, i currently use 4321.
Any help would be appreciated i keep leaking to many goals
Hi Rodrigo, great to follow your advice’s and see people enjoying the game!
I have the following formation and set of players:
4-1-2-1-2
Handanovic
Koulibaly
Chiellini
Alex Sandro
Florenzi
Naingolan
Cuadrado
Douglas Costa
Dybala
Mertens
Icardi
I enjoy playing with these players but it somehow seems that I’m not able to overcome teams above Legenday mode in single player. Very hard to defend and control the midfield as well as have sufficient attacking speed or space around the flanks and attacking center…should I change formation or mingle around the dynamics/style?
Thanks in advance!
José
Hi. Nice to meet you, José.
I believe that the first thing to do is to play with the custom tactics and instructions configurations. If it doesn’t work, then you will have to try another formation. In that case, I suggest you the 532. Cheers
Leno
Walker hummels boateng alaba
Sterling eriksen kroos sane
Lukaku jesus
No more coins to change Jesus
Leno
Walker hummels boateng alaba
Dembele kroos
Eriksen
Sterling/mahrez. Lukaku. Sane
hi rodrigo and greetings from italy, as you can imagine I’m playing with a serie a formation although I miss some top players (alex sandro, chiellini, dybala and, of course, ronaldo) I think I have an excellent roster, now my doubt is between 433 (handanovic, cancelo, koulibaly, manolas, dalbert, pjanic, nainggolan, hamsik, al three as CM, cuadrado, immobile, douglas costa) or 41212 (2) (handanovic, cancelo, koulibaly, manolas, dalbert, pjanic, nainggolan as CDM, hamsik, milinkovic savic as CAM, immobile, mertens), although as I’m not so excellent in defense I was also thinking about the 532, what could be the best formation, in your opinion, right now?
Hi. Nice to meet you. Formations should be chosen according to our playstyle. The best for me may not be for you. If it was to me, I would choose the first one because I like to play with wingers. However, the second team is probably better because Mertens scores much more goals than Immobile. In that case, I would put Matuidi as CDM, Nainggolan and Pjanic as CM and Hamsik as CAM.
Hey Rodrigo,
I am having a bit of a dilemma atm, l have relatively good players but I am just not sure the formation is right for them. I love the formation l am playing with but l just don’t think it is suits the players l have. This is my current team:
GK: David De Gea (91)
LB: Lucas Digne (82 IF)
LCB: Virgil Van Dijk (85)
RCB: Davinson Sanchez (84)
RB: Sergie Aurier (86 RTTF)
LCDM: Fabinho (85)
RCDM: Lucas Torriera (82 FUTmas)
LM: Son (85 CL)
RM: Riyad Mahrez (86 IF)
CAM: Jesse Lingard (86 RTTF)
ST: Sergio Aguero (89)
My issue is that my team doesn’t seem to be able to set up chances, and get themselves into the opportunity to score. Most of my goals come from either headers off corners, 1vs1 or the occasional good play. Defensively l am great, but in attack there seems to be something missing. They don’t seem to convert their passes. Should l change up formations or should l maybe look at my tactics and adjust? I was looking at the following formations:
4-3-3 (Attack)
4-1-2-1-2 (Wide)
4-2-2 (both Holding and Flat)
3-5-2
or stay with the 4-2-3-1
I don’t really want to replace or lose most of my players, so any advice on how to help me here?
Hi, You have an amazing squad! Congratulations. I don’t think they are the problem. You can adjust your tactics and instructions but you can also try to see how 433 att works to you.
Hi Rodrigo,
I’ve been struggling to find a formation that fits my fast counter attacking style for my team! Currently I have in a 451 or 433(4).
