Nottm Forest Football Formation

Creation DateNovember 6, 2025

Starting Lineup

Zinchenko · Savona · Murillo · Milenkovic · Kalimuendo · Sangaré · Anderson · D. Luiz · Hudson · Domínguez · Sels

Nottm Forest focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions through a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting opponents with vertical runs. The team looks to control space by maintaining compact lines that make it difficult for the opposition to play through the middle.

Sels stands between the posts to organize the defensive unit. A back three consisting of Milenkovic, Murillo, and Sangaré provides a strong central block. Milenkovic and Murillo use their physical presence to win headers, while Sangaré acts as a covering defender to sweep up loose balls. The wide defenders, Savona and Zinchenko, act as wing backs who provide width. Savona pushes high to overlap, while Zinchenko cuts inside to help control the tempo from the flank.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to protect the back three. D. Luiz works to break the line with his passing range and helps to shield the defense. Anderson connects the lines by driving forward and supporting the transition from defense to attack. These two players must work hard to cover the ground between the defense and the front three, ensuring they do not get caught too far up the pitch.

Nottm Forest employs three attackers to stretch the opposition. Kalimuendo operates as a lone striker who holds up the ball to bring others into play. On the flanks, Hudson and Domínguez act as wide wingers to provide service into the box. Hudson uses his pace to beat markers on the outside, while Domínguez looks to cut inside and create chances. This front line is designed to press the opposition backline and trigger quick attacks.

One main advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when Savona and Zinchenko push forward. The team also benefits from extreme compactness when defending in a low block, making it hard for opponents to find space between the lines. The speed of transition allows the team to move from a defensive posture to an attacking one in seconds, catching teams out of position.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed for teams that want to remain hard to beat while exploiting spaces on the break. It is a setup best suited for facing heavy possession sides that leave gaps behind their advancing full backs.