Tactics
3-5-2 formation explained: wing-backs and cover
Learn how a 3-5-2 formation works. Follow the same XI in attack and defence, then compare who covers the space when a wing-back steps out to press.
7 min readUnderstand the game
Guides & tools
From the team sheet to the final whistle. Make sense of football, one question at a time.
Find a guide by question
All guides27
Latest guides
1-9 of 27 guides
Tactics
What is a set piece in football? Types and routines
Learn what counts as a set piece in football. Compare three corner routines, understand free kicks and marking, and spot the target, decoy and cover.
7 min read
Tactics
4-2-3-1 formation explained: roles and movement
Learn how a 4-2-3-1 formation attacks and defends. Follow the same XI through three shapes, compare striker support and spot its strengths and weaknesses.
7 min read
Tactics
Double pivot in football: two midfielders, different jobs
Understand the double pivot, how it differs from a single pivot and why its spacing matters. Compare midfield positions in an interactive pitch example.
4 min read
Football rules
Direct and indirect free kicks: which touches make a goal?
Compare direct and indirect free kicks, referee signals and restarts. Test what happens after a keeper's touch, a rebound from the post or a second kick.
3 min read
Tactics
Counter-attack in football: when to break and when to keep it
See how a football counter-attack develops after a regain. Explore six situations, recognise the passing window and separate counter-attacks from counter-pressing.
4 min read
Match stats
What is a hat-trick in football? Brace and perfect hat-trick
A brace is two goals; a hat-trick is three. Follow 13 scoring examples to check perfect hat-tricks, penalties, own goals, disallowed goals and extra time.
5 min read
Match stats
What is an assist in football? What counts and why
Does a rebound, deflection or penalty won count as an assist? Compare Opta goal assists with FPL awards in 14 examples, including own goals and unclear touches.
5 min read
Match stats
What is a clean sheet in football? Scores and examples
Does 0-0 count as a clean sheet? Check scores, own goals, late goals and penalties, and see why a team's clean sheet differs from a player's FPL points.
4 min readNext matchday
Calendars & tools
International break calendar
Break dates, the league's return and your club's first match back.
Suspension tracker
Players one yellow from a ban, listed suspensions and affected fixtures.
Squad planner
Upcoming fixtures, squad availability and recorded minutes.