Lineup Lessons – Gameweek 4 – Part One

Pep Guardiola restores Sergio Aguero to the Manchester City teamsheet and rolls out wing-backs in a demolition of Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck partners Mesut Ozil in Arsenal’s central support roles as Alexis Sanchez is benched, while Chris Wood notches on his first start for Burnley as a fourth straight loss sees Frank De Boer sacked as Crystal Palace manager.

Here’s the first part of our team sheet lessons learned for Gameweek 4, with the remaining 10 teams to follow tomorrow.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Bellerin, Ramsey (Coquelin 67), Xhaka, Kolasinac; Ozil, Welbeck (Sanchez 75); Lacazette (Giroud 75). Subs not used: Mertesacker, Ospina, Walcott, Iwobi.

• What we saw: Gunners boss Arsene Wenger kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 formation, with Shkodran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette all handed recalls. Hector Bellerin returned to right wing-back, with Kolasinac stationed on the opposite flank. Francis Coquelin came on as a second half replacement for Aaron Ramsey, but was forced off with a hamstring injury, seeing Arsenal finish the match with 10 men.
• What we learned: After getting back on track with the 3-0 win, Wenger is likely to stick with a similar side for Sunday’s trip to Chelsea. Alexis Sanchez will push for a start, although Danny Welbeck’s brace means the Chilean may have to remain patient. Thursday night’s team selection for the UEFA Europa League clash against FC Cologne should provide some clues. With Coquelin out injured, Mohamed Elneny provides the more defensive option in the middle of the park.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, attacking midfield

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic; S. Cook, Ake, Mings (Francis 46); Smith, Arter, Gosling, Fraser (Ibe 38); Daniels; King; Defoe (Mousset 71). Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Pugh, L. Cook

• What we saw: Eddie Howe kept faith in a three-man defence for the trip to the Emirates, but chose to start Ryan Fraser in his midfield in place of Andrew Surman. The Scotland international picked up an ankle injury, though, and was replaced by Jordon Ibe. That change saw the Cherries switch to more of a 3-4-3, with Ibe and Joshua King flanking Jermain Defoe in attack. Following a difficult first half, Tyrone Mings made way for Simon Francis at half-time, with the skipper fit again following a hamstring injury.
• What we learned: With a crucial home match against Brighton & Hove Albion up next, Howe has a tricky decision regarding what formation to use. He could stick with a 3-5-2, but also has the option to move back to a slightly more attacking 4-2-3-1. In the latter system, Ibe could be an option to start, particularly if Fraser is ruled out. Lys Mousset and Marc Pugh provide further alternatives in the wide areas and while Junior Stanislas is closing in on a return, this weekend is expected to be too soon. Francis is set to push for a start, in place of either Mings in a three-man backline, or Smith in a back four. Surman is another who may come into contention for a recall in central midfield – Dan Gosling’s start could be at risk.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield, flanks

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Bruno (Rosenior 62), Duffy, Dunk, Suttner; Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, March; Gross; Hemed (Murray 83). Subs not used: Maenpaa, Huenemeier, Skalak, Murphy, Izquierdo.

• What we saw: Chris Hughton named an unchanged side for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion, keeping faith in the 4-4-1-1 formation. Tomer Hemed was favoured over Glenn Murray as the lone striker.
• What we learned: Bruno was forced off after a recurrence of a back injury, and is a doubt for Friday night’s trip to Bournemouth. Liam Rosenior and Ezequiel Schelotto provide the options in that position. After recording their first win of the season, the rest of the starting XI may well stay unchanged, with Murray and Jose Izquierdo unlikely to earn starts.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton (Pope 34); Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Cork, Defour (Westwood 80), Brady; Wood, Vokes (Barnes 65). Subs not used: Walters, Bardsley, Long, Arfield.

