Line-up Lessons Gameweek 15 – Part One

Jurgen Klopp turns to a makeshift defence and masterminds a 5-1 Liverpool victory on the south coast, while Sam Allardyce resists the urge to tinker with a winning side on his Everton bow.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 15, with an early view on what’s to come ahead of the weekend fixtures and the midweek programme that follows.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mustafi (Iwobi 15), Monreal; Bellerin, Xhaka (Welbeck 70), Ramsey, Kolasinac (Giroud 76); Ozil, Lacazette, Sanchez. Subs not used: Ospina; Mertesacker, Wilshere, Coquelin.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger kept faith in his 3-4-2-1 formation for the home encounter against Manchester United, and was surprisingly able to call upon Alexandre Lacazette to start as the lone striker. The France international had previously been ruled out with a groin injury picked up in the 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town. After falling 2-0 behind, Shkodran Mustafi was forced off with a knock, forcing Wenger to switch to a 4-2-3-1 system. Alex Iwobi was brought on in place of the German, and joined Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in a narrow attacking midfield trio. The Gunners ended the match with just Aaron Ramsey in central midfield, with substitutes Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud sent on as Arsenal desperately sought a way back into the match with United reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Paul Pogba.
• What we learned: While Wenger was happy to switch to a back four on Saturday, he may well stick with the 3-4-2-1 for Sunday’s trip to Southampton, even if Mustafi is ruled out. Per Mertesacker is the obvious alternative, with Rob Holding and Calum Chambers other options. The rest of the side could remain unchanged, although, with a trip to West Ham United following three days later, the likes of Iwobi, Welbeck and Giroud are in line to get pitch-time over the next two matches. Arsenal’s Europa League meeting with BATE on Thursday could offer further clues, though Wenger is surely set to field a second-string XI for the tie given that the Gunners have already sealed qualification as group winners.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic; A Smith, Francis, Ake, Daniels; Stanislas (Ibe 69), L Cook, Surman, Fraser (Afobe 90); King; Defoe (Wilson 69). Subs not used: Boruc, S Cook, Gosling, Pugh.

• What we saw: Cherries boss Eddie Howe rolled out his favoured 4-4-1-1 formation for the south coast derby against Southampton, although he did ring the changes. Jermain Defoe replaced Callum Wilson as the lone striker, while Ryan Fraser and the fit-again Junior Stanislas came in for Jordon Ibe and Marc Pugh out wide. Lewis Cook and Adam Smith were also recalled in place of Harry Arter and Steve Cook.
• What we learned: With all his attacking resources back in contention, Howe has a wealth of options to choose from, making rotation likely through this congested period. Defoe and Wilson could job share in the lone striker role, with Afobe another alternative. Fraser and Stanislas may be the favoured options out wide, although Pugh and Ibe should also get some minutes. Arter is likely to come back into the frame in central midfield, but Steve Cook is almost certain to be recalled for the trip to Crystal Palace due to Adam Smith’s suspension. Simon Francis is likely to switch to right-back.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, lone striker

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Bruno (Schelotto 77), Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert (March 69), Stephens, Propper, Brown (Izquierdo 69); Gross; Murray. Subs not used: Krul; Kayal, Hemed, Goldson.

• What we saw: Chris Hughton stuck with his now familiar 4-4-1-1 formation against Liverpool, although he did choose to hand a start to Izzy Brown on the left flank in place of Jose Izquierdo. Gaetan Bong returned as full-back behind him after missing the goalless draw with Crystal Palace due to a knock. He replaced Markus Suttner. The Seagulls ended the match with substitutes Solly March and Izquierdo on the right and left wing respectively.
• What we learned: Hughton continues to stick with a settled starting XI, although he does have some areas where he can rotate over this demanding spell. Suttner and perhaps Ezequiel Schelotto are viable options at left-back and right-back respectively, while out wide, March, Izquierdo and Brown could all rotate, with Anthony Knockaert appearing the more assured starter. Murray should retain his start up front, though Tomer Hemed is likely to take some of his minutes during the next few weeks as the demands ramp up.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, flanks

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Cork, Defour (Barnes 66), Brady (Arfield 30); Hendrick; Wood (Vokes 73). Subs not used: Taylor, Westwood, Lindegaard, Long.

