More Formations

433(3)

3 of 5 stars
Name 433(3)
Base Formation 433
Attacking Score 1 /3
Defending Score 3 /3
Counter Score 2 /3
Popularity Medium
Availability UT
FIFA/FC Editions FC 24 | FC 25 | FIFA 14 | FIFA 15 | FIFA 16 | FIFA 17 | FIFA 18 | FIFA 19 | FIFA 20 | FIFA 21 | FIFA 22 | FIFA 23
Features 4xx
Countering
Defending
Wide

433(3)

The 433(3) defend is a defensive-minded 4-3-3 variation that offers two holding defensive midfielders and one centre midfielder in the midfield.

▲ Two CDM’s give plenty of cover at the back.
▲ Work well if you are comfortable in possession.
▼ The three attackers get too lonely.
▼ Wingers need to cover more field. Midfield is too isolated.

Pos Important Attributes
RB Pace Defense
CB R Defense Physical
CB L Pace Defense
LB Pace Defense
CDM R Passing Defense
CM Passing Pace
CDM L Passing Defense
RW Pace Stamina
LW Pace Stamina
ST Shooting Physical
Key Player
RW/LW | In this set-up, it is vital that you choose your wide men wisely. They need to have pace, be comfortable on the ball, good dribbling and crossing stats as well as able to score a goal. Having wingers whose strong foot is on the opposite side is advisable to give you the option to go both ways.

Play Styles

Wide areas are a crucial part of the success criteria for this formation. Again, focus play initially through the central areas before distributing to wider players. Also suits a counter-attacking style of play.

How to Use this Formation

Instead of having one CDM, the two wider central midfield players will drop creating a more defensive formation. This style of play works well if you find yourself being overrun more than you’d like, but this won’t help things when going forward. The left and right-wingers will be able to exploit your opponents from wide attacking areas, but getting the ball to these players may become more of a challenge in the first place. This formation can work well if you are comfortable in possession and possess players with the ability to play accurate long balls.

How to Counter this Formation

This is a great formation but lacks a key component. It provides great balance in defending and attacking, but the midfield tends to be lacking bite going forward. The CM links the play from behind to the wingers and striker. Simple strategy, make the CM life a living hell by chasing the ball a lot. There is a lot of space on the wings to maneuver and create opportunities. Spreading the ball will pull the CDM out wide and you already have a useless CM. Make sure you have pacey wingers/good crossers of the ball and 2 strikers. That should do the trick.

Formations you should use to beat this one (by descending order):
4222, 433 (4), 3421, 352.