The 4123 Promotion Tactic for FM21

The tactic

A very standard 4123 that produces football for suitable for teams at all levels.

I have put together this tactic with the idea in mind of an attacking, powerful tactic that would take advantage of the physicality of the lower leagues. It did incredibly well within those leagues and has stood the test of time and the challenges that the Championship brings.



The Defensive unit

Two BPD are at the heart of your build up play, slow in defence with the ability to move the ball forward onto the DM to create quick attacks, you'll want to make sure that these positions have decent passing and vision, where possible. Out wide we have two wing backs on support who will get you lots of assists, they will need high stamina as we do ask a lot from them with this tactic.


The Midfield Trio

The trio or a DM, RPM and AP work so well together, you have the guile and battle from the DM who will sit in the perfect position mopping up any knock downs from your CBs and turning defence into attack. The RPM is an anomaly, don't expect decent match ratings - I seriously think it's bugged. Watching the game, this role is key, think of a mezzala type movement whilst providing the technical ability to create chances. Our AP on attack will play very high up and sit in a channel that will be very obvious at lower level football. This role will inevitably pull the CBs out of position, allowing your attacking players to make the most of any opportunities.


Up top

Pace and Power and you wont go for wrong, IF on attack is a role I've toyed with for months, and I've finally got it working in this tactic - by far the most important role to fill. Whoever you play here will get you goals and assists. Up top we have an AF who will sit on the last line and find space throughout the game.


The Key Player instructions

- You'll have you midfield trio instructed to pass direct - you want to speed up the process of transition and this works perfectly well
- Inside forwards sit very narrow, you want 3 attackers on the last line of defence
- Midfielders affecting the opposition defence - RPM and AP on get further forward and move into channels will pull your opposition shape out of sync, you'll find lots of attacking space for your front 3 to take advantage of


The Results

Screenshots below of our journey so far: