Which formation and tactic in FIFA 20 is the best? We asked professional player Marcel Deutscher how to best set up your team in FIFA 20.
That’s why the right formation is so important: Depending on how you position your team, it decides how offensively or defensively you can act. If you choose a layout that positions many players in the attacking third, you will be offensively strong, but may have defensive gaps.
On the other hand, having too many players in your own half means you will have less access to the opponent’s goal. There is not necessarily one best formation. It is all about finding the right balance and selecting the appropriate formation for your play style.
FIFA 20: Best Formations & Tactics Guide
These formations are recommended by Marcel “DonChap” Deutscher: Marcel Deutscher from L4K eSports is one of the best FIFA players in Germany. Since this year, he has been playing for the eSports team of Hannover 96 in the Virtual Bundesliga.
In the interview, DonChap gave us some tips on which formations are currently particularly successful in FIFA 20. We present his tips on the right setup and tactics here on MeinMMO.
4-2-3-1 – The classic among formations
This is what makes this formation special: The 4-2-3-1, also known as the “Christmas tree,” is gradually becoming a classic among Ultimate Team formations. Already in FIFA 19 it was one of the favorites, just like in FIFA 18.
“The normal 4-2-3-1 always works,” explains Deutscher. The formation is compact and allows for a lot of ball possession.
If needed, it can be adjusted: “It always depends on what the score is. If you’re leading 1:0 in a close game in the 80th minute, I would even choose the wide 4-2-3-1 to bring in a bit more security.” Then you can stand a bit deeper and gain even more ball possession.
This formation is suitable for: Players who like to dominate the game. It does not represent a classic counter-tactic but relies on skillful players in the center.
4-1-2-1-2 – The diamond as an offensive formation
This is what makes this formation special: The diamond is based on a classic four-man defense and a defensive midfielder. Offensively, you can rely on a playmaker, two strikers, and two wingers. The wingers can quickly come back to help defensively if needed.
“The diamond is very good this year,” explains the professional. The wide version paid off especially in the beta. The many possibilities in attack open up many ways to exert pressure on the opponent’s goal. And that can be crucial: “The offense is very difficult this year. Many players are currently using bunker tactics. Creating chances is not easy.”
This formation is suitable for: Players who need many options in attack. You can move forward very quickly via the flanks, and the playmaker facilitates play through the center. With two strikers, there are also good passing options at the front. However, defensively, there may be congestion in counter situations.
4-4-2 – The balanced formation
This is what makes the formation special: The 4-4-2 formation resembles the diamond, but it is somewhat more balanced in the center. It is more difficult for the opponent to bypass the center. However, in attack, you lose only a little punch: “I really like playing 4-4-2,” says Deutscher: “This year, two strikers are important. You can play quick, short one-twos and have two passing options. But in 4-4-2, you also have two players on the flanks.”
This formation is suitable for: Players who like to play on the flanks and don’t want to expose themselves too much defensively. If you have strong wingers that can feed your strikers, you’re in the right place. And if you need help defensively, you’ll find useful tips here.
3-5-2 – The experimental formation
This is what makes the formation special: The 3-5-2 differs from the other formations in that it has only three true defenders. This changes the roles within the team a bit.
Especially the outside players have to act in a dual role more than ever: “When you are in defense, you can instruct the outside players to reinforce the defense. Then you play a kind of five-man defense with two defensive midfielders in front. This makes you incredibly compact,” explains Deutscher. However, in offensive play, “you need the two outside players to create pressure. The center-backs then position themselves a bit wider.”
If it works, it gives you an advantage: “If you do it right, you have many players both in defense and attack. But you need two players on the outside who have tremendous stamina. After one half, they are exhausted,” explains Deutscher. You have to be careful not to let the outside players lose their stamina too quickly – otherwise, you suddenly have a weak defense. This is especially true once the very popular fitness bug is fixed.
This formation is suitable for: Players who need many options at all times. Especially in attacking play, the 3-5-2 gives you a lot of passing options when you’re in the offensive. However, if the opponent regains the ball, it has to go back quickly, or else you run the risk of being countered heavily.
The right tactics
This tactic is used by DonChap: Apart from the formation, you can also make some adjustments to the team tactics. Deutscher recommends: “I don’t like to sit back. I find I lack access.” You always have to chase and wait for mistakes: “I want to actively regain the ball and switch quickly forward.”
For this, he chooses the following settings: “I usually play defensively on ‘Balanced’, normal. If I’m behind, I switch to ‘Pressing’ or ‘constant pressure’.” In offense, Deutscher switches between “Balanced” and “Fast Build-up”. The latter favors counter-attacks: “With the Fast Build-up, they switch immediately on regaining possession of the ball. With through balls, you can quickly gain space and be rapidly in front of the goal.”
Are you still looking for tips on how to improve in FIFA 20? Then you can find them here:
