Lineup Lessons – Gameweek 8 – Part Two

A change of tactics from Swansea City and Southampton sees Tammy Abraham and Manolo Gabbiadini both score twice in front of their own supporters.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino starts with a 4-2-3-1 at Wembley Stadium as Spurs struggle to break down Bournemouth in the absence of Ben Davies.

Here’s part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 7, with one eye on the weekend’s fixtures. Part one can be found here.

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson (Chilwell 74), Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Mahrez, Ndidi, Iborra (King 90), Albrighton; Iheanacho (Slimani 74), Vardy.

• What we saw: Craig Shakespeare preferred Kelechi Iheanacho to Shinji Okazaki in attack against West Bromwich Albion as the Foxes lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Vicente Iborra started in central midfield, while Riyad Mahrez was recalled on the right flank. After falling a goal behind, Shakespeare switched to a 3-4-1-2 system, with substitute Ben Chilwell used at left wing-back. Marc Albrighton operated on the opposite flank as Fuchs shifted into the back three. That allowed Mahrez to play in a central support role just behind the front pairing of Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani.
• What we learned: The decision to leave out Okazaki didn’t pay off for Shakespeare, so the Japan international is likely to replace Iheanacho for Saturday’s trip to Swansea City. Slimani provides another viable alternative in attack, though. Similarly, King is an option to freshen up the midfield in place of Iborra, while Chilwell may earn a spot as a wing-back in the unlikely event that Leicester start with a 3-4-1-2 in south Wales.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, support forward

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Darmian, Herrera, Matic, Young (Lindelof 90), Mkhitaryan (Lingard 62), Martial (Rashford 65), Lukaku. Subs not used: Mata, Blind, Romero, Tuanzebe.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho kept faith in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation for the trip to Liverpool, although he started with the more defensive Ashley Young on the right wing in place of Juan Mata. That saw Matteo Darmian come into the side at left-back, while Ander Herrera replaced the injured Marouane Fellaini at the base of midfield. Anthony Martial got the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford on the left wing as they continue to flip-flop in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Eric Bailly missed out with a knock, allowing Chris Smalling to retain his start next to Phil Jones in central defence. Mourinho brought on Victor Lindelof to screen in front of the back four for the final few minutes, as fellow substitute Jesse Lingard moved from a central support role to the right flank.
• What we learned: With a trip to struggling Huddersfield Town up next, Mata may well come back into the side on the right wing, perhaps seeing Young revert to left-back in place of Darmian. Rashford could return in place of Martial on the left wing, with Mourinho’s team selection against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow night expected to provide some good indicators as to his thinking for the weekend. Providing he’s available, Bailly should replace Smalling at centre-back.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, flanks

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo; Hayden, Shelvey; Ritchie, Perez (Merino 63), Atsu (Murphy 82); Joselu (Gayle 68). Subs not used: Darlow, Clark, Diame, Gamez.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez decided to leave out Ciaran Clark following the defender’s exploits with the Republic of Ireland over the international break, instead handing a start to Florian Lejeune in central defence. Isaac Hayden was also handed a recall in place of Mikel Merino at the base of midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Newcastle holding a 2-1 lead, Benitez decided to make a defensive substitution, bringing on Merino for Ayoze Perez as the Magpies switched to a 4-5-1 system. After coming on as a second-half substitute, Dwight Gayle played the final few minutes of the match with a calf injury.
• What we learned: Following another encouraging display from Newcastle, Benitez looks set to name a similar starting XI for the home encounter with Crystal Palace on Saturday. But both Clark and Merino are strong contenders to be handed recalls, most likely in place of Lejeune and Hayden. Gayle is now a doubt, but in any case was unlikely to displace Joselu as the lone striker.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Soares, Yoshida, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Tadic, Romeu (Davis 67), Lemina, Redmond (Boufal 57); Gabbiadini, Long (Austin 82). Subs not used: McCarthy, Hoedt, McQueen, Ward-Prowse.

