Nottm Forest Football Formation
Starting Lineup
VIVI ANDERSON · CLARK · BURNS · LLOYD · McGOVERN · T. FRANCIS · BOWYER · BIRTLES · WOODCOCK · SHILTON · ROBERTSONNottm Forest seeks to be defensively solid and use transitions to catch opponents using a 5-3-2. This formation is built to play a direct game that relies on defensive compactness and discipline. The team stays organized to limit space between the lines and waits for the right moment to hit in behind on the transition.
SHILTON operates in goal to command his area and clear the lines under pressure. The back line consists of a back five where McGOVERN sits in the middle to hold the line and command the defense. BURNS and CLARK act as the wide centre backs to cover the space and pick up runners as the team shifts. LLOYD plays as the left wing back to provide width, while VIVI ANDERSON works as the right wing back to push up the flank. This unit functions to defend zonally and keep the defensive block narrow to deny the turn.
The midfield consists of a three man midfield with a central player to shield the defense. BOWYER plays as the left central midfielder to help press and win the ball high up the pitch, while ROBERTSON covers the right side to protect the wide channels. T. FRANCIS acts as the central player to recycle possession and link the defense to the attack. This group works to win the second ball and drive the team forward through the thirds by playing short from the back when necessary.
The attack features two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. WOODCOCK plays as the left striker to press from the front and force a long ball, while BIRTLES operates as the right striker to make runs in behind. To add width, LLOYD and VIVI ANDERSON push high to get to the byline and whip it in for the strikers. This movement creates chances through cutbacks and allows the forwards to combine in tight spaces to break the line.
This Nottm Forest formation offers the tactical advantage of being very compact when defending in a mid block. The wing backs, LLOYD and VIVI ANDERSON, allow the team to create wide overloads to stretch the opposition. Furthermore, the presence of McGOVERN, BURNS, and CLARK provides significant aerial strength and security when defending the box against a target striker.
The 5-3-2 is a disciplined formation designed for teams that want to defend deep and counter at pace. It is best suited for facing opponents that control possession and leave space behind their defense.