Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 12 – Part Two

The fit-again Paul Pogba returns to Manchester United’s starting line-up as Jose Mourinho reverts to 4-2-3-1. Mauricio Pochettino rotates at wing-back once again for Spurs’ derby trip to Arsenal, while a new central support role allows Richarlison to net his first home goal for Watford.

Here’s the second of our Line-up Lessons articles – the first is here – assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 12, with one eye on what’s to come over the midweek European matches and the weekend.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert (Schelotto 84), Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo (March 74); Gross (Brown 84); Murray. Subs not used: Goldson, Hemed, Krul, Suttner.

• What we saw: Given Brighton’s current form, it was no surprise to see Chris Hughton name an unchanged starting XI for Stoke City’s visit on Monday night. Pascal Gross was again used behind Glenn Murray in attack in a 4-4-1-1 formation.
• What we learned: The Brighton side continues to remain very settled, with changes appearing unlikely for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United. Tomer Hemed offers a viable alternative to Murray in attack, but he, along with Solly March and Markus Suttner, are currently back-up options.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: None

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Young; Matic; Rashford, Mata (Herrera 83), Pogba (Fellaini 70), Martial (Ibrahimovic 77); Lukaku. Subs not used: Romero, Rojo, Lingard, Shaw.

• What we saw: Having used a three-man defence against their top six rivals, Jose Mourinho reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation against Newcastle United. Juan Mata was recalled in the No 10 role, flanked by Anthony Martial (left) and Marcus Rashford (right). The fit-again Paul Pogba returned at the base of midfield, while Victor Lindelof started in central defence in the absence of injured duo Phil Jones and Eric Bailly. Mourinho switched to a 4-3-3 late on, with substitutes Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini joining Nemanja Matic in central midfield, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first appearance of the season from the bench. The Swede was stationed as the lone striker, flanked by Romelu Lukaku (right) and Rashford (left).
• What we learned: It was no surprise to see Mourinho return to his favoured 4-2-3-1 against weaker opposition. With a home clash against Brighton up next, he looks set to stick with the same system, although should Jones (thigh) or Bailly (knock) be available, the starts of Chris Smalling and Lindelof look at risk. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was omitted for “tactical reasons” but could be an option to return in the attacking midfield spots, as is Jesse Lingard. Mourinho’s team selection for the UEFA Champions League trip to FC Basel tomorrow night should provide some major clues as to his thinking for the weekend. It’s likely Ibrahimovic will continue his recovery from a serious knee injury with more minutes from the bench. Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw provide back-up options in the full-back positions should Mourinho look to rotate.

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

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliot; Yedlin, Clark, Lejeune, Manquillo; Murphy, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie (Aarons 66); Joselu (Mitrovic 71), Gayle (Diame 77). Subs not used: Perez, Mbemba, Darlow, Gamez.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez kept faith in the 4-4-2 formation for the trip to Manchester United, but injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu saw Ciaran Clark and Jacob Murphy handed starts. Clark joined Florian Lejeune in central defence, while Murphy was stationed on the right wing, with Matt Ritchie shifting across to the left. Rolando Aarons was handed his first appearance of the season in place of Ritchie, while Benitez switched to a defensive 4-5-1 late on, with Mohamed Diame sent on in place of Dwight Gayle to help bolster the midfield.
• What we learned: After Gayle scored his first goal of the season, he is likely to retain his start for Saturday’s home meeting with Watford. Joselu’s place in the side may come under pressure from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez, however. Isaac Hayden picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at Old Trafford so he will serve a one-match ban against the Hornets. Mikel Merino is expected to be in contention following a back injury, though if he misses out, Benitez may have to use Diame alongside Jonjo Shelvey in central midfield. Lascelles remains doubtful due to an ankle injury, so Clark is set to retain his start in central defence.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster: Cedric Soares, Van Dijk, Hoedt, Bertrand: Romeu, Davis: Tadic (Austin 55), Boufal (Ward-Prowse 69), Redmond: Long (Gabbiadini 79). Subs not used: Yoshida, McCarthy, Hojbjerg, Targett.

