Part two of our Line-Up Lessons assesses the teamsheets and formations of the remaining ten Premier League clubs’ opening matches. Part one of this feature can be found here.
Manchester United set up with three centre-backs – one of them Ander Herrera – for the defeat to Spurs, who abandoned their own 3-5-2 system to roll out a four-man defence.
Pep Guardiola was another to temporarily shelve the wing-back system for the trip to Wolves, with Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling getting recalls to the Manchester City starting XI.
Liverpool were unchanged for the third match in a row – but Jurgen Klopp’s words hinted that rotation might just be around the corner.
Leicester City
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Amartey, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell; Mendy, Ndidi; Pereira, Maddison (Ghezzal 78′), Gray (Okazaki 88′); Iheanacho (Albrighton 67′)
- What we saw: Claude Puel made three changes to the side that beat Wolves, with Wes Morgan ousting Jonny Evans at centre-back and Kelechi Iheanacho replacing the suspended Jamie Vardy. Ricardo Pereira was once again deployed “out of position” for the Foxes on the right wing, with Amartey brought in to play at right-back at the expense of Marc Albrighton. Nampalys Mendy continued alongside Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, with James Maddison in the hole behind Iheanacho. Demarai Gray was deployed more centrally after Iheanacho’s withdrawal, with substitute Albrighton taking up the role on the left wing.
- What we learned: This was the second successive away match in which Pereira has played further up the park, which possibly bodes well for his FPL owners when Leicester are on the road. Amartey fails to convince at right-back, but his inclusion – as happened upon his introduction at Wolves last weekend – allows Puel to switch from a back four to a three-man backline at will, with Amartey tucking in alongside Maguire and Morgan, and Pereira and Ben Chilwell operating as wing-backs. Gray’s increasing prominence centrally is something to monitor given his budget midfielder price tag. Vardy will still be suspended for the visit of Liverpool, which could see changes at a minimum. Shinji Okazaki is back in the reckoning though, after his brief cameo at St. Mary’s on Saturday.
Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, centre-back, central midfield, wingers
Liverpool
Starting XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold (Matip 89′), Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Milner, Keita (Henderson 67′), Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane (Sturridge 79′)
- What we saw: For the third match in a row, Jurgen Klopp named an unchanged Liverpool side as the Reds maintained their 100% record. James Milner and Georgino Wijnaldum’s sterling performances continue to keep Jordan Henderson out of the side, with Fabinho missing from the squad altogether. The front three was yet again comprised of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, with Daniel Sturridge replacing the ineffectual Mane with ten minutes remaining. Joel Matip’s late introduction at centre-back saw Joe Gomez move over to right-back in place of the substituted Trent Alexander-Arnold.
- What we learned: While Liverpool’s team on paper looks like one of the more settled in the top flight, Jurgen Klopp’s words after the win over Brighton hinted at possible rotation in Gameweek 4. Mane and Firmino might be a risk after their lacklustre displays, with Xherdan Shaqiri and Sturridge possible alternatives if Klopp decides to mix things up. Fabinho and Henderson will be hoping to come into contention, with Naby Keita – substituted for Henderson in this fixture – perhaps as at risk as Milner or Wijnaldum. Matip is a contender to start at centre-back after his cameo appearance at Anfield on Saturday, which would mean Gomez either dropping out or replacing Alexander-Arnold at right-back. It would seem unlikely that Klopp will make wholesale changes, however, given the momentum that the Reds have built up after three wins and as many clean sheets. Dejan Lovren is set to remain out.
Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Centre-back, central midfield
Manchester City
Starting XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Mendy, Laporte, Kompany, Walker; Fernandinho, Gundogan (Sane 77’), D Silva; Sterling (Mahrez 85’), Aguero, B Silva (Jesus 62’).
