Line-Up Lessons – Gameweek 6 – Part Two

Alexis Sanchez is recalled to Arsenal’s starting line-up and takes his first, tentative steps towards Fantasy rehabilitation, but changes are few and far between for many other Gameweek 6 sides.

Here’s part two of Line-up Lessons, where we assess the teamsheets and formations from the latest round of fixtures, with one eye on what’s to come at the weekend.

Part one is available here.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, Kolasinac; Ramsey (Maitland-Niles 90), Sanchez (Ozil 83); Lacazette (Giroud 83). Subs not used: Ospina, Mertesacker, Wilshere, Walcott.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger rolled out the 3-4-2-1 formation once again, but he made a couple of changes from the side that drew 0-0 against Chelsea for the visit of West Bromwich Albion. Alexis Sanchez was recalled in place of the injured Danny Welbeck, while Mohamed Elneny replaced Alex Iwobi. The Egyptian partnered Granit Xhaka in central midfield, with Aaron Ramsey moving into an attacking midfield position flanking Alexandre Lacazette as the lone striker.
• What we learned: Wenger seems settled on the 3-4-2-1, but the inclusion of Ramsey in a more attacking role was an interesting development. Mesut Ozil is back from a knee injury, though, so the Welshman could replace Elneny in central midfield against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, allowing the German to join Sanchez in the advanced midfield positions. Wenger’s team selection in the UEFA Europa League clash against BATE Borisov on Thursday will provide further clues.

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

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Young; Fellaini, Matic; Mata (Herrera 62), Mkhitaryan (Smalling 75), Rashford (Blind 90); Lukaku. Subs not used: Lingard, Martial, Carrick, Romero.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho named the same eleven that disposed of Everton 4-0 for the trip to Southampton, sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation. He again changed to a 4-3-3 during the match, with Ander Herrera coming on to join Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini in central midfield. That then became a 5-3-2 once Chris Smalling was brought on, while Daley Blind was introduced during stoppage time to ensure Mourinho’s side held on for a 1-0 win.
• What we learned: The United line-up continues to appear settled, with only a couple of positions looking uncertain. Ashley Young made a second consecutive start at left-back, but Blind and Matteo Darmian remain viable alternatives. Fellaini hasn’t travelled for the UEFA Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow due to an ankle injury picked up at St Mary’s and has been ruled out of Saturday’s Old Trafford clash with Crystal Palace. Herrera will be favourite to replace the Belgian in central midfield, although Michael Carrick could be an option if fit, given that he is set to miss Wednesday’s tie. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial look set to continue in rotation on the left flank – a situation which appears to be drawing performances from both players. For the first time, Mourinho can choose to play both his first choice centre-backs in Europe in Moscow with Eric Bailly and Phil Jones free from Champions League suspension. That could cast doubt on his chosen back four for the Eagles visit, though after Saturday’s impressive shut-out, the United manager will perhaps be reluctant to make changes ahead of the international break.

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

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Clark, Lascelles, Mbemba (Gamez 82); Hayden (Shelvey 66), Merino; Ritchie, Perez, Atsu; Joselu (Gayle 70). Subs not used: Murphy, Diame, Manquillo, Darlow.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Brighton, with the Magpies again lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The Newcastle boss retained the same system throughout the match.
• What we learned: Despite the 1-0 defeat, Benitez is expected to keep faith in the majority of the same side for Sunday’s home meeting with his former side Liverpool. Shelvey, Gayle and Gamez provide viable alternatives to Isaac Hayden, Joselu and Chancel Mbemba, but remain outsiders to force their way into the starting XI. Aleksandar Mitrovic will be back from suspension to provide another option in attack and could threaten Joselu’s minutes, while Gayle stepped up his match fitness with a run-out for the U23’s on Monday night.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Lone striker

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric Soares (Ward-Prowse 83), Yoshida, Hoedt, Bertrand; Romeu, Lemina; Tadic, Davis (Gabbiadini 73), Redmond; Long (Austin 83). Subs not used: Van Dijk, Hojbjerg, Pied. McCarthy.

