Defensive casualties force David Moyes to shape-shift as his West Ham side are dismantled at Swansea City. That victory was inspired by notable changes to Carlos Carvalhal’s XI, as Andre Ayew is handed his first Swans start. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are revived as their treatment room begins to clear, though Roy Hodgson’s tactical tweaks are not enough to prevent the Eagles slipping to a late defeat.
Having assessed the first ten teams yesterday, we now roll out part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 29, with one eye on what’s to come over the weekend league matches, midweek European fixtures and beyond.
Crystal Palace
Starting XI: Hennessey; Wan-Bissaka, Kelly, Tomkins, van Aanholt; Townsend, McArthur, Milivojevic, Schlupp (Riedewald 80); Sorloth, Benteke. Subs not used: Cavalieri, Jach, Lee Chung-Yong, Delaney, Rakip, Souare.
- What we saw: The fit-again Martin Kelly and Jeffrey Schlupp returned for the home fixture against Manchester United, allowing Roy Hodgson to switch to a 4-4-2 formation. Kelly replaced on-loan defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who was ineligible to face his parent club, in central defence, while Schlupp was stationed on the left side of midfield. That allowed Alexander Sorloth to join Christian Benteke up front. With the match level at 2-2, Hodgson decided to introduce Jairo Riedewald, seeing the Eagles switch to a more defensive 4-5-1 system. The substitute played in front of the back four, while Sorloth moved out to the left flank.
- What we learned: While Fosu-Mensah will be available for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, Hodgson’s options are still very limited. Fosu-Mensah could replace either Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Kelly at right-back or centre-back respectively, with the option of a five-man backline also a possible option. Riedewald offers an alternative in a defensive midfield role, but unless any of the injured contingent are fit to return, it’s likely to be a very similar starting XI at Stamford Bridge.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defence, central midfield
Manchester United
Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia (Mata 67), Smalling, Lindelof, Young (Shaw 67); McTominay (Rashford 46), Matic; Sanchez, Pogba, Lingard; Lukaku. Subs not used: Carrick, Bailly, Darmian, Pereira.
- What we saw: Jose Mourinho kept faith with the 4-3-3 system for the trip to Selhurst Park, with the only change seeing Jesse Lingard replace the injured Anthony Martial in the front three. Lingard played on the right, with Alexis Sanchez stationed on the opposite flank. With his side trailing 1-0 at half-time, Mourinho decided to switch to a 4-2-3-1, introducing Marcus Rashford for Scott McTominay. Rashford operated on the left wing, with Sanchez moving into the No 10 role. Then as a final roll of the dice with his team now 2-1 down, Mourinho brought on Luke Shaw and Juan Mata for Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia. The Spaniard played on the right of the attacking midfield trio, while Lingard moved to right-back.
- What we learned: Given the short turnaround before Saturday’s lunchtime showdown with Liverpool, Martial appears a major doubt. In a 4-3-3, it’s the final position in the front three alongside Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku that provides the most uncertainty. Both Rashford and Mata are possible alternatives to Lingard. Alternatively, in the more attacking 4-2-3-1, McTominay will probably miss out, allowing two from Lingard, Rashford and Mata to start in the attacking midfield positions. Shaw and Eric Bailly provide the main alternatives in defence, but the latter’s lack of match fitness means he’s unlikely to be considered for a starting berth this weekend. United’s second leg against Sevilla in the Champions League follows three days after the Liverpool clash, but given the importance of Saturday’s fixture, Mourino is expected to name his strongest possible line-up.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield
Newcastle United
Starting XI: Dubravka; Yedlin, Lejeune, Lascelles, Dummett, Kenedy; Murphy (Perez 84), Diame, Merino (Hayden 73), Atsu; Gayle (Joselu 66). Subs not used: Clark, Ritchie, Manquillo, Darlow.
- What we saw: Rafa Benitez decided to use a more defensive 3-4-2-1 system for the trip to Liverpool. That saw Paul Dummett move to the left of a back three, with Kenedy then stationed at left wing-back. Mikel Merino was recalled in central midfield in place of the injured Jonjo Shelvey, while Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu returned in the attacking midfield positions. Dwight Gayle was utilised as the lone striker for the Magpies.