• What we saw: The Clarets lined up in their usual 4-4-1-1 formation, with Phil Bardsley retaining his start at right-back as Matt Lowton again missed out with a knee injury. Sean Dyche was forced into making a first-half substitution, with Scott Arfield brought on in place of Robbie Brady, who suffered a potentially serious knee injury. Burnley ended the match with Jeff Hendrick next to Jack Cork in central midfield, substitutes Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes combining up front in a 4-4-2 system.
• What we learned: With Brady facing a long spell on the sidelines, Arfield looks in line for an extended run in the starting XI on the left wing. If available to return, Lowton should replace Bardsley at right-back for the visit of Watford to Turf Moor on Saturday.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, left wing

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen (Cahill 81), Rudiger; Moses, Fabregas (Bakayoko 75), Kante, Drinkwater; Hazard (Willian 78); Morata. Subs not used: Caballero, Pedro, Zappacosta, Batshuayi.

• What we saw: Antonio Conte reverted to the 3-5-1-1 formation for the visit of Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge, with Eden Hazard recalled in the central support role. Cesar Azpilicueta was also recalled in the three-man defence, while Victor Moses made his first start since Gameweek 8 at right wing-back. Cesc Fabregas and Danny Drinkwater were preferred in central midfield, with Tiemoue Bakayoko benched.
• What we learned: The Blues host Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night, before travelling to face West Ham on Saturday. While Conte’s men have booked a place in the last 16, they still have work to do to qualify as group winners so the Italian is set to name a strong side. That could impact on his forthcoming team selections, with matches against Huddersfield Town and Southampton to come. Michy Batshuayi returned to the bench against Newcastle and may steal some minutes from Alvaro Morata up front. Willian and Pedro should also get opportunities in the attacking midfield areas, while Bakayoko could earn a recall for at least one of the forthcoming matches. With Moses now back to fitness, he and Davide Zappacosta could rotate at right wing-back, while the Italian and Azpilicueta may be options to hand left wing-back Marcos Alonso a rest at some point. Unless David Luiz recovers from a knee injury, Conte’s options in central defence seem more limited, with just four players competing for three spots and Andreas Christensen appearing secure for now.

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

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Speroni; Ward, Kelly, Sakho, Schlupp; Loftus-Cheek, McArthur, Milivojevic, Townsend (Sako 87); Zaha, Benteke. Subs not used: van Aanholt, Fosu-Mensah, Puncheon, Riedewald.

• What we saw: Roy Hodgson kept faith in the 4-4-2 formation for the trip to West Bromwich Albion, with Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha again combining in attack. James McArthur started in central midfield in place of the injured Yohan Cabaye, while Martin Kelly slotted into central defence in the absence of injured duo James Tomkins and Scott Dann. After Wayne Hennessey suffered a back injury during the warm-up, Julian Speroni started in goal.
• What we learned: Providing they’re fit for Saturday’s home meeting with Bournemouth, Tomkins and Cabaye (both knocks) could replace Kelly and McArthur. Scott Dann could also return to contention following the illness that ruled him out of Saturday’s stalemate. Speroni impressed in Hennessey’s absence, so even if the Welshman is available to face the Cherries, the veteran may just retain his start.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders, central midfield

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford; Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Martina; Gueye, Davies (Schneiderlin 66): Lennon (Lookman 71), Rooney (Keane 80), Sigurdsson; Calvert-Lewin. Subs not used: Robles, Keane, Niasse, Vlasic, Baningime.

• What we saw: Sam Allardyce was in charge of the Toffees for the first time and kept faith with the same side that beat West Ham United 4-0 for the home clash against Huddersfield Town. Everton lined up in a 4-1-4-1 system, with Idrissa Gueye sat in front of the back four, while Aaron Lennon and Gylfi Sigurdsson were stationed out wide. Cuco Martina continued at left-back in the absence of the injured Leighton Baines. Allardyce switched to a 5-4-1 late on, with Michael Keane replacing Wayne Rooney.
• What we learned: Following another victory, Allardyce will be expected to name a similar starting XI for Sunday’s trip to Anfield. Keane does provide a viable alternative in central defence, while Morgan Schneiderlin may push for a start in central midfield. Unless Baines recovers from a calf injury, Cuco Martina should continue at left-back. At this point, Dominic Calvert-Lewin appears to be the first choice centre-forward, leaving Oumar Niasse in reserve. However, it’s too early in Allardyce’s reign to begin making assumptions just yet.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl; Smith, Zanka, Schindler, Malone (Mounie 71); Quaner (Palmer 46): Ince, Williams, Mooy, Depoitre; Kachunga. Subs not used: Green, Hogg, Cranie, Lowe, Hadergjonaj.