• What we saw: After scoring as a substitute on his Clarets debut, Chris Wood was handed a first start against Crystal Palace, joining Sam Vokes up front in a 4-4-2 formation. Jack Cork and Steven Defour combined in central midfield, with Scott Arfield dropping to the bench. The introduction of Ashley Barnes saw Burnley switch to more of a 4-4-1-1, with Vokes making way.
• What we learned: While Wood scored the winner, Sean Dyche’s side struggled throughout, so Dyche could well turn back to a 4-5-1 for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool. Vokes would appear the most likely to drop to the bench, given Wood’s form. Arfield, or Jeff Hendrick – provided he recovers from a thigh injury – could earn a recall in midfield. The major blow coming from the match was that Tom Heaton suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder, and could be ruled out for a number of months. Nick Pope replaced the England international in the side on Sunday and looks set for an extended run in the starting XI.

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

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger; Moses (Zappacosta 73), Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso; Pedro (Willian 63), Fabregas (Hazard 78); Morata. Subs not used: Caballero, Christensen, Drinkwater, Batshuayi.

• What we saw: Blues boss Antonio Conte rolled out his usual 3-4-2-1 formation, although Cesc Fabregas was used in the central attacking midfield positions alongside Pedro. Tiemoue Bakayoko earned a start in central midfield next to N’Golo Kante, with Willian dropping to the bench, perhaps due to fatigue following his international exertions. Eden Hazard made his first appearance of the season, replacing Fabregas in a straight swap for the final 12 minutes, while Davide Zappacosta made his Chelsea debut at right wing-back, in place of Victor Moses late on.
• What we learned: Given the options Conte has in central midfield following the arrival of Danny Drinkwater on deadline day, it was interesting to see Fabregas used in a more advanced role. But with Hazard returning to full fitness, the Spaniard’s chances of starting in that position appear limited. The home meeting with Arsenal could well see Hazard come into the starting XI, with one of Bakayoko or Fabregas appearing most at risk. Drinkwater is a doubt for the midweek Champions League clash with Qarabag. Willian’s start now looks seriously in question, though Pedro could also be rotated if Fabregas is utilised in an advanced berth more often. Gary Cahill will be available again following his three-match ban and will push for a start in place of Antonio Rudiger.

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

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Fosu-Mensah, Dann, Schlupp; McArthur (Riedewald 80), Cabaye, Puncheon; Townsend, Benteke, Lee Chung-yong (Lumeka 65). Subs not used: Speroni, Van Aanholt, Milivojevic, Kaikai, Kelly.

• What we saw: Having started with a three-man defence this season, Frank de Boer switched to a 4-3-3 for the trip to Turf Moor. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Scott Dann formed the centre-back partnership, with Jeffrey Schlupp coming in at left-back. Yohan Cabaye was fit enough to start in central midfield alongside James McArthur and Jason Puncheon, while Lee Chung-yong got the nod on the left of the front three. De Boer interestingly used Jairo Riedewald in midfield during the latter stages, with McArthur making way.
• What we learned: Despite the defeat, Palace looked much improved following the switch to a four-man defence. But the Dutchman’s dismissal earlier today places question marks over the teamsheet for the visit of Southampton. Riedewald may push for a start, either in central defence, or even in midfield. Patrick van Aanholt could also return after dropping to the bench for the first time this season. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will also be an option in the middle of the park if he can return from a groin problem, while Mamadou Sakho may still have work to do before he is considered match fit. Younsgters Levi Lumeka and and Sullay Kaikai are possible alternatives to Lee on the left wing, with Wilfried Zaha (knee) still in recovery.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: All areas

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford; Martina, Keane, Williams, Baines; Schneiderlin, Gueye (Vlasic 80); Rooney, Klaassen (Davies 46), Sigurdsson; Sandro Ramirez (Calvert-Lewin 46). Subs not used: Stekelenberg, Jagielka, Holgate, Mirallas.

