Line-Up Lessons – Gameweek 11 – Part Two

Sergio Aguero returns to the Manchester City teamsheet at the expense of Gabriel Jesus as rotation up front continues.

Mauricio Pochettino alternates his wing-backs as Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier are benched at home to Crystal Palace, while Rafa Benitez’s switch to 4-4-2 fails to pay off as Newcastle slip at home to Bournemouth.

Here’s the second of our Line-up Lessons articles – the first can be found here – assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 11, with one eye on what’s to come following the international break.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, D Silva, Sterling (Gundogan 78), Aguero (Gabriel Jesus 62), Sane (Bernardo Silva 87). Subs not used: Bravo, Danilo, Mangala, Toure.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola rolled out his usual 4-1-2-3 formation for the home encounter against Arsenal, handing starts to Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in place of Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus. Having gained a 3-1 lead, the Citizens ended the match in more of a 4-5-1, with substitute Ilkay Gundogan operating in a deep-lying central midfield role, while Bernardo Silva was stationed wide on the right.
• What we learned: Guardiola’s side continues to be settled in many areas, barring the rotation among the forward players. But he will be without the suspended Nicolas Otamendi for the trip to Leicester City after the international break after the Argentine picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against the Gunners. If Vincent Kompany (calf) isn’t fit to return, the versatile Danilo could come in as a replacement, with Eliaquim Mangala an alternative. Sterling, Aguero and Leroy Sane will perhaps form the front three once again, although, with a UEFA Champions League clash against Feyenoord on the Tuesday night, both Jesus and Bernardo Silva are options to start. City have qualified out of Group F but will perhaps want three points to seal top spot. Notably, Brazil face England at Wembley next Tuesday, so long-haul flights are not a factor. Meanwhile, Aguero is with the Argentina squad for two friendlies in Russia, including a Tuesday afternoon encounter with Nigeria. Elsewhere, Gundogan may also push for more minutes, although after starting against Napoli, he’ll perhaps be given the nod against Feyenoord and therefore preserved against Leicester.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, flanks, central striker

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Jones (Fellaini 63), Smalling, Bailly; Valencia, Matic, Herrera, Young (Lingard 79); Mkhitaryan (Martial 63), Lukaku, Rashford. Subs not used: Romero, Blind, Darmian, McTominay.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Chelsea, sticking with the 3-4-1-2 system. But after falling a goal behind, the Man United boss switched to a 4-3-3, withdrawing Phil Jones after he’d picked up a yellow card, and bringing on Marouane Fellaini in central midfield. Anthony Martial replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with the Frenchman operating on the left of the front three, seeing Marcus Rashford move across to the right.
• What we learned: After adopting a three-man defence against two top-six rivals, Mourinho is likely to revert back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 at home to Newcastle United after the international break. Chris Smalling is the centre-back most at risk of dropping to the bench, with one from Martial, Jesse Lingard or Juan Mata set to start in the attacking midfield positions. Fellaini will certainly push for a start and could replace Ander Herrera in central midfield. Paul Pogba is also thought to closing in on a return, although Gameweek 12 will likely come too soon for the Frenchman.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Lejeune, Lascelles (Clark 55), Manquillo; Ritchie, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu (Murphy 82); Gayle, Joselu (Perez 68). Subs not used: Darlow, Gamez, Diame, Mitrovic.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez switched to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation for the home fixture against Bournemouth, with Dwight Gayle recalled in attack to partner Joselu. The other change saw Isaac Hayden come in for Mohamed Diame in central midfield. Two of Benitez’s substitutions were enforced, with Jamaal Lascelles (ankle) and Christian Atsu (muscle problem) both withdrawn due to injuries, while Ayoze Perez was brought on to play just behind lone striker Gayle in a 4-4-1-1 system.
• What we learned: The more attacking approach failed to pay off at St James’ Park, and with the injury concerns, changes could be in the offing for the Gameweek 12 trip to Manchester United. Ciaran Clark and Jacob Murphy will be on standby to replace Lascelles and Atsu, while Perez and even Aleksandar Mitrovic provide possible alternatives up front. If Benitez decides to bolster the midfield at Old Trafford, Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Diame could all possibly start in more of a 4-5-1. Mikel Merino would be more likely to start than Diame if he can recover from a back injury. However, the Spaniard is thought to be struggling with his recovery.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, left wing, forwards

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric Soares, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand; Davis, Romeu; Boufal (Ward-Prowse 90), Tadic (Long 76), Redmond; Gabbiadini (Austin 65). Subs not used: Hojbjerg, Hoedt, McQueen, McCarthy.

• What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation for the home clash against Burnley, although he did choose to make some personnel changes. Nathan Redmond was recalled on the left wing, seeing Sofiane Boufal move into the No 10 role. After Wesley Hoedt came back into the side against Brighton & Hove Albion, it was Maya Yoshida who got the nod to partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence this time around. Southampton ended the match in a 4-4-2, with substitutes Shane Long and Charlie Austin combining in attack, while Boufal, who moved onto the right wing, was replaced by James Ward-Prowse late on.
• What we learned: Goals continue to be a problem for Saints, who face a trip to Liverpool after the international break. If Mario Lemina recovers from an ankle injury, he should earn a recall in central midfield, with Steven Davis perhaps moving into a central attacking midfield position. Dusan Tadic, Boufal and Redmond could then be battling for two wide spots, while Long and Austin are set to challenge Manolo Gabbiadini to start in attack. In defence, Hoedt may come back into contention to replace Yoshida. The latter will have no issues with long-haul flights over the break, though, as Japan play their two matches in France and Belgium.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield, forwards

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Zouma, Shawcross, Wimmer, Pieters; Fletcher, Allen; Diouf (Berahino 86), Shaqiri, Ramadan Sobhi (Crouch 69); Choupo-Moting. Subs not used: Grant, Martins Indi, Adam, Afellay, Jese.

• What we saw: Mark Hughes was able to name an unchanged starting XI for the home meeting against Leicester City after Ryan Shawcross shrugged off a thigh problem to start. The Potters lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation against the Foxes, with Xherdan Shaqiri and Ramadan Sobhi stationed in narrow positions behind lone striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. When Peter Crouch was introduced, he moved to the centre, with Choupo-Moting shifting left. Hughes’ side ended the match in more of a 4-4-2, with fellow substitute Saido Berahino joining Crouch up front, while Kurt Zouma and Shaqiri combined down the right flank.
• What we learned: With a couple of improved performances, Hughes isn’t expected to make radical changes for the Gameweek 12 trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. Bruno Martins Indi or Geoff Cameron – providing he’s available following concussion – could be options to start in central defence, perhaps at the expense of Kevin Wimmer. Cameron may also be an option at right wing-back if Hughes wants to utilise Mame Biram Diouf in attack. While he scored the equaliser from the bench, Crouch remains unlikely to start at the Amex Stadium.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right wing-back, central defenders, lone striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Clucas (Routledge 79); Ki Sung-yeung; Dyer, Fer, Carroll (Narsingh 59), Ayew (McBurnie 79); Abraham. Subs not used: van der Hoorn, Nordfeldt, Roque Mesa, Fulton.

• What we saw: Paul Clement made one alteration for the home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Nathan Dyer handed his first start of the season in place of Mike van der Hoorn. That change saw the Swans boss switch from the 3-1-4-2 formation used in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal to a 4-1-4-1 system, seeing Dyer operate on the right wing. But on the hour mark, and with his side trailing 1-0, Clement switched to a more attacking 4-2-3-1, bring Luciano Narsingh on for Tom Carroll. The substitute was stationed on the right flank, with Dyer moving to the opposite flank, seeing Jordan Ayew take up a support striker role. That became a 4-4-2, with Oliver McBurnie joining Tammy Abraham up front, while Wayne Routledge was used at right-back, seeing Kyle Naughton move across to the left.
• What we learned: Following another disappointing result and performance, Clement could consider another formation change for the trip to Burnley after the international break. A switch back to the 3-1-4-2 may be a possibility, with van der Hoorn coming back into the side at the expense of Dyer. Should they be available, Martin Olsson, Leon Britton, Renato Sanches and Wilfried Bony could all be options to start, with Sam Clucas, Leroy Fer, Carroll and Ayew perhaps the most at risk. Narsingh and Roque Mesa are others who may come into contention for starts, particularly if Clement chooses to go with a four-man defence.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back/left wing-back, central midfield, flanks, forwards

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Gazzaniga; Sanchez, Dier, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko, Winks (Dembele 46), Eriksen, Rose (Davies 90); Son Heung-min, Kane (Llorente 77). Subs not used: Trippier, Nkoudou, Foyth, Whiteman.