- What we learned: With Newcastle hosting Southampton on Saturday, Benitez is expected to revert back to a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 system. Dummett should start at left-back, then, with Kenedy set to operate on the left wing. Matt Ritchie may return on the opposite flank, while Isaac Hayden provides the main alternative in central midfield if Shelvey (knee) remains sidelined. Ayoze Perez is the favourite to take up the support striker role, with Joselu providing another attacking option.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks
Southampton
Starting XI: McCarthy, Cedric, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand, Romeu, Lemina, Sims (Boufal 76), Tadic (Gabbiadini 64), Redmond, Carrillo (Long 79). Subs not used: Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Bednarek, Forster.
- What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino decided to make one change for the home meeting with Stoke City, with Josh Sims handed a first start on the right wing in place of James Ward-Prowse. Pellegrino kept faith in his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, before switching to a 4-4-2 when Manolo Gabbiadini was brought on for Dusan Tadic.
- What we learned: After an encouraging performance, Sims could retain his berth for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United. Ward-Prowse was a surprise omission against Stoke, though, and he may be considered for a recall either in central midfield or in a No 10 role. Gabbiadini provides an alternative to Guido Carrillo in attack, while Pellegrino could look to start with both forwards in a 4-4-2, with Tadic or Nathan Redmond then at risk of dropping to the bench.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker
Stoke City
Starting XI: Butland, Bauer, Zouma, Martins Indi, Stafylidis (Crouch 45), Cameron, Allen, Ndiaye, Choupo-Moting (Jese 64), Diouf (Pieters 23), Shaqiri. Subs not used: Johnson, Shawcross, Fletcher, Haugaard.
- What we saw: Paul Lambert named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Southampton, with the Potters again lining up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. But Lambert was forced into an early reshuffle after Mame Biram Diouf suffered a dislocated shoulder. That saw substitute Erik Pieters enter the fray at left-back, Konstantinos Stafylidis move to the left side of midfield and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting take up the lone striker role. Lambert then decided to introduce Crouch for Stafylidis at half-time, seeing Crouch play as the lone striker, with Choupo-Moting shifting back to the left wing.
- What we learned: Diouf now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, so it looks a straight choice between Crouch and Choupo-Moting for the lone striker role against Manchester City in Gameweek 30. Stafylidis, Jese Rodriguez and Ramadan Sobhi provide options on the left side of midfield, while Pieters could push for a recall at left-back. Ryan Shawcross was back on the bench at St Mary’s but following a clean sheet, he may struggle to get back into the starting XI unless Lambert considers using a five-man defence against the leaders.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, left wing, lone striker
Swansea City
Starting XI: Fabianski; Van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Mawson; Naughton, Ki Sung-yueng, King (Carroll 81) Olsson; Clucas (Abraham 89), J Ayew, A Ayew (Dyer 78). Subs not sued: Nordfeldt, Britton, Narsingh, Bartley.
- What we saw: Carlos Carvalhal made two changes for the home clash against West Ham United, with Andy King handed his first start in central midfield in place of Tom Carroll. In what was more of a 3-4-2-1 set-up, Andre Ayew started in place of Nathan Dyer in the right attacking midfield spot.
- What we learned: Given the impressive nature of the 4-1 win over West Ham United, changes are unlikely for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield Town. Carroll and Dyer are the players most likely to push for recalls, but the performances of King and Andre Ayew mean it’s unlikely they’ll return to the starting XI. But Carvalhal’s 3-4-2-1 could easily become the more familiar 5-4-1 formation in a tougher away match.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, attacking midfield
Tottenham Hotspur
Starting XI: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele (Sissoko 77); Son Heung-min (Lamela 70), Alli (Lucas Moura 81), Eriksen; Kane. Subs not used: Trippier, Rose, Wanyama, Vorm.
- What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino handed recalls to Son Heung-min and the fit-again Jan Vertonghen for the visit of Huddersfield Town to Wembley. Son replaced Erik Lamela on the left of the attacking midfield trio in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, while Vertonghen returned in central defence. That saw Eric Dier move back to the base of midfield in place of Victor Wanyama.
