Although EA Sports FC 24 may seem like a brand-new beginning for the franchise, the core of the experience is still there and it remains almost unchanged. Ultimate Team has some new features to offer here and there, but Rivals, Champions, and Squad Battles are still the main activities of this popular game mode.
No matter which activity you choose to play, you always need a formation that is able to give you enough opportunity on the field, tailored to the players in your squad and the PlayStyles and tactics you prefer. The most effective formation depends a lot on these factors. Here are some of the best, and how they might fit your specific team and play style.
6 4-2-4
If all you care about is scoring goals, then there should be no reason not to plan your tactics based on the 4-2-4 formation. You will play with two target strikers with wingers on the left and right. This formation will give you enough players in the front to use almost any tactics for scoring goals, from running past the defenders to making wide crosses.
That being said, 4-2-4 will significantly affect your control over the midfield area, both in defensive and attacking scenarios. This also means you will be quite vulnerable to counter-attacks, which is the price you have to pay for getting more scoring chances. You’ll be celebrating all sorts of goals, but be aware of the formations drawbacks as well.
5 5-2-1-2
In case you don’t want to sacrifice the midfield area or lower the defensive strength of your squad, 5-2-1-2 is a much better option. This formation simply takes the wingers from 4-2-4 and replaces them with wing-backs.
You are strongly recommended to have a decent pair of wing-backs in your club for this formation, but even without them, you can still use regular wingers or side-backs in the same positions (though be warned that they perhaps won’t be good enough in both attacking and defensive scenarios). However, you will have better control over the midfield area with two center midfielders and one attacking midfielder.
4 4-4-2
The classic 4-4-2 is always a solid choice for a balanced formation offering control over every major part of the pitch. With this formation, you might not have the benefits of wingers who cut inside the opponent’s penalty area, but a strong midfield belt will allow you to perform some exceptional through balls to the strikers in the front. Moreover, 4-4-2 is a capable formation to neutralize any wide runs from the opponent’s side, as your wide defenders and midfielders will always protect either side of the pitch. Having a pair of central midfielders with high shooting stats will help you a lot in this formation, increasing your chance of scoring outside-the-box goals.
3 5-2-2-1
This formation is a wider version of 5-2-1-2, with the difference being a special focus on wingers. Although you have one less striker in the front, you can benefit from double wingers on each side if you have some good options for LW/RW and LWB/RWB posts.
If you prefer wide runs or cutting inside with your wingers, this is an incredibly effective and versatile formation for that purpose. That being said, you might still face some issues in the midfield area with two central midfielders, but the defensive orientation of the format would make it safer in the end.
2 4-5-1
Veteran FIFA players know that a strong midfield area is always a winning edge, as it usually gives you more options to get creative with your attacking scenarios. 4-5-1 is one of the best formations in Ultimate Team, one that works quite well if you have some great options for two CAM posts in your club. Although having a quick-feet striker is important, central attacking midfielders play an even more crucial role here, as they are the engines of every move forward from the middle (and even from the sides). A strong midfield belt is also beneficial in defensive scenarios.
1 4-3-3 (4)
For those who looking to play attacking football at its finest, the fourth variant of 4-3-3 is the best possible option. Keep in mind that you do need to have capable and quick wingers on either side of the pitch, or this formation will not work well enough for you. This formation gives you the same balance as 4-4-2, but it offers a more offensive approach for players that often like using the width of the pitch to their favor in high-speed play. The only shortcoming of this formation is the fact that you may become vulnerable to your opponent’s wide runs, which is why having good LB and RB players is the next crucial part of using 4-3-3.