São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

93- Jandrei
22- Ruan T.
5- R. Arboleda
6- Wendel*
2- Igor V.
20- M. Antônio
4- S. Longo
15- M. Araújo
47- Ferreira
27- W. Rato
99- R. Francisco

Seeking to dominate through high intensity and verticality, São Paulo utilizes a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to control the pitch by squeezing the space and winning it back high up the pitch. The team looks to play a direct style that uses wide players to stretch the defence and create chances through quick transitions.

Jandrei acts as the last line of defence in goal. The back line operates as a back three with Ruan T. as the right centre-back and Wendel as the left centre-back. R. Arboleda sits in the middle as the central defender, using his aerial strength to defend set pieces and clear the lines. These three defenders work together to maintain a high line and can step up to intercept passes. The unit functions to defend zonally while ensuring the distance between the defenders and the midfield remains tight.

The midfield consists of a central pairing and two wide players. S. Longo and M. Antônio occupy the central spaces, where they look to win the second ball and recycle possession. M. Antônio helps to shield the defence while S. Longo works to carry the ball forward and connect the lines. Igor V. and M. Araújo operate as the wide midfielders, providing the width necessary to open up the opposition. These four players are tasked to press in a mid-block or push up to trigger a press when the opponent tries to play out from the back.

In the attacking third, São Paulo employs three forwards to pin the last defender. R. Francisco plays as the lone striker, acting as the focal point to hold up the ball and find the feet of others. Ferreira and W. Rato operate as inverted wingers who look to cut inside into the half-spaces. This movement creates space for the wide midfielders to overlap. The attack relies on quick combinations to break the line and deliver crosses into the box for R. Francisco to attack the near post.

This 3-4-3 formation offers São Paulo several tactical advantages. The wide players and overlapping midfielders can create wide overloads to bypass the opponent's midfield. Additionally, the presence of three central defenders provides compactness when defending deep. The ability to press in coordinated waves allows the team to win the ball in dangerous areas to launch a quick attack.

São Paulo relies on this high intensity formation to suffocate opponents in their own half. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to overwhelm a defensive opponent through constant width and pressing.