Virgil van Dijk and Charlie Austin drop to the Southampton bench for a trip to Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino sticks with a 4-2-3-1 for Spurs’ humbling defeat at the Etihad, while Leroy Sane returns to the Man City teamsheet and Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus continue to job share.
Here’s the second of our Line-up Lessons articles – the first is here – assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 18, with one eye on what’s to come over tonight’s Carabao Cup matches and the weekend.
Manchester City
Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Mangala, Delph, De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan (Foden 83), Sterling, Aguero (Jesus 58), Sane (B Silva 85). Subs not used: Bravo, Danilo, Zinchenko, Toure.
- What we saw: Pep Guardiola rolled out his usual 4-1-2-3 formation for the home encounter against Spurs, although he did make a couple of alterations from the side that beat Swansea City 4-0. Kyle Walker returned at right-back in place of Danilo, while Ilkay Gundogan started in place of David Silva, who missed out due to personal reasons. The other change saw Leroy Sane replace Bernardo Silva in the front three. Phil Foden was handed his Premier League debut late on, replacing Gundogan in central midfield.
- What we learned: City’s midweek Carabao Cup trip to Leicester precedes a home clash against Bournemouth, with the league leaders set to play five times in 13 days from Wednesday night onwards. Some rotation appears inevitable, then, with the likes of Danilo, Gundogan and Bernardo Silva all set to be handed at least one start over the festive period. Even Kevin De Bruyne – who has started every Gameweek so far – could be rested over this spell. That, along with Silva’s potential absence, will likely see Gundogan handed further opportunities in midfield, while Yaya Toure could also figure. Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus look set to continue rotating as the central striker – whoever starts against the Foxes on Wednesday may well get the nod at home to Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany and perhaps even John Stones could both return to action at some point over the next four Gameweeks, adding to the competition in central defence.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, flanks, central striker
Manchester United
Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia (Rojo 66), Jones, Smalling, Young; Matic, Herrera; Mata, Lingard (McTominay 86), Rashford (Martial 79); Lukaku. Subs not used: Romero, Lindelof, Ibrahimovic, Shaw.
- What we saw: Jose Mourinho kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation that yielded a 1-0 win over Bournemouth for the trip to West Bromwich Albion, although he did make a couple of personnel changes. Ashley Young returned at left-back in place of Luke Shaw, while Ander Herrera replaced Scott McTominay at the base of midfield. On the left wing, Marcus Rashford came in for Anthony Martial. Mourinho’s first substitution was an enforced one, after Antonio Valencia was withdrawn with a hamstring problem. Marcos Rojo replaced the Ecuadorian, with the Argentinian playing at left-back, seeing Young shift across to right-back.
- What we learned: United travel to Bristol City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before visiting Leicester City on Saturday. Valencia will be assessed ahead of the weekend – while the severity of his hamstring injury is yet to be ascertained, it’s unlikely his manager will take any chances. Young appears a likelier replacement than the likes of Matteo Darmian on the right, allowing Rojo to feature on the opposite flank. Paul Pogba will be available to return from suspension on Wednesday night and could get some minutes under his belt before starting at the King Power Stadium. He is set to replace Herrera at the base of midfield, while Martial is a viable alternative in the attacking midfield positions, most likely in place of Rashford. The minutes of the pair in midweek should provide some clues as to who will get the start. The same applies elsewhere in the starting XI, with Mourinho likely to hand some fringe players pitch-time in Bristol. Romelu Lukaku is another who should be rested in that tie, depending on the fitness levels of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central midfield, left wing
Newcastle United
Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo; Murphy (Gayle 67), Merino (Diame 82), Hayden, Atsu (Ritchie 54); Joselu, Perez. Subs not used: Darlow, Clark, Dummett, Aarons.
- What we saw: Rafa Benitez surprisingly opted for a 4-4-2 formation for the trip to Arsenal, pairing Ayoze Perez and Joselu up front. Jacob Murphy returned out wide for the Magpies, replacing Matt Ritchie, while Isaac Hayden took over from the suspended Jonjo Shelvey in central midfield. There was also a change in goal, with Rob Elliot ousting Karl Darlow. Benitez’s side ended the match with Ritchie (right) and Perez (left) out wide, leaving Joselu and substitute Gayle up front.
- What we learned: While the Newcastle defence is fairly settled, rotation seems set to continue in the attacking areas over the hectic festive period. Gayle is likely to earn a recall for Saturday’s trip to West Ham United, with one of Perez or Joselu set to make way. Ritchie is another who should return, seeing either Murphy or Atsu drop to the bench. Mo Diame provides another option, either in central midfield or in a central support role. Following a reasonable performance at the Emirates, Elliot will be expected to retain his place in goal for the foreseeable future.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, forwards
Southampton
Starting XI: Forster; Stephens, Yoshida, Hoedt; Cedric Soares (Lemina 17), Romeu, Hojbjerg (Boufal 72), Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Redmond; Gabbiadini (Austin 61). Subs not used: McCarthy, Davis, Tadic, Van Dijk.
