A formation lists the outfield players from defence to attack. 4-4-2 means four defenders, four midfielders and two strikers. The goalkeeper is not counted.
4-4-2: balance
Two compact banks of four are hard to break down, and two strikers give a team a direct route to goal. The risk is being outnumbered in central midfield.
4-3-3: width and pressing
Three forwards press high and stretch the pitch, while three midfielders link the lines. It asks a lot of the wide forwards, who must attack and track back.
3-5-2: control the middle
Three centre-backs and wing-backs who run the whole flank give a team numbers in midfield. The wing-backs need great stamina, and the wide areas behind them can be exposed.
Most teams change shape during a match, so treat a formation as a starting point.