Celje Football Formation

Starting Lineup

73 (LEBAN)
70 (TUTYSKINAS)
70 (ZUZEK)
70 (KOUTRIS)
70 (SIRVYS)
67 (ZABUKOVNIK)
70 (VESNER TICIC)
71 (VERBIC)
75 (SESLAR)
71 (KRAMER)
70 (KUCYS)

Celje prioritizes high intensity and direct verticality through a 4-2-4. This lineup is built to stretch the opposition and press high up the pitch to win the ball back early. The team aims to overwhelm the opponent with four dedicated attackers, using aggressive movements to force errors in the opposition half.

In goal, 73 acts as the last line of defense. The back line functions as a flat back four to maintain compactness when the team drops into a mid-block. 70 at RB and 70 at LB are tasked with maintaining width or tracking back when the team loses possession. The central defenders, 70 at RCB and 70 at LCB, must hold the line and win the second ball to prevent long balls from bypassing the press. They stay relatively close together to deny the turn to any central runners.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. 67 at RCM and 70 at LCM act as the engine room, tasked with shielding the defense and recycling possession. One of these players must be prepared to carry the ball forward to connect the defensive unit with the front four. They need to press aggressively to win the ball high and quickly disrupt the opponent's rhythm. By sitting in front of the back four, they help to compress the midfield and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attacking unit is incredibly potent with four players across the front. 75 at RW and 71 at LW provide extreme width, often looking to get to the byline and deliver crosses. The two center forwards, 70 at CF and 71 at CF, operate as a partnership to pin the last defender and create chaos in the box. They work to press from the front, forcing the opposition back line to play under heavy pressure. This formation encourages the wingers to cut inside or pull wide to create space for late runs and through balls.

Celje possesses significant tactical advantages through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. By committing four players to the front, they can squeeze the space and force a long ball from the opposition. The wide overloads created by 75 and 71 combined with the attacking full backs can also isolate wide players in one on one situations, making Celje very dangerous in transition.

This 4-2-4 formation is designed for an aggressive, high-pressing game. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.