Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 10 – Part One

Riyad Mahrez is handed a central support spot in Claude Puel’s first match in charge of Leicester City. Gylfi Sigurdsson drops to the Everton bench as temporary manager David Unsworth tinkers with his tactics, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek makes a return to the Crystal Palace teamsheet to provide a last-gasp assist in the draw with West Ham.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 10, with one eye on what’s to come over the midweek European matches and the weekend.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Bellerin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Kolasinac (Holding 78); Ozil, Sanchez; Lacazette (Giroud 81). Subs not used: Wilshere, Walcott, Iwobi, Coquelin, Macey.

• What we saw: Unsurprisingly, Arsene Wenger named the same line-up that beat Everton 5-2 for the home encounter against Swansea City. Sead Kolasinac was forced off with an ongoing hip problem late on, with Rob Holding coming on in central defence, allowing Nacho Monreal to shift across to left wing-back.
• What we learned: With the Gunners facing a trip to Manchester City on Sunday, Wenger could consider making a change or two in central midfield. But given the recent form of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil, it’s unlikely that either Francis Coquelin or Mohamed Elneny will be brought into the starting XI to partner Granit Xhaka. Monreal provides cover at left wing-back should Kolasinac be ruled out against City, with Holding then the option to come into central defence. The Bosnian’s injury is said to be a recurring issue, though, and he is expected to retain his start at the Etihad Stadium.

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

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic; S Cook, Ake, Francis; Smith, L Cook, Surman, Daniels; Stanislas (Pugh 63); Afobe (Wilson 74), Defoe (Ibe 46). Subs not used: Boruc, Gosling, Arter, Mousset.

• What we saw: Having favoured a four-man defence in recent matches, Eddie Howe switched back to a three-man backline for the visit of Chelsea to the Vitality Stadium. Steve Cook was recalled at centre-half, while Junior Stanislas was deployed in a central attacking midfield role behind the front pairing of Jermain Defoe and Benik Afobe in a 3-4-1-2 formation. But the Cherries boss decided to change to a 3-4-3 at half-time, with Jordon Ibe replacing Defoe. The substitute operated on the right of the front three as Stanislas moved across to the left.
• What we learned: With Bournemouth still struggling for results, Howe is continuing to experiment with different systems. His side travel to Newcastle United on Saturday, so there is a good chance he reverts back to a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Stanislas and Afobe were both forced off and are early doubts for the weekend, with the former’s recurrence of a groin complaint a major concern that is set to rule him out for several weeks. Elsewhere, Howe will be desperate for Josh King to recover from a back injury as Defoe continues to struggle for form. The likes of Ibe, Marc Pugh and Lys Mousset provide attacking alternatives, while Callum Wilson is now also pressing for a starting role. At the back, Steve Cook is the likeliest to drop back to the bench should Howe opt for a four-man defence.

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

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo (March 87); Gross (Brown 84); Murray. Subs not used: Hemed, Goldson, Schelotto, Krul, Suttner.

• What we saw: Chris Hughton was another manager who named an unchanged starting XI, following the Seagulls’ 3-0 win over West Ham United. Pascal Gross was used in more of a central support role against Southampton, though, seeing Brighton line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Gaetan Bong was again preferred to Markus Suttner at left-back.
• What we learned: After another encouraging performance, changes aren’t expected for Saturday’s trip to Swansea City. Solly March provides a strong alternative on the left wing, but Jose Izquierdo may well keep hold of his starting berth. Similarly, Tomer Hemed will have to remain patient in order to steal the lone striker spot back from the in-form Glenn Murray. Bong looks to have won his manager’s confidence leaving Suttner potentially frozen out for now.

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

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger; Zappacosta, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Alonso; Pedro (Drinkwater 79), Hazard (Willian 85) Morata (Batshuayi 79). Subs not used: Caballero, Cahill, Christensen, Ampadu.

