Best EA Sports FC 24 formations

EA Sports FC 24 Enzo Fernandez controlling ball with Chelsea crowd in background
Credit: EA

EA Sports FC 24 Enzo Fernandez controlling ball with Chelsea crowd in background
Credit: EA
November 29, 2023: With EA Sports FC 24 out now, we've updated our guide to showcase the best formations to use.

Selecting the best EA Sports FC 24 formations is essential if you plan on gaining the upper hand during an EA Sports FC 24 match. Whether it's Ultimate Team or Career Mode, having your players in the right position on the pitch makes it much easier to defend and attack effectively.

The latest season of EA's new footballing franchise is in full swing and as everyone continues to fine-tune their starter team, many are testing various formations to see which one suits their style of play.

Before we take a closer look at the best EA Sports FC 24 formations, check out our other guide containing information on the next TOTW.

What is the best EA Sports FC 24 formation?

So far, the best EA Sports FC 24 formation to use is 4-2-3-1 thanks to the excellent defensive coverage it provides. Alongside the defensive midfielders, having four players capable of springing a quick and coordinated attack is a surefire way of breaking through any defensive line standing in the way.

Just like in previous years, you can fine-tune the 4-2-3-1 formation even further in order to get your defenders to hold position and to determine the width of play you want to use.

EA Sports FC 24 Erling Haaland wearing Manchester City shirt
expand image
Credit: EA

Best EA Sports FC 24 custom tactics

So, you've settled on the 4-2-3-1 formation and now you want to maximise its effectiveness on the pitch. This is where the custom tactics come into their own. After plenty of testing, we've found this set of custom tactics is great for defensive and attacking play.

Custom tactics

  • Defensive style - Press after possession loss
  • Width - 48
  • Depth - 45
  • Build-up play - Balanced
  • Chance creation - Forward runs
  • Width - 52
  • Players in box - 6
  • Corners - 3
  • Free kicks - 3

Player instructions

After optimising the custom tactics, the next step to maximising the best EA Sports FC 24 formation is changing the player instructions to ensure they're capable of covering off any attacking chances the opposition gets. Here's the best combination we've found so far:

  • GK - Comes for crosses / Sweeper keeper
  • LB - Stay back while attacking
  • CB - Default
  • CB - Default
  • RB - Stay back while attacking
  • CDM - Stay back while attacking / Cover centre
  • CDM - Stay back while attacking / Cover centre
  • CAM - Stay forward / get in box for crosses
  • CAM - Stay forward / get in box for crosses
  • CAM - Stay forward / get in box for crosses
  • ST - Stay forward / get in behind

As the cycle progresses, we'll be sure to update our guide with the best EA Sports FC 24 formation as soon as it appears. For Season 1, the 4-2-3-1 will work well in all modes.

Best EA Sports FC 24 4-4-2 formation

The classic 4-4-2 formation is one that many gravitate towards thanks to its versatility. The combination of two attackers along with four defenders and midfielders there are plenty of ways to move the ball around. Here are the best custom tactics and player instructions to use.

Custom tactics

  • Defensive style - Press after possession loss
  • Width - 55
  • Depth - 45
  • Build-up play: Balanced
  • Chance creation: Forward runs
  • Width - 50
  • Players in box - 6
  • Corners - 3
  • Free kicks - 3

Player instructions

  • GK - Sweeper keeper
  • LB - Stay back while attacking
  • CB - Default
  • CB - Default
  • RB - Stay back while attacking
  • LM - Come back on defence / get in behind
  • LCM - Cover centre
  • RCM - Stay back while attacking / cover centre
  • RM - Come back on defence / get in behind
  • ST - Stay forward / get in behind / stay central
  • ST - Stay forward / get in behind / stay central

There you have it, that's everything there is to know about the best EA Sports FC 24 formations. For more, check out our other guides revealing the best Pacey Protector Evolution players and all walkout animations determining if you've packed a good player.