• What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino switched from his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-4-2 for the visit of Newcastle United to St Mary’s. Shane Long recovered from a hip injury to start, with Manolo Gabbiadini recalled to partner the Republic of Ireland international in attack.
• What we learned: Having failed to score in three of their previous four home matches this season, the change in system had the desired effect as Southampton notched twice against Newcastle. So with West Bromwich Albion visiting the south coast this weekend, Pellegrino may keep faith in the same formation. Sofiane Boufal and James Ward-Prowse will continue to push for starts, though Pellegrino’s side is beginning to look settled, with Maya Yoshida expected to be favoured over Wesley Hoedt once again in central defence. The Japan international captained the side on Sunday.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Edwards (Sobhi 53), Zouma, Wimmer (Martins Indi 46), Pieters; Diouf, Cameron, Fletcher; Shaqiri, Jese (Afellay 46), Choupo-Moting. Subs not used: Grant, Adam, Crouch, Berahino.

• What we saw: For the trip to Manchester City, Mark Hughes decided to use a fairly defensive 4-4-1-1 formation, with Xherdan Shaqiri stationed in a central support role behind lone striker Jese. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting played on the left wing, with Mame Biram Diouf on the right. Geoff Cameron moved into central midfield in place of the injured Joe Allen, while youngster Tom Edwards came in to make his Premier League debut at right-back. Stoke ended the match more of a 4-5-1, with Cameron finishing at right-back after Edwards was forced off with an ankle injury. Ibrahim Afellay came on in central midfield, while Diouf was stationed as the lone striker.
• What we learned: With the Potters hosting Bournemouth on Saturday, Hughes may well revert back to the 3-4-2-1 system, particularly if Allen is fit following his head injury. Afellay provides another option in the middle of the park. Kurt Zouma looks a sure starter in the back three, leaving Martins Indi, Wimmer and Cameron to battle it out for the final two spots. Diouf would be the favourite to start at right wing-back, with Cameron a viable alternative. In attack, Jese Rodriguez may come under pressure from Saido Berahino and Peter Crouch for the lone striker role.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, right wing-back, central midfield, lone striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Fer (Ki Sung-yeung 73), Britton (Clucas 84), Carroll; Narsingh (Dyer 76); Ayew, Abraham. Subs not used: Van der Hoorn, Nordfeldt, Routledge, Rangel.

• What we saw: Having only used variations of a 3-5-2 and a 4-1-2-1-2 formation this season, Paul Clement decided to switch to a 4-1-2-3 system for the visit of Huddersfield Town to the Liberty Stadium. Luciano Narsingh was handed a first start of the season on the right of the front three, with Jordan Ayew shifting over to the left. Leroy Fer was recalled in central midfield in place of the injured Renato Sanches.
• What we learned: After securing a first home win of the season against the Terriers, Clement is expected to stick with the 4-1-2-3 for the home clash against Leicester City on Saturday. Fer will miss the match after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend, so one of Sam Clucas, Ki Sung-yeung or Sanches – should he recover from a minor thigh strain – look set to start in central midfield. Ki, along with Nathan Dyer, both made their first appearances of the season off the bench following spells on the sidelines. Dyer offers an alternative to Narsingh on the right wing, but is expected to continue his rehabilitation as a substitute. Wilfried Bony missed out last weekend due to a hamstring injury, and even if he is available to face the Foxes, looks unlikely to start after Tammy Abraham’s brace.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Winks, Dier; Eriksen, Alli (Nkoudou 90), Son Heung-min (Sissoko 75); Kane (Llorente 85). Subs not used: Vorm, Foyth, Aurier, Walker-Peters.

• What we saw: With Ben Davies absent due to illness, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino decided to switch from the 3-4-2-1 formation to a 4-2-3-1 against Bournemouth. Jan Vertonghen moved to left-back, allowing Son Heung-min to come into the side on the left of the attacking midfield trio. Harry Winks retained his start in central midfield ahead of Moussa Sissoko. Following a goalless first half, Pochettino reverted back to the 3-4-2-1, with Vertonghen moving into the back three, seeing Son operate at left wing-back.
• What we learned: Spurs’ struggle for goals at Wembley may have also influenced Pochettino’s decision to start with a four-man defence, along with Davies’ absence. The Welshman will also miss tonight’s clash Real Madrid tonight, but with the home clash against Liverpool coming on Sunday, he may have enough time to recover. Danny Rose will be on the bench tonight but is likely to earn pitch time as a sub over the short-term as he recovers from the knee injury that has kept him out since January. Davies’ return would probably see Spurs start in a 3-4-2-1 against Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Son dropping to the bench. Mousa Dembele is also expected to be available following an ankle problem and could start ahead of Winks and Sissoko in central midfield depending on his pitch time in Madrid. If Serge Aurier starts this evening, then Kieran Trippier will likely get the nod at right wing-back against the Reds.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Wing-backs, central midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Kabasele, Mariappa (Carrillo 63), Britos; Femenia, Doucoure, Cleverley, Holebas; Pereyra (Capoue 81), Gray (Deeney 63), Richarlison. Subs not used: Karnezis, Janmaat, Wague, Watson.

