Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 29 – Part One

Eden Hazard toils as a “false 9” as Chelsea lose at Manchester City.

Aaron Ramsey is rested for Arsenal’s loss at Brighton as Arsene Wenger looks ahead to this week’s Europa League first leg clash with AC Milan.

Elsewhere, the fit-again James Tarkowski returns to the Burnley teamsheet, while Claude Puel freshens up his full-backs as Leicester are held at home by Bournemouth.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 29, with one eye on what’s to come over the midweek European encounters and beyond.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Chambers (Bellerin 83), Koscielny, Mustafi, Kolasinac; Wilshere, Xhaka; Mkhitaryan (Nketiah 83), Ozil, Iwobi (Welbeck 74); Aubameyang. Subs not used: Ospina, Holding, Maitland-Niles, Elneny.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger freshened up his starting XI for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Aaron Ramsey rested ahead of Thursday night’s trip to AC Milan in the first leg of their last-16 UEFA Europa League tie. Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck both dropped to the bench, with Calum Chambers and Alex Iwobi recalled. Chambers slotted in at right-back, while Iwobi was stationed on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Both Bellerin and Welbeck entered the fray late on, while Eddie Nketiah was handed his Premier League debut up front as the Gunners looked to find a late equaliser.
• What we learned: After Thursday night’s trip to Milan, Arsenal host Watford on Sunday. With the Europa League now looking the only realistic chance of securing Champions League football next season, Wenger is expected to name his strongest possible starting XI on Thursday night. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to face Milan, though, so he appears a certain starter against the Hornets. Ramsey’s lack of match fitness means he may again be rested on Sunday if he plays the majority of Thursday night’s match. Mohamed Elneny provides another option in midfield, while Welbeck and Iwobi seem set to continue sharing minutes if Wenger retains a 4-2-3-1, with Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan looking certain starters in attacking midfield. Chambers is the alternative to Bellerin at right-back, while if Nacho Monreal (back) is available again, he should replace Sead Kolasinac at left-back. Rob Holding provides cover in central defence.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, attacking midfield

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic, Francis, S Cook, Ake, A Smith, L Cook, Gosling, Daniels, King (Mousset 91), Wilson (Surman 77), Stanislas. Subs not used: Boruc, Defoe, Fraser, Simpson, Taylor.

• What we saw: Cherries boss Eddie Howe used a 4-4-1-1 system for the trip to Leicester City – Josh King was deployed behind lone striker Callum Wilson, while Adam Smith started on the right side of midfield. Simon Francis was stationed at right-back, with Charlie Daniels at left-back. With the Cherries leading 1-0, Howe decided to switch to a more defensive 4-5-1 formation, with midfielder Andrew Surman replacing Wilson.
• What we learned: Following an improved performance ahead of a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Howe could stick with a similar starting XI. Ryan Fraser offers a more attacking alternative to Smith down the right, while Wilson’s place in the side may soon be at risk – he has failed to score in his last four starts. The option to start with a 4-5-1 may be a viable one, with Surman coming into the side in the middle of the park, leaving Wilson or King as the lone striker. Jermain Defoe is expected to build up his fitness with further minutes off the bench for now.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, right wing

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Schelotto (Bruno 69), Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert (March 77), Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross (Kayal 86); Murray. Subs not used: Ulloa, Goldson, Locadia, Krul.

• What we saw: Chris Hughton named an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Arsenal to the Amex, with the Seagulls lining up in the usual 4-4-1-1 system.
• What we learned: With Brighton in terrific form, Hughton is set to stick with his settled starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Everton. Ezequiel Schelotto was forced off with concussion against Arsenal and will be assessed ahead of the weekend – Bruno will be on standby to start at right-back for the Seagulls. Solly March remains a possible alternative to Anthony Knockaert on the right wing, but other changes appear very unlikely.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, right wing

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope: Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Lennon, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson; Hendrick (Wood 46), Barnes. Subs not used: Lindegaard, Nkoudou, Marney, Vokes, Bardsley, Long.