• What we saw: Despite falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Burnley using a 4-2-3-1 formation, Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino retained the same system for the trip to Liverpool. But he did hand a recall to Shane Long in place of Manolo Gabbiadini as the lone striker, while Wesley Hoedt was preferred to Maya Yoshida in central defence, as the two continue to alternate for the spot alongside Virgil van Dijk. Pellegrino’s first change saw Charlie Austin brought on for Dusan Tadic. Austin operated as the lone striker, with Long moving out to the right. Saints ended the match in more of a conventional 4-4-2, with Gabbiadini joining Austin up front, while fellow substitute James Ward-Prowse took over on the right side of midfield.
• What we learned: Following another defeat, and another blank, Pellegrino could make changes in attack for Sunday’s home encounter against Everton. Gabbiadini and Austin are viable options up front, while Ward-Prowse may push for a place in the attacking midfield spots. But Oriol Romeu will serve a one-match suspension against the Toffees, so Pellegrino will be desperate for Mario Lemina to return following an ankle injury, If fit, he could join Steven Davis at the base of midfield, with Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg other options. After playing 180 minutes for Japan over the international break, Yoshida will push for a recall in central defence at the expense of Hoedt.

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

Stoke City

Starting XI: Grant; Zouma, Shawcross, Wimmer, Pieters; Fletcher, Allen; Diouf, Shaqiri (Crouch 73), Ramadan Sobhi; Choupo-Moting. Subs not used: Haugaard, Berahino, Martins Indi, Adam, Afellay, Jese.

• What we saw: Mark Hughes was forced into making one change for the trip to Brighton, with Lee Grant replacing the injured Jack Butland in goal. Otherwise, the Potters boss kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 system, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting again used as the lone striker. The introduction of Peter Crouch for Xherdan Shaqiri did see the Cameron international move to the right of the front three, allowing Crouch to operate as a central target man.
• What we learned: The Stoke line-up is now starting to become established, and changes are likely to be at a minimum for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace. Bruno Martins Indi currently appears down the pecking order in central defence, while Ramadan Sobhi has made three consecutive starts, and may continue to be favoured over Jese Rodriguez.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Mawson, Fernandez, Olsson; Dyer, Clucas, Fer (Ki Sung-yeung 70), Sanches; Ayew (Bony 46), Abraham (Narsingh 82). Subs not used: Nordfeldt, van der Hoorn, Carroll, Routledge.

• What we saw: Paul Clement opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Burnley, handing recalls to the fit-again Martin Olsson and Renato Sanches. Olsson slotted in at left-back, allowing Sam Clucas to move into midfield, where he was joined by Sanches. At half-time, Clement decided to bring on Wilfried Bony in place of Jordan Ayew, seeing the Swans switch to more of a 4-4-2. The Ivorian joined Tammy Abraham up front, while Sanches moved more onto the left side of midfield. Then after Abraham was forced off with a back injury, Clement reverted to 4-3-3, with Nathan Dyer (left) and substitute Luciano Narsingh (right) flanking Bony, seeing Sanches move back into a central role.
• What we learned: Abraham’s back injury will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with AFC Bournemouth. If he were to be ruled out, Bony is likely to come back into the side as the central striker. Should the Chelsea loanee be passed fit, he and Bony could combine up front, perhaps either in a 4-4-2 or a 4-1-2-1-2 system. Ayew could make way, unless he is deployed in a No 10 role. Dyer’s starting role may also be under threat should there be a change in formation, although he and Narsingh would be strong contenders to get the nod in a 4-3-3 if Abraham is unavailable. Tom Carroll was dropped last weekend, but he will push for a return in central midfield. Ki sung-yeung is the more likely to be recalled, though, given that he may have missed out last weekend due to playing 180 minutes for South Korea over the break.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Sanchez, Dier, Vertonghen; Trippier, Sissoko, Dembele (Winks 62), Davies; Eriksen, Alli (Son Heung-min 75); Kane (Llorente 75). Subs not used: Vorm, Foyth, Aurier, Walker-Peters.

