Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 26 – Part One

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are handed their first starts as Arsenal hammer Everton at the Emirates.

Sam Allardyce benches Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson and starts with a wing-back set-up against the Gunners. Fousseni Diabate earns his first start for Leicester with Riyad Mahrez unavailable to face Swansea, while an injury to Martin Kelly brings the fit-again Mamadou Sakho back into contention for Crystal Palace.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from Gameweek 26, with one eye on what’s to come over the midweek FA Cup replays, weekend league fixtures and next week’s start of the Champions League and Europa League knockout stages.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech (Ospina 69), Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal (Kolasinac 46), Ramsey (Wilshere 74), Xhaka, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi, Aubameyang. Subs not used: Lacazette, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Elneny.

• What we saw: Arsene Wenger handed a Premier League debut to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the home clash against Everton as Alexandre Lacazette dropped to the bench. Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his first start for the Gunners, operating on the right of an attacking midfield trio alongside Mesut Ozil (No 10) and Alex Iwobi (left). Nacho Monreal had to be replaced at half-time due to illness, with Sead Kolasinac taking his place at left-back, while David Ospina came on for Petr Cech, who picked up a calf injury.
• What we learned: Cech will be assessed ahead of the north London derby, with Ospina on standby to start in goal at Wembley. Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are the back-up options to Monreal at left-back. In terms of other possible changes, Jack Wilshere could be an option to start in place of Alex Iwobi – that would help provide an extra body in midfield in either a 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 formation. There are five days between the Spurs match and Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Oestersunds FK, though it’s worth noting that Wenger has fielded only fringe players in this competition to this point. Aubameyang is ineligible to play in the Europa League and, with Arsenal also out of the FA Cup, the new striker’s minutes will be focused on the league alone.

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

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic; Francis, S Cook (King 13), Ake, Daniels; L Cook, Gosling; Fraser, Ibe (Pugh 90), Stanislas (Mousset 59); Wilson. Subs not used: Boruc, Surman, Arter, Simpson.

• What we saw: Unsurprisingly, Eddie Howe decided to name the same side that beat Chelsea 3-0 for Stoke City’s visit to the Vitality Stadium. But he was forced into changing his plans after just 13 minutes, with Steve Cook replaced with a hamstring injury. Howe brought on Josh King as Bournemouth switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation. King played in the No 10 role, flanked by Jordon Ibe and Junior Stanislas, while Ryan Fraser played as an attacking right-back.
• What we learned: With Steve Cook set to miss Sunday’s trip to Huddersfield Town, it’s likely that Howe will continue with the 4-2-3-1 system. If Adam Smith (thigh) is fit to return, he would be a more natural right-back instead of Fraser, while King appears a probable starter in the attacking midfield positions in that formation.

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

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert (March 78), Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo; Gross (Kayal 83); Murray (Ulloa 72). Subs not used: Bruno, Baldock, Goldson, Krul.

• What we saw: Anthony Knockaert was handed a recall for the home clash against West Ham United, returning on the right side of midfield. Jose Izquierdo started on the opposite flank, with Solly March dropping to the bench.
• What we learned: Following the 3-1 victory, Hughton is expected to name a similar starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Stoke City. Ezequiel Schelotto has played the last three at right-back, and should retain his start ahead of Bruno, while Gaetan Bong is currently being favoured over Markus Suttner at left-back. Leonardo Ulloa may have to remain patient for an opportunity to start, given Glenn Murray’s form, while Jurgen Locadia could be in contention for his debut next weekend, having started training following a hamstring injury. But he is likely to be eased into action with appearances from the bench. Solly March offers a strong alternative out wide, but is unlikely to earn a recall at the bet365 Stadium.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, flanks

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope; Bardsley (Lowton 46), Long, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Cork, Hendrick, Lennon; Barnes, Vokes. Subs not used: Lindegaard, Nkoudou, Westwood, Wells, Arfield, O’Neill.

