Celtic Football Formation

Creation DateToday, September 11, 2026

Starting Lineup

Johnstone · Tierney · CCV · Trusty · Donovan · Hogh · Hassan · Duran · McGregor · Baur · Forrest

Celtic focuses on high pressing and verticality in a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opposition defense quickly through direct passes and movement. The lineup aims to squeeze the space in the middle while using wide players to stretch the defense.

Johnstone plays behind a flat back four that seeks to play out from the back. CCV and Trusty act as the central defenders, with CCV providing strength in the air and Trusty covering the space behind. Donovan operates as a right back who looks to overlap the winger, while Tierney plays as a left back with the ability to carry the ball forward into the midfield. The whole defensive unit works together to hold a high line and set the offside trap when the team presses.

The midfield uses a single pivot system to control the tempo of the game. McGregor plays as the deep lying playmaker, sitting in front of the defense to shield the back line and recycle possession. Baur operates as a central midfielder who drives forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Duran plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, finding pockets of space to play through the lines and arrive late into the box to support the attack.

Celtic uses three attackers across the front to maintain constant pressure. Hogh acts as a pressing centre forward to force long balls from the opposition, while Hassan and Forrest play as wide wingers. Hassan stays wide to provide width, whereas Forrest tends to cut inside to create more central presence. The forwards work together to press from the front, looking to hit in behind on the transition and find the feet of the striker in tight spaces.

One main advantage of this Celtic formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build play from the back. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Donovan and Tierney push forward to support the wingers. This creates numerical superiority in the attacking third and allows the team to switch play quickly to find isolated one on one situations for Hassan or Forrest.

This 4-3-3 formation is designed for a high intensity style of play that relies on winning the ball back quickly. It is best suited for matches against teams that try to play short from the back and struggle under heavy pressure.