São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
32- N. Ferraresi
28- A. Franco
4- Morato*
29- Pablo Maia
16- F. Bustos*
20- Marcos A.
8- Oscar
18- Wendell
7- Lucas M.
17- A. Silva

São Paulo looks to play a direct and vertical style of football using a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball and hitting the opposition with speed. The team relies on hard work in the middle of the pitch to disrupt the rhythm of the opponent and move the ball forward quickly.

In goal, Rafael keeps watch over the defense. The back line functions as a flat back four to maintain compactness. N. Ferraresi acts as the right back while Morato takes the left back role to cover the flanks. In the center, A. Franco and Pablo Maia work as the two central defenders. A. Franco provides strength in the air while Pablo Maia helps to cover the space behind the line. They work together to keep a steady line and stop runners from getting through.

The midfield is set up as a four man unit designed to squeeze the space in the center. Oscar and Marcos A. operate as the two central midfielders who try to win the second ball and connect the play. Oscar looks to drive forward with the ball while Marcos A. helps to shield the defense. On the wings, Wendell and F. Bustos provide the width. Wendell plays on the right and F. Bustos plays on the left to help the team transition from defense to attack.

São Paulo uses two forwards to lead the line. A. Silva and Lucas M. work as a partnership in the attacking third. A. Silva plays as the lone striker who can hold up the ball, while Lucas M. plays as a second striker in the hole to find space between the lines. They press the opposition back line to force mistakes. The goal is to create runs in behind or use the wingers to provide crosses into the box.

This formation offers the advantage of being able to press in pairs across the pitch. The two central midfielders and two forwards can work together to trigger a press high up the pitch. Another strength is the ability to use the wide players to stretch the defense and create one on one situations for the attackers.

The 4-4-2 formation gives São Paulo a clear way to defend in a mid block and strike on the break. It is a formation best suited for games against teams that hold a lot of possession and leave space behind their midfield.