More Formations

4231

4 of 5 stars
Name 4231
Base Formation 451
Attacking Score 2 /3
Defending Score 2 /3
Counter Score 2 /3
Popularity High
Availability FC | UT
FIFA/FC Editions FC 24 | FIFA 09 | FIFA 10 | FIFA 11 | FIFA 12 | FIFA 13 | FIFA 14 | FIFA 15 | FIFA 16 | FIFA 17 | FIFA 18 | FIFA 19 | FIFA 20 | FIFA 21 | FIFA 22 | FIFA 23
Features 4xx
Balanced
Narrow
Possession

4231

Formation much appreciated. 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.

Pos Att WR Def WR Important Attributes
RB M M Pac Def
CB R L H Def Phy
CB L M H Pac Def
LB M M Pac Def
CDM R M H Def Pas
CDM L H M Pas Pac
CAM R H L Pas Dri
CAM L M M Pas Pac
CAM C H M Pas Sho
ST H L Sho Pac
Key Player
CAM | The 3 players who play in behind the lone ST are definitely key. If you have great chemistry between the three and they can interchange position playing 1-2 passes with each other the movement will be so hard for the defenders to contain.

Play Styles

Medium to short passing style. Use a free-form style of play to allow the 3 players in behind the striker to see the ball in as many dangerous areas as possible.

How to Use this Formation

This is a very narrow formation, not for those who like crossing the ball. As you have 3 advanced CAM’s there are a few ways that you can approach attacking with this formation. Making the right choice about your attacking 4 players could be the difference between making a success or failure or using this formation. As long as you think out how your players will interact then you will find this very effective. The 4231 (Narrow) formation seems to be defensive, but it is quite a flexible formation, as the wingers and the full-backs can both join the attack. The midfielders behind the single attacker are attacking midfielders (CAM) and the two midfielders behind them are defensive (CDM) which means they are helping the defenders.

How to Counter this Formation

This formation provides balance and support in attacking, defending keeping possession in the midfield. The key is to clog the midfield and out pass your opponent. Try to use formations that have two strikers and at least a single quick 1 at that for counters. Playing formations with wingers may help crossing the ball in, but if your opponent has two great CBs it’s pretty much pointless. Pass the ball through the seams in the midfield. Also, make sure you have a CDM to contain the opponent’s CAM and let your CBs worry about the striker. Ideally, play with 4 in the defenders.

Formations you should use to beat this one (by descending order):
41212, 41212 (2), 451, 442.