Football Manager 2023 Best Formations: the PERFECT setups that will guarantee success

Football Manager 2023 has arrived, with the Beta now live and full release mere weeks away.

The excitement amongst the fanbase is bursting, but we wouldn't want that hype to lead to bad results.

With that in mind, here are the best formations you can use in Football Manager 2023.

FM23 Best Formations

Perfecting your system is one of the most important parts of any Football Manager game and this year is no different.

We've picked our five favourites so far, ranging from classics to differential options that may raise some eyebrows.

4-2-3-1

Starting with a classic that's been a favourite for many years in FM, we're pleased to say the 4-2-3-1 is once again just effective in Football Manager 2023.

Your two holding midfielders are vital in this system and finding the perfect target man is also key.

Your wingers will be tasked with doing the hard yards, with your AMC also covering plenty of ground.

This formation offers flexibility and true attacking intent, giving you an immediate advantage over your opponent.

4-3-3

Channel your inner Jurgen Klopp and adopt a Gegenpressing 4-3-3, with this formation perfect for sides looking to immediately impose themselves in games.

Opponents will quickly feel suffocated as your three forwards race towards them, creating a terrifying attacking threat.

Both the midfield and defence provide strong shields for one another, but it will be important to find a balance for you three men in the middle.

It's a classic, but it's still top-notch.

5-4-1

Something slightly different is a 5-4-1 formation, with wing-backs the key to finding success in this system.

This formation does leave your striker quite isolated, but we still managed to get plenty of goals out of Erling Haaland!

Not without its flaws and still in need of some fine-tuning, this formation could quickly become an underrated gem in Football Manager 2023.

5-3-2

Sticking with 5 at the back, this 5-3-2 setup is perfect for teams looking to soak up pressure and hit sides on the counter.

With your full-backs still encouraged to bomb forward, this formation relies on a strong connection between your front two.

If you're anticipating a difficult game and want to hit sides on the counter, we believe this formation provides perfect balance, as well as the foundations that could lead to a surprise victory.

4-3-2-1

A variation on a classic, this 4-3-2-1 formation will rely on fluidity in your midfield.

You do have the option to drop the single central midfielder into a deep position to cover your defence, but you don't want to leave yourself too exposed in the centre.

Instead, ensure that your side is aiming to control possession with this formation, leading to less chance of being caught on the counter.