Team News
12 September 2017 1196 comments
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Slaven Bilic switches to three at the back and Andy Carroll up top to get West Ham’s season finally up and running, while Paul Clement goes the other way with Swansea City and suffers as a result.

Jose Mourinho tinkers at Man United, Mauricio Pochettino sticks with Kieran Trippier but hands a first start to Davinson Sanchez, with a number of other newcomers also making their Premier League debuts for their respective teams.

Here’s the second part of our look at Gameweek 4’s line-ups – the first can be found here.

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl; Smith, Jorgensen, Schindler, Lowe (Malone 63); Mooy, Billing (Depoitre 83); Kachunga (Sabiri 75), Ince, van La Parra; Mounie. Subs not used: Coleman, Williams, Hadergjonaj, Hefele.

  • What we saw: David Wagner named an unchanged starting XI, sticking with the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. He handed a Premier League debut to Abdelhamid Sabiri during the second half and switched to a 4-4-2 late on, with fellow substitute Laurent Depoitre joining Steve Mounie in attack.
  • What we learned: While the Terriers suffered a setback at the London Stadium, it’s unlikely that Wagner will make too many changes for the home meeting with Leicester City on Saturday. Scott Malone did replace Chris Lowe at left-back and may perhaps push for a start against the Foxes. Sabiri provides a different option in the attacking midfield positions and could come into contention, given Huddersfield have failed to sore in their last two matches.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, attacking midfield

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Darmain; Herrera (Martial 72), Matic, Pogba; Mkhitaryan (Lingard 84), Lukaku, Rashford (Mata 72). Subs not used: Romero, Smalling, Blind, Carrick.

  • What we saw: Jose Mourinho decided to hand first starts of the season to Matteo Darmian and Ander Herrera, with Daley Blind and Juan Mata making way. In attack, Marcus Rashford replaced Anthony Martial, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan operating wider on the right in a 4-3-3 formation. Herrera joined Nemanja Matic in central midfield, freeing up Paul Pogba for a more advanced role. With the match level at 2-2, Mourinho switched to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 late on, following the introductions of Martial and Mata.
  • What we learned: After dropping points for the first time this season, and with a home encounter with Everton up next, Mourinho would seem set to revert to the 4-2-3-1 on Sunday. Rotation is possible on the left wing, with Martial a viable starter in place of Rashford. At left-back, Blind started in Europe, so Darmian could keep his start and changes in central defence are unlikely, with both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly suspended for tonight’s tie. Marouane Fellaini missed the match due to a calf injury, but returned tonight against Basel. In the light of Paul Pogba’s first half injury, he will vie with Herrera for a start in midfield against Everton.

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

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Elliott; Manquillo, Clark, Lascelles, Gamez; Hayden (Diame 69), Merino; Ritchie, Perez, Murphy (Atsu 59); Joselu (Gayle 78). Subs not used: Shelvey, Lejeune, Yedlin, Woodman.

  • What we saw: The Magpies lined up in the usual 4-4-1-1 formation, with Jesus Gamez taking over from the injured Chancel Mbemba at left-back. On the left wing, Jacob Murphy was surprisingly favoured over Christian Atsu who was presumably rested due to international exertions with Ghana.
  • What we learned: Following a second successive victory, the bulk of the starting XI should remain unchanged for the home clash against Stoke City on Saturday. Atsu may come into contention for a recall in place of Murphy, while both Florian Lejeune and DeAndre Yedlin were back on the bench following injuries. But the Magpies kept a clean sheet at the Liberty Stadium so the pair may have to be patient to break back into the starting XI.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central defenders, left wing

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand; Davis, Romeu; Boufal (Austin 71), Ward-Prowse (Tadic 46), Redmond; Gabbiadini (Long 69). Subs not used: McCarthy; Yoshida, McQueen, Lemina.