- What we learned: Spurs now face Juventus in the crucial second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie tomorrow night, before heading to Bournemouth on Sunday. Serge Aurier is suspended for the Juventus match, so he is the probable starter at right-back against the Cherries, while Danny Rose is an alternative to Ben Davies at left-back. Dier provides the main cover in central defence with Toby Alderweireld unlikely to be available, with Wanyama a possible starter in midfield against the Cherries. If Son starts tomorrow night as expected, Lamela may well get the nod against Bournemouth on Sunday. The likes of Harry Winks and Lucas Moura provide other options should Pochettino consider rotation against the Cherries.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central defenders, central midfield, left wing
Watford
Starting XI: Karnezis; Janmaat, Prodl, Mariappa, Holebas (Britos 90); Doucoure, Capoue; Carrillo (Hughes 66), Pereyra, Richarlison (Okaka 54); Deeney. Subs not used: Gomes, Gray, Lukebakio, Zeegelaar.
- What we saw: Javi Gracia was forced into making one alteration for the home clash against West Bromwich Albion, with Andre Carrillo recalled in place of the injured Gerard Deulofeu on the right wing. The Hornets lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again, although Gracia did switch to a 4-4-2, bringing on Stefano Okaka for Richarlison. Okaka joined Troy Deeney up front, while Roberto Pereyra drifted across to the left side of midfield. Will Hughes then replaced Carrillo on the right, while Miguel Britos replaced Jose Holebas late on after the Greek defender suffered an ankle injury.
- What we learned: The Hornets will check on Holebas ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal, although the problem isn’t thought to be too serious. While Britos came on in his place last weekend, it’s perhaps Marvin Zeegelaar who is the more likely replacement at left-back if required. Kiko Femenia missed out due to illness, but he is possible another option at left-back. Hughes made a positive impact from the bench against West Brom and could push for a start in place of either Carrillo or Pereyra.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, right wing
West Bromwich Albion
Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, Hegazi, Evans, Gibbs; Livermore (Field 87), Krychowiak (McClean 81), Brunt; Phillips, Rodriguez (Burke 87), Rondon. Subs not used: Myhill, McAuley, Nyom, Yacob.
- What we saw: Alan Pardew decided to switch from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3 for the trip to Watford, handing a recall to Chris Brunt as part of a three-man midfield. Matt Phillips (right) and Jay Rodriguez (left) flanked central striker Salomon Rondon in attack. The Baggies ended with substitutes James McClean and Oliver Burke joining Phillips in an attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Rondon in a 4-2-3-1 system.
- What we learned: Pardew’s options in midfield and attack remain limited, particularly with Hal Robson-Kanu seemingly out of favour. Gareth Barry missed out with a knock at the weekend, but he could be fit to return for Saturday’s home encounter with Leicester City. But Jake Livermore returned against Watford, so the veteran may struggle to get back into the side. Sam Field provides another option in the middle of the park, while Burke and McClean are also alternatives for the wide roles.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks
West Ham United
Starting XI: Adrian; Rice, Reid (Byram 17), Creswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Lanzini, Evra (Antonio 46); Chicharito, Arnautovic. Subs not used: Hart, Hugill, Mario, Cullen, Brown.
- What we saw: David Moyes was forced into making a couple of changes for the trip to Swansea City, with Angelo Ogbonna (illness) and James Collins (hamstring) both ruled out. So Declan Rice and the fit-again Winston Reid were drafted into the three-man backline, while in attack, Chicharito was handed a recall in place of Joao Mario. The Mexican joined Marko Arnautovic up front, with Manuel Lanzini stationed in the No 10 role in more of a 3-4-1-2 formation. But Reid was forced off with a serious knee injury after just 17 minutes, seeing Pablo Zabaleta move inside to the right side of the back three, while substitute Sam Byram took over at right wing-back. The only other change saw Michail Antonio initially replace Patrice Evra at left wing-back, while during the latter stages, Antonio moved more centrally as part of a front three alongside Chicharito and Arnautovic. Aaron Cresswell played as more of an orthodox left-back, while Lanzini dropped back into midfield in a 4-3-3.
- What we learned: The Hammers face a crucial home fixture against Burnley next, with Moyes’ options now appearing limited. Reid looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, so the West Ham boss will be desperate for Ogbonna and Collins to be available. If only one returns, Zabaleta may have to continue in central defence, with Byram coming in at right wing-back. Alternatively, Moyes could switch to a back four, with Rice partnering either Collins or more likely Ogbonna in central defence. Evra’s start appears at risk, then, with Antonio also an option at left wing-back. But Antonio may well push for a more attacking role depending on what formation Moyes chooses, with Cresswell a viable starter on the left of a back four. Joao Mario provides an alternative option in central midfield, while Chicharito’s start could come under threat with Arnautovic perhaps preferred as the lone striker.
Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker
