Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 37 – Part One

Arsene Wenger names a strong line-up for his final home match in charge of Arsenal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbing two goals and an assist against Burnley despite starting on the left flank.

Eden Hazard is again handed a central support role behind Olivier Giroud as Antonio Conte continues with a 3-5-1-1 at home to Liverpool, while a move to five at the back helps Huddersfield nullify the Man City attack and keep their survival bid alive.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from the weekend, with an assessment of what’s to follow in the midweek Gameweek 37 matches and Sunday’s final batch of fixtures for the 2017/18 season.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Chambers (Mertesacker 77), Mavropanos, Kolasinac; Iwobi, Xhaka, Wilshere (Ramsey 72); Mkhitaryan, Lacazette (Welbeck 72), Aubameyang. Subs not used: Ospina, Monreal, Mustafi, Maitland-Niles.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger rang the changes for his final home match in charge against Burnley. Petr Cech returned in goal, while Calum Chambers, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Sead Kolasinac all earned starts in defence. The Gunners boss deployed a 4-1-2-3 system, with Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi playing ahead of holding midfielder Granit Xhaka. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (right) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (left) flanked central striker Alexandre Lacazette in attack. Aubameyang finished the match as the central striker, with substitute Danny Welbeck stationed on the left wing.
• What we learned: The Gunners now travel to Leicester City on Wednesday night, before heading to Huddersfield Town on the final day. With plenty of options in most positions, Wenger could rotate over the remaining two matches. David Ospina is a possible alternative to Cech in goal, while regulars Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal will be pushing for returns in defence. Aaron Ramsey and Ainsley Maitland-Niles provide strong alternatives in central midfield, while if Mesut Ozil recovers from a back problem, he should also feature either in the No 10 role or out wide. Danny Welbeck provides another option in attack, but Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will surely retain their starting roles given their current run of form.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Defence, Central Midfield

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic, Francis, S Cook, Ake; Fraser, L Cook, Surman, Daniels; King (Mousset 90), Wilson (Mings 90), Pugh (Gosling 78). Subs not used: Boruc, Smith, Ibe, Defoe.

• What we saw: Despite the 2-1 defeat to Southampton, Eddie Howe kept faith in the 3-4-3 formation for the home clash against Swansea City. The Cherries boss handed recalls to Andrew Surman and Marc Pugh – Surman replaced Dan Gosling in central midfield, while Pugh came in for Lys Mousset on the left of the front three. Holding on to a slender 1-0 lead, Howe brought on Gosling for Pugh, switching to a more defensive 3-5-1-1. Tyrone Mings was introduced during stoppage time to help deal with the aerial threat of Swansea’s Federico Fernandez, who played as a striker during the final few minutes.
• What we learned: Howe now looks set to continue with the same system for the final day trip to Burnley. Surman could keep his place in the side at the expense of Gosling, while Pugh may again be favoured over Mousset and Jordon Ibe. Callum Wilson looks set to be preferred to Jermain Defoe in the central striker role. With Premier League safety achieved, Adam Smith (knee) is unlikely to be risked at Turf Moor, but Mings could be considered for more minutes.

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

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo (March 87); Gross (Kayal 84); Murray (Ulloa 90). Subs not used: Krul, Goldson, Schelotto, Locadia.

• What we saw: Available again after completing his three-match ban, Davy Propper returned to the side for the home clash against Manchester United. The Dutch international replaced Beram Kayal in central midfield, while Glenn Murray came back into the side to lead the attack at the expense of Leonardo Ulloa in the usual 4-4-1-1 formation. Leading 1-0, Chris Hughton brought on Kayal for Pascal Gross late on, switching to a more defensive 4-5-1 system.
• What we learned: Having secured Premier League safety, Hughton could look to hand minutes to fringe players in the final two matches of the season. The Seagulls travel to Manchester City on Wednesday night, before heading to Liverpool on the final day. Jurgen Locadia is likely to feature either out wide or up front, with Ulloa another alternative to Murray. Solly March offers another option out wide, while Kayal may earn a start in central midfield. At the back, Ezequiel Schelotto and Markus Suttner could get opportunities in the full-back positions, with Connor Goldson the back-up option in central defence.

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

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope; Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Ward; Lennon (Nkoudou 71), Westwood, Cork, Gudmundsson (Wells 89); Hendrick, Barnes (Vokes 22). Subs not used: Heaton, Taylor, Marney, Bardsley.

