The new patch has brought a change to the way we play FC 26, with buffs to Jockey Speed and the nerfs to Technical Dribbling have made us take a different approach both in the build up and the way we defend.
Let's take a look at the tactics, roles and PlayStyles that will help you get the most out of your team heading into the first weekend of Season 2.
4231 Wide 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 Wide Tactical Settings
Build-Up Style: Balanced
Defensive Approach: High (70)
Tactics Code: 8ZUmCM2CG44?
FC 26 4231 Wide Player Roles
GK: Goalkeeper | Defend
RB/LB: Fullback | Defend
CB: Defender | Defend
RDM: Deep-Lying Playmaker | Defend
LDM: Deep-Lying Playmaker | Build-Up
CAM: Playmaker | Balanced
RM: Inside Forward | Balanced
LM: Inside Forward | Balanced
STs: Advanced Forward | Attack
How to attack with the 4231 Wide in FC 26?
The best way to attack with the 4231 Wide is with diagonal switches. Having your wingers on Inside Forward Balanced will have them open for a long ball across the pitch to break through your opponent's press and ready to play it back into the middle with the late runs of your Playmaker CAM or your DLP CDM who is on the Build-Up instruction.
The combination of one winger and ST running into the box and two players making late runs into the edge of the box gives you options for the cutback while the winger controlling the ball has the ability to drive the ball into the box for shooting angles themself.
If you can't catch your opponent out the first time there will be plenty of players that you can use to reset and play around the box, try and drive the ball down the by-line and then look for the diagonal switch again to open up space for your players to make runs into.
This tactic also offers a lot options in transition with 4 attackers barreling down the pitch as soon as you recover the ball.
How to defend with the 4231 Wide in FC 26?
The defensive strategy with the 4231 Wide is to keep that screen of two CDMs in front of your defensive line and try to mark the ball carrier while covering the inside passing lanes as much as possible.
In transition try to use the LM and RM to track the ball carriers so you have a line of 4 players in front of your defenders and make sure to switch to the CDM who is on the Build-Up focus and make sure he's in position as that will be an area that can be exploited.
Jockeying speed has been significantly improved so there is no need to step out of formation to press the wingers and you can track them and put in the challenge before they get the shot or pass off at the edge of the box.
Meta 4-2-3-1 Wide Tactics Team
If you're looking for a low budget meta team to try out these 4-2-3-1 Wide tactics with, this is a decent setup in game.
Recommended PlayStyles for 4231 Wide Tactics in FC 26
GK: Footwork, Rush Out
CB: Jockey, Block, Anticipate
RB/LB: Quick Step, Anticipate, Intercept
RDM: Intercept, Jockey, Pinged Pass
LDM: Tiki Taka, Incisive Pass, Low Driven Shot
LM/RM: Rapid, Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, Pinged Pass
CAM: Technical, Incisive Pass, Long Ball Pass, Low Driven Shot
ST: Finesse Shot, Low Driven Shot, Rapid, Tiki Taka
Is the 4231 Wide the best tactic in EA FC 26?
With the boost in jockey speed and the nerfed options in attack the 4231 Wide offers you an incredibly compact system that will be hard to break down while offering you many options in transition and attack.
Having one CDM making late runs into the box while your attackers push the defensive line deeper always makes sure that you have a passing option available and the midfield is set up to perfectly screen your defence making this a great choice to play the game right now.
What formation have you picked to start playing with in FC 26? Is there a particular tactic you would like reviewed? Let us know below!