• What we saw: Antonio Conte decided to hand a first league start to Davide Zappacosta at right wing-back. This saw Cesar Azpilicueta move back into central defence as Gary Cahill dropped to the bench. The Blues ended the match at Bournemouth in a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Willian stationed just behind lone striker Michy Batshuayi, while Danny Drinkwater came on in central midfield to make his first Premier League appearance for the champions.
• What we learned: Cahill’s omission at the Vitality Stadium was likely influenced by Tuesday’s Champions League visit to Roma, though the Blues captain did perhaps struggle against Watford in Gameweek 9. Cahill was also rested at Stoke City prior to the tip to Atletico Madrid, and it appears that this could be a regular ploy by Conte prior to away ties. But the manager’s confidence in Zappacosta will have increased after the clean sheet against the Cherries, perhaps promoting further rotation. The Roma clash is set to come too soon for Victor Moses, with a return after the international break the most likely outcome. He is set to sit out for Man United’s visit, though N’Golo Kante could return. The midfielder has trained today ahead of tomorrow’s tie but could be preserved for Sunday’s clash. If available for United’s visit, Conte may consider using a 3-5-1-1, starting Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko in the middle of the park, leaving Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata in attack, relegating Pedro to the bench.

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

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Speroni; Ward (Sako 62), Tomkins, Dann, van Aanholt (Fosu-Mensah 12); Milivojevic, Cabaye, Loftus-Cheek; Townsend, Schlupp; Zaha. Subs not used: Hennessey, Delaney, Kelly, Puncheon, Riedewald.

• What we saw: Roy Hodgson once again turned to a 4-4-2 formation for the home fixture against West Ham United, although he was forced into changes. Mamadou Sakho (calf) and James McArthur (knock) were both ruled out, seeing James Tomkins and Ruben Loftus-Cheek come into the side. But Hodgson was also forced into an early reshuffle after Patrick van Aanholt sustained a hamstring injury. Timothy Fosu-Mensah came on at left-back but then switched flanks upon the introduction of Bakary Sako just after the hour-mark as Joel Ward made way. Sako took up the right wing role, with Loftus-Cheek moving over to the left as Jeffrey Schlupp slotted into the left-back berth.
• What we learned: Much now depends on the fitness of Sakho and Van Aanholt for Palace’s trip to Spurs on Sunday. Tomkins would seem set to continue alongside Scott Dann if Sakho’s setback keeps him sidelined, while Schlupp, Fosu-Mensah and Ward are versatile enough to deputise if, as expected, Van Aanholt misses out. Loftus-Cheek could be utilised on the left if Schlupp is moved into defence. Intriguingly, Julian Speroni started his third consecutive match on Saturday and now looks to be Hodgson’s first choice goalkeeper ahead of Wayne Hennessey.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, full-backs, flanks

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford, Kenny, Jagielka, Williams, Baines, Mirallas (Niasse 46), Davies, Gueye, Lennon (Beningime 46), Rooney (Sigurdsson 74), Calvert-Lewin. Subs not used: Schneiderlin, Holgate, Lookman, Robles.

• What we saw: Caretaker manager David Unsworth switched to an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation for the trip to Leicester City, with Aaron Lennon (right) and Kevin Mirallas (left) starting out wide. Tom Davies was preferred to Morgan Schneiderlin at the base of midfield, while Jonjoe Kenny started at right-back once again. But after falling 2-0 behind by half-time, Unsworth decided to bring on Beni Baningime and Oumar Niasse for Mirallas and Lennon. Those changes saw the Toffees switch to a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, with Niasse joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front. Baningime operated as the defensive midfielder, with Idrissa Gueye and Davies on the sides of a midfield diamond. Gylfi Sigurdsson took over from Wayne Rooney at the tip of the diamond for the final 16 minutes.
• What we learned: In an effort to address Everton’s failings in front of goal, Unsworth went on the attack at the King Power Stadium. But after abandoning the idea of wingers at half-time, there remains little certainty as to how the Toffees will line up against Watford on Sunday. In a 4-2-3-1, the starting XI could be similar to the side that faced the Foxes, with Ademola Lookman an alternative out wide, and Niasse a different option to Calvert-Lewin up front. Nikola VlaÅ¡ić was omitted – apparently for tactical reasons – on Sunday, and he could come back into the frame. Sigurdsson will also be seeking a return having played every minute of the previous seven Gameweeks prior to Ronald Koeman’s departure. Schneiderlin will be another pushing for a recall in the midfield engine room, while Mason Holgate in the main alternative in defence, either at right-back or centre-back. Fellow defender Michael Keane is dealing with an infection following his recent foot injury. He will be assessed ahead of the Hornets visit.

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

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl; Smith (Hadergjonaj 69), Jorgensen, Schindler, Lowe; Hogg; Van La Parra (Kachunga 33), Williams (Mounie 69), Mooy, Ince; Depoitre. Subs not used: Malone, Cranie, Quaner, Green.

