Hibernian Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Smith/Sallinger/Johnson · Iredale/?/Gillie · Rocky/Hanley/Blaney · O'Hora/Megwa/ (JoMcGrath) · Obita/NCadden/Davidson · Levitt/Manneh/Chaiwa · Cadden/Mulligan/Whittaker · Newell/Campbell/McIntrye · McGrath/Hoilett/Rudi · Bowie/Youan/Jimenez · Boyle/Klidje/Cleland

Hibernian aim to control the game through a high press and rapid transitions using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The team seeks to dominate the central areas while using wing backs to provide width when the ball moves into the final third.

Smith/Sallinger/Johnson operates between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line consists of a central trio featuring Rocky, Hanley, or Blaney, who must hold the line and win the header. To the sides, O'Hora or Megwa act as right centre-backs, while Iredale or Gillie play as left centre-backs. These wide defenders must be ready to cover the space behind the wing backs and stay compact to deny the turn to opposing strikers. The whole unit works to squeeze the space and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield relies on a heavy presence in the center to dominate possession. Levitt, Manneh, or Chaiwa act as the single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Ahead of them, Cadden, Mulligan, or Whittaker operate in the right central midfield role, while Obita, NCadden, or Davidson occupy the left central midfield position. Newell, Campbell, or McIntyre provide extra numbers in the middle to press in a mid-block. McGrath, Hoilett, or Rudi play as the advanced attacking midfielder, looking to play through the lines and arrive late into the box to support the attack.

In the final third, Hibernian deploy two forwards to stretch the defence. Bowie, Youan, or Jimenez lead the line as the left striker, while Boyle, Klidje, or Cleland plays as the right striker. These two work in tandem to link up play between the lines and make runs in behind the opposition back line. The wing backs are tasked to get to the byline and deliver early crosses to find the feet of the striker. When defending from the front, the forwards must trigger a press to force a long ball from the opposition.

This 3-5-2 provides Hibernian with significant numerical superiority in midfield to control the tempo. The wide defenders and wing backs allow for wide overloads that can pull defenders out of position. Furthermore, the formation offers the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to play out from the back.

This formation is built to dominate central areas through sheer numbers and physical presence. It is best suited for games where the team needs to squeeze the space and win the second ball against a side that prefers to play through the middle.