• What we saw: Sean Dyche handed a first start to Aaron Lennon, who replaced Scott Arfield on the left side of midfield. Jeff Hendrick dropped back into central midfield in place of Ashley Westwood, allowing Sam Vokes to start alongside Ashley Barnes in attack. Dyche’s only substitution was an enforced one, with Matt Lowton taking over at right-back from Phil Bardsley, who had picked up a knock. The Clarets boss decided to switch wide men Lennon and Johann Berg Gudmundsson in the second half, though.
• What we learned: After impressing as a substitute, registering an assist, Lowton could push for a recall against Swansea City even if Bardsley is available. Westwood may be an option to return in central midfield, which would allow Hendrick to occupy the central support role in a 4-4-1-1 system. Vokes would be the player most likely to make way. Arfield is another who could come into contention for a recall out wide for the Clarets. James Tarkowski missed a second successive match due to a groin problem, but he may be ready to return in place of Kevin Long in south Wales. Stephen Ward could also be a factor with the left-back making a return to U23 action today. Chris Wood only looks to have an outside chance of returning against the Swans following a knee injury, while Dyche isn’t expected to take any chances with Tom Heaton, who has returned to training following months on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield, lone striker

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Fosu-Mensah, Kelly (Sakho 46), Tomkins, Van Aanholt; Townsend, Milivojevic, Cabaye, McArthur, Zaha; Benteke. Subs not used: Ward, Sorloth, Lee, Souare, Henry, Riedewald.

• What we saw: Roy Hodgson handed a recall to Yohan Cabaye for the home encounter against Newcastle United, replacing the injured Bakary Sako. Cabaye returned in central midfield, seeing James McArthur start on the left side of midfield, while Wilfried Zaha joined Christian Benteke in attack in a 4-4-2 formation. Martin Kelly was forced off with a hamstring injury at half-time, with Mamadou Sakho taking his place in central defence in the only substitution made by Hodgson. However, a half-time switch saw Zaha move back onto the flank, with McArthur moving into a central support berth behind Benteke.
• What we learned: With only a short turnaround until Saturday’s trip to Everton, it’s likely that Kelly will miss out, allowing Sakho to return in central defence. Other changes appear unlikely given none of Palace’s injured players are expected to be back in contention, with Jairo Riedewald perhaps having an outside chance to start in central midfield if Hodgson opts for a more cautious approach. Palace’s improved display after the break suggests that Zaha could continue out wide, with McArthur sitting behind Benteke. An unused substitute on Sunday, new striker Alexander Sorloth is likely to earn pitch-time off the bench initially.

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

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford, Keane (Davies 46), Williams, Mangala, Kenny, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Martina, Walcott (Calvert-Lewin 60), Niasse (Tosun 77), Bolasie. Subs not used: Rooney, Tosun, Sigurdsson, Holgate, Robles.

• What we saw: Toffees boss Sam Allardyce decided to use a 3-4-3 system for the trip to Arsenal, with Eliaquim Mangala handed his Everton debut as part of the three-man defence. Seamus Coleman wasn’t risked three days after making his return from a long injury lay-off, so Jonjoe Kenny started at right wing-back. Morgan Schneiderlin came back into the side in central midfield, while Yannick Bolasie was recalled on the left of the front three. That meant both Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson dropped to the bench. But with his side trailing 4-0 at half-time, Allardyce decided to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tom Davies brought on to play in the No 10 role.
• What we learned: Allardyce’s decision to switch to a more defensive system didn’t pay off at the Emirates, but with a home fixture against Crystal Palace up next, it’s very likely that he’ll revert back to the 4-2-3-1. Both Rooney and Sigurdsson will be pushing for recalls, with one of the three central defenders (potentially Michal Keane) and Bolasie dropping to the bench. Cenk Tosun is a possible alternative to Oumar Niasse as the lone striker, while Davies – after impressing at the Emirates – is an option to start in central midfield at the expense of either Schneiderlin. Coleman should return at right-back in place of Kenny, while Phil Jagielka is a possible starter if Allardyce looks to make changes in central defence.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, flanks, lone striker

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl: Smith, Zanka, Schindler (Hefele 59), Kongolo: Quaner, Hogg, Billing (Mooy 33), Hadergjonaj, van La Parra (Ince 68): Depoitre. Subs not used: Coleman, Malone, Pritchard, Mounie.