  • What we saw: Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino decided to make changes for the home encounter against Watford, with Wesley Hoedt getting a start in central defence at the expense of Maya Yoshida, while James Ward-Prowse and Sofiane Boufal replaced Mario Lemina and Dusan Tadic. They joined Nathan Redmond in the attacking midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Southampton ended the match in a 4-4-2, with substitutes Charlie Austin and Shane Long combining in attack and Tadic stationed on the right wing.
  • What we learned: Pellegrino’s selection looks to have been influenced by international commitments, with Yoshida, Lemina and Tadic all heavily involved for their countries. So Yoshida may well come back into contention for a start against Crystal Palace on Saturday, at the expense of either Stephens or Hoedt. Virgil van Dijk could also be an option, although Pellegrino may leave out the Dutch defender for another week as he continues to build up his match fitness. The Dutchman did play 90 minutes for the U23s last night, though. Lemina should earn a recall in midfield, perhaps at the expense of Ward-Prowse. Tadic also looks to have a good chance of replacing Boufal, while Austin and Long are possible alternatives for Manolo Gabbiadini.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Zouma, Cameron (Martins Indi 46), Wimmer; Diouf, Allen, Fletcher, Pieters; Shaqiri, Jese (Berahino 75), Choupo-Moting. Subs not used: Grant, Tymon, Sobhi, Adam, Crouch.

  • What we saw: Kevin Wimmer was handed his Potters debut in place of the injured Ryan Shawcross, while Geoff Cameron was favoured over Bruno Martins Indi in the three-man defence. Kurt Zouma and Mame Biram Diouf shrugged off knocks to start at centre-back and right wing-back respectively in the 3-4-3 formation. Jese was used as the central striker, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scoring twice from the left.
  • What we learned: Cameron was substituted at half-time due, reportedly due to a hamstring problem, and is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Newcastle. Martins Indi is likely to take his place in the back three, with the rest of the Stoke side perhaps unchanged. Shawcross remains a major doubt due to a fresh back injury.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Sanches (Bony 69), Clucas, Carroll (Narsingh 85); Fer; Ayew, Abraham. Subs not used: Van der Hoorn, Nordfeldt, Routledge, Rangel, Roque Mesa.

  • What we saw: Having played with a three-man defence for the last two matches, Swans head coach Paul Clement switched back to the midfield diamond in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation against Newcastle United. Mike van der Hoorn dropped to the bench, with Renato Sanches handed a Premier League debut on the right of the diamond. Sanches did swap with Leroy Fer in the second half, though, moving to the tip of the diamond, before being replaced by Wilfried Bony. Ayew then took over the No 10 role, before shifting to the left in a 4-2-4 formation once Luciano Narsingh was brought on down the right flank.
  • What we learned: While Clement decided to change systems on Sunday, the fact the Swans travel to take on Spurs in Gameweek 5 suggests a switch back to a 3-1-4-2 may well be on the cards. Van der Hoorn could return, with Sanches appearing the most likely of the midfield quartet to drop to the bench. Bony provides a different option in attack, although the pace of Ayew and Tammy Abraham on the counter-attack may be preferred at Wembley.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Davies; Sissoko (Winks 78), Alli, Eriksen (Dembele 71); Kane (Son Heung-min 85). Subs not used: Vorm, Aurier, Walker-Peters, Llorente.

  • What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino opted for a 3-3-3-1 system against Everton, with Davinson Sanchez handed a first start in central defence. Kieran Trippier was preferred to Serge Aurier at right wing-back, while Moussa Sissoko joined Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in the attacking midfield positions. The Spurs boss shored things up in midfield by bringing on Mousa Dembele for Eriksen, while Harry Winks replaced Sissoko. The France international was suffering with a minor calf problem, believed to be cramp.
  • What we learned: Pochettino tweaked things at Goodison Park, but the strong performance again hints he could well favour a three-man backline in the majority of matches this season. If Sissoko isn’t available for Saturday’s home meeting with Swansea City, Song Heung-min could be a viable alternative. The more defensive option would be to start with Dembele alongside Eric Dier in central midfield. If Trippier were to start again against Borussia Dortmund in midweek, Aurier could push for a first Spurs start at the weekend. That teamsheet should provide some clues as to who will be favoured to start at the weekend, although due to his European suspension, Dele Alli looks nailed on to face the Welsh side.