- What we saw: Mauricio Pellegrino chose to go with a 3-4-2-1 system for the trip to Chelsea, with Jack Stephens, Wesley Hoedt and Maya Yoshida forming the three-man defence, that saw Virgil van Dijk drop to the bench. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg returned in central midfield in place of Mario Lemina, while James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond were recalled in the advanced midfield positions. Manolo Gabbiadini was preferred to Charlie Austin up front. But a knock to Cedric Soares forced the Saints boss into a reshuffle, switching to a 4-3-3 formation. Stephens moved to right-back, with Lemina was brought on to join Oriol Romeu and Hojbjerg in central midfield. They ended the match in a 4-2-3-1, with substitute Sofiane Boufal taking up the No 10 position, flanked by Ward-Prowse (right) and Redmond (left) behind lone striker Austin.
- What we learned: With a home clash against Huddersfield Town up next on Saturday, Pellegrino is likely to opt for a more attacking 4-2-3-1 system. Austin should start as the lone striker, while Boufal and Dusan Tadic are likely to push for recalls in the attacking midfield positions. Steven Davis provides another alternative, while Lemina may replace Hojbjerg in central midfield. Soares – by his own admission on social media – is set to be ruled out so Jeremy Pied could start at right-back, with Stephens the other option. Ryan Bertand is also a concern after he was forced off late at Chelsea so that could see Matt Targett or Sam McQueen drafted in over the festive period. Following a reasonably solid display at Stamford Bridge, Van Dijk may not necessarily earn a recall against the Terriers as rumours continue over a possible January exit. Given Southampton’s poor form, the chances of numerous changes over the festive period appear high as Pellegrino looks to stumble upon a winning formula.
Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone forward
Stoke City
Starting XI: Butland, Cameron, Shawcross, Wimmer, Pieters (Tymon 63), Shaqiri, Fletcher (Adam 62), Allen, Sobhi, Diouf (Berahino 62), Crouch. Subs not used: Choupo-Moting, Ngoy, Grant, Edwards.
- What we saw: Mark Hughes kept faith in the 4-4-2 formation he used in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley for the home meeting with West Ham United. He was forced to make one change to the starting XI, with Kevin Wimmer coming in for the injured Kurt Zouma in central defence. Erik Pieters was forced off with a knock just after the hour mark, handing Josh Tymon a first appearance of the season in a straight swap at left-back.
- What we learned: While the Potters went down to a 3-0 defeat to the Hammers, Hughes could still keep faith in the 4-4-2 system for the home clash against West Bromwich Albion, which would make personnel changes less likely. If Pieters is ruled out, Tymon looks set to start at left-back, while Charlie Adam is a possible alternative to Darren Fletcher in central midfield. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been named among the substitutes for the last two matches but may challenge for a recall on the left in place of Ramadan Sobhi. Saido Berahino could be an option to start in attack against his former club.
Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central midfield, left wing, forwards
Swansea City
Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Mesa; Narsingh, Fer, Carroll (Clucas 80), Dyer (Ayew 74); Bony (Abraham 4). Subs not used: van der Hoorn, Nordfeldt, Rangel, Sanches.
- What we saw: Paul Clement kept faith in the 4-1-4-1 formation for the trip to Everton, with the three changes seeing Federico Fernandez, Leroy Fer and Luciano Narsingh start in place of Mike van der Hoorn, Ki Sung-yeung and Jordan Ayew. But the Swans head coach was forced into making an early change, after Wilfried Bony aggravated a hamstring problem suffered against Manchester City. He was replaced by Tammy Abraham in a straight swap.
- What we learned: Bony appears to have little chance of being fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, so Abraham looks set to start as the lone striker. Ayew is a viable starter on either flank, while Ki should also come into contention for a place in central midfield providing he recovers from a calf complaint. Sam Clucas is another alternative in the middle of the park. But in general, Clement appears to have few options to help turn results around.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, lone striker
Tottenham Hotspur
Starting XI: Lloris, Trippier, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose (Davies 89), Dembele, Winks, Eriksen, Alli (Sissoko 84), Son Heung-min (Lamela 77), Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Llorente, Foyth, Aurier.
- What we saw: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation that saw his side beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 for the trip to Manchester City. Kieran Trippier, Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli were handed recalls in place of Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko and Erik Lamela.
- What we learned: With Davinson Sanchez available for Saturday’s trip to Burnley after completing his three-match ban, Pochettino now has the option to switch back to a three-man defence. But such is the form of Son Heung-min that a 4-2-3-1 could be retained at Turf Moor. Sanchez’s return does give the Spurs boss the option to start Eric Dier at the base of midfield, though, with one of Dembele or Harry Winks then at risk of being dropped. Rotation in the full-back positions looks destined to continue over the festive period, with Ben Davies perhaps set to come back into contention at the weekend.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central defenders, central midfield
Watford
Starting XI: Gomes; Mariappa (Pereyra 29), Prodl, Kabasele; Janmaat, Doucoure, Capoue (Gray 64), Holebas (Okaka 82); Carrillo, Richarlison; Deeney. Subs not used: Karnezis, Wague, Watson, Sinclair.
