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The 5 best formations in FIFA 18
These tactical tips will help you succeed both online and offline.
Picking the right formation in FIFA is crucial. But, with 25 options at your disposal, it can be difficult to know which tactic to choose.
Luckily, some of them stand out more than others. EA Sports' latest release places an added emphasis on width, tight dribbling and tricky defensive mechanics, so you need to pick a formation that works with the new gameplay.
With that in mind, we've detailed five key formations for you to use in everything from Kick Off to Ultimate Team. Before long, your side will be performing less like Macclesfield Town, and more like Manchester United.
3-5-2
Play a 3-5-2 with Manchester United
© EA Sports
If your team possesses a range of pacy, highly-skilled centre-backs, the 3-5-2 is an effective option in FIFA 18.
It's primarily a defensive tactic, utilising two defensive midfielders alongside three, wide central defenders. This formation's prime weakness is the lack of full-backs, so making sure your wide midfielders are equipped with speed and high defensive work rates is key.
In attack, you'll want to make use of width alongside an attacking midfield playmaker to carve out opportunities in front of goal. For extra creativity, consider adding the 'free roam' instruction to your CAM.
Pros
- Strength in midfield
- Great against narrow formations
Cons
- Susceptible to counter-attacks
- Ineffective against skilled wingers
4-1-2-1-2 Wide
The 4-1-2-1-2 is a balanced formation
© EA Sports
The 4-1-2-1-2 Wide is FIFA 18's epitome of balance, suiting defensive and attack-minded players in equal measure.
Your attacking midfielder and two wide players are best used to spread the ball to the wings regularly, exploiting AI-created gaps along the way. Meanwhile, you'll nullify quick counter attacks with the presence of five defensive-minded players at the back.
You can add to this strategy by encouraging one or more of your attackers to 'get in behind' the defence as a player instruction. Generally, this should be reserved for one of your pacy strikers, although quick wingers can also fulfil this role effectively.
Pros
- Effective all over the pitch
- Offers good width
Cons
- Not suitable for quick attacks
- Requires a skilled, physical CDM
4-2-3-1 Wide
The Wide 4-2-3-1 is great in FIFA 18
© EA Sports
There are two variations of the 4-2-3-1 – we prefer the second, ditching two CAMs in favour of wide midfielders.
This formation will suit fans of slow build-up play. Two defensive midfielders provide excellent support for your centre-backs, while also working to generate attacks via clever passing and superb physical strength.
The key downside here is a lack of firepower upfront – one CAM and one striker is all you're getting. As a result, you'll require highly-efficient players in these positions, while encouraging your wingers to 'get in behind' will generate additional space to exploit.
Pros
- Packed with defensive support
- Excellent for retaining possession
Cons
- Lacking numbers upfront
- Relies on your CAM to create chances
4-3-3 Holding
Get a CDM in your 4-3-3
© EA Sports
There are five different versions of the 4-3-3 in FIFA 18, with the holding variant coming out on top.
As you'd expect, two wingers allow for quick-breaking attacks out wide, while also providing chances for your sole striker. This edition of the 4-3-3 equips a CDM behind two central midfielders, offering extra support in defence to help out with FIFA 18's tough defensive mechanics.
Despite our pick, we're also partial to the 4-3-3 Attack option. If you're feeling confident in defence, this strategy replaces your CDM with a central attacking midfielder, providing extra support for your three forwards.
Pros
- Fast wingers can create quick attacks
- CDM role provides cover for defenders
Cons
- Lack of a CAM limits opportunities in front of goal
- Requires pace and skill out wide
5-2-1-2
You need good wing backs for this formation
© EA Sports
The 5-2-1-2 provides excellent defensive stability and prolific attacking options, but only if you possess the players to suit it.
Your wing-backs are the key – you'll need fast, skilful players who can burst down the wings to offer wide support, tracking back into defence quickly when necessary. Keep in mind that to do this, they'll require high stamina and a balance of medium-high attacking and defensive work rates.
This formation is a good choice for those who like to play a counter-attacking style of football. Your three midfielders and two strikers provide numbers going forward, bursting up the pitch while your two wing-backs break with regularity.
Pros
- Extra numbers in defence
- Perfect for counter attacks
Cons
- Requires fast wing-backs to provide width
- Narrow by design
