Nofil KhanTake advantage of the attacking freedom the new patch offers you with the nerf to AI defenders and score some fun goals made by clever passing and attacking movements with this formation.
Let's take a look at the custom tactics, instructions and roles that you need to make the most of this formation in EA FC 26.
4231 Meta Tactics for EA FC 26
Here are the tactical settings and player roles for the custom meta 4231 tactics in EA FC 26:
FC 26 4231 Tactical Settings
Build-Up Style: Short Passing
Defensive Approach: Balanced (60)
Tactics Code: uQGYN4g24saP
FC 26 4231 Player Roles
GK: Goalkeeper | Defend
RB/LB: Fullback | Balanced
CB: Defender | Defend
CDM: Deep-Lying Playmaker | Build-Up
CAM: Playmaker | Balanced
Wide CAMs: Shadow Striker | Attack
ST: Advanced Forward | Attack
How to attack with the 4231 in FC 26?
The main avenue of attack will be playing the ball through to either of your wide CAMs as they make their diagonal run into the box and look for that finesse shot into the far corner.
With GK Movement being nerfed earlier it is much easier to score from those finesse shot angles at the edge of the box, the nerf to defensive AI makes it so that you will find more space when playing quick, short passes.
If you're forced to pull the ball back and recycle, the build up should be reset by finding your CDMs that will have pushed up because of how these tactics are set up. With 6 players in and around the box, try to be patient and keep looking for an open player, trigger runs in behind and you should find some space right at the edge of the box for a clean strike.
When you're in transition, look to release one of your wide CAMs and run down the line. The cutback might not be easily available if you don't have a rapid player there but if you look to play the ball back towards the top of the box then you'll find your central CAM or one of the CDMs making a late run that can take a first time shot and score.
How to defend with the 4231 in FC 26?
Defending with this formation is quite straightforward, with the 2 CDMs sitting in front of a compact backline the main thing to look after is screening passing lanes through the middle with your CDMs and tracking opponent wingers with your wide CAMs that won't track back naturally.
You will be slightly more exposed on the counter than other meta formations because of how high your CDMs will be pushing up in possession, the way to deal with it would be to take your quickest attacker and close down the ball carrier as fast as possible.
Even if you can't make a tackle, tracking the ball and closing it down is your first priority instead of breaking your defensive shape. Make sure that you don't press the ball carrier with your fullbacks because the space left behind will be easily exploited.
If your GK has Rush Out+ then your best bet to deal with 1v1's will be to close the attacker down by charging once they are about 25-30 yards away from goal. Any sooner and you risk getting chipped over and any later will keep you too far away before they can shoot.
Meta 4-2-3-1 Tactics Team
If you're looking for a meta team to try out these 4-2-3-1 tactics with, it would look something like this:
Recommended PlayStyles for 4231 Flat Tactics in FC 26
GK: Far Reach, Deflector
CB: Jockey, Intercept, Anticipate
RB/LB: Quick Step, Intercept, Jockey
CDM: Incisive Pass, Intercept, Jockey, Long Ball Pass
CAM: Technical, Incisive Pass, Tiki Taka, Low Driven
Wide CAMs: Tiki Taka, Rapid, Pinged Pass, Finesse Shot
ST: Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, Enforcer, Tiki Taka
Is the 4-2-3-1 the best tactic in EA FC 26?
While the 4-2-3-1 isn't the best tactic in FC 26, the emphasis on attack and the player movement it offers makes it as effective as some of the most meta formation in the game.
You will miss the safety and pragmatism the defensive coverage Wide Midfielders offer in a 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 or 4-5-1 Flat but what you get in return is, in my opinion, an equivalent exchange in terms of attacking productivity.
Here is a list of all Custom Tactics reviewed by FUT GG for FC 26 so far:
What formation are you currently rocking in FC 26? Is there a particular tactic you would like reviewed? Let us know below!