• What we saw: The Terriers lined up in a 4-1-4-1 system against Liverpool, with Jonathan Hogg stationed just in front of the back four, leaving Danny Williams and Aaron Mooy further forward in central midfield. Rajiv van La Parra was recalled on the right side of midfield in place of Elias Kachunga, but that change was reversed during the first half after the former picked up a groin problem. David Wagner switched to a 4-4-2 for the final 20 minutes, with Steve Mounie joining Laurent Depoitre in attack.
• What we learned: With Huddersfield hosting West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Wagner could well switch back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. If Van La Parra is ruled out, Abdelhamid Sabiri may be an option to start in the No 10 role, though Tom Ince could also take up a central spot. Up front, Mounie could be ready to return to the starting XI in place of Depoitre, although Wagner could also consider starting with both strikers. Tommy Smith was replaced by Florent Haderergjonaj after enduring a tough afternoon at Anfield, but he will be expected to retain his berth at right-back.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel, Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs, Mahrez (Okazaki 75), Ndidi, Iborra, Chilwell (Albrighton 83), Gray, Vardy (Iheanacho 89). Subs not used: King, Hamer, Dragovic, Slimani.

• What we saw: Claude Puel made two key personnel changes for his first match in charge at home to Everton. Demarai Gray came in to start on the right side of midfield, with Ben Chilwell stationed on the left wing, seeing Riyad Mahrez move into a central support role behind lone striker Jamie Vardy in a 4-2-3-1 system. Marc Albrighton and Shinji Okazaki dropped to the bench.
• What we learned: After getting off to a convincing start – particularly on the evidence of the first half – Puel may consider naming an unchanged starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Stoke City. Albrighton and Okazaki are viable alternatives, although the decision to move Mahrez centrally, handing Gray just his second start, paid off handsomely.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip, Klavan, Moreno; Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah (Solanke 81), Sturridge 7.5 (Emre Can 74), Firmino (Oxlade-Chamberlain 66). Subs not used: Karius, Woodburn, Robertson, Grujic.

• What we saw: In the absence of the injured Philippe Coutinho (groin), Jurgen Klopp handed a start to Daniel Sturridge. Meanwhile, with Dejan Lovren picking up a groin problem in the warm-up, Ragnar Klavan was a late replacement in defence. Roberto Firmino moved to the left of the front three to allow Sturridge to start as the central striker, while Georginio Wijnaldum returned to the side in central midfield following a knee injury, replacing Emre Can. The Reds ended the match with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right of the front three, Dominic Solanke as the central striker and Wijnaldum on the left.
• What we learned: Klopp will hope that Coutinho will be fit to return for Saturday’s trip to West Ham United, although his rest may be extended over the international break. If the Brazilian is in contention, Sturridge looks the player most likely to drop to the bench, allowing Firmino to return as the central striker. That is unless Coutinho is used as part of the three-man midfield, allowing the front three to remain unchanged. Emre Can offers another option in central midfield. After a fourth clean sheet at Anfield, Klavan could get the opportunity to retain his start in central defence, even if Lovren is available.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, left wing, central striker

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, D Silva; Sane, Gabriel Jesus (Gundogan 82), B Silva (Sterling 61). Subs not used: Bravo, Danilo, Aguero, Mangala, Toure.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola made just one adjustment for the trip to West Bromwich Albion, with Gabriel Jesus replacing Sergio Aguero as the central striker following the Argentine’s heavy workload in the two previous matches. Bernardo Silva made a second consecutive start on the right of the front three in the usual 4-1-2-3 formation. Man City ended the match with a packed midfield after Guardiola brought on Ilkay Gundogan for Jesus, leaving Leroy Sane and substitute Raheem Sterling in attack.
• What we learned: The benching of Aguero was not a huge shock given his involvement in the previous two matches – including the full 120 minutes in the midweek EFL Cup tie. Sterling’s omission was perhaps more of a surprise, despite the fact that he also figured for the full match against Wolves. The winger also sat out Gameweek 9, while Sane has now started five successive league outings. All eyes will now be on Guardiola’s teamsheet for the UEFA Champions League trip to Napoli ahead of Sunday’s home meeting with Arsenal. It’s perhaps unlikely that Bernardo Silva will start against the Gunners, so three from Aguero, Jesus, Sterling and Sane are set to battle it out for the trio of attacking spots. The rest of the starting XI could remain unchanged, with Danilo offering cover in the full-back positions. Vincent Kompany (calf) is close to a return with the central defender set to return following the international break.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Flanks, central striker

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