Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 23 – Part Two

Fabian Delph limps off at Anfield to open up a new potential route into the Manchester City defence. Antonio Valencia makes his impact felt upon returning to the Man United XI, while the suspension-free Troy Deeney stakes his claim for starts by emerging from the bench to help Watford earn an unlikely point.

Here’s the second of our Line-up Lessons articles – the first is here – assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 23, with one eye on what’s to come over the midweek FA Cup replays and the weekend.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Delph (Danilo 31); De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan; Sterling (Bernardo Silva 71), Aguero, Sane. Subs not used: Bravo, Mangala, Silva, Zinchenko, Diaz.

• What we saw: David Silva was kept among the substitutes for the trip to Liverpool with social media reports suggesting that he had been struggling with a stomach bug. That meant that Ilkay Gundogan started alongside Kevin De Bruyne and just in front of holding midfield Fernandinho in the usual 4-1-2-3 formation. But a knee injury for Fabian Delph meant Pep Guardiola was forced into making an early change, with Danilo taking over at left-back.
• What we learned: The injury to Delph should open the door for Danilo (5.0) to claim regular starts. Given that they have home fixtures against Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion up next, Guardiola may even consider moving to a back three, which would make Leroy Sane a possible option at left wing-back. With both a potential illness and personal reasons affecting David Silva’s availability, Gundogan remains a possible starter in central midfield. Bernardo Silva is the alternative to Sane and Raheem Sterling out wide as Guardiola looks to cope with a busy schedule which also sees City play the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against Bristol City a week tonight.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central midfield, lone striker

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Shaw; Matic; Mata (McTominay 83), Pogba, Lingard (Fellaini 80), Martial (Rashford 80); Lukaku. Subs not used: Lindelof, Rojo, Herrera, Pereira.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho used a 4-2-3-1 formation last night for the home encounter against Stoke City, with the fit-again Antonio Valencia returning at right-back. Chris Smalling was favoured alongside Phil Jones in central defence as Marcos Rojo dropped to the bench, while Anthony Martial got the nod on the left wing. Romelu Lukaku led the line having recovered from a head injury. The introduction of Marouane Fellaini for Jesse Lingard saw United switch to a 4-3-3, with the Belgian joining Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in central midfield.
• What we learned: With a trip to Burnley up next on Saturday, Mourinho may revert to the 4-3-3 system that yielded a 2-0 in the last away match against Everton. Smalling could now retain his place alongside Jones, who looks an assured starter when fit. Yet Ashley Young’s return from suspension is expected to oust Luke Shaw from the XI – the latter has started each of the last four matches at left-back. Either Ander Herrera or Fellaini could join Matic and Pogba in the middle of the park, with Juan Mata the player most likely to make way. That could see Pogba given more freedom to join the attack as he did in the Gameweek 22 victory at Everton. Rashford is a possible alternative to Martial on the left, though the Frenchman’s impressive showing against the Potters means he couuld retain his start. However, United have emerged as the favourites to snap up Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal and the Chilean could even be fast-tracked onto the teamsheet if a deal is completed before the weekend.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central defence, central midfield, flanks

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey (Merino 81), Diame, Atsu, Ritchie; Perez; Gayle (Joselu 64). Subs not used: Elliot, Haidara, Hayden, Manquillo, Murphy.

• What we saw: Rafa Benitez opted for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation for the home clash against Swansea City, with Jamaal Lascelles fit to return to central defence. DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett were preferred over Javier Manquillo in the full-back positions, while Jonjo Shelvey and Mo Diame got the nod at the base of midfield. Rob Elliot returned to the bench following a thigh injury, but Karl Darlow retained his start in goal. Dwight Gayle was forced off with a knock, seeing Joselu take over in attack.
• What we learned: After scoring as a substitute, and with Gayle an early doubt for Saturday’s trip to Man City, Joselu may well start at the Etihad Stadium. However, as witnessed as recently as Gameweek 20 against the same opponents, Benitez could attempt to frustrate City with a 5-4-1 set-up – this could see Chancel Mbemba handed a central defensive berth unless Florian Lejeune is ready to return following a foot injury. Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden are viable starters in central midfield, while Jacob Murphy is the main alternative out wide. It’s possible that with another week’s training, Elliot could push for a start in goal, although Darlow has arguably performed well enough over the last three Gameweeks.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central midfield, lone striker

Southampton

Starting XI: McCarthy; Cedric Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand; Hojbjerg, Romeu; Ward-Prowse (Sims 90), Tadic (Boufal 90), Davis (Lemina 62); Long. Subs not used: Forster, Pied, Bednarek, Gabbiadini.