• What we saw: Sean Dyche retained the 4-2-3-1 formation for the home fixture against Everton, with the only change seeing the fit-again James Tarkowski replace Kevin Long in central defence. But trailing 1-0 at half-time, the Clarets boss switched to a 4-4-2, bringing on Chris Wood in place of Jeff Hendrick.
• What we learned: After scoring the winner on his first appearance since Gameweek 19 following a knee injury, Wood is set to come under strong consideration for a starting spot against West Ham United on Saturday. The attacking option would be to pair Wood with the in-form Ashley Barnes in either a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 system, with Barnes capable of playing in the support striker role. Other changes appear unlikely after getting back to winning ways against the Toffees, although Tom Heaton remains close to a first-team return.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, attacking midfield, forwards

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Moses, Fabregas, Drinkwater, Alonso, Willian (Giroud 78), Hazard (Morata 90), Pedro (Emerson 81). Subs not used: Chalobah, Caballero, Zappacosta, Cahill.

• What we saw: Blues boss Antonio Conte fielded Eden Hazard as a “false 9” for the trip to Manchester City, although he was dealt a blow with N’Golo Kante unavailable due to illness. So Cesc Fabregas returned alongside Danny Drinkwater in central midfield, while Pedro was recalled in attacking midfield as Alvaro Morata dropped to the bench. Conte brought on Olivier Giroud for Willian, seeing Hazard drop into a deeper role before being replaced late on.
• What we learned: Up next for the champions is a home clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, before heading to Barcelona four days later for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie. Conte is likely to start with either Morata or Giroud up front, with Hazard moving back into an attacking midfield role, most likely in place of Pedro. Kante should return in central midfield if he’s passed fit, with Drinkwater most likely to make way. Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri provide alternatives in the wing-back positions should Conte look to rotate, while Gary Cahill provides back-up in central defence, with Antonio Rudiger’s start possibly the most at risk.

Current Status: Slightly unsettled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Williams, Martina; Gueye; Walcott, Davies (Rooney 59), Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson (Bolasie 83); Tosun (Niasse 68). Subs not used: Robles, Schneiderlin, Baines, Holgate.

• What we saw: Following the 1-0 defeat to Watford, Sam Allardyce made changes for the trip to Burnley. The fit-again Seamus Coleman replaced Jonjoe Kenny at right-back, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin was handed a recall on the left of an attacking midfield trio, seeing Gylfi Sigurdsson take up the No 10 role. Cenk Tosun was preferred to Oumar Niasse as the lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 system. With his side 2-1 down, Big Sam brought on Yannick Bolasie for Sigurdsson, seeing his side set-up in a 4-4-2. Bolasie played on the left wing, while Calvert-Lewin joined substitute Niasse up front. That became a 4-3-2 following the dismissal of Ashley Williams for violent conduct, with Idrissa Gueye dropping back into central defence.
• What we learned: After another defeat, further alterations look likely for Saturday’s home encounter with Brighton. With Williams suspended for the next three matches, either Mason Holgate or Phil Jagielka will replace the Wales international in central defence. After being named among the substitutes, Leighton Baines may be ready to return at left-back in place of Cuco Martina, while Wayne Rooney is expected to push for a recall in central midfield. Morgan Schneiderlin is another viable option in the middle of the park, with Tom Davies’ place in the starting XI appearing at the most at risk. After scoring his first goal for the club, Tosun should retain his start in attack, while Bolasie could be an option to start wide left.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, central midfield, left flank, attacking midfield, lone striker

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl, Hadergjonaj, Jorgensen, Schindler, Kongolo; Quaner (Ince 33), Williams, Hogg (Depoitre 81), Van La Parra; Pritchard (Billing 46), Mounie. Subs not used: Smith, Malone, Lowe, Green.

• What we saw: David Wagner named the same side that beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 for the trip to Wembley, with the Terriers again lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. But Wagner made a tactical change in the first half, bringing on Tom Ince for Collin Quaner in a straight swap. Alex Pritchard then had to be withdrawn at half-time due to a dead leg, with Philip Billing his replacement. Billing played as part of a three-man midfield alongside Jonathan Hogg and Danny Williams. Wagner made an attacking last change in order to try and get back into the match, with Laurent Depoitre replacing Hogg. The Belgian joined Steve Mounie up front in a 4-4-2.
• What we learned: If passed fit, Pritchard is expected to retain his start against Swansea City on Saturday. Tom Ince is the obvious replacement in the No 10 role, while if Pritchard does start, Ince is an option to replace Quaner on the right wing. Aaron Mooy could return to full training this week following a knee problem and may replace either Williams or Hogg at the base of midfield. Changes elsewhere appear less likely, with full-back pair Tommy Smith and Chris Lowe currently out of favour, while Mounie is again expected to be preferred to Depoitre for the lone striker role.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel, Amartey (Chilwell 20), Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs (Diabate 79), James, Ndidi, Adrien Silva (Iheanacho 59), Mahrez, Vardy, Albrighton. Subs not used: Gray, Hamer, Dragovic, Iborra.

