With so much to take in from the opening Gameweek, we’ve decided to accompany our regular Scout Notes with an assessment of each starting XI from the weekend, in order to attempt to draw some conclusions on selection and formation for the weeks that follow.
Arsenal
Starting XI: Cech; Debuchy (Sanchez 67), Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Walcott 58), Ramsey; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud
Arsene Wenger’s decision to bench Theo Walcott was undoubtedly the biggest “lesson” and talking point of the weekend, as Olivier Giroud led the line at home to West Ham. We felt Walcott had the advantage following his strong pre-season but, clearly, Wenger had his own tactical reasons behind reinstalling Giroud, having benched him against Chelsea in the Community Shield. It may well be that, with defences dropping deep at the Emirates, Wenger has identified Walcott’s pace as more effective on the road. With that in mind, Walcott owners, while bitterly disappointed about Sunday’s cameo, will be best to sit tight ahead of the Gameweek 2 trip to Palace. Elsewhere, Alexis Sanchez was immediately named on the bench despite his Copa America exertions and he also looks set to play a bigger role at Selhurst Park next time out, having seen action. Hector Bellerin missed out with a muscular injury, allowing Mathieu Debuchy a start, though the rest was as expected for Arsenal, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s fine pre-season rewarded with a role on the right flank.
Aston Villa
Starting XI: Guzan; Bacuna, Richards, Clark, Amavi; Veretout (Sanchez 71), Gueye, Westwood; Ayew (Gestede 59), Agbonlahor, Sinclair (Richardson 78).
After featuring in midfield for most of the summer, Leandro Bacuna was utilised as a right-back, with Alan Hutton dropping to the bench. Bacuna’s role or position could change once Jose Crespo is fully fit. Tim Sherwood opted for a 4-3-3, with Scott Sinclair and Jordan Ayew on the left and right of the front three. The Villa boss immediately handed five of the summer signings a place in the XI and revealed that match winner Rudy Gestede started as a sub as he had only played 45 minutes over pre-season. Gestede may now be unleashed on the United back four in Gameweek 2.
Bournemouth
Starting XI: Boruc; Francis, Cook, Elphick, Daniels; Ritchie, Gosling (O’Kane, 84), Surman, Pugh (Gradel, 68); Wilson, King (Kermorgant, 52).
The big surprise was Eddie Howe’s decision to continue with last season’s back four, which meant that new boys Sylvain Distin and Tyrone Mings warmed the bench. Howe did suggest post-match that Mings was not yet considered fully match fit for selection, so that could well change in the coming weeks with Charlie Daniels’ start at left-back under threat. Another new signing, Max Gradel, also started life as a sub, with Marc Pugh earning the left wing berth. Howe started with a 4-4-2, with Joshua King (a 5.0-priced midfielder) alongside Callum Wilson up front, before the introduction of Yann Kermorgant saw the Cherries switch to 4-4-1-1.
Chelsea
Starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas (Zouma 76); Willian (Falcao 84), Oscar (Begovic 54), Hazard; Costa.
There were no surprises at all over Jose Mourinho’s starting XI. Oscar started in the attacking midfield three, with Cesc Fabregas partnering Nemanja Matic in the double-pivot before Thibaut Courtois’ dismissal forced a reshuffle. Despite playing with ten men from 52 minutes onwards, Mourinho only called upon Radamel Falcao with six minutes remaining. As we mentioned in today’s Scout Notes, Oscar’s selection in the “number ten” role, coupled with his new monopoly of set-plays looks set to keep Fabregas’ Fantasy appeal in check for the time being.
Crystal Palace
Starting XI: McCarthy; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; McArthur, Cabaye; Zaha (Bolasie 72), Mutch (Jedinak 72), Puncheon; Murray (Wickham 82).
Alex McCarthy (4.0) got the nod over Wayne Hennessey in goal in the absence of Julian Speroni. Alan Pardew chose to ease Yannick Bolasie into action after the winger struggled with a hamstring problem over the summer – this allowed Jordon Mutch to start in the attacking midfield three, with Mile Jedinak dropping to the bench as Yohan Cabaye was stationed in the double-pivot. Glenn Murray is currently in pole position for the lone striker role, with both Connor Wickham and Patrick Bamford starting on the bench. Murray is, however, subject to interest from Bournemouth and could well move on before the transfer window closes.
Everton
Starting XI: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway (Kone 62); McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas (Oviedo 76), Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku (Naismith 90)
With Leighton Baines stricken by further ankle injury woes, Roberto Martinez started with Brendan Galloway (4.5) at left-back but hauled the youngster off just after the hour mark, moving Gareth Barry into defence. The Toffees boss started with Tom Cleverley in the attacking midfield three before switching to a two-man frontline, with Arouna Kone partnering Romelu Lukaku up top. The likes of Leon Osman and Steven Naismith were unused subs and they now appear to have slipped down the midfield pecking order.
