Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 37 – Part Two

Mauricio Pochettino shifts to a three-man defence but suffers defeat at The Hawthorns. Manchester City go strong but fail to break down a stubborn Huddersfield Town, while Jose Mourinho hands opportunities to his second-string attack in the absence of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

Following part one of Line-up Lessons, we check out the remaining teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 37, with an assessment of what’s to come in midweek and ahead of Sunday’s final matches.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones (B Silva 73), Otamendi, Delph (Mendy 57); De Bruyne (Gundogan 67), Fernandinho, D Silva; Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Sane. Subs not used: Bravo, Laporte, Toure, Foden.

• What we saw: As expected, Pep Guardiola named a strong side to face Huddersfield Town. Vincent Kompany was left out of the matchday squad, though, with John Stones returning in central defence, while David Silva returned in midfield for the champions. With the match goalless, Guardiola ended with a three-man defence, protected by Fernandinho in the defensive midfield role. Bernardo Silva was introduced as an extra attacker in a No 10 position.
• What we learned: Having already hinted strongly that Yaya Toure will be handed a start against Brighton tomorrow night, Guardiola could hand opportunities to several fringe players, particularly given that the Seagulls are no longer involved in a relegation battle. Fernandinho should be fresh following his two-match ban, however, and could also retain his start in central midfield, potentially leaving David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan battling it out for one spot. However, there have been reports that Silva has been allowed home to Spain to see his family, so he may miss out. Phil Foden is another who could earn minutes either in the middle of the park or out wide. In the front three, Bernardo Siva is the player most likely to push for a recall, with Raheem Sterling perhaps the most in danger of being rested having started the last seven. Lukas Nmecha is another who could feature in attack should Guardiola ring the changes. In defence, Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte and Danilo provide fresh options. After playing 33 minutes as a substitute against Huddersfield Town, Benjamin Mendy may earn a first start since returning from injury in place of Fabian Delph at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko provides another alternative. Guardiola is set to name a strong line-up for the final day trip to Southampton, who are likely to still be in the relegation mix.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Darmian (Shaw 68), Smalling, Rojo (McTominay 76), Young; Fellaini (Lingard 68) Matic, Pogba; Mata, Rashford, Martial. Subs not used: Romero, Lindelof, Bailly, Herrera.

• What we saw: Jose Mourinho decided to rotate for the trip to Brighton, handing rare starts to Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Darmian and Rojo lined up at right-back and centre-back respectively, while Fellaini started as part of a three-man midfield in a 4-3-3 formation. Mata (right), Rashford (central striker) and Martial (left) formed the front three. Trailing 1-0, United ended the match with Nemanja Matic in central defence, while Paul Pogba was joined by substitute Scott McTominay at the base of midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jesse Lingard operated in a No 10 role, with Juan Mata stationed on the right.
• What we learned: After handing opportunities to fringe players, Mourinho is expected to revert to a more familiar starting XI against West Ham United. Alexis Sanchez could be ready to return, but Romelu Lukaku (foot) remains a major doubt. So Sanchez is a potential option either on the left of a front three or perhaps even as the central striker in Lukaku’s expected absence. Lingard featured from the bench against the Seagulls, so he looks poised for a recall. That would leave Rashford, Mata and Martial battling for one spot, with the former likely to be favoured. Providing Mourinho sticks with a 4-3-3, Ander Herrera is expected to return in central midfield ahead of McTominay and Fellaini. At the back, Phil Jones (knock) remains a doubt, so either Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly may replace Marcos Rojo alongside Chris Smalling at the heart of the defence. Antonio Valencia is expected to come in for Matteo Darmian at right-back, with Ashley Young set to continue at left-back. Luke Shaw provides further cover. A win on Thursday would confirm second place, allowing Mourinho to hand opportunities to squad players and perhaps even some youngsters for the final day meeting with Watford.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, central striker

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Dubravka; Manquillo (Yedlin 67), Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Murphy (Ritchie 53), Diame (Merino 84), Shelvey, Kenedy; Perez; Gayle. Subs: Darlow, Hayden, Joselu, Haidara.

