São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
28- A. Franco
5- R. Arboleda
6- Wendel*
15- G. Martirena*
25- Alisson
29- P. Maia
11- Ferreira
8- Oscar*
7- Lucas Moura
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to dominate the central areas of the pitch and use rapid transitions to catch opponents off guard. By controlling the middle of the park, the team creates a platform to launch attacks quickly towards the penalty area.

Rafael acts as the last line of defense for São Paulo, providing stability from the goal. The back line consists of a back three where R. Arboleda serves as the right centre-back, providing aerial strength to defend set pieces and long balls. Wendel plays as the left centre-back to cover the space behind the wing, while A. Franco completes the central trio. This unit works to stay compact, with the defenders stepping up to squeeze the space and pressing the opponent's strikers when they receive the ball.

The midfield is built around a three man midfield with a carrier to progress play. Alisson and P. Maia sit in the middle to shield the defense and win the second ball, while Oscar operates as an attacking ten behind the striker. Oscar helps to connect the defensive and attacking lines by finding pockets of space between the opponent's midfield and defense. G. Martirena and Ferreira operate as wide midfielders who provide width and cover the flanks, often helping to win the ball back high up the pitch.

Up front, the attack utilizes two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. J. Calleri acts as the target man, looking to hold up the ball and win headers to bring others into play. Lucas Moura plays as a second striker, using his pace to make runs in behind and exploit gaps in the defense. The team builds attacks through combinations in tight spaces or by using the wide players to spread the defense before delivering crosses into the box.

One major advantage for this formation is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows the team to control the tempo of the game. The presence of Oscar between the lines makes it hard for opponents to track runners and defend the central zone. Additionally, the wingers G. Martirena and Ferreira can provide wide overloads when they push forward to support the attack.

This 3-5-2 formation is built to dominate central play and strike with speed on the break. It is a lineup best suited for matches against teams that play a high defensive line and leave space behind their defenders.