FIFA 19 delivers 5 new formations in Ultimate Team mode. Among them is the 4-2-4 formation, with which you can play extremely offensively.
So far, there have been 25 formations in the FIFA series. Each had its strengths and weaknesses, and every year a few top formations emerged that the pros used.
FIFA 19 adds 5 new formations. They are:
- 3-1-4-2
- 4-1-3-2
- 4-2-4
- 4-4-1-1 (2)
- 5-4-1
The first number from the left always represents the number of defenders in the formation. The number farthest to the right indicates the number of attacking players. Everything in between is the midfield, with nuances regarding how offensive or defensive the midfield players are oriented. The 3-1-4-2 formation, for example, has one defensive and four offensive midfielders. The goalkeeper is not listed in these formations.
In FIFA 19 FUT, there are now a total of 30 formations with which you can set up your players. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the 5 new formations.
3-1-4-2 – Very offensive formation
What kind of formation is this? 3-1-4-2 is very offensively oriented. You have many players in the offensive midfield with whom you can combine. The most important player is probably the CDM, who needs to make sharp and precise passes to build the play from the back. Additionally, he should provide stability.
Strengths and weaknesses:
- Lots of attacking power
- Many players in the center
- The wingers must work back
- Weak against opponents who play quickly on the flanks, vulnerable to counters
4-1-3-2 – Balanced formation
What kind of formation is this? The 4-1-3-2 is an alternative to the classic 4-4-2 and is thus quite balanced. There are no key players; you can play both on the wings and through the center.
Strengths and weaknesses:
- Balanced formation – suitable for many playing styles
- Many passing options with good distances between players
- The CM is not as offensive as a CAM and cannot serve the striker as well
4-2-4 – Very offensive formation
What kind of formation is this? The 4-2-4 is an extremely imbalanced formation that focuses entirely on attack – perhaps the most unbalanced of all formations. The midfield is practically non-existent. If there are no top players in central midfield, you will be overrun defensively.
Strengths and weaknesses:
- Very offensive – you can field many attacking players
- No balance between offense and defense
- The two CMs are too isolated
- Weak against formations that rely on a strong midfield
4-4-1-1 (2) – Defensive formation
What kind of formation is this? With the 4-4-1-1 (2), you have a defensively oriented formation that you can use to play possession. Key players are the CAM and the striker, who must be able to hold the ball until players from the midfield push up.
Strengths and weaknesses:
- Good if you play possession and like to pass a lot
- The CAM can be used as a creative engine
- No great attacking strength
- No quick play forward possible
5-4-1 – Very defensive formation
What kind of formation is this? With the 5-4-1, you have an extremely defensive formation against which your opponents will find it hard to break through. However, you are limited offensively, so you should specialize in counter-attacks.
Strengths and weaknesses:
- Very defensive
- The two players on the wings can initiate counter-attacks
- The striker is very isolated, with little attacking power
All formations at a glance
This is the list of all formations in FIFA 19 FUT:
- 3-1-4-2
- 3-4-1-2
- 3-4-2-1
- 3-4-3
- 3-5-2
- 4-1-2-1-2
- 4-1-2-1-2 (2)
- 4-1-3-2
- 4-1-4-1
- 4-2-2-2
- 4-2-3-1
- 4-2-3-1 (2)
- 4-2-4
- 4-3-1-2
- 4-3-2-1
- 4-3-3
- 4-3-3 (2)
- 4-3-3 (3)
- 4-3-3 (4)
- 4-3-3 (5)
- 4-4-1-1
- 4-4-1-1 (2)
- 4-4-2
- 4-4-2 (2)
- 4-5-1
- 4-5-1 (2)
- 5-2-1-2
- 5-2-2-1
- 5-3-2
- 5-4-1
Which formation will you play with?
In FIFA 19, EA reportedly says there is no “best formation”.
