Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 2 – Part Two

Both Pep Guardiola and Ronald Koeman rotate, while the Everton boss later switches formations to accommodate new signing Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Debutants shine for Stoke City, Spurs’ tactical flexibility counts for nought as they lose to Chelsea and Rafa Benitez has striker issues at Newcastle United.

Elsewhere, James Ward -Prowse is benched for Southampton, and Swansea City go on the defensive with star names either injured or sold.

Here’s the second part of our in-depth look into the Gameweek 2 teamsheets. Part One is available here.

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford; Keane, Williams (Klaassen 61), Jagielka; Holgate, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Baines, Davies (Sigurdsson 61); Calvert-Lewin, Rooney (Besic 90). Subs not used: Mirallas, Martina, Stekelenburg, Lookman.

• What we saw: Toffees boss Ronald Koeman kept faith in the 3-5-2 formation for last night’s trip to the Etihad, although it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin who partnered Wayne Rooney in the absence of the injured Sandro Ramirez. The 20-year-old played mainly in front of Rooney, with Everton’s shape shifting to more of a 3-4-2-1 with Tom Davies and Rooney supporting the lone striker. Davies’ start came at the expense of Davy Klaasen, while Mason Holgate operated at right wing-back. The introduction of Klaasen and Gylfi Sigurdsson saw Everton switch to a 4-3-3, with the Iceland international on the left of the front three. Muhamed Besic was brought on for Rooney at the death as the Toffees looked to cling on for a point following the sending off of Morgan Schneiderlin.
• What we learned: With a trip to Chelsea up next on Sunday, Koeman may well continue with the 3-5-2. But if he looks to hand Sigurdsson a first league start, that could change to a 3-4-2-1, with the former Swansea man stationed perhaps with Rooney behind Calvert-Lewin. Koeman will be without the suspended Schneiderlin, so Davies or Klassen may play slightly deeper in midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye. Ashley Williams was substituted again – perhaps with fitness issues – and looks to have fallen slightly behind Phil Jagielka in the pecking order.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right wing-back/full-back, attacking midfield, forwards

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Kompany, Stones (Danilo 65), Otamendi; Fernandinho, Walker,  Sane (B Silva 69); De Bruyne, D Silva; Aguero, Gabriel Jesus (Sterling 46). Subs not used: Bravo, Mangala, Toure, Foden.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola stuck with the 3-3-2-2 formation, although he opted for the more attacking Leroy Sane at left wing-back ahead of Danilo. Following Kyle Walker’s sending off, Danilo eventually came one to play at right wing-back, while after initially playing in midfield, Raheem Sterling then moved to the left after Sane was replaced, with fellow substitute Bernardo Silva moving into midfield. Sergio Aguero was the lone striker once Gabriel Jesus was sacrificed at half-time, while Kevin De Bruyne retreated to a deep-lying playmaker role for the second period.
• What we learned: With Walker suspended for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, Guardiola may consider a formation change. In the 3-3-2-2, it’s probable that Danilo would play at right wing-back, meaning Sane could have to continue at left wing-back where he struggled to impress last night. Benjamin Mendy (thigh) remains doubtful for a debut. Fernandinho may also be an option at wing-back, with Yaya Toure taking over his midfield role. Sterling’s goal pushed his claims for a start at the Vitality Stadium, with one of Aguero or Jesus possibly at risk.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Wing-backs, central midfield, forwards

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Manquillo, Lascelles, Mbemba, Clark; Merino, Hayden (Diame 75); Ritchie, Perez (Murphy 80), Atsu; Gayle (Joselu 52). Subs not used: Darlow, Saivet, Aarons, Mitrovic.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez was forced to shuffle his pack for the trip to Huddersfield Town due to injuries and the suspension of Jonjo Shelvey, with Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba and Mikel Merino earning starts. It was Mbemba who was deployed out of position at left-back in the same 4-2-3-1 formation used in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Dwight Gayle again struggled to make an impression and was hooked off just seven minutes into the second half, replaced by new signing Joselu.
• What we learned: Having failed to score in their opening two matches, Benitez will likely change some personnel in attack for Saturday’s home match-up with West Ham United. Joselu could replace Gayle as the lone striker, with Jacob Murphy an option in the attacking midfield spots. Paul Dummett and Florian Lejeune look set to remain out, so Benitez will be desperate for DeAndre Yedlin (hamstring) to return. Javier Manquillo would be capable of moving over to the left if the American is available.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric Soares, Yoshida, Stephens, Bertrand; Davis (Long 80), Romeu, Lemina (Ward-Prowse 65); Tadic, Redmond; Gabbiadini (Austin 80). Subs not used: McCarthy, Boufal, Bednarek, McQueen.