• What we saw: After using a 5-3-2 formation for the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, David Wagner switched to a 4-1-4-1 system for the trip to Manchester United. Chris Lowe missed out due to a groin injury, seeing Terence Kongolo switch to left-back. Jonathan Hogg played in front of the back four, with Florent Hadergjonaj used in an unfamiliar central midfield role alongside Philip Billing. Collin Quaner and Rajiv van La Parra were both recalled out wide, while Laurent Depoitre got the nod as the lone striker. Aaron Mooy and Steve Mounie dropped to the bench. But Mooy didn’t have long to wait to enter the fray, replacing Billing after 33 minutes following his booking. Christopher Schindler was then forced off with a foot injury, seeing Michael Hefele join Mathias Jorgensen in central defence.
• What we learned: Wagner will check on the fitness of a number of players ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Bournemouth, while the Terriers also have an FA Cup fourth round replay against Birmingham City to contend with tomorrow night. Lowe, Schindler, Billing, Danny Williams (dead leg) and Depoitre (foot) will all be assessed. Hefele will be on standby to replace Schindler, although if Lowe is passed fit, Kongolo could move into central defence. Mooy looks certain to return in central midfield, most likely alongside Hogg, with Hadergjonaj likely to drop to the bench unless he replaces Tommy Smith at right-back. Moving back to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 could see Alex Pritchard return in the No 10 role, while Tom Ince is an option to start out wide. Mounie could again deputise for Depoitre in attack if the Belgian’s gashed foot rules him out.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson (Okazaki 82), Dragovic, Maguire, Fuchs: Silva (James 67), Ndidi: Albrighton, Iheanacho (Gray 67), Diabate, Vardy. Subs not used: Chilwell, Hamer, Iborra, Benalouane.

• What we saw: Claude Puel decided to rotate his full-backs for the home fixture against Swansea City, with Danny Simpson and Christian Fuchs starting in place of Daniel Amartey and Ben Chilwell. Adrien Silva was preferred to Matty James in central midfield, while Fousseni Diabate was handed his first Premier League start on the left wing in place of Demarai Gray. The final change saw Kelechi Iheanacho get the nod over Shinji Okazaki as the support striker in the usual 4-4-1-1 system. Puel threw caution to the wind late on as the Foxes searched for a winner, with substitutes Gray and Okazaki joining Marc Albrighton, Diabate and Jamie Vardy as the attack-minded players.
• What we learned: With Leicester travelling to face Manchester City on Saturday, Puel may well decide to hand a recall to Okazaki in place of Iheanacho, given the Japanese international’s greater work rate. However, Iheanacho could have a point to prove against his former club so that decision is far from certain. Amartey and particularly Chilwell could return in the full-back positions, though arguably Simpson – as the previous first choice at right-back – will be retained. James offers an alternative to Silva in central midfield, while Gray provides a strong option out wide in place of Diabate. Given the opponent, it seems very unlikely that Riyad Mahrez will return to training or availability this weekend.

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

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson; Milner (Matip 78), Henderson (Wijnaldum 65), Emre Can; Salah, Firmino, Mane (Oxlade-Chamberlain 65). Subs not used: Mignolet, Moreno, Ings, Solanke.

• What we saw: Jurgen Klopp decided to hand a recall to Virgil van Dijk in central defence for the home meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, seeing Joel Matip drop to the bench. Joe Gomez missed out due to a knock, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold a start at right-back, while Jordan Henderson and James Milner retained their starts in central midfield. Holding a 1-0 lead, Klopp decided to switch to a five-man defence, bringing on Matip for Milner.
• What we learned: If he is available, Gomez could return at right-back for Sunday’s trip to Southampton. But it is worth noting the Reds travel to Porto in the UEFA Champions League three days after the trip to St Mary’s, so the first choice Gomez may be held back for that match, allowing Alexander-Arnold to retain the right-back berth. Similarly, Alberto Moreno could start at left-back if Andy Robertson is rested ahead of the European tie. Matip is a viable option to start in central defence, as are Georginio Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in midfield. The latter could also play on the left of the front three, as he did during the second half on Sunday.

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

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Otamendi, Danilo; De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Gundogan; B Silva, Aguero, Sterling (Diaz 74). Subs not used: Bravo, Laporte, Adrabioyo, Zinchenko, Toure.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola decided to hand starts to Vincent Kompany and Danilo in defence for the trip to Burnley, with Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko making way. David Silva missed out due to an abdominal injury, so Ilkay Gundogan returned in central midfield. Guardiola only decided to make one substitution, with youngster Brahim Diaz replacing Raheem Sterling in a straight swap.
• What we learned: Guardiola will hope to have David Silva and John Stones (knee) back in contention for the home encounter against Leicester City. If available, Stones, along with Laporte, will be options to replace Kompany in central defence, while Zinchenko has a chance of coming in for Danilo, having started the last two home matches. Gundogan will be on standby to continue in the middle of the park if David Silva remains sidelined. City face Basel in the Champions League three days after playing Leicester, so in the positions where Guardiola has options, most notably in central defence, rotation is a slight concern. It’s also worth noting that City will play three matches after the Leicester clash before resuming Gameweek action against Arsenal.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, central midfield

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