• What we saw: Chris Wood failed to overcome a gashed foot in time to face Arsenal, so Sean Dyche handed a recall to Jeff Hendrick in a central support role in a 4-4-1-1 system.
• What we learned: After being forced off with a shoulder injury, Ashley Barnes is a major doubt for the home fixture against Bournemouth on the final day. If Wood is passed fit, he is a possible alternative, while Sam Vokes is also an option, with Hendrick possibly dropping to the bench in a 4-4-2. Dyche may decide not to take a risk on Ben Mee (shin) even if the defender is ready to return. Dean Marney is leaving the club in the summer, but is probably only likely to earn minutes from the bench, with Scott Arfield in the same situation providing he recovers from a calf injury. Nick Pope may well retain his start in goal after a superb season, keeping Tom Heaton benched once again.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders, forwards

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger; Moses (Zappacosta 89) Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso; Fabregas (Pedro 90), Hazard (Willian 85); Giroud. Subs not used: Caballero, Barkley, Christensen, Emerson.

• What we saw: Antonio Conte retained the 3-5-1-1 formation that yielded a 1-0 win against Swansea City for the home clash against Liverpool, naming an unchanged starting XI. The Blues ended the match in a 3-4-2-1, with substitutes Willian and Pedro stationed in the attacking midfield spots.
• What we learned: Conte admitted after yesterday’s match that he will rotate his side against Huddersfield on Wednesday night. So Andreas Christensen and potentially Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri could earn recalls at the back, with Conte likely to consider using a more attacking 3-4-2-1 against the Terriers. Willian could replace either Tiemoue Bakayoko or Cesc Fabregas, while Alvaro Morata has a good chance of being back in contention following a knock, and may replace Giroud up front. But for the final day trip to Newcastle United, Conte may name the same starting XI that lined up on Sunday.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, wing-backs, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward (Kelly 40), Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt; McArthur, Cabaye (Benteke 63), Milivojevic, Loftus-Cheek; Zaha, Townsend (Schlupp 88). Subs not used: Cavalieri, Wan-Bissaka, Chung-Yong Lee, Sorloth.

• What we saw: As expected, Roy Hodgson named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Stoke City. The Eagles boss was forced into making a first-half substitution after Joel Ward was unable to run off an ankle problem. Perhaps due to his ability to deal with Stoke’s aerial threat, Martin Kelly was preferred to Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Ward’s replacement at right-back. Trailing 1-0, Hodgson decided to switch to a more attacking 4-3-3, with Christian Benteke brought on to lead the line, flanked by Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.
• What we learned: Ward will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s home clash against West Bromwich Albion, with Wan-Bissaka or Kelly the possible replacements at right-back. Elsewhere, Hodgson would seem unlikely to hand a recall to Benteke, so Zaha will be expected to continue in attack alongside Andros Townsend. Jeffrey Schlupp is perhaps more likely to come into contention, though the form of James McArthur and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will surely guarantee starting roles.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right-back, flanks, forwards

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Jagielka (Klaassen 80), Baines; Davies, Schneiderlin, Gueye; Bolasie (Funes Mori 46), Tosun, Vlasic (Niasse 58). Subs not used: Robles, Martina, Klaassen, Kenny, Baningime.

• What we saw: Sam Allardyce was forced into making a couple of alterations for the home fixture against Southampton, with Theo Walcott (calf) and Wayne Rooney (knee) both ruled out. They were replaced by Yannick Bolasie and Tom Davies on the right wing and in the No 10 role respectively in a 4-2-3-1 formation. But Allardyce decided to switch to a 3-4-2-1 at half-time, bringing on Ramiro Funes Mori for Bolasie. The Argentinian played as part of a three-man backline, while Davies and Nikola Vlasic operated in the attacking midfield positions. That then became a 3-5-2 when Oumar Niasse was introduced in place of Vlasic, while midfielder Davy Klaassen was handed a rare run-out late on, with the Toffees ending the match with a four-man defence.
• What we learned: Allardyce will check on Walcott and Rooney ahead of the final day trip to West Ham United. If available, Walcott will be expected to replace Bolasie in the starting XI. Rooney, meanwhile, is a possible alternative to Davies in the No 10 position. In the last match of the season, Allardyce may decide to hand opportunities to the likes of Funes Mori, Niasse and Klaassen. Should Walcott and Rooney remain sidelined, a switch to a three-man defence including Funes Mori could be on the cards.

