Cesc Fabregas retains the central support role for Chelsea’s win over Arsenal. Manuel Pellegrini changes tactics as City travel to West Ham , whilst United’s lack of full-back options sees Louis van Gaal trial a 3-4-1-2 set-up in the home loss to Southampton.
Arsenal
Starting XI: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell (Sanchez 57), Ozil, Walcott (Oxlade-Chamberlain 75), Giroud (Gabriel 22).
- Arsene Wenger only made one change from the side that drew 0-0 against Stoke, with Mesut Ozil returning from injury in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
- Ozil returned in his usual number ten role in the 4-2-3-1 system, with Theo Walcott on the left and Joel Campbell on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
- The early sending off of Per Mertesacker led to Wenger bringing on Gabriel for Olivier Giroud. His second change saw Alexis Sanchez make his first appearance since Gameweek 14, taking the place of Campbell. The final substitution saw Oxlade-Chamberlain replace Walcott.
- Having got 34 minutes under his belt, Sanchez should return to the starting XI for the home clash against Southampton next week. The Chilean will likely start on the left, so Walcott could switch to the right, or Campbell could keep his starting berth. Oxlade-Chamberlain appears further down the pecking order. Sanchez’s return also means Walcott could now be an option as the central striker, although Giroud probably remains the first-choice in that position.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Central Striker
Aston Villa
Starting XI: Bunn; Richards, Okore, Lescott, Cissokho; Westwood; Bacuna, Gueye; Carles Gil; Ayew, Kozak (Gestede 64, ((Veretout 81)).
- Remi Garde only made one adjustment from the starting XI that drew 1-1 against Leicester, with Micah Richards coming in for Jordan Veretout.
- The form Lyon boss opted for a midfield diamond at the Hawthorns, with Idrissa Gueye at the base, Carles Gil at the tip, Leandro Bacuna on the right and Ashley Westwood on the left. Libor Kozak and Jordan Ayew started as the front two. Micah Richards slotted in at right-back for the Villans.
- Grade introduced Rudy Gestede shortly after the hour mark for Kozak in a straight swap. The former Blackburn striker picked up a hamstring injury after just 16 minutes on the pitch, though, with Jordan Veretout taking his place. That change saw Gil pushed slightly further forward in support of Ayew.
- Richards earned a recall against West Brom, with Bacuna being pushed further forward into midfield. The latter remains an option at right-back, as does Alan Hutton, should he recover from a hamstring injury in time to face West Ham next week. Veretout was dropped against the Baggies, but could also come into the equation to return against the Hammers. That will likely depend on what formation Garde deploys, with Kozak’s place in the starting XI perhaps in doubt, with Ayew capable of operating as the lone striker.
Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Strikers
Bournemouth
Starting XI: Boruc; Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels; Surman; Stanislas (Murray 90), Gosling, Arter, Pugh (Ritchie 57); Afobe (Grabban 64).
- Following the comprehensive 3-0 win against Norwich, it came as little surprise to see Eddie Howe name an unchanged side for the trip to Sunderland.
- Howe kept faith in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with Benik Afobe continuing as the lone striker for the Cherries.
- Matt Ritchie was only named among the substitutes after missing the match against Norwich after picking up a dead leg against West Ham. The Scot was the first player called upon off the bench, coming on the Marc Pugh just before the hour mark. He took up his usual position on the right, with Junior Stanislas moving over to the left. Howe’s second substitution saw Lewis Grabban enter the fray in place of Afobe as the lone striker, with Glenn Murray brought on right at the death for Stanislas in search of a late winner, although Stanislas did suffer a knee injury.
- Ritchie is likely to return to the starting XI for the trip to Crystal Palace in eight days’ time, with Pugh the most likely to make way. Should Stanislas be ruled out due to that knee problem, however, Pugh could keep hold of his starting berth on the left, with Ritchie stationed on the opposite flank, though Juan Iturbe also offers an option on either wing. Grabban provides an alternative as the lone striker, although Afobe looks the favourite to continue in attack.
Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks
Chelsea
Starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Oscar (Hazard 77); Costa (Remy 68).
- Guus Hiddink only made one alteration for the trip to the Emirates, with Oscar coming in for Pedro, who was ruled out due to illness.
- The Brazilian played on the left of the three attacking midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cesc Fabregas in the number ten role and Willian on the right.