• What we saw: Hornets head coach Marco Silva switched from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation to a 3-4-3 for the home clash with Arsenal. Miguel Britos returned in central defence, while Tom Cleverley dropped back into central midfield alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure. Roberto Pereyra earned a recall on the right of a front three, with Andre Gray preferred to Troy Deeney as the central striker. But with his side trailing 1-0, Silva decided to bring on Andre Carrillo and Deeney, seeing his side move back to the 4-2-3-1. Carrillo operated in his usual position on the right flank, as Pereyra moved inside to the No 10 role. Deeney took over from Gray in attack.
• What we learned: After Watford found success back in the 4-2-3-1, Silva could revert back to that system for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. But given it’s a pretty testing fixture, the option remains to stick with a 3-4-3. In the 4-2-3-1, Capoue and Carrillo may both be handed recalls, with Adrian Mariappa and Pereyra the players most likely to make way. Alternatively, Capoue could miss out once again in a 3-4-3, although Carrillo is also a viable alternative to Pereyra in that system. Deeney will be pushing for a start at Stamford Bridge in place of Gray, given his impact against the Gunners.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, right wing, lone striker

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Myhill; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Livermore; Rodriguez (McClean 84), Krychowiak, Barry, Chadli (McAuley 84); Rondon. Subs not used: Nyom, Yacob, Phillips, Brunt, Palmer.

• What we saw: Baggies head coach Tony Pulis opted for a 4-1-4-1 system against Leicester, with Nacer Chadli handed his first start on the season on the left wing. Boaz Myhill started in goal, with Ben Foster ruled out due to a knee injury. Jay Rodriguez operated on the opposite flank, leaving Salomon Rondon as the lone striker. It was Jake Livermore who was deployed as the defensive midfielder, while Ahmed Hegazi retained his start at centre-back. West Brom ended the match in a 5-4-1 formation, after Gareth McAuley was brought on in central defence for Chadli as the visitors looked to hold on for a point.
• What we learned: Chadli, who was a doubt pre-match due to a back problem, scored a stunning free-kick, and looks set to retain a starting berth. With the Baggies travelling to Southampton on Saturday, Pulis could adopt the same system, which could mean changes will be at a minimum. McAuley and Allan Nyom are options to start in defence in place of Hegazi, who endured a tough evening at the King Power Stadium. Matt Phillips is perhaps the wide player most likely to push for a recall, in place of either Rodriguez or Rondon, with the former Southampton player also an option to lead the attack. Given the short turnaround, Foster looks a real doubt for the trip to St Mary’s, while Myhill will have to be checked after suffering a suspected dead leg. Alex Palmer is the back-up option in goal for the Baggies.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, defence, flanks, lone striker

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell; Antonio, Kouyate, Lanzini (Masuaku 88), Arnautovic (Obiang 46); Hernandez (Sakho 75); Carroll. Subs not used: Adrian, Sakho, Noble, Ayew, Ogbonna,

• What we saw: Slaven Bilic opted for an attacking 4-4-2 formation at Burnley, with Andy Carroll partnering Chicharito in attack. Manuel Lanzini was handed his first league start of the season in central midfield next to Cheikhou Kouyate, while Marko Arnautovic was stationed on the left side of midfield. That changed to a 4-4-1 following the sending off of Carroll, while at half-time, Bilic decided to bolster his midfield by bringing on Pedro Obiang for Arnautovic. That change saw Lanzini shift across to the left.
• What we learned: Carroll will miss Friday night’s home clash with Brighton & Hove Albion due to suspension, so Bilic is likely to revert back to a 4-2-3-1 against the Seagulls. That would allow Lanzini to move into a No 10 role, leaving Obiang and Mark Noble to battle it out for a spot alongside Kouyate at the base of midfield. Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho do provide viable alternatives in attack, though.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, lone striker