Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 35 – Part One

Alexandre Lacazette leads the line for Arsenal again, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shifted to the bench as Arsene Wenger prepares for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final with Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino makes way once more as one of five alterations made by Jurgen Klopp ahead of tomorrow’s European encounter with Roma.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from the Gameweek 35 encounters and FA Cup semi-finals, with one eye on what’s to come from the midweek European matches and beyond.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny (Maitland-Niles 45), Iwobi (Aubameyang 70), Ramsey, Welbeck (Chambers 88), Lacazette. Subs not used: Mertesacker, Holding, Macey, Nelson.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger named a strong side for the home clash against West Ham United in preparation for Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League meeting with Atletico Madrid. Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey all returned to the starting XI, although there was no starting berth for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. With the Gabon international ineligible to play in Europe, the Gunners boss decided to start with Alexandre Lacazette as the central striker in a 4-3-3 system. Petr Cech and Mesut Ozil missed out to illness, though, while Jack Wilshere (ankle) wasn’t risked. So the fit-again David Ospina returned in goal. Wenger was forced into making a first-half substitution, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles brought on for Mohamed Elneny, who suffered an ankle injury. Aubameyang was eventually introduced on the left of the front three, seeing Danny Welbeck move over to the opposite flank.
• What we learned: Arsenal travel to Manchester United three days after the semi-final first leg against Atletico, while they head to Spain for the second leg four days after the trip to Old Trafford. Aubameyang should return to lead the attack, with Lacazette possibly dropping to the bench given his importance in the European ties. Providing Ozil starts on Thursday night as expected, his pitch-time could be managed in Gameweek 36, along with the likes of Ramsey and Koscielny. So Iwobi and Welbeck may retain their starts, with youngsters Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah other attacking options. Henrikh Mkhitaryan could also be back in contention and may need to get some minutes against his former club in order to build up fitness levels. Maitland-Niles could start in central midfield with Elneny a major doubt, while if he is available following an ankle problem, Sead Kolasinac may replace Nacho Monreal at left-back. Calum Chambers could return to partner Shkodran Mustafi in central defence, but if Maitland-Niles is required in midfield, Holding may start at centre-back, with Chambers at right-back, allowing Bellerin to be rested. Cech could start at Old Trafford, given that Ospina appears to be the first choice keeper for European matches.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: All areas

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope; Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Ward; Lennon (Hendrick 79), Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson, Barnes (Vokes 74), Wood. Subs not used: Heaton, Taylor, Marney, Walters, Bardsley.

• What we saw: Despite the short turnaround following the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, Sean Dyche named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Stoke City, lining up in the usual 4-4-2 formation. Jeff Hendrick was brought on to replace Aaron Lennon, though, with the Republic of Ireland international stationed on the left side of midfield, seeing Johann Berg Gudmundsson switch over to the right wing.
• What we learned: Despite playing three times in eight days, the fact that Dyche resisted the temptation to rotate suggests we can expect him to stick with a similar starting XI for the remainder of the campaign. Tom Heaton could get at least one start before the season ends, but that may not come against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend. Ben Mee remains doubtful due to a shin problem so that Kevin Long could retain his start in central defence. Hendrick and Sam Vokes provide different options in midfield and attack respectively.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders

Chelsea

Starting XI: Caballero; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Fabregas (Pedro 75), Emerson; Willian (Bakayoko 63), Hazard; Giroud (Morata 79). Subs not used: Barkley, Zappacosta, Christensen, Eduardo.

• What we saw: After using some of his squad players in the 2-1 win over Burnley, Antonio Conte named a strong starting XI for the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Olivier Giroud was preferred to Alvaro Morata as the lone striker in the 3-4-2-1 formation, with Willian and Eden Hazard returning in the central attacking midfield spots. Cesc Fabregas earned a recall, but there was again no starting role for Andreas Christensen, while cup goalkeeper Willy Caballero got the nod in place of Thibaut Courtois. Holding a 1-0 lead, Conte decided to switch to a 3-5-2, bringing on Tiemoue Bakayoko for Willian, seeing Hazard join Giroud up front. But he reverted back to a 3-4-2-1 shortly after, following the introduction of Pedro for Fabregas.
• What we learned: Following the 2-0 victory over Saints, Conte may decide to stick with a similar starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Swansea City. Courtois should return in goal, though, while Christensen is an option to replace Gary Cahill or Antonio Rudiger in the three-man defence. Marcos Alonso is still suspended, so Emerson Palmieri is expected to continue at left wing-back. There could be a chance that Conte considers pairing Giroud and Morata in attack as he did against Burnley, potentially putting Willian’s start at risk, particularly after the Brazilian’s reaction to being replaced early in the Wembley win.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, attacking midfield, forwards

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt; McArthur (Benteke 81), Milivojevic, Cabaye, Loftus-Cheek; Townsend, Zaha. Subs not used: Speroni, Sorloth, Lee, Wan-Bissaka, Kelly, Riedewald.