- What we saw: Having defeated Huddersfield using a 3-5-2, Pep Guardiola reverted to a four-man backline for the trip to Wolves on Saturday. Kyle Walker returned to right-back with John Stones the surplus centre-half to make way, while Raheem Sterling for Gabriel Jesus was the only other alteration to the starting XI. Fernandinho once again acted as the fulcrum of the midfield with David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan ahead of him, allowing Sterling and Bernardo Silva to flank Sergio Aguero in attack. The formation though, as always, was a fluid one, with Sterling drifting centrally from the left and eventually ending up on the right flank when Gabriel Jesus was introduced. Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane both made late appearances on the right and left wing respectively as City pushed for a winner.
- What we learned: Guardiola’s team selections continue to both intrigue and frustrate in equal measure, with Mahrez, Jesus and Stones’ FPL owners – among others – left cursing their luck after this latest formation switch. This was the second successive away match in which Guardiola has used a back four, but the failure to pick up three points in the West Midlands will leave the City head coach with a lot of pondering to do before the visit of Newcastle in Gameweek 4. The Magpies’ ultra-defensive approach in the defeat to Chelsea on Sunday will encourage Guardiola to perhaps unleash both Jesus and Aguero together next weekend, with plenty of creativity needed to unpick their visitors’ five-strong defence. Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have started all three of City’s matches so far but could be at risk of rotation next time, given that they were replaced in the second half at Molineux. As ever, though, second-guessing Guardiola is a mug’s game.
Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defence, attacking midfield, wingers
Manchester United
Starting XI (3-5-2): De Gea; Jones (Lindelof 58’), Smalling, Herrera (Sanchez 55’); Shaw, Fred, Matic (Fellaini 61’), Pogba, Valencia; Lingard, Lukaku
- What we saw: As he did for Spurs’ visit last season, Jose Mourinho rolled out a 3-5-2 formation for the match at Old Trafford last night. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones replaced Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly at centre-half and were joined by Ander Herrera on the right side of the back three. Nemanja Matic made his first start of the season alongside Fred and Paul Pogba in central midfield, with Jesse Lingard playing just off Romelu Lukaku in attack. Antonio Valencia also featured for the first time in 2018/19, playing on the opposite flank to Luke Shaw. Jones limped off to be replaced by Lindelof in the second half, with fellow substitutes Alexis Sanchez and Marouane Fellaini deployed on the wide left and in central midfield as Mourinho switched to a back four while chasing the game.
- What we learned: While the scoreline shows a heavy home defeat, United’s performance up until Harry Kane’s opening goal was a positive one (albeit shaky at the back) and gives Mourinho food for thought regarding his formation for the trip to Burnley this weekend. Mourinho suggested after the game that Smalling has effectively sealed his place at centre-half, though Jones is an early injury doubt after his withdrawal. The United midfield picture now looks complete with Matic’s return, while Valencia played the whole 90 minutes at wing-back after returning from injury. With Shaw looking settled at left-back and drawing praise from his manager after full-time, however, Valencia might be sharing his pitch-time with fellow veteran Ashley Young in the short term. Sanchez will surely come back into the reckoning for the trip to Turf Moor, either alongside Lukaku in the 3-5-2 or on the left in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. Bailly, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial were not even among the substitutes after their poor performances against Brighton, meanwhile.
Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, centre-back, attacking midfield
Newcastle United
Starting XI (5-4-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Schar (Muto 79′), Clark, Dummett; Ritchie, Diame, Ki, Murphy (Perez 74′); Rondon (Joselu 62′)
- What we saw: Rafael Benitez deviated from his customary 4-4-1-1 by rolling out an uber-cautious 5-4-1 for the visit of Chelsea, with the intention very much to frustrate their visitors by smothering their key attacking players. Benitez made six changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Cardiff City a week past Saturday, with Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey among the most notable omissions. Both were ruled out through injury by club and manager, though speculation mounted that at least one their absences may have been disciplinary-related. Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez joined Ciaran Clark in central defence, with Ki Sung-yeung partnering Mohamed Diame in midfield. Salomon Rondon was the man charged with chasing down lost causes in attack, with his replacement Joselu scoring the Magpies’ equalising goal. The Magpies reverted back to a 4-4-1-1 after Chelsea’s second goal, with Schar sacrificed at the back and Yoshinori Muto being sent as a support striker. DeAndre Yedlin returned from injury to line up at right-back, meanwhile.
