4-4-2 is a good balanced formation for newbies. i am not saying it doesn't work even on a high levels, but doesn't push much in attack.

this is changing from season to season, but most attacking formation i think are

3N-4-1-2
4-3W-1-2
4-3N-2W-1

dont forget that the team with only 3 players in a last line has huge problem when it is countered by a team who plays counterattacks.

gl