• What we saw: Eagles boss Roy Hodgson named the same side that beat Brighton 3-2 for the trip to Watford, sticking with the 4-4-2 formation. That meant no place in the starting XI for Christian Benteke, although he was the only player brought by the Palace boss. Seeking a late winner, Hodgson switched to a 4-3-3, with the Belgian operating as the central striker, flanked by Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.
• What we learned: Unbeaten at Watford, Hodgson could again name an unchanged starting XI for Saturday’s home fixture with Leicester City. Benteke is the player most likely to push for a recall, with a switch to a 4-3-3 an option seeing James McArthur drop to the bench. Jeffrey Schlupp is back in training but is likely to be eased back from the bench if passed fit.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, forwards

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius: Gomez, van Dijk, Klavan, Moreno: Wijnaldum, Henderson, Milner: Salah (Lovren 83), Ings (Firmino 65), Mane (Oxlade-Chamberlain 65). Subs not used: Mignolet, Robertson, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold.

• What we saw: Jurgen Klopp made five alterations for the trip to West Bromwich Albion, which took place three days before tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma. This included three tweaks in defence – Alberto Moreno and the fit-again Joe Gomez returned at left-back and right-back respectively, while Ragnar Klavan started at centre-half. Danny Ings came in as the central striker in the usual 4-3-3 system, seeing Roberto Firmino drop to the bench. Holding on to a slender 2-1 lead, Klopp decided to bring on Dejan Lovren, switching to a defensive 5-4-1 formation. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was stationed on the right wing, with James Milner on the opposite flank for the final few minutes.
• What we learned: Liverpool’s home fixture with Stoke is four days before their return trip to Italy – so it remains to be seen whether Klopp will make as many changes to his starting XI. Much may depend on the first leg scoreline, though it’s worth noting that Firmino, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold were also rested in the league match (at Everton) prior to their Champions League second leg clash with Man City. After only playing 25 minutes on Saturday, Oxlade-Chamberlain may get the nod against Stoke, with Milner perhaps dropping to the bench. Firmino could return to the starting XI, potentially allowing Klopp to rest either Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane. Ings and Dominic Solanke are the alternatives in attack.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, central striker

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Danilo, Kompany, Laporte, Delph (Mendy 75); Gundogan; B Silva, De Bruyne (Toure 65), D Silva, Sterling (Foden 71); Jesus. Subs not used: Bravo, Walker, Sane, Otamendi.

• What we saw: Despite having wrapped up the league title, Pep Guardiola named a strong starting XI for the home meeting with Swansea. However, Kyle Walker, Nicolas Otamendi and Leroy Sane were all named among the substitutes, with Danilo, Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva selected in the starting XI.
• What we learned: Up next for the champions is a trip to West Ham, with Guardiola perhaps set to make a few more changes to his starting XI. But with the east London club, like Swansea, still part of the relegation battle, we should still expect a strong XI. Walker, Otamendi and Sane all look likely to return, as does Fernandinho, who is available again after serving his two-match ban. Sane is likely to start at the expense of either Bernardo Silva or Raheem Sterling, though, as we’ve seen in the past, either of that pair could also be used as a “false 9”. Benjamin Mendy made his return from a long-term knee injury yesterday, though he will likely be short of pushing for a start at left-back just yet. Like Mendy, Yaya Toure and Phil Foden were afforded time from the bench on Sunday and will also vie for a place on the teamsheet as Guardiola gives his squad players pitch-time.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia (Darmian 80), Smalling, Jones, Young; Herrera, Matic; Pogba, Lingard (Rashford 83), Sanchez; Lukaku. Subs not used: Lindelof, Mata, Martial, Fellaini, Pereira.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho deployed a 4-3-3 formation for the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, with Ander Herrera deployed as part of a three-man midfield. After starting in the second match of their Double Gameweek 34, Phil Jones retained his berth in central defence for the Red Devils.
• What we learned: Following the impressive 2-1 win, Mourinho may stick with a 4-3-3 for the home meeting with Arsenal. That would make personnel changes unlikely, with Jones now looking to have cemented his spot in central defence ahead of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly. Jesse Lingard is in line to retain his start on the right wing at the expense of Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, right wing

Southampton

Starting XI: McCarthy; Bednarek (Gabbiadini 78), Yoshida, Hoedt; Cedric Soares, Romeu, Lemina, Hojbjerg (Redmond 63), Bertrand; Long (Tadic 63), Austin. Subs not used: Carrillo, Ward-Prowse, McQueen, Forster.

• What we saw: Saints boss Mark Hughes switched to a 3-5-2 formation for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, with Charlie Austin recalled alongside Shane Long in attack. The fit-again Mario Lemina returned in central midfield, with James Ward-Prowse and Dusan Tadic making way to the bench. Trailing 1-0, Hughes brought on Tadic and Nathan Redmond, moving to a 3-4-3 with Austin as the central striker. Southampton ended the match in a 4-4-2 as Manolo Gabbiadini joined Austin up front.
• What we learned: In what Hughes himself has billed as a “must-win” match at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, he may again start with two forwards in a 3-5-2 system. Austin will be expected to retain his place in the side, with Gabbiadini offering an alternative to Long. Ward-Prowse could be a more attacking option in the three-man midfield, while Jack Stephens is available after completing his three-match ban. Jan Bednarek put in a disappointing performance at Wembley and looks set to lose his place in central defence. Tadic and Redmond look unlikely to gain starts unless Hughes reverts to a 3-4-3 formation.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, forwards

Part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the remaining eight teams, will follow tomorrow.