• What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino opted for a 3-3-3-1 system for the north London derby, with Dele Alli fit to return at the tip of a midfield diamond. Moussa Sissoko (right) and Christian Eriksen (left) were stationed either side, with Mousa Dembele operating at the base of the diamond. Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier were preferred to Danny Rose and Serge Aurier in the wing-back positions. But Alli and Harry Kane were both withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining, with both players lacking match sharpness, having only returned to full training last Thursday.
• What we learned: With Spurs already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, Pochettino may rest some of his leading players against Borussia Dortmund tonight. Kane and Alli, in particular, seem set to be omitted, or at least have their minutes managed. Spurs host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, so Son Heung-min (who has started Spurs’ last five home league matches) could push for a recall if Pochettino opts for a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. Eric Dier and Harry Winks would then be options to start in central midfield, while if Rose and Aurier start tonight, Davies and Trippier both appear likely to retain their berths on Saturday.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Wing-backs/full-backs, central midfield, attacking midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Mariappa, Kabasele, Britos; Femenia (Holebas 86), Hughes (Pereyra 84), Doucoure, Cleverley, Zeegelaar; Richarlison, Gray (Carrillo 90). Subs not used: Karnezis, Prodl, Capoue, Okaka.

• What we saw: Marco Silva opted for a change in system for the home clash against West Ham United, deciding upon a 3-4-2-1 formation. Adrian Mariappa was recalled as part of a three-man backline, while Marvin Zeegelaar was handed his Premier League debut at left wing-back at the expense of Jose Holebas. Will Hughes and Richarlison occupied the attacking midfield positions behind lone striker Andre Gray. Kiko Femenia was forced off with a knock late on, and was replaced by Holebas in a straight swap.
• What we learned: Silva again showcased his ability to change between different formations, although the move to a three-man backline may well have been to cater for the threat of Andy Caroll. So, despite gaining the three points, we could see another change from Silva for the Gameweek 13 visit to Newcastle. Roberto Pereyra earned some minutes on Saturday following recent injury, while Andre Carrillo should now be refreshed after international exertions with Peru; both could be viable starters for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle in either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. In defence, Sebastian Prodl also returned from injury to be named on the bench, and he will now push for a starting role. Daryl Janmaat was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad on Sunday, but he or Holebas provide options to come in on the right side of defence should Femenia’s injury rule him out.

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

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Hegazi, McAuley, Evans; Phillips (McClean 84), Livermore, Barry, Krychowiak (Yacob 46), Gibbs; Rodriguez (Burke 70); Rondon. Subs not used: Myhill, Nyom, Brunt, Robson-Kanu.

• What we saw: Tony Pulis opted to deploy a 3-5-1-1 formation against Chelsea for what turned out to be his final match in charge of the Baggies. He used Jay Rodriguez just behind lone striker Salomon Rondon, while Matt Phillips was handed a recall as a right wing-back. Pulis’ side ended the match with substitutes Oliver Burke and James McClean flanking central striker Rondon.
• What we learned: Following the sacking of Pulis yesterday, Gary Megson will take charge for Saturday’s trip to Wembley to face Spurs. Megson may well continue with a back three, then, while Allan Nyom could return at right wing-back. Claudio Yacob provides a possible alternative in central midfield, while McClean, Burke and Chris Brunt are all options should the caretaker manager consider starting with two wide players. Hal Robson-Kanu in the main alternative in attack.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Kouyate, Noble, Obiang; Arnautovic (Masuaku 74), Carroll (Sakho 65), Lanzini. Subs not used: Adrian, Fernandes, Rice, Quina, Martinez.

• What we saw: In his first match in charge, David Moyes went with a 4-3-3 formation for the trip to Watford. Pablo Zabaleta returned from his one-match ban to start at right-back while, having played as part of a back three in previous matches, Cheikhou Kouyate was restored to a central midfield role. Manuel Lanzini (left) and Marko Arnautovic (right) flanked central striker Andy Carroll. The Hammers ended the match in more of a 4-2-3-1, with substitute Arthur Masuaku, who replaced the injured Arnautovic, stationed on the left wing. Lanzini moved into a No 10 role, with Kouyate operating on the right.
• What we learned: With a short turnaround ahead of Friday night’s home meeting with Leicester City, the likes of Jose Fonte (knock), Michail Antonio (rib) remain doubts. Andre Ayew missed the 2-0 defeat due to illness but could be in the frame to face the Foxes. Should they be available, Ayew or Antonio could be possible replacements for Arnautovic, with the Austrian expected to be sidelined with a hand injury. If fit, Fonte will challenge Angelo Ogbonna for a starting spot in central defence. Edimilson Fernandes is the main alternative in central midfield, while Diafra Sakho provides another option in attack, possibly alongside Carroll if Moyes considers starting with two strikers.

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