Leicester
Starting XI: Schmeichel, De Laet (Benalouane 75), Huth, Morgan, Schlupp; Albrighton, Drinkwater, King, Mahrez (Fuchs 77); Okazaki, Vardy (Kanté 82)
Having utilised a 3-4-1-2 in all but one of the summer friendlies, Claudio Ranieri opted for a 4-4-1-1/4-4-2 for the visit of Sunderland. Given that the Italian admitted he’ll switch between systems over the season, it looks likely that only Robert Huth and Wes Morgan are nailed on at centre-half, whilst Ritchie de Laet seems the first-choice right-back in a four-man defence. Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton lined up on the flanks, whilst Ranieri’s decision to partner Jamie Vardy with Shinji Okazaki has already forced a Watchlist alteration with Leonardo Ulloa shifted down the Foxes pecking order, allowing Mahrez to take on spot-kick duties. New boys Yohan Benalouane and N’Golo Kante featured from the bench as they step up their fitness – they will likely figure in the coming weeks, although starts at West Ham in Gameweek 2 look unlikely given the Foxes’ performance.
Liverpool
Starting XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Milner, Henderson; Ibe (Firmino 78), Coutinho, Lallana (Can 63); Benteke.
Brendan Rodgers handed four of his summer signings a first start at the Britannia. Joe Gomez (4.5 in FPL) and Nathaniel Clyne were afforded the full-back berths, James Milner partnered Jordan Henderson in the double-pivot, whilst Christian Benteke led the line as the Reds boss started with a 4-2-3-1. Jordon Ibe and Adam Lallana were fielded on the flanks, with Philippe Coutinho in behind Benteke. Rodgers’ switch to 4-3-3 proved pivotal, with Emre Can coming on for Lallana and Coutinho moving to the left of a front three. Roberto Firmino was afforded just 13 minutes off the bench, suggesting he’ll be eased into action after a late return to pre-season training. Gomez’ appeal as a budget route into the Liverpool defence ahead of their favourable home clash with Bournemouth provides an early temptation, although it should be noted that Liverpool are reportedly in the hunt for further reinforcements at left-back.
Man United
Starting XI: Romero; Darmian (Valencia 80), Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick (Schweinsteiger 60), Schneiderlin; Mata, Depay, (Herrera 68), Young; Rooney
The United XI was pretty much as anticipated, with Sergio Romero selected over Sam Johnstone in goal after Louis van Gaal chose to take David De Gea out of the picture. Bastian Schweinsteiger was utilised off the bench and is clearly threatening to oust Michael Carrick from the first team as he builds up his fitness.
Newcastle
Starting XI: Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Anita (Tiote 68), Colback; Sissoko, Wijnaldum (De Jong 81), Obertan; Cisse (Mitrovic 75).
Despite a lack of competitive minutes over the summer, Steven McClaren thrust Fabricio Coloccini and Chancel Mbemba immediately into the heart of Newcastle’s defence – a clear indication they are his first-choice pairing for the season ahead. Another surprise was Gabriel Obertan’s start on the left, with the winger supplying an assist to possibly keep ahead of the likes of Rolando Aarons, Siem de Jong and Ayoze Perez for a role in the attacking midfield three in the Magpies’ 4-2-3-1. Papiss Cisse’s goal strengthened his chances of starting next weekend, with new boy Aleksandar Mitrovic likely to be introduced off the bench again.
Norwich
Starting XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin, Bassong, Brady; Dorrans (Hooper 80), Tettey (Redmond 53), Howson, Johnson; Hoolahan; Grabban (Jerome 53)
There were a couple of surprises here: Alex Neil opted for Lewis Grabban ahead of Cameron Jerome as the lone striker, whilst Nathan Redmond – perhaps due to his England U21 summer duties – was named amongst the subs. Both Jerome and Redmond impressed off the bench, though, and could have played their way into next week’s XI. Steven Whittaker remains ahead of Andre Wisdom at right-back, whilst Robbie Brady looks set to cover at left-back until Martin Olsson is fit.
Southampton
Starting XI: Stekelenburg; Soares (Martina 46), Fonte, Yoshida, Targett; Wanyama, S Davis; Tadic, Mane, Rodriguez (Long 66), Pelle
After suggesting only last week that Jay Rodriguez wouldn’t start Gameweek 1, Ronald Koeman handed the forward a place in the attacking midfield three alongside Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic. Shane Long threw his hat in the ring for a start next weekend, though, after emerging from the bench to rescue a point. The versatile Steven Davis dropped into the double-pivot due to Jordy Clasie’s absence, meaning James Ward-Prowse was an unused sub. At the back, Koeman opted for Maya Yoshida as Jose Fonte’s partner at centre-half – at 4.5, the Japan international looks in the driving seat here unless his manager brings in further options. As expected, Matt Targett should keep the left-back berth until Ryan Bertrand returns from injury. Soares was replaced at half-time having received a first-half booking.