• What we saw: Cedric Soares returned from injury for Saints as they travelled to Watford, while Wesley Hoedt was fit to replace the injured Maya Yoshida in central defence. After being left out for the 1-0 win over Fulham in the FA Cup, Dusan Tadic returned on the left wing in place of Sofiane Boufal in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Alex McCarthy kept his place in goal at the expense of Fraser Forster.
• What we learned: Although Southampton surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2, an encouraging performance, certainly from an attacking perspective, makes changes unlikely for Sunday’s home fixture with Tottenham Hotspur. Boufal and Mario Lemina are the players most likely to push for starts, with Shane Long’s improved form meaning he’s set to make a fifth successive start as the lone striker. Yoshida has a hamstring injury, so the back four may stay unchanged.

Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Central defence, central midfield, attacking midfield, flanks

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Bauer, Zouma, Martins Indi, Tymon (Wimmer 46); Allen, Fletcher; Shaqiri, Ireland, Choupo-Moting (Ramadan 60); Crouch (Diouf 70). Subs not used: Afellay, Adam, Grant, Edwards.

• What we saw: Caretaker boss Eddie Niedzwiecki opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for the trip to Manchester United, with Stephen Ireland handed a first start of the season in the No 10 role. New arrival Moritz Bauer made his Premier League debut at right-back, while Josh Tymon was given just his second start of the season at left-back in place of the injured Erik Pieters. Bruno Martins Indi returned from injury to start in central defence. Niedzwiecki decided to make a change at half-time, with Kevin Wimmer brought on for Tymon in a straight swap following a testing first half for the former Hull City defender.
• What we learned: After Paul Lambert was appointed the new Stoke manager yesterday, he will doubtless bring new ideas ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Huddersfield. Mame Biram Diouf provides the main attacking alternative to Peter Crouch, with Ramadan Sobhi another option out wide. If Pieters remains sidelined, it looks a choice between Tymon and Wimmer for the left-back spot, unless Ryan Shawcross can overcome a calf injury. That would make Martins Indi a possible solution on the left side of the defence, while Geoff Cameron could be another viable starter if fit.

Current Status: Very unsettled
Risk Areas: All areas

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; van der Hoorn (Roberts 65), Mawson, Bartley, Olsson; Carroll, Clucas, Ki Sung-Yueng, Dyer (Narsingh 85), Ayew; McBurnie (Bony 70). Subs not used: Nordfeldt, Fer, Fernandez, Mesa.

• What we saw: After favouring a three-man defence in recent matches, Carlos Carvalhal switched back to a 4-4-2 for the trip to Newcastle. Oliver McBurnie was preferred to Wilfried Bony alongside Jordan Ayew up front, while Nathan Dyer (right) and Tom Carroll (left) started out wide. Ki Sung-Yueng returned from injury to partner Sam Clucas in central midfield, while Mike van der Hoorn filled in at right-back, with Angel Rangel and Kyle Naughton missing to injury and suspension respectively. Kyle Bartley was surprisingly favoured over Federico Fernandez in central defence and also named skipper. Van der Hoorn’s afternoon was cut short after picking up a knock, with Connor Roberts taking over in a straight swap.
• What we learned: Although Carvalhal opted for a 4-4-2 last weekend, Swansea’s home clash with Liverpool on Monday night means he could switch back to a 3-5-2. Bony is currently short of match fitness but is likely to push for a recall in place of McBurnie. Tammy Abraham will also be an option if he recovers from the abdominal problem that has seen him miss the last two outings. Dyer’s start will be at risk if Carvalhal does switch to a back three, with Carroll’s start perhaps in less danger given that he can move into central midfield. But should Renato Sanches (hamstring) be passed fit, the Portuguese international could challenge either Carroll or Clucas for a starting berth. Naughton will be available to return following his ban and should return on the right side of the Swansea defence. After being dropped, Fernandez may only earn a recall if there is a switch to a three-man defence. The Swans host Wolverhampton Wanderers in an FA Cup third round replay tomorrow night, so Carvalhal’s team selection for that match should provide clues as to his thinking for Gameweek 24.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier (Wanyama 74), Dembele (Sissoko 82); Son Heung-min, Alli, Eriksen (Lamela 87); Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Trippier, Llorente, Walker-Peters.