• What we saw: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino retained a 3-5-1-1 formation against Crystal Palace, with Son Heung-min operating behind lone striker Harry Kane. Serge Aurier and Danny Rose took over the wing-back positions, while Eric Dier moved into the three-man defence. Both Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm were injured, so Paulo Gazzaniga deputised in goal.
• What we learned: Lloris (thigh), Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli (both hamstring) face a race against time to be fit for the north London derby, while Harry Winks and Harry Kane will need to be assessed after pulling out of the England squad. Kane’s withdrawal is believed to be a precaution in light of his recent hamstring problem, though he did pick up a kick to the knee in Sunday’s win. Should Alderweireld be available, Dier is likely to move into midfield, where he could partner either Winks or Mousa Dembele. Alli would be in line to replace Son in perhaps more of a 3-4-2-1 if, as expected, he’s passed fit. Rotation looks set to continue in the wing-back positions, although if we believe Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies are currently the first choice options, they should get the nod. Back-ups Aurier and Rose would then likely start against Borussia Dortmund on the Tuesday, with Spurs already through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, wing-backs, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes (Karnezis 59); Femenia, Kabasele (Mariappa 79), Britos, Holebas; Doucoure, Cleverley; Carrillo, Hughes (Okaka 90), Richarlison; Gray. Subs not used: Janmaat, Sinclair, Watson, Capoue.

• What we saw: Marco Silva kept faith in the 4-3-3 formation for the trip to Everton, although he did decide to hand a first league start to Will Hughes in midfield. Andre Gray replaced the suspended Troy Deeney as the central striker. Silva’s first two substitutions were enforced, with Orestis Karnezis taking over from the injured Heurelho Gomes in goal, after the Brazilian suffered a head injury. Christian Kabasele was then withdrawn with a knock, seeing Adrian Mariappa take over in central defence. After falling 3-2 behind, Silva threw on Stefano Okaka in place of Hughes, seeing the Hornets finish the match in a 4-4-2.
• What we learned: With Silva hopeful that Sebastian Prodl, Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra could all be available after the international break, we could see changes for the Gameweek 12 home clash against West Ham United. The starting spots of centre-backs Kabasele and, to a lesser extent, Miguel Britos could be at risk, while Andre Carrillo’s start may be threatened by Pereyra. The Argentine could also potentially come in for Hughes, and play in a No 10 role should Silva look to switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1. Etienne Capoue provides a possible alternative in central midfield, particularly if Silva sticks with a 4-3-3. Karnezis will be on standby to replace Gomes in goal.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders, central midfield, right wing, attacking midfield

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; McAuley (Phillips 59), Hegazi, Evans; Nyom, Barry, Livermore, Krychowiak (McClean 59), Gibbs; Robson-Kanu (Rondon 59), Rodriguez. Subs not used: Myhill, Yacob, Brunt, Chadli.

• What we saw: Despite travelling to face Huddersfield Town, Tony Pulis kept faith in the 3-1-4-2 formation he used against Manchester City. Grzegorz Krychowiak was stationed just in front of the back four, while the industry of Hal Robson-Kanu was preferred to Salomon Rondon in attack. After the sending off of Christopher Schindler, Pulis made a triple substitution, switching to a narrow 4-2-3-1, with Matt Phillips (left) and James McClean (right) flanking Jay Rodriguez in the attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Rondon.
• What we learned: While Pulis’ negative selection didn’t bring a positive result, the fact that the Baggies host Chelsea next suggests he could stick with the same formation. Rondon could push for a recall in attack in place of Robson-Kanu, but a change in formation will be required if either of Phillips, McClean or Nacer Chadli are to return to the starting XI. A switch to a four-man defence would probably see Gareth McAuley drop to the bench.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, flanks, forwards

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Reid, Kouyate, Ogbonna; Fernandes (Carroll 46), Noble (Arnautovic 61), Obiang, Lanzini, Cresswell; Ayew, Chicharito (Sakho 72). Subs not used: Adrian, Haksabanovic, Masuaku, Rice.

• What we saw: Slaven Bilic rolled out a 3-4-2-1 system for the home clash against Liverpool, handing a recall to the fit-again Winston Reid in place of the injured Jose Fonte. Edimilson Fernandes filled in at right wing-back in the absence of the suspended Pablo Zabaleta, seeing Pedro Obiang operate in central midfield. But with his side trailing 2-0 at half-time, Bilic decided to bring on Andy Carroll for Fernandes, switching to a 4-4-2. Carroll joined Chicharito in attack, while Cheikhou Kouyate moved across to right-back. Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini provided the width. Lanzini then moved into central midfield when Marko Arnautovic was brought onto the left wing just after the hour mark.
• What we learned: This morning’s appointment of David Moyes as manager indicates we can expect any number of changes when West Ham travel to Watford after the international break. Zabaleta will be available again following suspension and should return at either right-back or right wing-back. Fonte (knock) and James Collins (ankle) may both be available for the trip to Vicarage Road to provide options in central defence, perhaps allowing Kouyate to return to central midfield. Arnautovic and Michail Antonio – providing he recovers from a rib injury – offer different options out wide depending on which formation the new manager chooses, while Carroll and Diafra Sakho offer alternatives to Chicharito in attack.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: All positions