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

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl; Smith, Schindler, Jorgensen, Kongolo, Lowe (Malone 77); Hadergjonaj, Hogg, Mooy; Mounie (Depoitre 59), Pritchard (van La Parra 82). Subs not used: Coleman, Billing, Quaner, Stankovic.

• What we saw: Faced with the challenge to try and nullify the champions, David Wagner opted for a defensive 5-3-1-1 system at the Etihad Stadium. Tommy Smith and Chris Lowe were handed recalls in the full-back positions, while Terence Kongolo lined up as the left-sided centre-back. Florent Hadergjonaj was fielded on the right of the three-man midfield, while Alex Pritchard played just off Steve Mounie in attack.
• What we learned: Encouraged by their goalless draw at Man City, the Terriers now travel to Chelsea on Wednesday night before facing Arsenal at home on the final day. Following a monumental shift against City, Wagner may look to try and introduce some fresh legs at Stamford Bridge. If he sticks with the same tactics, Rajiv van La Parra and Laurent Depoitre could be options to replace Pritchard and Mounie in attack. Collin Quaner is another alternative, particularly if Wagner switches back to his favoured 4-2-3-1. Philip Billing offers another option in central midfield, though there appear to be fewer opportunities to rotate in defence if the Terriers’ boss sticks with a five-man backline. Scott Malone perhaps provides a fresh option at left-back. Given the short turnaround, Tom Ince (hamstring) is unlikely to feature in midweek, with the midfielder more likely to return to contention against Arsenal.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Hamer, Benalouane, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs, Mahrez, Adrien Silva, Iborra (Dragovic 46), Choudhury (Iheanacho 61), Diabate (Gray 61), Vardy. Subs not used: Jakupovic, Thomas, Barnes, Hughes.

• What we saw: Injuries meant that Claude Puel had to shuffle his pack for the home encounter against West Ham. Yohan Benalouane was handed a rare start at right-back, while Christian Fuchs came in for Ben Chilwell on the left. The fit-again Vicente Iborra returned in central midfield, with Adrien Silva handed the central support role in the usual 4-4-1-1 system. Fousseni Diabate was preferred to Demarai Gray on the left wing. With his side trailing 1-0 at half-time, Puel decided to bing on Aleksandar Dragovic for Vicente Iborra. Dragovic played at centre-half, with Harry Maguire shifted into a defensive midfield role. The introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho saw the Nigerian play as a support striker, with Silva moving back into a central midfield position.
• What we learned: The struggling Foxes host Arsenal at the King Power on Wednesday night, before ending their campaign away to Tottenham Hotspur. Puel’s team selection will be largely dependent on whether any of the injured contingent are ready to return. Kasper Schmeichel, Chilwell, Danny Simpson, Wilfred Ndidi, Daniel Amartey and Shinji Okazaki are all concerns, while Dragovic also suffered a shoulder injury at the weekend. Puel’s options could be severely limited for the Gunners clash, then. Marc Albrighton should be available again following his one-match ban, though the club are waiting on notification from the FA on whether the winger’s suspension will be extended by another match. Elsewhere, Demarai Gray and Iheanacho will push for recalls with Diabate’s start appearing the most at risk, while one of Silva or Hamza Choudhury could also miss out.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, defence, central midfield, flanks, support striker

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius; Clyne (Henderson 59) van Dijk, Lovren, Robertson (Solanke 74); Milner (Moreno 89), Wijnaldum, Alexander-Arnold; Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs not used: Mignolet, Klavan, Ings, Woodburn.

• What we saw: Jurgen Klopp named a strong side for the trip to Chelsea, again using Trent Alexander-Arnold as part of the three-man midfield. That saw Jordan Henderson drop to the bench, while Nathaniel Clyne came in for the injured Joe Gomez at right-back. However, Clyne was replaced just before the hour mark by Henderson, seeing Alexander-Arnold shift to right-back. Liverpool ended the match in a 4-2-3-1, with Dominic Solanke stationed as the lone striker and Roberto Firmino operating in a No 10 position.
• What we learned: With the Reds likely to need a win on the final day against Brighton to confirm a top-four finish, depending on the midweek results, Klopp is expected to name a full-strength starting XI. So Alexander-Arnold could well return to his familiar right-back role, with Henderson installed in central midfield.

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

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