São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
28- A. Franco
5- R. Arboleda
35- Sabino
39- W. Gomes
31- Maxi Araújo*
25- Alisson
29- P. Maia
7- Lucas
10- Oscar*
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo looks to dominate games through a high press and rapid transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on aggressive ball winning and quick vertical play to catch opponents off guard. The team seeks to control the tempo by using wide players to stretch the opposition and creating central overloads to break lines.

Rafael acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back line consists of a back three where R. Arboleda sits central as the dominant presence in the air. On either side of him, Sabino and A. Franco provide cover and can step into midfield to help with ball progression. This defensive unit works to stay compact and can squeeze the space when the team wins the ball back high up the pitch.

The midfield operates with a central pairing supported by wide players. P. Maia and Alisson function as the central engine, with P. Maia working to shield the defense and Alisson looking to carry the ball forward. They connect the defense to the attack by recycling possession and finding the wide players. W. Gomes and Maxi Araújo operate in the wide areas to provide width and track back to support the defenders when the team defends in a mid-block.

Up front, the team utilizes three attackers to pin the opposition back line. J. Calleri acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win headers, while Oscar and Lucas operate as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. This attacking trio presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The movement of Oscar and Lucas allows them to find pockets of space between the lines and link up with Calleri.

One major advantage for São Paulo is the ability to create wide overloads through the work of W. Gomes and Maxi Araújo. The formation also offers the chance to press in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to build play from the back. By using the central strength of R. Arboleda and the driving runs of the midfield, the team can quickly transition from a defensive block to a dangerous attacking threat.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on high intensity to win the ball back and exploit space behind the defense. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and struggle with rapid transitions.