• What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino named an unchanged starting XI from the one that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 for the home meeting with Man United, with his side lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Pellegrino changed to a 4-4-2 when Manolo Gabbiadini was introduced, with the Italian ending the match alongside fellow substitute Charlie Austin.
• What we learned: Pellegrino resisted the temptation to hand a first league start of the season to Virgil van Dijk, but with another week’s training behind him, the Dutchman could well replace either Maya Yoshida or Wesley Hoedt in central defence at Stoke City. Gabbiadini and Austin are viable alternatives to Long in attack for Saturday’s trip.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, lone striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Martins Indi (Afellay 76), Pieters; Diouf, Fletcher, Allen, Sobhi; Shaqiri, Choupo-Moting, Jese (Crouch 61). Subs not used: Grant, Tymon, Souttar, Adam, Berahino.

• What we saw: Despite suffering from injuries and Kurt Zouma’s ineligibility to face his parent club, Potters boss Mark Hughes kept faith in the 3-4-3 formation against Chelsea. Ramadan Sobhi was used at left wing-back and this week it was Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who operated as the central striker, with Jese Rodriguez shifting across to the left. Choupo-Moting did return to a wide role once Peter Crouch was introduced. Bruno Martins Indi was forced off with a groin injury, so Darren Fletcher dropped back into defence. Ibrahim Afellay replaced the Scot in midfield, making his first league appearance of the season following a long-term knee injury.
• What we learned: Hughes will be glad he’ll be able to call upon Zouma for Saturday’s home encounter with Southampton, but Kevin Wimmer (hamstring), along with Martins Indi and Ryan Shawcross (back), all remain doubts. Should they remain sidelined, and Hughes sticks with a three-man backline, Johnson looks set to retain his start, although Josh Tymon could be a viable alternative to Sobhi at left wing-back. Changes don’t appear likely further forward, with Crouch and Saido Berahino the only real alternatives available to Hughes.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, left wing-back

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Van der Hoorn (Abraham 46), Fernandez, Mawson; Naughton, Fer, Clucas (Mesa 46), Carroll, Olsson; Ayew, Bony (Sanches 85). Subs not used: Nordtfelt, Rangel, Routledge, Narsingh.

• What we saw: Head coach Paul Clement decided to use a 3-1-4-2 formation against Watford, with Wilfried Bony handed his first league start of the season in place of Tammy Abraham. Renato Sanches also dropped out of the starting XI, with Leroy Fer coming into central midfield. But following a lacklustre first half performance, Clement changed things around at half-time, switching to a 4-1-2-1-2 system. Roque Mesa took over from Sam Clucas in the defensive midfield role, while Abraham joined Bony up front as Jordan Ayew dropped back to the tip of a midfield diamond. Ayew then moved back up front after Sanches was introduced for the final few minutes, with the Portuguese international taking over the attacking midfield role.
• What we learned: Clement continues to switch between a variation of a 3-5-2 and a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, but with a trip to West Ham on Saturday, he may again start with a three-man backline. The aerial presence of Mike van der Hoorn could be favoured to help deal with the threat of Andy Carroll, while the pace of Abraham and Ayew on the counter-attack may mean that Bony drops back to the bench. Mesa could start in place of Clucas, while Leon Britton is another who may return to contention. Sanches is an option in place of either Fer or Tom Carroll. But in the 4-1-2-1-2, Sanches, Fer and Carroll could all join Mesa in midfield. Should Clement consider using a 4-3-3, Luciano Narsingh may be an option on the right, with Ayew potentially operating on the left of a front three.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, forwards

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko (Trippier 78), Dier, Davies; Eriksen (Winks 73), Alli; Kane (Llorente 89). Subs not used: Son, Vorm, Nkoudou, Walker-Peters.

• What we saw: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino tweaked his formation for the trip to West Ham, switching from a 3-3-3-1 system to a 3-4-2-1. This saw Moussa Sissoko play alongside Eric Dier in central midfield. Serge Aurier and Ben Davies started in the wing-back roles in place of Kieran Trippier and Son Heung-min. Following the sending off of Aurier, Pochettino initially brought on Harry Winks for Christian Eriksen, seeing Spurs switch to a 3-4-1-1. Trippier was then brought on at right wing-back.
• What we learned: Sissoko’s versatility means Pochettino can easily switch between the 3-3-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 systems. Mousa Dembele is continuing to struggle with an ankle injury and is a major doubt for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield. Spurs face a trip to Apoel Nicosia this week, so Pochettino’s selection may provide some pointers as to his likely line-up for the weekend. But with Aurier suspended, Trippier should start at right wing-back, with Davies expected to continue at left wing-back. Son provides an attacking alternative should the Spurs boss want to switch to a 4-2-3-1 against the Terriers. Victor Wanyama (knee) looks set to miss out once again, though Eriksen will be expected to be in contention after missing tonight’s European tie through illness.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Femenia, Kabasele, Mariappa, Holebas; Capoue (Wague 46), Doucoure; Carrillo (Pereyra 74), Cleverley, Richarlison; Gray (Deeney 86). Subs not used: Karnezis, Janmaat, Watson, Success.

