Which is the best FIFA 21 formation to use in Ultimate Team? Even if you already know which formation to use, be sure to read this article. You will find that there are many options and there is always room for improvement.
How to Pick the Best FIFA 21 Formation
What you should keep in mind before picking the best FIFA 21 formation
Before you even start to sign players, you should start by setting the best FIFA 21 formation that you will implement in your squad. If you leave the decision for later, you will not equip your squad with players who you really need and you will be penalised in the individual and squad chemistry. You can solve the problem by buying new players and, in certain cases, positioning items but the investment will be very high.
It is also important to notice that there is no better formation than another. All of them have strong and weak points. You should decide which one is better for you.
The most common question is: How do I decide the formation that I will use?
There is no exact answer, but you should consider a few factors:
Play Style
What is your Play Style?
Do you often attack by the wings? Do you enjoy possession? Do you have a patient style? Do you often play in counter-attack?
Preferences
With which formation do you are most familiar and which ones you like most?
There is any formation that lets you more comfortable? Did you have better results with any formation?
Players
Into which formations the players that you think are essential fit?
The attributes and skills of your essential players can be better used in some of the formations?
Objectives
What are the formations best suited to the goals you set for your FUT 21 clubs?
Do you want to try to win all the matches even taking risks or do you will be happy even not winning all the matches?
The Best FIFA 21 Formation
The most used and the best FIFA 21 formations for defending, attacking, possession, crossing and counter styles
If you want to know which one is the best FIFA 21 formation to you, you should analyse carefully every single formation here. However, if you are too lazy to do that, take a look to the top formation we have gathered for you.
Top 5 Most Used FIFA 21 Formations
The most used and the most popular formations are almost the same. This doesn’t mean that they are the best ones. However, if you don’t know from where to start, these ones are good suggestions:
1 41212 (2)
Variation of the 4-1-2-1-2 that let players control the midfield. It is even more narrow than the original, giving them a much tighter diamond.
2 4321
Formation much appreciated. Allows multiple offensive options but with the security of two CDM in defence.
3 4231
Similar to 4-3-1-2 but with two CF’s and only one ST or similar to 4-3-3 but the left and right forwards are tucked inside rather than to the wings.
4 433
One of most famous FIFA 21 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
5 41212
This popular formation in diamond shape has the CAM as key element.
Top 5 Most Attacking FIFA 21 Formations
Please note that the most used attacking formation doesn’t mean it is the best attacking formation. If you are looking for a formation setup for an attacking style, please take a look to this TOP 5:
1 3412
One of the less popular FIFA 21 formations. This formation is a variation of 3-5-2 where the wing players are more withdrawn in favour of one of the central midfielders being pushed further upfield into the playmaker position, the “number 10”.
2 3421
Similar to the 3-4-1-2 formation, with a change to the forward players. Even less popular than the previous one.
3 343
Similar to 3-4-2-1, with the change of forwards to wingers.
4 3142
Similar to 3-5-2, where a defender (preferably a sweeper) helps midfielders on attack and defence.
5 433 (4)
Similar to 4-3-3, that turns one of the midfielders into an attacking midfielder to support the front three.
Top 5 Most Defensive FIFA 21 Formations
Please, note that the most popular defensive formation doesn’t mean it is the best defensive formation. If you are looking for a formation good for a defensive style, please take a look to this TOP 5:
1 5221
One of less popular FIFA 21 formations for Ultimate Team. Similar to 5-2-1-2 but with 1 up top supported by a left and right forward either side.
5 541
One of the most solid of the 5 at the back formations in terms of defensive set-up and overall structure.
2 5212
Formation used by fewer FIFA FUT 21 players. Similar to 5-2-2-1 but with two ST with a more creative CAM option.
3 532
The most solid and balanced formation of 5 defenders. Although seemingly defensive formation can become a very offensive.
4 433 (3)
This defensive-minded 4-3-3 variation offers two holding defensive midfielders and one centre midfielder in the midfield.
Top 5 Best FIFA 21 Formations for a Counter Attack Style
There are formations more suitable to be used in a counter attack style. If you identify yourself with this playing style, please take a look at the TOP 5 formations for you:
1 5212
Formation used by fewer FIFA FUT 21 players. Similar to 5-2-2-1 but with two ST with a more creative CAM option.
2 5221
Similar to 5-2-1-2 but with 1 up top supported by a left and right forward either side.
3 424
It attempts to combine a strong attack with a strong defence.
4 433 (2)
The first of 4-3-3 variations offers a holding defensive midfielder anchor in the midfield.
5 442 (2)
A more defensive variation of the classic 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders in place of the usual centre midfielders.
Top 5 Best FIFA 21 Formations for Possession
FIFA isn’t played the same way by everyone. If you prefer a passing and possession style, keeping the ball with you and building up your game patiently, you should look to the following TOP 5 formations:
1 451
Formation that puts 5 players in midfield, two of them supporting the striker. For many years, it was the favourite formation of many European teams.
2 451 (2)
The 4-5-1 variation adds more midfield steel. The three center midfielders make it harder to break down on the counter and leaves less gaps for the attack.
3 41212 (2)
The 4-1-2-1-2 variation let players control the midfield. It is even more narrow than the original, giving them a much tighter diamond.
4 4411 (2)
A variation of 4-4-2 formation with one of the strikers playing in the front line and is supported by an attacking midfielder (CAM) behind him.
5 4411
Widely used in the world of football and in the Premier League in particular. Similar to 4-4-2 but one of ST backs for CF.
Top 5 Best FIFA 21 Formations for Crossing
FIFA isn’t played in the same way by everyone. If you prefer a crossing style, taking advantage of the wings, you should look to the following TOP 5 formations:
1 343
Similar to 3-4-2-1, with the change of forwards to wingers.
2 442
The classic formation. Widely used in the world of football. Organised structure of defenders and midfielders moving as a lineup and down the pitch.
3 442 (2)
A more defensive variation of the classic 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders in place of the usual centre midfielders.
4 433
One of most famous FIFA 21 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
5 3412
This formation is a variation of 3-5-2 where the wing players are more withdrawn in favour of one of the central midfielders being pushed further upfield into the playmaker position, the “number 10”.
Our Top 5 FIFA 21 Formations
You already have chosen your formation, right ? Maybe not. Most of the time, even if you have your very own playing style, the best formation is not the most attacking or defensive one but the most balanced one. Take a look to our personal selection of the best five formations to be used in this game:
1 532
The most solid and balanced formation of 5 defenders. Although seemingly defensive formation can become a very offensive.
2 41212 (2)
Variation of 4-1-2-1-2 that let players control the midfield. It is even more narrow than the original, giving them a much tighter diamond.
3 433
One of most famous FIFA 21 formations. Earned greater notoriety for having been adapted by Guardiola.
4 442
The classic formation. Widely used in the world of football.Organised structure of defenders and midfielders moving as a lineup and down the pitch.
5 352
One of the most solid formations. It has 3 central defenders (possibly with one acting as a sweeper). This system is heavily reliant on the wing-backs providing width for the team.
We shared with you the required know-how to choose the best formations. Now, it’s up to you.