Metalist 1925 Football Formation

Starting Lineup

77 (YERMAKOV)
75 (PAVLYUK)
75 (SMOLYAKOV)
75 (MARTYNYUK)
75 (KRUPSKYI)
75 (PROFINI)
75 (KALUZHNYI)
75 (YATSYK)
73 (GADZHYEV)
75 (ZABERGJA)
76 (ITODO)

Metalist 1925 relies on a heavy defensive block and quick transitions using a 5-2-3. This lineup aims to stay compact when out of possession and then strike quickly through wide areas. The team looks to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch to force opponents away from the center before launching direct attacks.

Between the posts, 77 acts as the last line of defense. The back five consists of 75, 75, and 75 forming a central trio, with 75 and 75 acting as attacking wing backs. The central defender 75 serves to anchor the unit, while the other 75 players provide cover and depth. The wing backs, 75 and 75, are expected to push high to provide width, leaving the three central defenders to defend zonally and win the second ball.

In the center of the pitch, Metalist 1925 utilizes a double pivot consisting of 75 and 75. These two players work to shield the back five and disrupt the opposition build up. One 75 is tasked to protect the zone in front of the defense, while the other 75 looks to carry the ball forward and connect the defense to the attacking trio. This pairing is vital to stop runners and ensure the team stays organized during transitions.

The attacking unit features three players across the front, with 73 and 75 operating as wide wingers and 76 playing as a lone striker. The wingers, 73 and 75, are instructed to stay wide to stretch the defense before cutting inside to create chances. The striker, 76, works to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to create space for the wide players. This front three presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs, 75 and 75, join the attackers. Metalist 1925 also finds success through their compactness when defending in a low block, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines. The speed of transition allows the team to move from a defensive stance to an attacking one in seconds.

Metalist 1925 uses this 5-2-3 to remain defensively solid while hunting for gaps in the opposition. It is a formation best suited for games against dominant sides where the team needs to sit deep and counter at pace.