São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
5- R. Arboleda
28- A. Franco
18- Wendell
6- C. Soares
25- Alisson
29- P. Maia
19- F. Carrasco*
7- Lucas M.
8- Oscar
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo look to play with high intensity and verticality using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to control the game through heavy pressure and quick attacks to catch the opposition out of position. The goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defensive line while maintaining a strong presence in central areas.

In goal, Rafael acts as the first point of distribution. The back line consists of a back three with R. Arboleda acting as the right centre-back, A. Franco holding the middle, and Wendell playing as the left centre-back. R. Arboleda uses his aerial strength to defend set pieces and win headers, while A. Franco remains central to cover the space. Wendell provides cover on the left side of the three. This defensive unit functions to win the second ball and clear the lines when under pressure.

The midfield works as a four man unit to connect the defense and attack. Alisson and P. Maia form a central pairing to control the middle, with Alisson looking to recycle possession and P. Maia working to win the second ball. On the flanks, C. Soares and F. Carrasco operate as wide midfielders to provide width and support the back three. C. Soares can push up to help the attack while F. Carrasco helps to squeeze the space on the right side. This group helps São Paulo transition from a defensive block into an attacking phase.

Up front, the team employs three attackers to pin the last defender. J. Calleri operates as the lone striker and target man, using his physicality to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Oscar plays as a winger on the left to cut inside, while Lucas M. occupies the right side to create chances. The front three press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. This attacking movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow for cutbacks from the wide areas.

One major advantage of this São Paulo lineup is the ability to create wide overloads when the wide midfielders push up. The formation also allows for a high press in coordinated waves to win the ball back high up the pitch. This creates immediate chances in transition by catching defenders before they can recover their positions.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for teams that want to dominate through aggression and width. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play a high line and can be exploited with quick vertical passes.