A a lot more balanced version with the FIFA 4-1-2-1-2 Wide, the 4-1-3-2 can be a hybrid among the 4-4-2 Flat and Holding systems. The defensive midfielder just needs to protect the defence, plus the central midfielder can conduct from deep. In Schalke's lineup they've two all-round strikers who stand over six foot tall, but are also capable of playing out on the wing. So if a single drifts wide to spread the defence, they don't lose any aerial ability inside the box.

FIFA Expert's Recommended work rates:

Right Back – Medium Attacking / High Defensive
Left Back – Medium Attacking / High Defensive
Right CB – Low Attacking / High Defensive
Left CB – Low Attacking / High Defensive
CDM – Low Attacking / High Defensive
Right Mid – High Attacking / Medium Defensive
Left Mid – High Attacking / Medium Defensive
CM – High Attacking / Low Defensive
Right Striker – High Attacking / Low Defensive
Left Striker - High Attacking / Low Defensive

Strengths: This is another one of the most balanced formations (as with most that are similar to 4-4-2) in the game and gives you a little bit of everything which is obviously a plus point. It has strengths in it's great passing options with good distances between most of the players on the pitch. This means you always have 2 or 3 passes available no matter where you are on the pitch.

Weaknesses: A weakness for this formation is the gap between the CM and the 2 ST's. If you don't select your CM and CDM carefully and methodically, then they can be exposed easily. The wide players, if they have the wrong work rates, can also mean this area in the more advanced wide areas can be deemed ‘weak'.

Key player/position: Not key because they will run the game, but key because you must select these players perfectly. If you don't, there is a strong chance that you won't be able to link play very effectively and you could easily be overrun.

Most suited style of play: Short, crisp passing mixed with occasional more direct route play suits this formation best.