- Hiddink’s first substitution was enforced, with a knee injury forcing Diego Costa off – he was replaced by Loic Remy in a straight swap. Hiddink’s only other change saw Eden Hazard come on for Oscar, with the Belgian making his first appearance since Gameweek 20 having been out with a groin injury.
- John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic have been the favoured central midfield pairing in the last few matches, but Hazard’s return to fitness could mean Fabregas moving back into the double-pivot. Hiddink has plenty of options in the attacking midfield areas now, though, with Pedro also likely to be available once again when the Blues travel to Watford next Wednesday. Costa will continue as the lone striker providing he’s fit, with Remy the back-up option.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks, Central Striker
Crystal Palace
Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; Cabaye (Campbell 86), McArthur (Jedinak 80), Ledley; Zaha, Puncheon; Wickham.
- Alan Pardew named an unchanged side from the one that lost 4-0 against Man City for the visit of Tottenham to Selhurst Park.
- It was also a 4-3-3 once again for Palace, with Connor Wickham flanked by Jason Puncheon (left) and Wilfried Zaha (right) in the front three for the Eagles.
- Both of Pardew’s substitutions came in the final 10 minutes, with Mile Jedinak replacing James McArthur in a straight swap, while with Palace 2-1 down, the former Newcastle boss threw on Frazier Campbell for Yohan Cabaye in an attacking change, ending the match in a 4-2-4 formation.
- While Wayne Hennessey didn’t make any individual errors in the 3-1 defeat, the fact Palace conceded three goals won’t help his cause as he bids to hang onto his starting berth in goal. Jedinak remains an alternative to start in central midfield, most likely in place of Joe Ledley, while the likes of Campbell and Marouane Chamakh could come into contention if Wickham accepts an FA charge of violent conduct for an incident involving Jan Vertonghen at the weekend. The injuries to Yannick Bolasie and Bakary Sako have left Pardew desperately short of quality in the final third, though.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Central Midfield, Central Striker
Everton
Starting XI: Howard; Oviedo (Coleman 67), Stones, Funes Mori, Baines; Besic (Cleverley 11), Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Mirallas (Pienaar 28); Lukaku.
- Roberto Martinez made two changes for the visit of Swansea to Goodison Park, with Ramiro Funes Mori coming in for Phil Jagielka, while Gerard Deulofeu earned a recall in place of Aaron Lennon.
- With Jagielka just rested ahead of the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Man City on Wednesday, Funes Mori partnered John Stones in central defence. Deulofeu slotted in on the right of the three advanced midfield positions in Martinez’ usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
- After picking up a hamstring injury after just 11 minutes, Muhamed Besic was replaced by Tom Cleverley in a straight swap. Kevin Mirallas then suffered a knee injury, with Steven Pienaar replacing the Belgian on the left of the attacking midfield trio. Martinez’ final substitution saw Seamus Coleman come on for Bryan Oviedo at right-back.
- Coleman should return at right-back for the home encounter against Newcastle next Wednesday, while Jagielka appears likely to return at the expense of Funes Mori in central defence. Martinez will hope to have James McCarthy available in nine days time, but should the Republic of Ireland international still be ruled out with a groin injury, Tom Cleverley may partner Gareth Barry at the base of midfield should Besic be unavailable due to that hamstring problem. One of Lennon, Pienaar and Arouna Kone should come in for Mirallas if the Belgian is ruled out.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks
Leicester
Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez, Kante, Drinkwater; Albrighton (Gray 88); Vardy, Okazaki (Ulloa 62).
- Claudio Ranieri once again named an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Stoke to the King Power Stadium.
- The average position map shows Ranieri’s side lined up in more of a 4-2-3-1 system against the Potters, with N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater sat deep in front of the back four, while Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton were pushed forward either side of Shinji Okazaki in the number ten role, with Jamie Vardy the lone striker for the Foxes.
- Okazaki was once again substituted around the hour mark, with Leonardo Ulloa taking his place. Demarai Gray was introduced for Albrighton for the final few minutes as he continues to build up Premier League experience.
- Okazaki did pick up a slight knock, but having started the last three matches, the Japan international does appear the favoured partner for Vardy in attack. Ulloa could still be called upon to start though depending on the respective strengths and weaknesses of the opposition defence.
Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Support Striker
Liverpool
Starting XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Toure, Sakho, Moreno (Caulker 90); Lucas, Henderson (Benteke 76); Emre Can, Milner, Ibe (Lallana 59); Firmino.
