Shakhtar Football Formation

Starting Lineup

[29] CARNESECCHI ([28] RUI PATRICIO) · [23] MANCINI (C) ([4] IZZO) · [14] TOMORI ([3] PABLO MARÌ) · [5] PONGRACIC ([27] VOJVODA) · [18] BARELLA ([6] GILMOUR) · [8] PASALIC ([80] MUSAH) · [2] DUMFRIES (**[27] VOJVODA) · [22] RUGGERI ([33]MIRANDA) · [98] DENNIS MAN ([19] GYASI) · [11] LOOKMAN ([35] BALDANZI) · [9] THURAM ([18] CASTRO)

Shakhtar aims to play with high intensity and verticality through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using rapid transitions to catch the opponent out of position. The team relies on heavy pressing and quick ball movement to stretch the opposition defence and create chances in the final third.

Carnesecchi operates as the goalkeeper, acting as the last line of defence behind a back three. Mancini (C) leads the defensive unit as the right centre-back, providing leadership and strength in the air. He is joined by Tomori and Pongracic to form a sturdy central block. Tomori acts as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Pongracic covers the left side. The defensive unit stays compact to deny the turn to any oncoming strikers.

The midfield works in a wide four to control the central areas and provide width. Barella drives forward with the ball from the right, using his high work rate to press in a mid-block and win the second ball. Pasalic operates on the left to connect the defensive and attacking lines, helping to recycle possession and shield the back three. Dumfries plays as a right wing back to provide width, while Ruggeri acts as the left wing back to support the attack.

Shakhtar uses three attackers to pin the last defender and create constant pressure. Thuram leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, looking to hold up the ball and link play with his teammates. Dennis Man plays on the right as an inverted winger to cut inside and create goal threats, while Lookman operates on the left. These attackers aim to make runs in behind and receive the ball in space to break the line of the opposition defence.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of Dumfries and Ruggeri allows for wide overloads from overlapping wing backs, which pulls the opposition defence apart. Shakhtar can also use the speed of transition to hit opponents in behind once the ball is recovered in the middle third.

The 3-4-3 formation provides Shakhtar with a balanced way to control both the width and the central zones. This lineup is best suited for facing teams that play a high line and can be exploited with quick, direct passing.