Soccer lineups: Latest starting XIs, formations and team news

Need the starting XI before kick-off? This page brings quick, useful lineup updates, formation notes and injury news for major matches. We focus on the facts you can use: who starts, who’s on the bench, tactical shape and any late changes that matter for watching the game or setting your fantasy squad.

How we present lineups

Lineups appear here as soon as teams confirm them — usually 60–90 minutes before kickoff. Expect: the full XI, formation (like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2), substitutes and a short note on injuries or tactical tweaks. For example, Tottenham named Richarlison and Wilson Odobert back in the starting XI for their match with Nottingham Forest, swapping Pape Sarr and Djed Spence in due to other absences. That kind of detail tells you not only who plays but why the coach made the choice.

We also flag big tactical shifts. Inter Miami’s preseason set-up showed a possible 4-4-2 with Messi and Suárez up front and Busquets holding midfield — a formation that changes how space opens up and which players to target in fantasy and betting. On the women’s side, Barcelona vs Manchester City previews list likely XIs and note which stars could decide the game.

Practical tips for matchday viewers and fantasy managers

1) Check lineups 90 mins before kick-off. Managers often bench stars if they’re carrying knocks — that’s when you must react. For example, Venezia’s match against Inter Milan carried warnings about injured starters, so expect late XI updates that affect expected goals and captain picks.

2) Read the formation, not just names. A striker listed in a 4-4-2 could be paired with a partner, splitting central chances. Ivan Toney’s 20-goal season for Brentford mattered more because of how the team set up around him; Wolves vs Brentford ended 1-1 with Toney still a key threat.

3) Watch the bench. Substitutes tell you how the coach plans to change the game. A strong attacking bench means a team expects to chase goals; a defensive bench suggests they’ll protect a lead.

4) Use lineup notes for streaming choices. We add broadcast and streaming info when available. Some previews list how to watch; when not listed, local league platforms or club apps are usually the safest bet.

5) Weather and travel matter. Late changes sometimes come from bad weather or long trips — like teams in global club competitions. Urawa Red Diamonds vs Monterrey, for instance, had extra scrutiny over defensive fitness and travel form before the match.

If you want faster alerts, subscribe to lineup push notifications. We update the page live with confirmed XIs, formation changes and any injury news that drops in the hour before kickoff. Want a lineup for a specific game? Use the search box or tap the match preview link inside the article to jump straight to full team sheets and tactical analysis.

Follow these simple checks and you’ll get better at reading lineups and making smarter fantasy, watch and bet decisions.