Jamboo's top three FIFA 18 formations for West Ham United

FIFA 18 has been out for over a month now and I feel, having had a chance to properly explore the game, that I have found three different formations that are perfect for getting the best out of West Ham United.

It’s worth mentioning here that in each of the formations the back five remains the same. Joe Hart has the edge over Adrian statistically in FIFA 18, so should play, while I would recommend a defensive line of Pablo Zabaleta, Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku.

3. 4-3-3

This 4-3-3 formation is a brilliant system for getting the best out of Andy Carroll. The No9 has incredible strength and heading in FIFA 18 and is almost impossible to stop when it  comes to converting perfect crosses.

With Carroll up front I’d suggest Michail Antonio is used on the right-wing. His pace is phenomenal and his power with the ball means beating defenders is a lot easier.

The other flank should see Manuel Lanzini play. Statistically an excellent crosser, the Argentinian is the perfect option in this role to feed Carroll.

A midfield of Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang is also a trio packed with passing versatility and stamina.

2. 4-4-2

Up next I’d recommend a flat 4-4-2. While not now a particularly popular formation in real football these days it’s still a very effective option in FIFA 18.

The main reason for this is to give you the option of playing two of Carroll, Antonio and Chicharito up front. It has been fascinating to see how each works as a pair with one of the others in FIFA this season.

If you opt to go with Carroll and Chicharito then Antonio remains an option for the right flank but if not Andre Ayew is also available and works well. I’d put Lanzini on the left and then Marko Arnautovic alongside Cheikhou Kouyate.

Although the West Ham record signing isn’t a natural centre-midfielder the Austrian possesses the stats to play that role in FIFA 18.

1. 4-1-2-1-2

My final – and favourite – option is a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation. This option gives West Ham a diamond midfield and this is where I’ve played my best football with the team this season.

In my opinion, this system brings the best out of the players the Irons have available. I go for a Carroll and Antonio strike-force with Lanzini playing as a No10, at the top of the diamond.

Then I bring in Kouyate at defensive-midfield, where the Senegalese international shines, while playing Mark Noble and Arnautovic in the other two midfield positions.

Controversially, this does leave Chicharito on the bench, but the Mexican is a fantastic option to bring into a contest if you’re desperate for a goal.