- What we learned: With Manchester City away next up for the Magpies, we could very well see a similar set-up by Benitez for the trip to the Etihad: Newcastle employed conservative approaches for their meetings with City last season. The United manager could have Lascelles available for that fixture, though Shelvey’s absence might be more prolonged given Benitez’s post-match comments. Joselu will be hoping for a start after coming off the bench to score against Chelsea, while Kenedy may replace Jacob Murphy on the left wing after being ineligible to face his parent club last weekend.
Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Centre-back, central midfield, striker
Southampton
Starting XI (4-4-2): McCarthy; Soares, Vestergaard, Hoedt, Bertrand; Redmond, Hojbjerg, Lemina, Elyounoussi (Romeu 79′); Long (Armstrong 86′), Ings (Austin 69′)
- What we saw: Mark Hughes seems to have shelved a three-man backline, with the Saints manager rolling out a 4-4-2 for the second match in succession. Jannik Vestergaard returned from illness at the expense of Jack Stephens in central defence, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – later to be sent off for two bookings – replaced Oriel Romeu in the engine room. Mohamed Elyounoussi returned from a hamstring strain to line up on the right wing, with Shane Long given the nod alongside Danny Ings in attack; Charlie Austin was forced to make do with a cameo appearance off the bench. Hojbjerg’s dismissal led to Elyounoussi being replaced by Romeu, with Long (and then substitute Stuart Armstrong) filling in on the right flank.
- What we learned: Though the Saints are still winless after three matches, their performance in the defeat to Leicester offered plenty of encouragement. Hughes picked out Long, Elyounoussi, Lemina and Hojbjerg (who will serve his one-match ban in the League Cup in midweek) for praise after the match and there is every chance the Southampton side to face Crystal Palace next weekend could closely resemble the starting XI that went down to a last-minute defeat against the Foxes. Elyounoussi and Redmond offered plenty of width from the flanks, while Ings was prominent in the opposition box without getting on the scoresheet. Manolo Gabbiadini, Jan Bednarek and Maya Yoshida weren’t even included in the 18-man squad and would appear to be out of consideration for a start for the time being.
Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, striker
Tottenham Hotspur
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Rose (Davies 82’), Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Trippier (Aurier 76’); Dier, Dembele; Moura, Eriksen, Alli; Kane (Winks 89’)
- What we saw: The three-man backline gave way to a familiar 4-2-3-1 for Spurs’ trip to Old Trafford, with Davinson Sanchez the centre-half to make way for Mousa Dembele’s inclusion in the double-pivot. Ben Davies was surprisingly omitted for Danny Rose, though both Rose and Kieran Trippier were substituted with knocks late in the second half. Lucas Moura and Dele Alli flanked Harry Kane in attack, with Christian Eriksen playing just off the England striker. Erik Lamela limped out of the warm-up and was replaced by Luke Amos on the Spurs bench.
- What we learned: Further news is awaited on Rose and Trippier, with Davies and Serge Aurier on standby to fill in for the two England defenders at Vicarage Road this Sunday. Davies and Aurier might well have played at Watford anyway, given Mauricio Pochettino’s propensity for rotating his full-backs. Changes would appear unlikely in the front four, given their superb collective display and the fact that Lamela (hamstring) could well join Son Heung-min (Asian Games) in being unavailable for Gameweek 4. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko are alternative options in central midfield, should Pochettino wish to mix things up for the match against the Hornets. Given that the Spurs manager abandoned the 3-5-2 experiment midway through the win over Fulham, a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation looks to be a fairly safe bet in the near future.
Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs
Watford
Starting XI (4-4-2): Foster; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Gray (Sema 72′), Deeney (Success 90′)
- What we saw: For the third successive match, Javi Gracia named an unchanged side as the Hornets maintained their 100% record. Roberto Pereyra and Will Hughes continued as “inverted wingers”, with Jose Holebas and Daryl Janmaat offering natural width on the overlap. As Gracia attempted to close the game out, Andre Gray was sacrificed from the two-man attack and Ken Sema was introduced on the right flank, with Will Hughes positioned just behind Troy Deeney.
- What we learned: The Hornets’ starting XI is one of the most settled in the division and could well be unchanged for the visit of Spurs next Sunday. Nathaniel Chalobah, Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley offer different options when fit, so an update is awaited on their conditions later in the week. With Watford winning all three of their matches so far and still to fall behind in a match, we are yet to discover what Gracia’s “Plan B” is, should the effectiveness of their 4-4-2 be nullified for some reason. At the moment though, the Watford team is an FPL manager’s dream in its consistency and predictably.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield
West Ham United
Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Masuaku, Balbuena, Diop, Fredericks; Sanchez, Wilshere; Snodgrass (Yarmolenko 75’), Anderson, Antonio (Perez 63’); Arnautovic (Chicharito 58’)
- What we saw: This was the third match in a row that Manuel Pellegrini has started with a different formation, with 4-2-3-1 the preferred system this time round. Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks were brought in at centre-half and right-back respectively, while Carlos Sanchez made his debut in the double-pivot alongside Jack Wilshere. Ryan Snodgrass and Michail Antonio were given starts on the flanks, with Felipe Anderson playing centrally behind Marko Arnautovic. Both Antonio and Arnautovic were substituted with injuries in the second half, while Mark Noble missed out with a back problem.
- What we learned: While West Ham’s shape and line-up remain unsettled, the positive nature of their performance – at least in attack – suggests that this formation is one Pellegrini could stick with for the visit of Wolves in Gameweek 3. Andriy Yarmolenko must be wondering what he has to do to get a start, though if Antonio’s injury rules him out of this weekend’s fixture then the Ukrainian will surely deputise. News is awaited on the severity of Antonio and Arnautovic’s issues, though Javier Hernandez is a natural replacement for the Austrian as the spearhead of the West Ham attack. Uncertainty continues in defence, with Pablo Zabaleta and Angelo Ogbonna dropped from the side for the trip to the Emirates. Arthur Masuaku and Fabian Balbuena, at least, have played every minute of the Hammers’ league campaign so far.
Current Status: Fairly unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, centre-back, central midfield, wings
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Starting XI (4-3-3): Patricio; Boly, Coady, Bennett; Jonny (Vinagre 85’), Neves, Moutinho, Doherty; Jota, Jimenez, Costa (Traore 72’).
- What we saw: Despite fears of rotation hanging over several Wolves’ players, Nuno Espirito Santo named an unchanged starting XI for the third match in a row. Jota and Helder Costa once again flanked Raul Jimenez in attack, with Adama Traore – tipped to start in some quarters – replacing Costa in the final 20 minutes of the game. Injury doubt Matt Doherty was fit to feature on the right flank, though fellow full-back Jonny limped off to be replaced by Ruben Vinagre in the final five minutes. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho were once more the deep-lying pair stationed in front of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett, with Leander Dendoncker again missing from the squad of 18.
- What we learned: The positive manner of Wolves’ performance against the reigning league champions suggests that changes will be at a premium for the trip to West Ham. The versatile Dendoncker is the medium-term threat to perhaps Bennett, given that Neves and Moutinho would seem unlikely to be deposed from central midfield, though is being eased into English football by his club – the Belgian international could make his debut in the Carabao Cup this evening. Vinagre will be on stand-by to deputise if Jonny’s injury rules him out of the match against the Hammers. Having been hooked at half-time in the defeat to Leicester, Jota and Costa were given another chance against Pep Guardiola’s side and would perhaps appear to be safe for now – but Traore is a looming threat to their starts.
Current Status: Fairly settled
Risk Areas: Centre-half, right-wing
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