451:
GK: Courtois
LB: Marcos Alonso
CB: Alderweireld (OTW)
CB: Vertonghen
RB: Alexander-Arnold (IF)
LM: Alexis Sanchez (UCL Live)
RM: Mohamed Salah (IF)
CM: Ilkay Gundogan (IF)
CAM: Marco Reus (POTM (88))
CAM: Timo Werner (TIF)
ST:Robert Lewandowski (IF)
433(4):
GK: Courtois
LB: Marcos Alonso
CB: Alderweireld (OTW)
CB: Vertonghen
RB: Alexander-Arnold (IF)
LM: Alexis Sanchez (UCL Live)
RM: Mohamed Salah (IF)
CM: Ilkay Gundogan (IF)
CM: Christian Eriksen
CAM: Marco Reus (POTM (88))
ST:Robert Lewandowski (IF)
The issue is, I’m able to score but I get scored ON way more! Pls help!
Hi. Why don’t you try Van Dijk? If he is too expensive to you, then try Azpilicueta. It looks that you spend all your money on forwards…
Hi Rodrigo,
One more time thanks, I have been following your advice for many years now.
I have created a decent Premier League team using a typical 442 formation:
GK lloris / ederson
RB walker / valencia
CB sanchez / sokratis
CB azpilicueta / bailly
LB mendy / robertson
MD willian / mahrez
CM dembele / kovacic
CM gundogan / fred
LM sane / mane
ST lukaku / firmino
ST kane / jesus
I know the improvements there require an amount of coins I don’t own (de gea, van dijk, pogba, aguero, aubameyang, kante or de bruyne).
I have currently around 50k, so my question is if Fabinho or Silva are good choices to be moved as CM, or if I should not focus on anyone else than the top ones?
Antes de mais, agradecemos a sua preferência.
You have a nice team. You should definitely focus on other players beside the top ones. I agree that you need someone to play as CM. In my opinion, you should save for both Eriksen and Fabinho.
Thanks Rodrigo. Silva is definetly not a good CM right? it’s CAM or nothing with him?
He is better as CAM. You have other better players to play as CM.
Hi,
In FUT, with PL players I use 4222.
For chem I ‘m starting with 4321, and after I switch to 4222 .
De GEA
Aurier ( UCL), Van Dijk (SIF), Azpilicueta , Jordi Alba ( TOTGS )
Kante , Pogba (IF )
De Bruyne , David Silva (IF)
Salah (IF) Hazard (IF)
This 4222 is not in your rewiew. I like playing in counter-attacks, but I’m not so good at defending . U think this 4222 need an upgrade , to a new formation or with new players ?
Hi. You have an amazing players. You don’t need new ones. You can find more details about that formation clicking here.
OK, thank you.
Hey Rodrigo,
I love reading the insights you provide. I have a quick question regarding players.
Currently running the below (433)
Mendy(UCL) – Azpilicueta – Sokratis (OTW) – Futmas Valencia
IF Wijnaldum – UCL Dele Alli – OTW Fred
Futmas Son – Jesus – Willian
Any suggestion to improve on? I am at a lost!!
Hi. Your team looks great. Obviously, there is always room for improvements. Have you considered to replace Jesus with a better striker?!
hi Rodrigo… I really love to use the wings and want my defence right and tight … I lost 5 matches to a 4-2-4 formation if am right.. Can u plss help me
Before changing your formation, make the adjustments on your tactics and instructions in order to get the defence as you want. To win against 424 formations you have to place many players in the midfield.
Hi Rodrigo, the best guide!!! Could you please tell which clubs can easily use these formations? Like the clubs, not in ultimate team. THANKS. LOVE YOUR GUIDES. HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU SINCE 3+YEARS NOW. GREAT JOB.
Do you want to know examples of real world clubs who use each one of these formations. Is this right?
Hi Rodrigo,
To get the chemistry high I’m starting with a formation 4-2-3-1 (Wide), but once the game starts I want to bring the wide mid closer, 4-2-3-1 (Narrow).
Do I have to pause the game to change the formation? In that case I need to set up the player instructions and tactics again. (or) I start the game with wide formation as default, then change to other formation using D-Pad? but in that case, I would be losing one of the presets, right? I’m confused about this.
Hi. I think you should just use the D-Pad to change to the other formation. You will be losing one of the presets, right, but you still have 3 to use.