For me, favoured formations only work if you have the players available who fit that system.
4-2-3-1 relies so much on creativity and goals from the 2 wide players and the number 10, as well as having defensive solidity from the 2 centre backs and the 2 in front of them.
If we had in form, fit and available wingers, our best central defenders playing, and 2 holding midfielders capable of winning the battle, then it would be the way to go. But we don't have any of that
So, we need to use a formation that makes the most of what we do have.
I think that's a 4-3-2-1 which uses the dreaded "two number 10s" that Beale liked, with 3 screening the defence, and width sacrificed to the full backs with the holding players covering them when they go forward.
Something like
Butland
Tavernier
Souttar
Davies
Yilmaz
Sterling
Lundstram
Raskin or Diomande
Cantwell
Lawrence
Dessers
We need to win, so it feels wrong not to play wingers. But we only win if we first take the midfield.