- What we saw: Marco Silva kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 system for the home meeting with Huddersfield Town, but he was forced into making one change from the side that lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace. Tom Cleverley missed out due to suspension, so Etienne Capoue earned a rare start in central midfield. But after falling two goals behind, Silva decided to bring on Roberto Pereyra for Adrian Mariappa in a tactical change, seeing the Hornets switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation. That soon became a 4-3-2 though, following the sending off of Troy Deeney, with Pereyra dropping back into central midfield, leaving Andre Carrillo and Richarlison as wide forwards in attack. The Hornets ended the match in a 3-2-4 formation, with substitutes Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka flanked by Carrillo and Richarlison.
- What we learned: Abdoulaye Doucoure picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Huddersfield, so both he and Deeney will miss Saturday’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion due to suspension. Cleverley will be available to return, however, so he should partner Capoue in central midfield. Gray looks set to replace Deeney up front, while Pereyra is an option to either replace Carrillo or join the Peruvian and Richarlison in the advanced midfield positions if Silva switches from a 3-4-2-1 to 4-2-3-1. In that scenario, Mariappa appears the defender most likely to drop to the bench. Marvin Zeegelaar will return from suspension in Gameweek 20 and is expected to replace Jose Holebas on the left side of the defence against Leicester City. Kiko Femenia is expected to come in for Daryl Janmaat on the opposite flank once he recovers from a hamstring problem.
Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker
West Bromwich Albion
Starting XI: Foster; Nyom, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Burke (Rodriguez 64), Livermore, Yacob (Barry 46), Krychowiak (Brunt 71), McClean; Rondon. Subs not used: Myhill, Robson-Kanu, McAuley, Field.
- What we saw: Alan Pardew only made one adjustment from the side that drew 0-0 at Liverpool for the home encounter against Manchester United, with Oliver Burke starting in place of Hal Robson-Kanu. The Scotland international was stationed on the right wing in the 4-1-4-1 system used by the Baggies’ head coach. With his side trailing 2-0 at half-time, Pardew decided to make a tactical change, with the fit-again Gareth Barry brought on for Claudio Yacob, seeing the hosts switch to more of a 4-4-2 formation, with Burke shifted into central midfield. West Brom ended the match with a 4-2-3-1, with James McClean (right) and substitute Chris Brunt (left) out wide, while fellow substitute Jay Rodriguez was stationed just behind lone striker Salomon Rondon.
- What we learned: With just one goal from four matches since he took charge, Pardew is still searching for the right combination in attack. The former Crystal Palace boss has talked up Rodriguez as a No 10, so a switch to a 4-4-1-1 could be possible for Saturday’s trip to Stoke. Brunt made a decent impact off the bench on Sunday, so he and McClean are contenders to start out wide. Robson-Kanu may only have a chance of returning to the side if Pardew reverts back to a 4-3-3. In central midfield, Barry should start, probably at the expense of Yacob, while Sam Field provides another viable option.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield
West Ham United
Starting XI: Adrian, Ogbonna, Collins, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Obiang, Noble (Rice 35), Masuaku, Lanzini, Antonio (Sakho 68), Arnautovic (Chicharito 79). Subs not used: Ayew, Haksabanovic, Hart, Makasi.
- What we saw: David Moyes was forced into making one change for the trip to Stoke City, with the fit-again James Collins coming in for the suspended Winston Reid. The Hammers boss kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 system, although it was Marko Arnautovic who took up the lone striker role against his former club. That saw Michail Antonio move back alongside Manuel Lanzini in the advanced midfield positions. The Hammers boss was forced into making a first-half substitution, after Mark Noble picked up a hamstring problem. He was replaced by Declan Rice in a straight swap. The visitors ended the match with substitutes Diafra Sakho and Chicharito up front, leaving Lanzini in a No 10 position. Arnautovic had to be replaced after suffering a calf injury.
- What we learned: Moyes’ side travel to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup tonight before hosting Newcastle United on Saturday. Providing Noble, Arnautovic and Pablo Zabaleta – who has picked up a dead leg – are all fit to start, changes should be at a minimum. Moyes will be without Manuel Lanzini, however. His FA charge of a “successful deception of a match official” has been upheld and the Argentinian will now miss Tuesday’s tie and the Magpies clash. Should one of Sakho, Chicharito, Andre Ayew or Andy Carroll impress against the Gunners, they will be in the box seat to replace Lanzini in attack. Elsewhere, Reid will be available again after serving his one-match ban and he will be expected to oust Collins in the three-man defence. If Cheikhou Kouyate (hamstring) and Edimilson Fernandes (ankle) remain out, Rice will be on standby to replace Noble in the middle of the park. Finally, Joe Hart will start in goal on Tuesday, which appears to strengthen Adrian’s position as the first choice option in the league.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right wing-back, Central midfield, attacking midfield, forwards
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