• What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation against West Ham United, with the one change seeing Mario Lemina handed his first Premier League start in place of James Ward-Prowse. He joined Oriol Romeu at the base of midfield and Steven Davis moved into the central attacking midfield position. With the score level at 2-2 against the 10-man Hammers, Pellegrino switched to a 4-1-3-2 system, with substitutes Shane Long and Charlie Austin combining in attack, leaving Ward-Prowse to join Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond in the attacking midfield spots.
• What we learned: While Pellegrino threw men forward late on in order to find a winner, we can expect the Argentinian to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. The fact Manolo Gabbiadini got off the mark will likely see him continue to keep Austin out of the side, while Ward-Prowse may have to settle for a place on the bench once again, providing Lemina shakes off a gashed shin.

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

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Zouma, Shawcross, Cameron; Diouf, Allen, Fletcher, Pieters (Martins Indi 89); Shaqiri (Berahino 25), Jese (Sobhi 71); Choupo-Moting. Subs not used: Grant; Johnson, Crouch, Bojan.

• What we saw: Mark Hughes kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 formation used in the 1-0 defeat to Everton for the home clash against Arsenal, but he decided to handed first Premier League starts to Jese Rodriguez and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in place of Bojan and Saido Berahino. Choupo-Moting started as a central striker, supported by Jese and Xherdan Shaqiri. However, when the latter was forced off with a hamstring problem, Choupo-Moting joined Jese in the support roles, as Berahino lead the attack.
• What we learned: The front three that completed Saturday’s encounter look likely to get the nod at West Brom, with Shaqiri an early doubt for Sunday’s trip. In fact, the rest of the side, providing Erik Pieters can shake off an ankle injury suffered late on, may stay unchanged. Bruno Martins-Indi will be on standby to cover his fellow countryman with Geoff Cameron perhaps retaining his starting role in central defence.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left wing-back, central defence, attacking midfield, lone striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Fernandez, Bartley (Routledge 67), Mawson; Roque (Narsingh 67); Naughton, Fer, Carroll, Olsson; Abraham (McBurnie 82), Ayew. Subs: van der Hoorn, Nordfeldt, Rangel, Fulton.

• What we saw: Swans head coach Paul Clement switched from the midfield diamond used against Southampton to a 3-1-4-2 formation against Manchester United, with Kyle Bartley starting in central defence. Leon Britton missed out due to a back injury, so Roque Mesa was handed his Premier League debut as the deepest-lying central midfield player. With United holding a 1-0 lead, Clement switched to a more attacking 4-4-2, Luciano Narsingh and Wayne Routledge operating out wide.
• What we learned: Clement was short of attacking options following the sale of Gylfi Sigurdsson and the injury to Fernando Llorente, so he adopted a cautious approach from the off. But with a trip to Crystal Palace up next, he’s set to switch back to the midfield diamond, with either Leroy Fer or Routledge starting at the tip. Jay Fulton may be an option in central midfield and should Hull City’s Sam Clucas conclude his move over the next day or so; he would also be in the midfield mix. In a back four, it is Bartley who should drop to the bench while, if he’s available, Britton could return at the expense of Mesa. Llorente only looks to have a small chance of being available to feature from the bench.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris, Dier (Son Heung-min 68), Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Trippier (Janssen 90), Wanyama, Dembele, Davies (Sissoko 80), Alli, Eriksen, Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Wimmer, Winks, Walker-Peters.

