What Are The Best Formations To Use on FIFA 19?

September 28th, 2018 was a highly anticipated day for a lot of gamers around the world, with the release of EA Sport’s FIFA 19 finally coming through. With it came new leagues, new teams and looks, but also whole new tactical systems and a much needed 50/50 battles! Basically, every little detail is literally a major contribution to maintaining your bragging rights! Let’s have a look at the top 10 Best Formations for different scenarios on FIFA 19.

10. Best Formation for Maintaining Possession (4-1-2-1-2)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/UXvNNL1KGS4

The narrow version of the 4-1-2-1-2 formation gives you good midfield control.

4-1-2-1-2, more popularly known as one of the variations of the 4-4-2 Diamond, is one of the more balanced formations which makes use of the usual 4 man defense, 1 Defensive Midfielder (CDM), 2 Central Midfielders (CM), an Attacking Midfielder (CAM), and 2 Strikers. This formation is most suitable for situations where you’d need to maintain your lead with possession, while still maintaining a balance between attack and defense.

Formation Strengths:

• Keeps a balance at defense since the CDM acts as an extra Center Back at times.
• It's an easy formation for those who love playing down the middle.
• Easier passing options.

Formation Weaknesses:

• Leaves openings for teams with a packed central midfield.
• Teams with Fullbacks that overlap constantly are vulnerable to counters from teams with fast Wingers.

We all have that one compulsive friend that’s constantly in a rush to score you; against opponents like that is the right time to use the 4-1-2-1-2 formation! Or when you’re ahead in a match and your players seem tired, the easy passing lanes helps out with shorter runs, while still balancing your Attack and your Defense. Noticeably, on House Rules Headers and Volleys, the formation is effective when you give your Fullbacks instructions to Join the Attack (basically, how the real life Marcelo plays).

9. Best Formation for Maintaining a Solid Midfield (4-2-3-1)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/gF64MnS4JSg

Edinson Cavani leads the line in a 4-2-3-1 wide variation using PSG.

A lot of times, you’ll find yourself in situations where your midfield seems totally lacking defensively, and this makes you so much focused on getting your midfield together that you start slacking off on in your Attack. Not to worry, both Narrow and Wide variations of the 4-2-3-1 can sort that out! As usual, a 4 man defense, with 2 Defensive Midfielders supporting them, an attacking midfielder in the Number 10 role flanked by 2 wide men, and a lone Striker.

Formation Strengths:

• More variations to attack with due to 3 CAMs adapting to moving down the channel or going out wide, depending on the flow of the game.
• 2 Defensive Midfielders gives the defenders an extra cover during counters.

Formation Weaknesses:

• The DMs get tired quickly due to constantly helping out with defense, while still filling out the midfield and occasionally joining Attacks.
• The lone Striker gets isolated if CAMs behind get blocked off.

To make the most of this formation, it should be used with teams with 2 strong DMs, with one of them able to function as a Box-to-Box Midfielder. Having a physically gifted Striker can make a big difference for you, because once isolated, being able to muscle pass 1 or 2 defenders isn’t that bad an option now, is it?!

8. The Best Formation for Counter-Attacking Plays (4-3-3)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/qwathGWi1q8

4-3-3 is one of the most used formations in football.

4-3-3 and all its variations is probably the most popular formation of FIFA 19. It was particularly recognized after its adoption by Pep Guardiola, though it was most popularly used by Johann Cruyff; his variation more close to a 3-4-3. With a flat defensive line, 3 flat spread or compacted midfielders, and a Striker flanked by 2 Wingers, the 4-3-3 has great counter-attacking potential.

Formation Strengths:

• The positioning of the midfielders and attackers makes passing easy.
• Makes for fast counters with the use of Wingers that spread your opponent’s defense flat.

Formation Weaknesses:

• 4-3-3 isn’t suitable if you don’t have a target man Striker that can cause problems for the CBs.
• Leaves a lack of defensive power when your opponent slips passed your midfield.

The 4-3-3 should be used when you have versatile midfielders that can muster up stamina to draw back on defense. If your opponent is keen on possession, quickly countering when he/she is out of possession might be your best option.

7. Best Formation for Trying Out New Teams (4-4-2)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/5n2jWMgPoAI

The 4-4-2 requires a strong box-to-box midfielder like Doucouré.

The 4-4-2 is one of the most popular formations in real life leagues. It makes use of a flat line of defense, a flat line of midfielders, and 2 Strikers up front. This formation has a good balance between defense and attack is therefore the best formation for you to use when trying out a new team or new players, just to get a feel for them.

Formation Strengths:

• Good for various attacking situations, whether down the middle or down the flanks where the two fullbacks help the two wide midfielders during the attack, and vice versa while defending.
• 4-4-2 is a good formation for players with crossing tendencies. The two Strikers give more crossing options.

Formation Weaknesses:

• Without 1 or 2 midfielders that are also strong defensively, the formation can get vulnerable on fast counters once the midfield line gets penetrated.
• Weak against midfields that are compacted.

To be really successful with this formation you’ll need a strong holding midfielder and at least one physically gifted striker. The 4-4-2 van easily adapt attacks from flank play to central play, this makes it fit for checking out new teams so you can easily try out different possibilities without losing much defensively.

6. Best Formation for Ultra Attacking Situations (4-2-4)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/Alq1ghupUgg

The 4-2-4 is a sharp 2-edged sword to make use of.

