CSKA Moscow Football Formation

Starting Lineup

35 (Igor Akinfeev)
90 (Matvey Lukin)
78 (Igor Diveyev)
27 (Moises)
22 (Milan Gajic)
31 (Matvey Kislyak)
10 (Ivan Oblyakov)
7 (Matheus Alves)
17 (Kiril Glebov)
3 (Danil Krugovoi)
11 (Tamerlan Musaev)

CSKA Moscow aims to play a direct and high pressing game using a 4-2-4 formation. This lineup is built to overload the final third and force errors in the opposition half. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward quickly to catch defenders out of position.

In goal, 35 acts as the last line of defense. The back four consists of 22 on the right and 27 on the left, with 78 and 90 occupying the central roles. 78 and 90 must hold a high line to compress the pitch, while 22 and 27 need to track back quickly if the ball is lost. The two central defenders work to block crosses and win aerial duels to protect 35.

The midfield relies on a double pivot consisting of 10 and 31. These two players must sit deep to shield the defense and intercept passes before they reach the back four. 10 and 31 act as the connection between the defense and the four attackers, tasked with winning second balls and playing vertical passes. They must remain disciplined to prevent the team from being caught on the counter.

The attacking unit is heavily weighted with four players positioned high up the pitch. 3 and 17 operate as wide wingers to stretch the opposition defense, while 7 and 11 play as a central pair of forwards. 7 and 11 focus on holding up the ball and making runs behind the defense to create space. 3 and 17 look to cut inside or cross the ball into the box to support the two central strikers.

CSKA Moscow gains a significant advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. By having four players near the opposition defense, they can force turnovers in dangerous areas. Another strength is the numerical superiority in the attacking third, which can overwhelm a standard back four. This allows 3, 17, 7, and 11 to create constant pressure and isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This formation focuses on aggressive attacking and high intensity pressing. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to chase a result or face an opponent that struggles to play out from the back.