FUT 21: Formation 4-4-2 - ready-made tactics, best formations FIFA 21 guide, tips
Last update: 29 January 2021
In this chapter of the FIFA 21 game guide you will find a description of one of the best formations in FUT 21 mode (FIFA Ultimate Team) 4-4-2, all relevant tactical setups for each game plan, as well as important instructions for footballers playing in specific positions.
The 4-4-2 formation is made up of 4 defenders, 2 centre midfielders, 2 side midfielders and 2 strikers. This formation was one of the most popular choices in an earlier instalment of FIFA and it is no different in FIFA 21 due to its considerable offensive potential and solid defence.
- Ultra Defensive game plan
- Defensive game plan
- Balanced game plan
- Attacking game plan
- Ultra Offensive game plan
Ultra Defensive game plan
You can use an ultra-defensive game plan during the first minutes of a match to get an idea of your opponent's playstyle or when your team is winning and there is not much time left until the final whistle.
Defense
- Defence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 4 bars;
- Depth: 4 bars.
Offensive
- Attack playstyle: possession of the ball;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Players in box: 3 bars;
- Corners: 1 bars;
- Free kicks: 1 bar.
Instructions
- Centre defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions;
- Side defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions, mixed attack;
- Centre midfielders: stay back while attacking, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, stay central;
- Side midfielders: basic defence support, balanced width, balanced support, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions;
- Strikers: balanced width, mixed attack, normal interceptions, basic defence support.
Defensive game plan
You can use a defensive game plan when you have a 1 or 2 goal advantage and you don't want to take unnecessary risks when there are about 30 minutes left. The defensive style of play allows you to play safely but with the ability to make an effective attack.
Defense
- Defensive tactics: Balanced or Drop Back (if you do not do well in defense);
- Width: 4 bars;
- Depth: 3 or 4 bars (setting a lower value will give the opponent more space in the middle of the field).
Offensive
- Offence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Players in box: 4 bars;
- Corners: 3 bars;
- Free kicks: 2 bars.
Instructions
- Centre defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions;
- Side defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions, mixed attack;
- Centre midfielders: stay back while attacking, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, stay central;
- Wide midfielders: come back on defence, balanced width, balanced support, get into box for cross, normal interceptions;
- Strikers: balanced width, stay forward, normal interception, basic defence support.
Balanced game plan
A balanced game plan is one with which your team starts the match. It allows for a solid defensive game, but also to make offensive actions and counter-attacks. You will be using this plan throughout the majority of a match.
Defense
- Defence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Depth: 6 bars for defenders with a good pace (over 70 points). 4-5 bars for slower defenders.
Offensive
- Offence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 6 bars;
- Players in box: 6 or 7 bars;
- Corners: 3 bars;
- Free kicks: 3 bars.
Instructions
- Centre defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions;
- Side defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions, mixed attack;
- Centre midfielder (more defensive): stay back, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, stay central;
- Centre midfielder (more offensive): balanced attack, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, stay central;
- Side midfielders: come back on defence, balanced width, get in behind, get into the box for cross , normal interceptions;
- Strikers: balanced width, stay forward, normal interception, basic defence support.
Attacking game plan
The attacking game plan is usually used when there are about 30 minutes left and the opponent has a 1 goal advantage. However, it is important to note that the offensive style of play will make your players tired faster.
Defense
- Defence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Depth: 5 bars.
Offensive
- Offence playstyle: balanced;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Players in box: 4 bars;
- Corners: 3 bars;
- Free kicks: 3 bars.
Instructions
- Centre defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions;
- Side defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions, mixed attack;
- Centre midfielders: stay back while attacking, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, stay central;
- Side midfielders: basic defensive support, balanced width of play, get in behind, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions;
- Strikers: balanced width, mixed attack, normal interceptions, basic defence support.
Ultra Offensive game plan
Ultra offensive game plan is used in situations where there are only a few minutes left in the match and the opponent still has at least a one-goal advantage. It should be noted here that using this game plan puts you at risk of a counterattack. Also, your players will get tired faster.
Defense
- Defense playstyle: constant pressing;
- Width: 5 bars;
- Depth: 7 bars for defenders with good pace (over 70 points). 6 bars for slower defenders.
Offensive
- Offensive playstyle: create actions fast;
- Width: 6 bars;
- Players in box: 7 bars;
- Corners: 4 bars;
- Free kicks: 4.
Instructions
- Centre defenders: stay back while attacking, normal interceptions;
- Side defenders: balanced attack, normal interceptions, mixed attack;
- Centre midfielders: stay back, balanced crossing runs, normal interceptions, stick to position, cover wing;
- Side midfielders: basic defensive support, balanced width, get in behind, get into the box for cross, normal interceptions;
- Strikers: balanced width, mixed attack, normal interceptions, basic defence support.