With this FIFA 23 custom formation guide, you can adjust the formation for the best results. The 4-2-3-1 is the most popular formation in FIFA 23 due to its great balance. If you are looking for a formation for better defense, there is no match to the 4-2-3-1 formation. It provides you with attacking capabilities as well.

There is no need to change the custom tactics for this formation, as they are pretty good for almost all situations. Even if you have to change these tactics, do it with care, as it can make things worst for you. You can set the 4-2-3-1 formation both wide as well as narrow according to your needs. This, at the discretion of the gamer and the formation, works well in both settings.

Custom Tactics for 4-2-3-1

Player instructions

· Left-back-Attack while staying back.

· Right-back-Attack while staying back.

· Midfielders-Attack while staying back and covering the center.

· Left Midfielders and Right Midfielders-Cover the center with a balanced approach.

· Left forward and Right Forward-Get in from behind and stay central.

· Strikers-Get in from behind and stay forward.

Defensive tactics

· Defensive Style-Balanced

· Width-40

· Depth-50

Offensive tactics

· Build-Up Play-Longball

· Chance Creation-Direct passing

· Width-35

· Players In Box-50

· Corners and Free Kicks-2 bars

Best 4-2-3-1 Formations

Ultra-Defensive Formation

Defense

· Defensive Style-Balanced

· Width-45

· Depth-60

Offense

· Build Up Play-Balanced

· Chance Creation-Direct Passing

· Width -60

· Players in Box-5

· Corners-1

· Free Kicks-1

Defensive Formation

Defense

· Defensive Style-Balanced

· Width-40

· Depth-60

Offense

· Build-Up Play-Fast Build Up

· Chance Creation-Direct Passing

· Width-35

· Players in Box-7

· Corners-1

· Free Kicks-1

Instructions for 4-2-3-1 formation

· Striker Instructions

For strikers in the formation, they should run at a balanced distance and get in from behind for attacks. To intercept the ball, they don’t have to do anything extra.

· Center Back Instructions

Center backs in a 4-2-3-1 formation should stay back during attacks and go for normal ball interceptions only. They should stick to their normal position to defend the ball.

· Full Back Instructions

Fullbacks should also stay back when attacking the goalpost of another team. For run type, the overlap is the best option, and they should stick to their defensive positions all the time. 

· Defensive Mid Instructions

Defensive mid should cut passing lanes to defend the ball while staying behind during attacks by their team. For defense, they should protect the center of the field from enemy attacks.

· Attacking Mid Instructions

Attacking mid would need to get back on defense all the time. To support their teammates in crosses, they can get into the box.

· Striker Instructions

Strikers should keep a balanced width when doing supporting runs. For attacks, they should get in from behind.

When it comes to attacking the overlap, the fullbacks will have to stay back at all costs. Two defensive midfielders will cover the center of the field and cut passing lanes. They may also have to attack, but they will be staying back even during attacks.

How to Use the 4-2-3-1 formation?

The 4-2-3-1 formation is more into defending the ball and keeping the field under control, so you will have to use it with some changes. If you are into scoring goals, this formation isn’t for you. But if you are a patient footballer, 4-2-3-1 is your go-to formation.

To ensure enough defense on your back, you will use four and two defensive midfielders. The counterattack won’t be able to do much in such a situation. If you aren’t a good defender, the 4-2-3-1 formation is a must-try.

Unlike other formations where you have two attacking midfielders, you will have a left midfielder and a right midfielder in this formation. These side midfielders help your strikers. The long aero balls will also be used in this formation.

How to Counter the 4-2-3-1 formation?

If the other team is using the 4-2-3-1 formation against you in a match, you will have to counter it to ensure the win. Your team won’t be able to make any passes, and they will also drop the ball a lot of times.

This formation in the hands of the other team will put pressure on your players. Attacking midfielders will be the backbone when you are countering this formation. Their vision is extraordinary, and they can pass the ball to their teammates at a distance as well as coordinate well with strikers in their team to score a goal in a difficult situation.

For better countering against this formation, keep using the ball carrier as much as you can. Your counter-formation will require more attacking players than you can imagine.