The three midfielders will normally play quite closely together to give protection to the defence.

While the three strikers will split across the pitch to provide width to the attack.

Very few teams actually start with this line-up.

But if a manager needs a goal late on in a game then he may opt to move to three upfront.

What formation?

The 4-4-2

The diamond

The 4-3-3

The 5-3-2

The 4-5-1

The 4-4-1-1

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