Stoke
Starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters (Wollscheid 46); Van Ginkel, Whelan; Walters, Adam (Sidwell 78), Afellay (Odemwingie 79); Diouf.
Marc Wilson failed to recover from an ankle problem, and with Ryan Shawcross sidelined for a couple of months, Geoff Cameron got the nod to partner Marc Muniesa at centre-half. Philipp Wollscheid came on at the break after Erik Pieters was withdrawn injured. The on-loan Marco van Ginkel looks to have secured a spot in the double-pivot, whilst Ibrahim Afellay was handed a first league start on the left in the absence of Marko Arnautovic. Mame Biram Diouf currently remains ahead of new boy Joselu for the lone striker role.
Sunderland
Starting XI: Pantilimon; Jones (Matthews 54), Coates, Kaboul, Van Aanholt; Cattermole (Fletcher 30), Larsson, Rodwell; Johnson, Defoe, Lens.
Younes Kaboul was selected alongside Seb Coates in the heart of the Sunderland back-four, with skipper John O’Shea dropping to the bench. Dick Advocaat started with a 4-3-3 but switched to a 4-4-2 after his side went 3-0 down within half an hour, with Steven Fletcher – on for Lee Cattermole – partnering Jermain Defoe up front. Changes should be expected for the home meeting with Norwich in Gameweek 2 with O’Shea surely considered for a recall. Billy Jones’s start could also be under threat – he was replaced by new signing Adam Matthews early in the second half at Leicester having received a yellow card. New midfield signing, Yann M’Vila, could soon threaten the midfield roles but it should be noted that he was sent off for the U21’s on his debut on Sunday after a “coming together” with a Norwich player.
Swansea
Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki (Cork 41), Shelvey; Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero (Routledge 71); Gomis (Eder 79).
Swansea’s line-up already looks settled with just the central midfield berths up for grabs. In defence, Neil Taylor looks to be ahead of new boy Franck Tabanou for the left-back berth. Garry Monk opted for Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-Yeung in the double-pivot in a 4-2-3-1, though the latter’s withdrawal due to injury allowed Jack Cork to step back in, having been benched. The Swans boss also seems to favour Andre Ayew as an inverted winger on the right, with Jefferson Montero offering more width on the opposite flank either side of Bafetimbi Gomis up front. Wayne Routledge was introduced from the bench but could face a tough task to reclaim a starting role.
Tottenham
Starting XI: Vorm; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Bentaleb (Mason 53), Dier (Alli 78): Dembele (Lamela 68), Eriksen, Chadli; Kane.
Kyle Walker kept the right-back berth ahead of new boy Kieran Trippier, with Ben Davies only starting on the opposite side of defence due to an injury to Danny Rose. Erik Dier (listed as a defender across the Fantasy games) got the nod in the double-pivot, though it’s worth noting that Ryan Mason had missed a chunk of pre-season with injury. Similarly, Michel Vorm was picked in goal as Hugo Lloris had not long recovered from a wrist problem. Mousa Dembele got the nod ahead of Erik Lamela for a role in the attacking midfield three as Mauricio Pochettino shifted him out to the right flank.
Watford
Starting XI: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami (Watson, 79); Anya, Jurado (Ighalo, 73), Layun (Paredes, 60); Deeney.
With the likes of Steven Berghuis and Almen Abdi missing out through injury, Quique Sanchez Flores opted for Miguel Layun (classified as a defender in FPL, priced at 4.5) in the attacking midfield three, with the in-form Odion Ighalo surprisingly dropped to the bench. Both Layun and Ighalo gave their manager food for thought by grabbing a goal apiece. In defence, Craig Cathcart seems ahead of Gabriele Angella for the centre-back role alongside Sebastian Prodl.
West Ham
Starting XI: Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Oxford (Nolan 79), Noble, Kouyate; Payet; Zarate (Jarvis 63), Sakho (Maiga 89)
Slaven Bilic handed a surprise start to Reece Oxford (priced at 4.0 and classified as a defender) in the centre of the park – the youngest Hammers player in Premier League history. It’s uncertain whether Oxford will hold onto his berth once summer signing Pedro Obiang is available, though. At the back, James Tomkins took the right-back role with Carl Jenkinson ineligible. It seems likely that Tomkins will drop out for the visit of Leicester in Gameweek 2 as the assured Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna continue their partnership in central defence. The impressive Dimitri Payet took the number ten role as expected, with Mauro Zarate partnering Diafra Sakho up front in a 4-3-1-2 set-up which switched to 4-3-3 upon Zarate’s withdrawal.