The 4-2-4 isn’t really a popular formation to be used on FIFA 19 due to its vulnerability. It makes use of a back 4, only 2 midfielders and 4 Attackers! But this doesn’t mean that it can’t be useful to you in certain situations where attacking is your last option. Let’s call it a last ditch formation!

Formation Strengths:

• Considerably increases your attacking strength.

Formation Weaknesses:

• I’m guessing you already suspect its weaknesses! With just 2 midfielders, almost any midfield oriented formation can counter it.
• The 2 midfielders get fatigued quickly…as expected.

The 4-2-4 is one of those “I need a goal by all means” formations. It throws caution into the wind, with the ultimate aim of boosting your attack drastically. Only use this formation when getting at least 1 goal is a necessity.

5. Best Formation for Hold up Play (4-5-1)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/ltsp0KFnMdw

4-5-1 is a well balanced formation only with a strong midfielder like Fernandinho.

Who’s the strongest Striker you can possibly think of? That’s the type of Striker you’ll be looking for here. The 4-5-1 contains a back 4, with a middle stretch of 5 midfielders! The team though is focused on the lone Striker, making it suitable for hold up possessive play.

Formation Strengths:

• Suitable for gamers who enjoy keeping the ball, and for Long Ball specialists.
• The midfield is difficult to break down.

Formation Weaknesses:

• The 4-5-1 is hard to execute without a physically gifted Striker.
• All CMs need to be capable of helping out the back 4.

Use this formation when you need to maintain a draw or a slender lead. Hold up play tips the possession advantage in your favor. Don’t use if you’re not confident in your strikers abilities.

4. Best Formation for Defensive Play/Parking the Bus (5-3-2/5-2-1-2)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/itRFfho5mTM

5-3-2 is a flat/defensive variation of the 5-2-1-2.

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5-2-1-2 is an attack based variation of the 5-3-2.

The 5-3-2 and its variations are the perfect defensive formations. It’s hard to get passed a 5 man defense with 3 Center Backs and 2 Fullbacks, 3 withdrawn defensive minded midfielders, and 2 Strikers to keep your attacking options open.

Formation Strengths:

• The defense capabilities are high.
• The Wing Backs are an asset, able to connect the attack while still supporting the defense.

Formation Weaknesses:

• The formation is narrow, leaving openings for teams with a choked midfield and fast attackers.
• Midfield lacks creativity due to the defensive tendencies of the midfielders.

The key players here are the Fullbacks or rather Wing Backs in this situation. Their ability to shift between attack and defense is of high importance. So, with these conditions met, the 5-3-2 is the best formation to use when looking for a stalemate.

3. Best Formation for Possessive Counter-Attacking Game play (3-4-3)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/hP1i31mEskw

A bold formation to use if you don't have good Wing-Backs.

The 3-4-3 was popularly used the most part of the 2016/2017 season in the Barclay’s Premier League. It was a favorite for Antonio Conte's League Winning Chelsea squad. It makes use of 3 Center Backs, a 4 man midfield, and 2 Attackers.

Formation Strengths:

• Its strength lies in its wing play, with both Wing Backs supporting the Attackers while still balancing out the defense.

Formation Weaknesses:

• Drains the central midfield of stamina.
• Vulnerable against teams with 3 pacey attackers.

The central midfielders are positioned in such a manner that they can take control of central passing lanes. This leaves room for the attackers and Wing Backs to counter with the freedom of a 5 man attack of sorts. If what you’re looking for is to keep possession while taking every counter attacking chance, then this is the formation for you.

2. Best Formation for a Controlled Midfield (4-4-1-1)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/ltsp0KFnMdw

Another well balanced formation you can make use of.

Popularly known as Bayern’s default formation in the past editions of FIFA, this formation adds an extra touch of defense to the midfield without losing much in attack. It makes use of a flat defense, a 4 man stretch of attacking, defensive, and wide midfielders, 1 Attacking Midfielder and a lone Striker.

Formation Strengths:

• Adds an extra layer of defense in the midfield.
• Makes switching from Wing play to Central play easy.

Formation Weaknesses:

• Without a strong CDM, the midfield becomes vulnerable.
• The striker gets lonely upfront anytime the CAM gets caught up.

If you love having a controlled midfield with the ability to switch attacking scenarios easily, the 4-5-1 is the right bet for you. To balance everything out it’ll be necessary to have one heck of a tough Target Striker.

1. Best Formation for Multi-Purpose Wing Play (4-2-2-2)

Watch how to use this formation here: https://youtu.be/eDi7azir1QY

The Wingers in the 4-2-2-2 are the key players here.

Now, when I say multi-purpose wing play, I mean the ability of Wingers to either cut inwards to get a go at goal, or speeding down the flanks for a more direct play. There’s a 4 man defensive line, 2 defensive midfielders, 2 inverted flank men, and 2 Strikers.

Formation Strengths:

• Gives you more attacking wing options.
• The defensive midfielders have enough time to focus on defensive duties.

Formation Weaknesses:

• Weak against strong and compacted midfields.
• Confident attacking gamers will definitely enjoy this formation. Use this whenever you need that extra “oomf” in your attack.

Scenarios are constantly changing as matches progress. As disregarded as it seems, changing to the right formation is an essential towards success as far as FIFA 19 is concerned. Keep them in mind, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and I assure you an increase in your winning rate!

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