The latest EA FC 24 update has really shaken things up. Before, loads of players were leaning hard on high-pressure tactics like Constant Pressure or Pressure On Heavy Touch. They worked well but drained stamina slowly enough that you could keep pressing all game. Now, after the patch, the stamina hit is brutal and the pressing itself isn’t as sharp. If you’ve been relying on swarming opponents, you’ll feel the change straight away. It’s pushed the game towards a calmer, more controlled style where holding shape and picking your moments matters more. You’ll find you need to plan attacks instead of forcing them, and that makes setups built for balance the key to winning in Rivals or Champions. If you’re trying to adapt, getting your tactics right is just as important as having the right FC 26 Coins.

One formation that still works brilliantly in attack is the 4-3-2-1, though it’s had to evolve in the new meta. It’s naturally narrow and compact, which means you get lots of short passing options and quick one-twos through the middle. That’s great for breaking down defences, but you can’t leave yourself open at the back. A balanced setup stops you getting caught on counters.

For custom tactics, a solid approach is: Defensive Style: Balanced, Team Width: 45, Depth: 55, Build Up Play: Balanced, Chance Creation: Direct Passing, Attacking Width: 47, Players In Box: 6, Corners: 2, Free Kicks: 2. This gives you enough width to stretch play without losing the tight shape.

Player instructions can make or break this setup. Have your keeper on Comes for Crosses and Sweeper Keeper. Both full-backs should Stay Back While Attacking but still on Overlap so they’ll join in when the time’s right. Your most defensive central mid stays back and covers the centre, while the other two mids play Balanced Attack with Cover Wing to help out wide. The left and right forwards drop back when defending but look to Get In Behind when you’re attacking. Your striker stays central and makes those runs beyond the defence.

This way, you’ve basically got five players forming a defensive block when you’re out of possession. The depth at 55 lets you press a bit without risking too many balls over the top. And having the wide forwards help out defensively means you often drop into a 4-4-2 or even a 4-5-1 shape, which saves stamina and clogs passing lanes.

If you’re the kind of player who values control and a strong defensive base, the 4-2-3-1 is a great option after the patch. Its two defensive mids give you a wall in front of your back line, making it tough for opponents to play through the middle. You can slow the game down, build patiently, and still have three attacking mids ready to create chances.

For tactics here, try: Defensive Style: Balanced, Team Width: 44, Depth: 50, Build Up Play: Balanced, Chance Creation: Direct Passing, Attacking Width: 50, Players In Box: 5, Corners: 1, Free Kicks: 1. This keeps your shape tight but gives you enough attacking options.

Instructions-wise, keep your keeper the same as before. Full-backs stay back but overlap when the chance comes. Both CDMs cut passing lanes, stay back, and cover the centre. Your wide CAMs drop back to help defend and get into the box for crosses when attacking. The central CAM stays forward and joins the striker, who stays central and looks to get in behind. That CAM is key for linking defence to attack quickly.

What makes this formation so solid is the double pivot in midfield. With both CDMs holding their positions, you make it incredibly hard for anyone to cut through the middle. The wide CAMs supporting the full-backs means you’re safer against counters down the wings. And because your central CAM is always up top, you’ve got a quick outlet to hit on the break. If you’re smart with your positioning and patient with your build-up, this shape can control matches without burning through stamina. It’s the kind of setup that works perfectly if you’ve got the right players and know when to push forward — and if you’re looking to upgrade your squad, you might want to buy FC 26 Coins.