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

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Femenia (Janmaat 62), Kabasele, Kaboul (Mariappa 61), Holebas; Doucoure, Chalobah; Carrillo, Cleverley, Richarlison; Gray (Deeney 84). Subs not used: Karnezis; Success, Watson, Capoue.

  • What we saw: Younes Kaboul returned to the Hornets’ starting XI following injury, while Andre Carrillo was handed a first Premier League start in place of Nordin Amrabat, who has joined Spanish outfit Leganes on a season-long loan. Carrillo was stationed on the right of the attacking midfield trio in the usual 4-2-3-1 system. Jose Holebas returned from suspension to start at left-back. Both Kaboul and Kiko Femenia were forced off with injuries during the second half, with the former suffering a leg injury, while Femenia came off with an unspecified problem.
  • What we learned: Following another strong away performance, Silva’s side looks in good shape, although they do entertain Manchester City on Saturday. Should both Kaboul and Sebastian Prodl (hamstring) be unavailable this weekend, Adrian Mariappa may start in central defence alongside Christian Kabasele. Daryl Janmaat returned with a goal at St Mary’s and provides an alternative to Femenia at right-back. Further changes appear unlikely unless Silva considers a more defensive formation against Pep Guardiola’s side, with Etienne Capoue potentially an option to help stiffen up the midfield.

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

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, Evans, Hegazi (Gibbs 57), Nyom; Barry; Phillips, Livermore (Morrison 71), Krychowiak, Rodriguez; Rondon (Burke 57). Subs not used: Myhill, Yacob, Brunt, McClean.

  • What we saw: Baggies head coach Tony Pulis decided to hand Grzegorz Krychowiak a Premier League debut at Brighton, with the Poland international joining Jake Livermore in central midfield, leaving Gareth Barry in the defensive midfield role in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Jonny Evans returned from injury at centre-back, with Allan Nyom shifting over to left-back. But after falling 2-0 behind, Pulis decided to take off Ahmed Hegazi and Salomon Rondon, replacing them with Kieran Gibbs and Oliver Burke. Gibbs played at left-back as Nyom moved flanks and Craig Dawson went to centre-back. Burke operated on the right wing, with Matt Phillips switching to the left, leaving Jay Rodriguez as the lone striker.
  • What we learned: After coming on for his West Brom debut, Gibbs is set to push for a first start against West Ham United on Saturday. Hegazi’s start looks seriously at risk, then, with Evans, Dawson and Nyom perhaps more likely to retain their berths. Gareth McAuley is also back in training and should soon be a factor. But the presence of Andy Carroll in the Hammers line-up may just be enough to preserve Hegazi’s start for at least another Gameweek. Chris Brunt and James McClean provide further alternatives on the left wing, with Rodriguez an option to lead the line in place of Rondon. Nacer Chadli appears unlikely to feature against the Hammers, after missing Gameweek 4 with an unspecified knock.

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

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Collins, Reid, Fonte; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Obiang (Rice 90), Cresswell; Antonio, Carroll (Sakho 82), Hernandez (Ayew 64). Subs not used: Adrian, Ogbonna, Byram, Masuaku.

  • What we saw: Slaven Bilic opted to switch to a 3-4-3 system, with the fit-again Andy Carroll flanked by Michail Antonio and Chicharito in attack. James Collins, Winston Reid and Jose Fonte formed the new-look back three.
  • What we learned: After picking up a first win of the season, Bilic is expected to keep faith with the three-man backline for Saturday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion. Andre Ayew grabbed a goal and an assist from the bench and is a viable alternative in attack, particularly if Carroll isn’t up to starting two matches in five days. Marko Arnautovic is also available again following his three-match ban and provides another alternative in the front three. Mark Noble missed out last night due to a knock and is an early doubt for Gameweek 5.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks

  1. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Neymar goal 🙂

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hey, hey, hey! 😀

  2. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    NeymarZitooo

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Greek?

  3. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Wow, new iPhone X can be recharged by the smugness of its owner. Great technology.