• What we saw: Claude Puel switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the home encounter with Bournemouth. Adrien Silva came into the side in central midfield, as Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton flanked central striker Jamie Vardy. In defence, Daniel Amartey and Christian Fuchs were handed recalls in the full-back positions. But the Leicester boss was forced into a reshuffle after Amartey was forced off with a hamstring injury. Albrighton took over at right-back, while substitute Ben Chilwell played on the left side of midfield in front of Fuchs. The Foxes ended the match in more of a 4-2-3-1, with Chilwell moving to left-back, while substitutes Kelechi Iheanacho and Fousseni Diabate joined Mahrez in the attacking midfield positions as they pushed forward for a late equaliser.
• What we learned: Following another frustrating afternoon at the King Power Stadium, Puel could make changes for Saturday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion. Danny Simpson is likely to return at right-back in place of Amartey, while Chilwell may replace Fuchs at left-back. If the Foxes boss sticks with a 4-3-3, Diabate and Demarai Gray could be options to replace Albrighton, while a return to a 4-4-1-1 is also possible, particularly if Shinji Okazaki is fit to return. Adrien Silva is the player most likely to drop to the bench.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, flanks

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain (Milner 79), Henderson, Emre Can; Salah, Firmino (Matip 88), Mane (Lallana 73). Subs not used: Gomez, Moreno, Mignolet, Solanke.

• What we saw: Jurgen Klopp handed recalls to Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson for the visit of Newcastle United to Anfield. Lovren came in for Joel Matip in central defence, while Henderson started in the defensive midfield role, with James Milner dropping to the bench. The Reds ended the match in a 5-4-1, with Matip brought on to join Lovren and Virgil van Dijk in central defence, leaving Mo Salah as the lone striker. Fellow substitutes James Milner and Adam Lallana played on the right and left side of midfield respectively.
• What we learned: Liverpool now face Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie tomorrow night, before heading to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Saturday. But Klopp has promised to select a strong starting XI against Porto despite the Reds holding a 5-0 lead from the first leg. Changes for Gameweek 30 are set to be kept to a minimum, with the more defensive Joe Gomez perhaps in contention to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Matip may replace Lovren in central defence, while Milner could come back into central midfield. Georginio Wijnaldum has missed the last two league matches due to illness and isn’t expected to push for a start. Even if they do start in midweek, Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are all likely to see their minutes managed, given that all three appear sure starters at the weekend.

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

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Laporte, Zinchenko (Danilo 87), De Bruyne, Gundogan, David Silva (Foden 90), Bernardo Silva, Aguero (Gabriel Jesus 84), Sane. Subs not used: Bravo, Kompany, Stones, Toure.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola made only two changes from the side that beat Arsenal 3-0 last Thursday for the home meeting with Chelsea. Both came at the back, with Aymeric Laporte replacing Vincent Kompany in central defence, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was preferred to Danilo at left-back.
• What we learned: City host Basel in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday night, before they head to Stoke City a week tonight. With a 4-0 lead from the first leg, Guardiola is expected to rotate his side in midweek, perhaps handing Gabriel Jesus his first start since returning from injury. John Stones is also likely to be handed a recall, while Raheem Sterling, who has been training over the past few days, could also return. Changes from the side that beat Chelsea 1-0 for the trip to the bet365 Stadium are likely to kept to a minimum, then, with Kompany perhaps an option to return in central defence, while with Fabian Delph back from suspension, he may start at left-back. Should he get some minutes on Wednesday night, Sterling could come into contention to replace Bernardo Silva on the right of the front three against the Potters.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, right wing

Part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the remaining ten teams, will follow tomorrow.