• What we saw: David Wagner reverted to a 4-2-3-1 system for the trip to Goodison Park after using a three-man defence in the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal. Tommy Smith and Scott Malone returned in the full-back positions, while Collin Quaner was handed a second successive start on the right wing. Tom Ince and Laurent Depoitre were handed recalls, seeing Jonathan Hogg and Steve Mounie drop to the bench. Wagner introduced fit-again Kasey Palmer in the No 10 role at half-time, shifting Ince to the right and sacrificing Quaner. He then threw caution to the wind late on, bringing on Mounie to join Depoitre in attack with left-back Malone making way.
• What we learned: With the Terriers hosting Brighton & Hove Albion next, Wagner is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1. Mounie may push for a start in attack at the expense of Depoitre, while Hogg is an alternative to Danny Williams at the base of midfield. Palmer will also hope for his first start since Gameweek 3; he will be ineligible against his parent club Chelsea in Gameweek 17. Wagner continues to rotate in the full-back positions, so during the next two Gameweeks, Smith, Florent Hadergjonaj, Malone and Chris Lowe could all be handed one start apiece. Rajiv van La Parra will serve out his three-match suspension at the weekend.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, lone striker

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi, Iborra; Mahrez, Gray (Okazaki 87), Albrighton; Vardy. Subs not used: Iheanacho, King, Hamer, Dragovic, Ulloa, Fuchs.

• What we saw: The Foxes lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Burnley, with Demarai Gray deployed in the No 10 role. Wide men Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton were pushed right up the pitch, while central midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Vicente Iborra were both stationed in front of the back four. Ben Chilwell retained his start at left-back ahead of the returning Christian Fuchs, who missed the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur due to the birth of his daughter.
• What we learned: The Leicester line-up appears settled under Claude Puel, with only a couple of positions in doubt. Featuring in back-to-back victories, Chilwell may retain his start at left-back at the expense of Fuchs, while Okazaki is a viable alternative in the support striker role, with one of Gray or Albrighton potentially dropping to the bench. However, both have drawn praise from their new manager and appear favoured.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, left wing, support striker

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet; Emre Can, Lovren, Wijnaldum; Alexander-Arnold, Milner, Henderson (Grujic 90), Robertson; Salah (Oxlade-Chamberlain 79), Firmino (Solanke 88), Coutinho. Subs not used: Karius; Sturridge, Klavan, Mane.

• What we saw: Defensive injuries meant that Jurgen Klopp chose to deploy a 3-4-3 formation for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum were forced to play either side of Dejan Lovren in the three-man defence, while James Milner joined Jordan Henderson in central midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson started in the wing-back positions, while Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho were handed recalls in attack.
• What we learned: Klopp demonstrated his tactical flexibility once again at the weekend – and also an increasing fondness for rotating his starting XI. However, with Everton in the Merseyside derby next, he may revert to a more familiar 4-3-3, particularly if Joe Gomez recovers from illness to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Moreno should return on the opposite flank, with Ragnar Klavan perhaps joining Lovren in central defence, having been fit enough for the bench at the Amex Stadium following illness. Joel Matip is expected to miss out, although his muscle problem isn’t as bad as first feared and he could yet return over the festive spell. Klopp chose to rest Sadio Mane on Saturday, but the Senegal international could be handed a recall alongside Salah and Roberto Firmino in the front three. That would see Coutinho drop back into central midfield next to Henderson, with either Emre Can or Wijnaldum perhaps battling for the final spot. Klopp’s selection against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday should provide some clues as to his thinking for both Gameweek 16 and the home clash against West Bromwich Albion three days later.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central defenders, central midfield, flanks

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