• What we saw: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Everton to Wembley, with Mousa Dembele chosen to join Eric Dier in the double-pivot. Serge Aurier was preferred to Kieran Trippier at right-back.
• What we learned: Following a convincing display against the Toffees, changes are unlikely for Sunday’s trip to Southampton. Trippier could replace Aurier at right-back, while Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko are possible alternatives to Dembele in the middle of the park. Having missed the last couple of matches due to an ankle injury, Harry Winks is unlikely to push for a start even if available to return.

Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Janmaat, Wague, Kabasele, Zeegelaar; Doucoure, Cleverley (Pereyra 35), Watson (Deeney 46); Carrillo, Gray (Okaka 73), Richarlison. Subs not used: Karnezis, Prodl, Mariappa, Holebas.

• What we saw: Although Troy Deeney was available again following his suspension, Marco Silva decided to start with Andre Gray as the lone striker in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation against Southampton. Ben Watson got another start at the base of midfield, while Tom Cleverley took up the No 10 role. Cleverley’s afternoon ended after picking up a knock, however, seeing Roberto Pereyra enter the fray in a straight swap. Then with his side 2-0 down at half-time, Silva decided to introduce Deeney in place of Watson, switching to a 4-4-2 formation.
• What we learned: The success of fielding two strikers could provide Silva with food for thought, offering an alternative to a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1. Should Cleverley be ruled out for Saturday’s trip to Leicester, the 4-4-2 may be an option this weekend, while Pereyra is the like-for-like alternative in a 4-2-3-1. Unless any injured players are available to return, Silva’s options in other positions appear limited.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Attacking midfield, forwards

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson (Nyom 81), Hegazi, Evans (McAuley 84), Gibbs; Phillips, Krychowiak, Barry, Brunt; Rodriguez (Livermore 79), Rondon. Subs not used: Robson-Kanu, Yacob, Myhill, McClean.

• What we saw: Alan Pardew again opted for a 4-4-2 formation, and was able to hand a recall to Matt Phillips on the right wing after the midfielder recovered from a hamstring injury. Grzegorz Krychowiak got the nod to partner Gareth Barry in central midfield, while Jonny Evans and Kieran Gibbs were both fit to start in defence. Pardew switched to a more defensive 4-5-1 late on in order to try and preserve the 2-0 lead, bringing on Jake Livermore in central midfield for Jay Rodriguez.
• What we learned: After registering his first Premier League win since taking charge at The Hawthorns, Pardew is likely to name a similar starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Everton. Livermore is the main alternative in central midfield, or if Pardew considers switching to a more defensive 4-5-1 at Goodison Park. James McClean is perhaps an option to challenge for a start on the left wing in place of Chris Brunt, though the latter’s creativity and set-piece delivery is becoming increasingly vital.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield

West Ham United

Starting XI: Adrian: Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Masuaku; Arnautovic (Ayew 83), Lanzini (Rice 85). Subs not used: Hart, Hernandez, Burke, Cullen.

• What we saw: David Moyes went with a 3-5-1-1 formation for the trip to Huddersfield Town, with Manuel Lanzini stationed in a central support role behind lone striker Marko Arnautovic. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate all started in central midfield, with Kouyate the most advanced of the three. Aaron Cresswell and James Collins returned from injury to start in the back three, with Winston Reid missing out due to a groin injury, while Declan Rice dropped to the bench. Rice did come on for the final five minutes, helping shore up the defence as the Hammers looked to see the match out.
• What we learned: Following one of their best performances of the season, Moyes will surely be tempted to preserve the same XI for Saturday’s home clash against Bournemouth. However, it’s worth noting that, following a 3-3 draw away to the Cherries in Gameweek 20, the Hammers boss has operated with a 3-5-1-1 in the last two away matches. At home, on the other hand, he has opted for a more attacking 3-4-2-1 in each of the last four. If he’s available to return, Reid could earn a recall in place of Collins. Andy Carroll missed out last weekend due to an ankle injury, but if he’s fit, does provide a different option in attack. Having scored both goals in the previous home match against West Brom, he could lead the line with Arnautovic supporting alongside Lanzini. A change to a 3-4-2-1 could find a spot for Michail Antonio, were he to recover from a calf injury, or Andre Ayew.

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