- Jurgen Klopp only made one alteration for the trip to Carrow Road, with Jordon Ibe coming in for Adam Lallana.
- Ibe started on the left of the front three in the 4-3-3 formation, with James Milner on the right and Roberto Firmino once again starting as the “false nine.”
- With Liverpool trailing 3-1, Klopp introduced Lallana for Ibe just before the hour mark. The German boss then turned to Christian Benteke, with the Belgian coming on for Jordan Henderson. That saw the Reds line up in more of a 4-2-3-1 system, with Lucas Leiva and Emre Can at the base of midfield, Milner on the right and Lallana on the left of the attacking midfield trio, with Firmino in the number ten role behind Benteke. Klopp final introduction saw Steven Caulker brought on for Alberto Moreno as Liverpool looked to hold on for a win. It was ultimately Caulker’s use as a striker following Sebastian Bassong’s equaliser that helped create confusion in the box which led to Lallana’s dramatic late winner.
- With Dejan Lovren possibly fit to face Stoke in the Capital One Cup tomorrow, Kolo Toure’s run in the starting XI could come to an end. Elsewhere at the back, Jon Flanagan looks the obvious deputy if Nathaniel Clyne fails to shake off a knee problem. Lallana also stands a good chance of coming back into the side, with Ibe making way. A more attacking line-up could see either Lucas or Milner dropped, though.
Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Flanks
Man City
Starting XI: Hart; Sagna, Otamendi, Demichelis, Clichy; Toure, Delph (Iheanacho 75); Navas (Sterling 67), Silva (Fernando 83) De Bruyne; Aguero.
- Manuel Pellegrini made four alterations from the side that beat Crystal Palace, with Gael Clichy coming in for the injured Aleksandar Kolarov, while Bacary Sagna, Fabian Delph and Jesus Navas replaced Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando and Kelechi Iheanacho.
- After utilising a 4-4-2 formation last week, Pellegrini reverted back to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation at Upton Park. Delph partnered Yaya Toure in the double-pivot, while Navas (right) and Kevin de Bruyne (left) flanked David Silva in the number ten role.
- Pellegrini decided to bring on Raheem Sterling for Navas midway through the second period. He then replaced Delph with Iheanacho in an attacking move with 15 minutes left, with Fernando coming on for Silva shortly after, seeing City end the match in a 4-4-2 formation.
- Should Kolarov be available to face Sunderland next Tuesday, rotation in the full-backs remains a possibility. Fernandinho was an unused substitute at Upton Park, having missed the last two matches due to injury, but could return in central midfield alongside Toure, although rotation is also a distinct possibility in the middle of the park with Delph and Fernando alternative options. Likewise, Sterling may earn a recall at the Stadium of Light, with it difficult to predict who out of Navas, Silva and De Bruyne could be rested.
Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks, Attacking Midfield
Man United
Starting XI: De Gea, Darmian (McNair 60), Smalling, Blind, Borthwick-Jackson (Januzaj 86), Schneiderlin, Fellaini (Mata 46), Lingard, Martial, Rooney.
- Louis van Gaal was forced into making one change from the side that beat Liverpool 1-0 for the home clash against Southampton, with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson coming in for the injured Ashley Young.
- Borthwick-Jackson started at left wing-back for Man United, with Matteo Darmian shifting into centre-half alongside Chris Smalling and Daley Blind as Van Gaal opted for a 3-4-1-2 set-up. Jesse Lingard was stationed on the right, whilst Ander Herrera provided support for front two Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney.
- After another disappointing first-half display at Old Trafford, van Gaal brought on Juan Mata for Marouane Fellaini at half-time. That change saw Herrera drop back alongside Morgan Schneiderlin at the base of midfield, with Mata moving into the number ten role. Following a nasty collision with Shane Long, Darmian had to be replaced, with Paddy McNair coming on for the Italian with 30 minutes remaining. With United a goal behind, Van Gaal looked to Adnan Januzaj, with the attacker replacing Borthwick-Jackson in a final roll of the dice.
- Should Darmian be ruled out for the match against Stoke in eight days time, McNair or Guillermo Varela may have to fill in should Phil Jones (foot) remain out. Van Gaal will be desperate for one of Bastian Schweinsteiger or Michael Carrick to be available to face the Potters, with Fellaini struggling to make an impression in central midfield in the last couple of matches. Mata could also push for a recall in place of Herrera, while Memphis Depay and Januzaj provide different options out wide should van Gaal look to make further changes.
Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks
