Wigan Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Lichfield · Za · Withycombe · Yolga · Armikhanian · Rotello · Samuelson · Mïnemino · Aspas · James · Norminho

Wigan aims to be defensively solid and rely on quick transitions, utilizing a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and wait for the right moment to strike. By focusing on a compact defensive unit, the team works to frustrate opponents and exploit spaces left behind.

Norminho guards the goal for Wigan. The defensive unit sits in a back five with Rotello acting as the main central defender. Mïnemino and Aspas play as wide centre-backs to cover the space and support the width of the back line. Samuelson and James operate as attacking wing backs to provide width during transitions. The unit works to defend zonally and maintain a narrow defensive block to force the opposition wide.

The midfield features a three-man midfield with an attacking ten in the hole. Withycombe plays in this advanced role to link the play between the midfield and the forwards. Armikhanian and Yolga operate as the central midfielders to shield the defence. Armikhanian works to win the second ball while Yolga looks to recycle possession and move the ball to the sides. They work together to compress the midfield and win it back high up the pitch when needed.

Wigan uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the offensive movements. Za and Lichfield lead the line, working to hold up the ball and find space between the lines. They often combine in tight spaces to create runs in behind the defence. Width is provided by Samuelson and James, who overlap the midfielders to deliver crosses. This movement allows the strikers to attack the far post or the near post during attacking phases.

A key advantage of this formation is the compactness when defending. This makes it hard for opponents to play through the lines or find gaps in the block. The team also benefits from the speed of transition. By using the width of the wing backs and the movement of the strikers, the team can hit in behind on the transition very quickly to catch the opposition out.

This 5-3-2 formation is built for a team that wants to be hard to beat. It is best suited for facing heavy possession teams that leave space behind their midfield.