• What we saw: After using a 4-2-3-1 formation in the 2-0 win over Newcastle, Mauricio Pochettino opted for a flexible 3-4-2-1 against Chelsea, with Eric Dier starting in the three-man defence, although he at times moved into midfield to form a 4-3-2-1. Kieran Trippier returned from injury to replace Kyle Walker-Peters, while Moussa Sissoko made way for Victor Wanyama. The Spurs boss switched to a 4-2-3-1 at 1-0 down, introducing Son Heung-min in place of Dier, while Sissoko and Vincent Janssen entered the fray late on as Pochettino threw caution to the wind in pursuit of an equaliser.
• What we learned: The ability of Dier to play in two positions means that Pochettino will likely continue to move between 3-4-2-1, 4-3-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations both before and during matches. In order to break down what may prove to be a stubborn Burnley side on Sunday, Son may push for a start in a 4-2-3-1, with either Dier or Wanyama perhaps dropping to the bench. Trippier suffered a knock late on but will be expected to face his former club. Reports suggest that new signing Davinson Sanchez has “an outside chance” of obtaining his work permit in time to face the Clarets. The versatile Colombian offers an option at both centre-half and right-back for Pochettino.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back/right wing-back, central defenders, central midfield, left wing

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Femenía, Prodl, Britos, Holebas; Doucoure, Chalobah (Watson 90); Amrabat (Kabasele 82), Cleverley, Richarlison (Capoue 80); Gray. Subs not used: Pantilimon, Deeney, Hughes, Okaka.

• What we saw: Marco Silva was forced into making changes to the side that drew 3-3 against Liverpool for the trip to Bournemouth, with Kiko Femenia, Sebastian Prodl and Richarlison replacing the injured trio Daryl Janmaat, Younes Kaboul and Roberto Pereyra. Andre Gray was handed his first Hornets start, taking over from Stefano Okaka as the central striker in the 4-3-3 formation, with Tom Cleverley playing deeper. Silva switched to a three-man defence late on as Watford looked to hold onto their lead, introducing Christian Kabasele.
• What we learned: Silva’s different use of Cleverley shows how he can easily switch between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3. The performances of Femenia, Prodl, Richarlison and Gray provides food for thought, and Silva looks to have plenty of options in attack, with Troy Deeney and Okaka unused substitutes. Changes will surely be kept to a minimum for Saturday’s home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. Etienne Capoue is the most likely to break into the reckoning – he is an option in central midfield after scoring as a substitute.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, forwards

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Nyom, Dawson, Hegazi, Brunt; Barry; Phillips, Livermore, Field (Rondon 85), McClean (Robson-Kanu 63); Rodriguez. Subs not used: Myhill, Chadli, Harper, Leko, Wilson.

• What we saw: Baggies head coach Tony Pulis stuck with the 4-1-4-1 system used in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth, with Gareth Barry handed his West Brom debut in place of the injured Claudio Yacob. When Hal Robson-Kanu came on just after the hour mark, Jay Rodriguez moved out wide to accommodate the Wales international. The Baggies saw out the match in a 4-4-1 formation, with Salomon Rondon brought on as the lone striker following Robson-Kanu’s dismissal.
• What we learned: Jonny Evans’ hamstring injury meant the West Brom defence stayed unchanged. The Northern Ireland international is also attracting interest from Manchester City, but if he is available for Sunday’s home fixture against Stoke, Pulis faces a tough decision on who to omit. One of either Nyom or Brunt is perhaps most at risk, although the latter will likely move into midfield, perhaps at the expense of Field or James McClean. Yacob looks unlikely to displace Barry even if he can recover from a hamstring problem. Robson-Kanu will miss the next two league matches due to suspension, so Rondon provides the alternative to Rodriguez in attack.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, left wing

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Fonte, Cresswell; Noble, Rice (Obiang 76); Antonio (Sakho 68), Ayew (Fernandes 68), Arnautovic; Hernandez. Subs not used: Adrian, Byram, Masuaku.

• What we saw: Slaven Bilic handed a start to the fit-again Michail Antonio at Southampton, while Aaron Cresswell and youngster Declan Rice also started. The West Ham boss was forced into a late change after Winston Reid suffered a calf injury during the warm-up, so Jose Fonte was drafted in. Antonio started on the right of an attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation. That changed to a 4-2-2-1 following Marko Arnautovic’s sending off, and a 4-3-1-1 once Edimilson Fernandes replaced Ayew, with the substitute playing on the right of a three-man midfield.
• What we learned: With Arnautovic now suspended for the next two league matches, Bilic will hope Manuel Lanzini (knee) will be available for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United. Cheikhou Kouyate is also closing on a return from a knee injury and could provide another midfield option, with Pedro Obiang, Fernandes and perhaps Diafra Sakho other options if Bilic considers switching to a 4-4-2. Reid will need to be assessed, but if he is ruled out, the back four may remain unchanged.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, left wing, attacking midfield