Guys, stop saying X formation works when you won 1 or 2 games with it. Also, playing against a weak team doesn't really count because quality made the difference, not the formation.
I have tried most of the formations with a test team on another account against 4-4-2 with a similar quality and only 1 formation stood out. While 4-5-1v may work, it gives the opponent more chances because of the lack of wing coverage. So move the wingers to a ML/MR position and use a
4-1-4-1. I like to play mixed passing but you can experiment a little with the orders. At this moment in time, 4-1-4-1 is the best formation I can think of that can counter the 4-4-2. I've watched my friends use it and they succeed with said formation.
So I would like more people to try 4-1-4-1 with attacking tactics, mixed passing and red arrows on ML/MR and ST and show their results. It's pretty much how I play it but if you want to change the orders then feel free
You won't win 100% of the time but you can win the majority of your games.
Recently I was a bit unlucky against a 4-4-2 when I used 4-1-4-1 and got a 3-3 result, it was the only time that I have struggled against it with the formation and I'm pretty sure it was a one-off.