• What we saw: Marco Silva kept faith in his usual 4-2-3-1 formation for the trip to Swansea, although he was forced into a change in midfield, with Etienne Capoue replacing Nathaniel Chalobah, who suffered a knock to his knee in training. Kiko Femenia was fit to start following a head injury and replaced Daryl Janmaat at right-back. Despite playing well in the first half, Silva changed things at half-time, switching to a 3-4-3. Molla Wague came on to join Christian Kabasele and Adrian Mariappa in central defence, with Tom Cleverley dropping back to partner Abdoulaye Doucoure in the middle of the park.
• What we learned: Despite the tactical change at half-time, it is likely that Silva will continue with the 4-2-3-1 system for Saturday’s trip to West Brom. Should either Sebastian Prodl (hamstring) or Younes Kaboul (leg) be available, they could replace Mariappa in central defence, with Wague another option. Similarly, if Chalobah is passed fit, he may replace Capoue at the base of midfield, though the summer signing will be assessed amid growing reports that he could be sidelined until the New Year. Roberto Pereyra provides an alternative in the attacking midfield positions, but Andre Carrillo, Cleverley and Richarlison could all keep their starting spots at the Hawthorns.

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

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Nyom (Phillips 74); Krychowiak, Barry, Gibbs; Livermore (Morrison 63), Rodriguez; Robson-Kanu (Rondon 64). Subs not used: Myhill, Yacob, Brunt, McClean.

• What we saw: Tony Pulis opted for a defensive 3-5-2 formation against Arsenal, with Craig Dawson moving into central defence and Allan Nyom recalled at right wing-back. Jake Livermore returned in central midfield, while Hal Robson-Kanu joined Jay Rodriguez in attack. After falling 2-0 behind, Pulis switched to a 4-5-1, with Matt Phillips on the right side of midfield and Rodriguez on the left. Salomon Rondon operated as the lone striker.
• What we learned: With a home fixture against Watford this weekend, Pulis is likely to revert to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 system. Phillips should start on the right wing, but Pulis has plenty of options in attack, with Rodriguez, Rondon and Robson-Kanu all possible starters, while Rodriguez is also able to operate on the left. One of Gareth Barry, Grzegorz Krychowiak or Livermore could miss out in central midfield, with Morrison perhaps starting in the No 10 role. Brunt may also push for a start on the left, while in defence, Nyom looks the most at risk, with Ahmed Hegazi another who may be vulnerable as Gareth McAuley edges closer to a first start.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, lone striker

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Fonte (Masuaku 73), Reid, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Cresswell; Antonio (Carroll 28), Hernandez, Arnautovic (Ayew 66). Subs not used: Adrian, Sakho, Byram, Rice.

• What we saw: Hammers boss Slaven Bilic stuck with the 3-4-3 formation for the home clash against Spurs, although there were a few personnel changes. Angelo Ogbonna replaced the injured James Collins in the back three, while the fit-again Mark Noble took over from the sidelined Pedro Obiang in the middle of the park. Andy Carroll was surprisingly dropped to the bench, presumably with Bilic managing his fitness, with Marko Arnautovic returning on the left. That allowed Chicharito to start as the central striker. Bilic was forced to reshuffle things after Michail Antonio went off with a groin injury, with Carroll taking over as the lone striker, forcing Chicharito to the right. The Hammers ended the match in a 4-4-2, with Arthur Masuaku on the left wing and fellow substitute Andre Ayew on the right.
• What we learned: Antonio is a major doubt for Saturday’s home encounter against Swansea, so Carroll looks poised to earn a recall. He could join Chicharito and Arnautovic in a front three, with Ayew another alternative. Obiang seems unlikely to return, with Manuel Lanzini (knee) also set to remain sidelined. The defence looks fairly settled, with Ogbonna’s start probably only at risk if Bilic considers changing to a four-man backline.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, forwards