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Good news for FFS posters, 100 % charged within minutes.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        😆

      2. Ziro
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Looooool

      3. Jafooli
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        😛

  4. Mark-O
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Brendan Rodgers not gonna smile now

  5. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Ffs.

    Anyone other than Mkhitaryan in that price bracket? I have 8.2....!

    1. John Stones
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Martial

  6. â­ Bemba_Da â­
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody knee jerked players in already this week and got pogba?

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ha. Thankfully not. Was planning to save though ðŸ™

  7. Fanta sea
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    ok doctors, what we looking at here? Pulled hamstrings usually take 2-3 weeks....

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Pulled hamstrings can be much, much longer than 2-3 weeks.

  8. Spike âš½ï¸
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Did Pogba give the captain's armband to Young because he was closest?

    1. Marquis-Cha-Cha
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Think Mou gave it to him.

  9. HNI
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    So much for getting B davies as had exact funds..removed mikhi instead of poggy

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Reckless.

    2. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tough luck, that.

      At least it matched your name on here 🙂

    3. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Haha same, although I still have Pogba. First early transfer of the year and it bites.

  10. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pogba flagged yet? How bad is his injury?

    Facer?

    1. Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      How long do we think he will be out for?

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks bad enough could be a few weeks hammy just from watching on TV.

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      #JeSuisSalah

    4. grumpyman
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He walked off with just a slight limp, could be fine.

  11. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    So Lindleof Smalling and th rest playing defence is a good sign for Jones FPL minutes?

    1. TheTwelfthMan
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jones is suspended in UCL, so yes.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jones banned tonight.

    3. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jones is suspended for Europe. It's a sign that Man Utd aren't cheating.

    4. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Doh. Thanks all.

    5. Mark-O
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lindelof will play in each CL match but will be eased into the PL slowly

      It depends on either Bailly or Jones that gets rotated perhaps after 2-3 PL matches

  12. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Neymar (c) 😎

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Same here!!!

  13. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hamstring 6 weeks....ish?

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      at least

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Depends on the grade of any tear.

      1. gunner 2727
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nah looked a tweak to me, 3 weeks.

  14. â­ Bemba_Da â­
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Lol Micky what a miss

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Again?

  15. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pogba off? What happened?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hammy, didn't look good.

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hamstring

    3. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Great just swapped Mane for him in my FPL team....

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mkhi denied twice including post.

  17. SALVA
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Give Yoshida one more week or twist?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Uno mas.

      1. SALVA
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers boss

  18. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mkhi wastes two massive chances

  19. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Jonty get the hot topic ready...

    Pogba best replacements?

    Keep or sell for a hit? Etc.

  20. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Damn pogba rise was going to gI've me a profit...

  21. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mkhi 😆

  22. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mata pulling all the strings. Horror miss again Mkhi.

  23. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Not watching the United game yet but whats happened with Pogba? How serious was the injury?

    1. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      hammy

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He was walking like Cormoran Strike.

  24. GENERATION X
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    early transfer mane to pogba not looking great for me lol

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      remove ET from your username - sorted

      😉

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        check my history f wit

        1. gunner 2727
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Love that!

      2. Debauchy
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nasty , but yeah

    2. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      no sympathy , sorry

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        very rarely gamble on it was hoping mane would avoid a drop. dont expect pity im die a bad season

  25. TheTwelfthMan
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mkhi goals imminent for the weekend

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        8 years, 4 months ago

        He's not that good at finishing, Redmonding imminent

    2. Big P
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mata on to the radar if Pogba out for a while?

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Fellaini

      2. TheTwelfthMan
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Herrera/Fellaini slot in for Pogba

      3. That Was Easy!
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Herrera, Matic in the hinge I suppose, Mkhy in the hole?

      4. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Mata has played well from what I have seen. Not playing against much it seems. Lukaku is dwarfing their defence he is way to physical for them.

    3. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mkhi goal coming up at the weekend. 😎

    4. AdemolaLookman
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Bang Pogba GONE

    5. Still Unsure
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Pogba hammy. What an example for not making early transfers!

      • Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        .1 short of pogba and mane > Alli and salah

        Ffs

        1. MikeDuff
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Coutinho