• What we saw: Following consecutive defeats, Rafa Benitez opted to hand recalls to Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy for the trip to Watford. They started at right-back and on the right wing respectively, with DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie dropping to the bench.
• What we learned: Benitez could again freshen things up for the Wembley encounter with Spurs. Manquillo and Murphy may be replaced by Yedlin and Ritchie, and after appearing as a substitute, Mikel Merino could push for a place in central midfield, with Mo Diame’s starting berth at most risk. Isaac Hayden provides another option in the middle of the park. Joselu offers an alternative in attack, but Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle are set to lead the attack once more. Benitez will be expected to name a similar line-up for the final day home meeting with Chelsea.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: McCarthy; Cedric Soares, Yoshida, Hoedt, Bertrand; Romeu, Hojbjerg; Tadic (Ward-Prowse 70), Lemina (Redmond 46), Bednarek; Austin (Long 76). Subs not used: Forster, Stephens, Long, Gabbiadini, McQueen.

• What we saw: Mark Hughes made one change from the side that beat Bournemouth 2-1 for the trip to Everton, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg replacing Nathan Redmond. He joined Oriol Romeu in central midfield, allowing Mario Lemina to move into a more attacking position in a 3-4-2-1. Saints ended the match in more of a 4-4-1 system following the sending off of Maya Yoshida, with substitutes James Ward-Prowse (right) and Redmond (left) stationed out wide.
• What we learned: Yoshida will now miss the crucial trip to Swansea City through suspension, while Lemina is a doubt after being forced off with a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Jack Stephens is expected to replace Yoshida in the three-man defence, while Hojbjerg could partner Romeu in central midfield if Lemina is ruled out, potentially freeing up a spot for Redmond after he impressed at the weekend, scoring his first goal of the season. Shane Long’s mobility could see him preferred over Charlie Austin in the lone striker role. Meanwhile, Ward-Prowse offers cover across midfield. Yoshida will be available to return for the final day meeting with Man City. With Saints likely to require a positive result against the champions, Hughes is expected to stick by his settled line-up.

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

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Johnson (Campbell 77), Zouma, Shawcross, Pieters; Shaqiri, Allen, Ndiaye, Bauer; Crouch (Sobhi 67), Diouf. Subs not used: Haugaard, Adam, Ireland, Cameron, Fletcher.

• What we saw: A lack of options restricted Paul Lambert to one enforced change for the crucial home meeting with Crystal Palace. That came in defence, with the fit-again Glen Johnson replacing the injured Bruno Martins Indi. Johnson played at right-back in a 4-4-2 system, with Kurt Zouma moving into central defence. Moritz Bauer continued on the left side of midfield but ended the match at right-back. Ramadan Sobhi was brought on to play on the left wing, while Tyrese Campbell joined Mame Biram Diouf up front.
• What we learned: With Stoke’s relegation confirmed, Lambert could hand some opportunities to some squad players for the final day trip to south Wales. Campbell may start in attack, while Sobhi is a viable option out wide. Should the Egyptian be handed a recall, Bauer could move to right-back in place of Johnson. The form of Badou Ndiaye and Joe Allen make changes less likely in the middle of the park.

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

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; van der Hoorn (King 72), Mawson, Fernandez; Roberts, Carroll, Ki Sung-yueng (Narsingh 78), Olsson; A Ayew, Dyer (Abraham 59), J Ayew. Subs not used: Nordfeldt, Rangel, Clucas, Sanches.

• What we saw: While Carlos Carvalhal kept faith in the 3-4-2-1 system for the trip to Bournemouth, he did make two changes. Federico Fernandez returned from a knee problem to replace the ill Kyle Naughton in the three-man defence, while Tom Carroll was favoured over Andy King in central midfield. Nathan Dyer got the nod over Sam Clucas. A goal down, Carvalhal decided to introduce Tammy Abraham and Luciano Narsingh alongside Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew in a four-man attack.
• What we learned: The Swans now face a pivotal home fixture against Southampton tonight, before hosting Stoke City on the final day. Carvalhal faces a dilemma regarding whether to switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. In those formations, Mike van der Hoorn is the most likely to drop to the bench, with Andy King, Abraham or Narsingh battling to earn a recall. Clucas is another who may return, with Dyer the most at risk of dropping to the bench. If available, Naughton could return either on the right side of the defence or as a right-sided centre-back, while Van der Hoorn (groin injury) will also be assessed. The likes of Renato Sanches and Leon Britton provide further alternatives but are unlikely to push for starting spots.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back/right wing-back, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, forwards

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen (Llorente 85); Trippier, Eriksen, Wanyama, Rose; Lamela (Lucas Moura 78), Alli (Son Heung-min 67); Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Dier, Sissoko, Davies.

• What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino made the surprise decision to switch to a three-man defence for the trip to West Brom, handing a recall to Toby Alderweireld. Danny Rose got the nod at left wing-back, with Victor Wanyama at the base of a midfield diamond, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli on the sides and Erik Lamela at the tip. Substitutes Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura played tucked inside when they were introduced, while as a final roll of the dice, Fernando Llorente came on for the injured Jan Vertonghen as Spurs ended the match in an attacking 4-2-4. Eriksen was sat in central midfield, with Lucas and Son out wide.
• What we learned: Vertonghen has been passed fit ahead of tomorrow night’s home meeting with Newcastle United after he picked up a knock in the 1-0 defeat to West Brom. Meanwhile, Serge Aurier (hamstring) and Mousa Dembele (ankle) missed the Baggies clash, and remain sidelined. Following the defeat, and back at Wembley, Pochettino is expected to revert to his favoured 4-2-3-1, with Alderweireld likely to drop out. Ben Davies is expected to be restored to the starting XI, while Kieran Trippier will continue on the opposite flank. Wanayama played the 90 minutes against West Brom, but with Dembele and Eric Dier (illness) both out, Moussa Sissoko could come into contention alongside the Kenyan for a start. In the attacking midfield area, Son is set to come in for Erik Lamela after only playing 23 minutes as a substitute last weekend. With Spurs requiring a victory, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane are all expected to retain their starts. Major rotation looks unlikely for the final day meeting with Leicester City, although much will depend on the midweek results.

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

Watford

Starting XI: Karnezis; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Doucoure; Hughes, Pereyra (Deulofeu 56); Capoue; Deeney (Mariappa 62), Gray (Richarlison 80). Subs not used: Gomes, Britos, Sinclair, Femenia.

• What we saw: Javi Gracia opted to switch to a 4-4-2 for the home clash against Newcastle United, pairing Troy Deeney and Andre Gray up front. Will Hughes (right) and the fit-again Roberto Pereyra (left) started out wide, while Daryl Janmaat returned at right-back. Holding on to a slender 2-1 lead, Gracia decided to switch to a 3-4-3, introducing Adrian Mariappa in central defence, while fellow substitute Gerard Deulofeu played on the left of the front three. Richarlison ended the match as the central striker.
• What we learned: Following the 2-1 victory, Gracia could name a similar starting XI for the final day trip to Manchester United. Changes are more likely if he switches back to a 4-2-3-1. Deulofeu, Richarlison and Kiko Femenia are options to start in the attacking midfield spots, most likely in place of Gray. A three-man defence could also be considered, with Mariappa in line for a possible recall.

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

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Nyom, Dawson, Hegazi , Gibbs; Phillips, Livermore, Brunt, McClean (Krychowiak 87); Rodriguez (Chadli 79), Rondon (Sturridge 74). Subs not used: Robson-Kanu, Yacob, Evans, Myhill.

• What we saw: Interim manager Darren Moore stuck with the same starting XI for the home meeting with Spurs after run of impressive results. He switched from a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 late on, with substitutes Grzegorz Krychowiak and Nacer Chadli joining Matt Phillips in the attacking midfield positions.
• What we learned: Following their unlikely victory, Moore is set to name the starting XI once again for the final day trip to Crystal Palace. The Baggies still have a chance of avoiding the drop if Swansea and Southampton draw tonight. Chadli and Sturridge offer strong attacking options from the bench.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: None

West Ham United

Starting XI: Adrian, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Joao Mario, Masuaku (Evra 90+3), Lanzini (Carroll 75), Arnautovic (Fernandes 79). Subs not used: Hugill, Obiang, Fernandes, Cullen, Trott.

• What we saw: After favouring a more defensive 3-5-1-1 system against Man City, David Moyes switched back to a 3-4-2-1 for the trip to Leicester. The two changes saw Arthur Masuaku return at left wing-back, while Joao Mario was recalled in one of the attacking midfield spots. Andy Carroll was brought on for the final 15 minutes, playing as the lone striker, while Edimilson Fernandes was introduced for Marko Arnautovic who had picked up a knock.
• What we learned: Arnautovic is expected to be available for the home clash against Man United. But Joe Hart (illness) and Chicharito (knock) are both doubts. Adrian could retain his start in goal, while Edmilson Fernandes may have to settle for a place on the bench once again. Pedro Obiang returned to the squad at the King Power, and could be ready for some minutes. Patrice Evra provides a possible alternative to Masuaku at left wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 formation, but after the clean sheet at Leicester, he will struggle to earn a recall. With the short turnaround before the final day meeting with Everton, Evra, Fernandes and Obiang could come into contention against the Toffees, while Carroll is an option in attack.

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