More Formations

442(2)

3 of 5 stars
Name 442(2)
Base Formation 442
Attacking Score 1 /3
Defending Score 2 /3
Counter Score 3 /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
Possession

442(2)

Also known as 442 Holding, it’s a more defensive variation of the classic 442 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.

Pos Important Attributes
RB Pace Defense
CB R Defense Physical
CB L Pace Defense
LB Pace Defense
RM Pace Passing
CDM R Defense Passing
CDM L Passing Pace
LM Pace Passing
ST R Physical Shooting
ST L Shooting Pace
Key Player
ST | The 2 ST’s play a key role in this formation. At times they can become a tad isolated especially with having the have 2 defensive minded midfielders or even more so, if the wide midfielders are quite conservative in their forward runs as well. Therefore, it is important they can work together to create chances for themselves as having wingers who want to join attacks.

Play Styles

Possession play with medium-range passing and speed of play. Long balls into ST’s can work too if played accurately and quickly from deeper areas in your own half from CDM’s with high passing stats.

How to Use this Formation

As you will be most likely attack down the wing or playing a long ball forward it is essential that at least one of the strikers operates as a target man and can challenge, if not win, most aerial balls.

How to Counter this Formation

This formation is a good one for players that want to counter the opposition chipped through balls, the 2 CDMs give good coverage in front of the defence and if chosen well should be able to close down any of the opposition looking to play in their strikers. Having 2 CDMs will mean that the space for CFs and CAMs will be minimal, allowing you to mark them out of the game more effectively. But the formation also gets the disadvantage. With no attacking central midfielders, your attacking play will most likely be limited to long balls forward or wing play. So it has to mention that as you will be most likely attack down the wing or playing a long ball forward it is essential that at least one of the strikers operates as a target man and can challenge.

Formations you should use to beat this one (by descending order):
352, 532, 4231, 4411.