São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
28- A. Franco
2- F. Bustos*
4- Morato*
14- S. Hezze*
20- Marcos A.
25- Alisson
18- Wendell
7- Lucas M.
8- Oscar
17- André Silva

São Paulo relies on a high press and verticality to control matches through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to squeeze the pitch and win the ball high up the pitch to catch the opposition out of position. The goal is to use quick transitions to punish teams that cannot handle intense pressure.

Rafael operates between the posts to command his area and start play. The defensive unit uses a back three consisting of A. Franco, S. Hezze, and Morato. A. Franco acts as the right-sided center-back to provide cover, while Morato holds the left side. S. Hezze sits in the middle to organize the line and win the second ball. This back three can step up to compress the space between the defense and the midfield when the team presses.

The midfield works in a central block to dominate the center of the pitch. Alisson and Marcos A. form a central pairing where one can shield the defense while the other looks to drive forward with the ball. F. Bustos and Wendell act as wide midfielders to provide width and cover the flanks. Wendell and F. Bustos must track back to help the defenders when the team is out of possession. This central unit connects the defensive line to the attacking players by recycling possession and searching for vertical passes.

In the attacking phase, São Paulo utilizes three forwards to stretch the defence. André Silva leads the line as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the opposition back line. Oscar and Lucas M. play as wide attackers, with Lucas M. looking to cut inside from the right and Oscar occupying the left. The forwards work to pull wide and create space in the middle for late runs. They aim to play through the lines and find André Silva to hold up the ball before the wide players arrive in the box.

A major strength for São Paulo is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The formation allows for wide overloads when Wendell and F. Bustos push forward to support the wingers. Another advantage is the compactness when defending, as the midfield and back three can shift together to deny the turn to opponents. This makes it difficult for teams to play through the center.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a team that wants to control the tempo through aggressive pressing. It is best suited for games against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under pressure.