• What we saw: Ronald Koeman decided to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the home clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with the fit-again Davy Klaassen joining Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson in the attacking midfield positions. Sandro Ramirez was preferred to Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the lone striker, while Morgan Schneiderlin returned from his one-match suspension at the base of midfield. Cuco Martina was chosen at right-back ahead of Mason Holgate, while Phil Jagielka dropped to the bench. But following a poor first half display, Koeman switched to a 4-3-3, with Tom Davies and Calvert-Lewin replacing Klaassen and Sandro. Nikola Vlasic made his Toffees debut late on, replacing Idrissa Gueye.
• What we learned: After being comprehensively outplayed by Spurs, Koeman may strongly consider moving to a back three for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United. Jagielka could be handed a recall, then, while Holgate may return on the right side of the defence, particularly after Martina struggled in the 3-0 defeat. Davies is an option if the Everton boss wants to tighten things up in central midfield, while Calvert-Lewin may replace Sandro in attack. The Toffees travel to Italy to face Atalanta on Thursday night, so Koeman’s selection should provide some clues as to who may get the nod at Old Trafford.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back/right wing-back, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Mahrez, Ndidi, James (Iheanacho 78), Albrighton (King 46); Slimani (Gray 46), Vardy. Subs not used: Hamer, Chilwell, Amartey, Ulloa.

• What we saw: With Shinji Okazaki suffering from fatigue after playing for Japan over the international break, Craig Shakespeare decided to start Islam Slimani alongside Jamie Vardy in attack. But following a disappointing first half performance, the Foxes boss changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1, with Andy King and Demarai Gray replacing Marc Albrighton and Slimani. King played in central midfield and Gray was stationed on the left wing. Kelechi Iheanacho was brought on for the final 12 minutes as Leicester looked to find a late equaliser, seeing the Foxes move back to a 4-4-2.
• What we learned: The Foxes’ line-up continues to look settled, although for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield Town, Gray could push for a start on the left wing, while either Okazaki or Iheanacho may replace Slimani. Robert Huth and Vicente Iborra are nearing a return to contention and could be a factor.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left wing, forwards

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Klavan, Moreno; Emre Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum (Milner 59); Salah (Oxlade-Chamberlain 46) Firmino (Solanke 67) Mane. Subs not used: Karius, Lovren, Gomez, Sturridge.

• What we saw: Jurgen Klopp stuck with his favoured 4-3-3 formation against Manchester City, although he chose to start Ragnar Klavan in place of Dejan Lovren, who was slightly fatigued from exertions with Croatia. Trent Alexander-Arnold was preferred to Joe Gomez at right-back, with the latter also in action for England U21’s over the break. Simon Mignolet returned in goal in place of Loris Karius. Following the sending off of Sadio Mane, Klopp opted for a 4-4-1 system, which changed to a 3-5-1 after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for Mo Salah at half-time. Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum in central midfield, with Emre Can moving back into central defence.
• What we learned: With Burnley up next for the Reds on Saturday, Klopp is expected to stick with the 4-3-3. Mane’s suspension means that Philippe Coutinho could be an option to return on the left of the front three, with Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge potentially other alternatives. Sturridge would likely move to the central striker role, with Firmino switching to the left. In defence, Gomez, Lovren and Andrew Robertson are all viable starters, with Klopp’s teamsheet for the UEFA Champions League clash against Sevilla set to provide major clues for the likely starting XI at the weekend. In the middle of the park, Milner could be an option if Klopp rotates heavily, as he did against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 2.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, left wing, central striker

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson (Bravo 37); Danilo; Stones, Otamendi, (Mangala 71), Walker, Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Mendy, Aguero, Jesus (Sane 57). Subs not used: Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Delph.

• What we saw: After using a 4-1-2-3 formation against Bournemouth in Gameweek 3, Pep Guardiola moved back to the 3-4-1-2 against Liverpool. Sergio Aguero was handed a recall in attack alongside Gabriel Jesus, while Kyle Walker returned from his one-match ban at right wing-back. Danilo was used as part of the back three next to Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones, who came in for the injured Vincent Kompany.
• What we learned: The change in system provided yet another reminder of how Guardiola is unlikely to stick with one formation week-to-week. Ederson was forced off with a facial injury in the incident that saw Sadio Mane dismissed, and will need to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s trip to Watford, although the issue isn’t thought to be serious. Sane provided a reminder of his quality with two goals from the bench, and with the Champions League group stage getting under way this week, is set to become more of a factor. Bernardo Silva offers another option in the attacking midfield areas, while Ilkay Gundogan returned to the bench on Saturday and is another who adds to the midfield mix. Guardiola’s midweek teamsheet will be keenly anticipated as a source of clues to his likely Gameweek 5 selection at Vicarage Road.

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

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