With AI defending being the name of the game right now you need a formation that allows you to maximize on that while giving you good attacking avenues to beat your opponent with lots of attacking runs.
Let's take a look at one of the most solid formations in FC 26 with the custom tactics, roles and PlayStyles needed to elevate your game.
451 Flat Pro Meta Tactics for EA FC 26
Here are the tactical settings and player roles for the custom pro meta 451 tactics in EA FC 26:
FC 26 451 Flat Tactical Settings
Build-Up Style: Balanced
Defensive Approach: Balanced (60)
Tactics Code: BZbLCFDHL9tC
FC 26 451 Flat Player Roles
GK: Goalkeeper | Defend
RB/LB: Fullback | Defend
CB: Defender | Defend
RCM: Deep-Lying Playmaker | Defend
LCM: Playmaker | Attack
CM: Box-To-Box | Balanced
RM: Inside Forward | Balanced
LM: Inside Forward | Balanced
ST: Advanced Forward | Attack
How to attack with the 451 Flat in FC 26?
They key attacking philosophy with the 451 Flat in FC 26 is overloading the opponent's box with runs off the ball and create space with your first touch to score goals. You are looking to play one or two-touch football with stop-start football confusing both your opponent and their defensive AI with "La Pausa".
One of the subconscious effects of strong defensive AI is that people don't manually press the ball carrier much, hoping for an AI interception or block at the edge of the box. Your goal is to exploit that by holding the ball at a stop and looking for player runs, sometimes even manually triggering them to make space for yourself.
With wingers running in behind, your striker holding the backline and both your LCM and RCM looking to make late runs into the box the opportunities for a cutback are rampant here.
Look for the extra pass, don't try to rush your play or you will fall prey to the overpowered tracking of defenders, use the pause strategically and bait the press to play balls in behind to score easy goals.
How to defend with the 451 Flat in FC 26?
With a strong defensive line of FIVE players in midfield, your job is to make sure that your defensive line isn't leaving any unnecessary gaps open with aggressive pressing. Use your LM and RM to track wide players carrying the ball down the line.
The goal is to stop the cutback manually while forcing your opponent into errors by playing through a congested central area and get their passes intercepted.
Don't be tempted to bring your CBs or CMs out of position when they are twisting and turning with the ball, they are looking to bait you and open up a gap in your structure to exploit, use your wide midfielders to create pressure in the middle instead and you will make them play the game on your terms instead.
Meta 4-5-1 Flat Tactics Team
If you're looking for a meta team to try out these 4-5-1 Flat tactics with, here is a good blueprint.
Recommended PlayStyles for 451 Flat Tactics in FC 26
GK: Footwork, Far Reach, Deflector
CB: Jockey, Intercept, Anticipate
RB/LB: Quick Step, Block, Intercept
RCM: Intercept, Jockey, Incisive Pass
LCM: Tiki Taka, Incisive Pass, Long Ball Pass, Finesse Shot
CM: Relentless, Bruiser, Jockey, Intercept, Low Driven Shot
LM/RM: Rapid, Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, Pinged Pass
ST: Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, Rapid, Tiki Taka
Is the 451 Flat the best tactic in EA FC 26?
We cannot say if it is definitively the best tactic in FC 26 but we can say without a doubt that you won't find a more defensively solid formation with a good set of attacking option as well.
The balance that this formation offers has made it incredibly popular to use even by pro players and if you're struggling to bag some wins then it might just be time to switch to this.
What formation are you currently rocking in FC 26? Is there a particular tactic you would like reviewed? Let us know below!