Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 26 – Part Two

Chelsea suffer a second successive mauling as Marcos Alonso misses out for the first time this season in a 4-1 loss at Watford.

Paul Pogba drops to the bench as Jose Mourinho turns to youngster Scott McTominay for Manchester United’s home clash with Huddersfield.

Daniel Sturridge’s first start for West Brom sees Jay Rodriguez omitted from the teamsheet, while Southampton’s new target man Guido Carrillo leads the line in the 3-2 win at The Hawthorns.

Here’s the second of our Line-up Lessons articles – the first is here – 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.

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Zappacosta; Willian (Fabregas 35), Hazard, Pedro (Giroud 64). Subs not used: Caballero, Drinkwater, Hudson-Odoi, Emerson Palmieri, Rudiger.

• What we saw: Blues boss Antonio Conte turned to a 3-4-2-1 formation for the trip to Watford. Marcos Alonso was left out as a precaution due to fatigue, seeing Davide Zappacosta fill in at left wing-back, with Victor Moses on the opposite flank. David Luiz returned in central defence for the injured Andreas Christensen, while the fit-again Willian came in for the injured Ross Barkley. Willian and Pedro occupied the central attacking midfield spots behind lone striker Eden Hazard. But Tiemoue Bakayoko’s dismissal saw Conte bring on Cesc Fabregas for Willian, with Chelsea switching to more of a 3-4-1-1. Fabregas helped shore up the midfield alongside N’Golo Kante, while Pedro provided some support for Hazard in attack. Olivier Giroud was handed his Blues debut off the bench in place of the injured Pedro, and took over as the lone striker, leaving Hazard in a No 10 role for the final 26 minutes.
• What we learned: Bakayoko will now miss Monday’s home meeting with West Bromwich Albion due to suspension, so Fabregas could earn a recall in central midfield, with Danny Drinkwater the other alternative. Pedro and Alonso will be assessed ahead of the Baggies clash, although the extra recovery time should boost the latter’s chances of being fit to return. Moses and Zappacosta will therefore battle it out for the starting spot at right wing-back. Another week’s training should mean that Giroud is fit to start against West Brom, perhaps seeing Hazard and Willian operate just behind the Frenchman if Alvaro Morata remains sidelined due to a back injury. Antonio Rudiger provides the main alternative in central defence, with Christensen (hamstring) unlikely to be fit for selection. The Blues abject performance, however, now places big question marks over Conte’s future, with growing speculation suggesting that he may not be at the club and selecting the line-up for Monday’s clash.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, wing-backs, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Manchester United

Starting XI: 5De Gea: Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw: McTominay, Matic, Mata (Rashford 71): Lingard (Pogba 64), Lukaku (Martial 77), Sanchez. Subs not used: Romero, Lindelof, Carrick, Young.

• What we saw: Following a disappointing display in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Jose Mourinho decided to ring the changes for the visit of Huddersfield Town to Old Trafford. Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw were handed recalls in defence in place of Phil Jones and Ashley Young, while Scott McTominay was preferred to Paul Pogba at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Juan Mata was favoured over Anthony Martial on the right of a narrow attacking midfield trio. United ended the match in a 4-3-3, with Pogba playing as part of a three-man midfield, while substitutes Martial and Marcus Rashford joined Alexis Sanchez in the front three.
• What we learned: While Mourinho shuffled his pack against the Terriers, he is likely to recall many of his regular first choice starters for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle United. There remains no confirmation of the reasons behind Jones’ absence, with the suggestion that he could have been unwell. That would suggest his return to replace Rojo in central defence, with Young also expected to oust Shaw at left-back. Pogba should come in for McTominay at the base of midfield, with Mourinho likely to stick with an attacking 4-2-3-1 against the struggling Magpies. Martial should also come under strong consideration for a recall, in place of either Mata or perhaps even Jesse Lingard.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, central midfield, right wing, attacking midfield

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Darlow; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Diame (Hayden 65); Ritchie, Perez (Merino 80), Kenedy (Atsu 57); Gayle. Subs not used: Dubravka, Manquillo, Lejeune, Murphy.

• What we saw: Magpies boss Rafa Benitez rolled out his usual 4-4-1-1 formation for the trip to Crystal Palace, although he did make a couple of changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Burnley. Jonjo Shelvey was handed a recall in central midfield in place of Mikel Merino, while Matt Ritchie returned on the right flank at the expense of Christian Atsu. The other alteration saw Dwight Gayle take over from Joselu as the lone striker. The introduction of Merino for Ayoze Perez saw Benitez switch to a more defensive 4-1-4-1 system as Palace pushed forward in search of a late winner.
• What we learned: Newcastle will have to assess Ciaran Clark after he sustained a knee injury against the Eagles. Florian Lejeune was fit to return to the bench last weekend and, along with Chancel Mbemba, is likely to be on standby to come into the side. The likes of Javier Manquillo, Isaac Hayden, Merino, Atsu, Jacob Murphy and Joselu will hope to earn recalls against Manchester United, while Islam Slimani may be an option in attack if , as expected, he can recover from a thigh injury. Karl Darlow kept his start in goal against the Eagles and could continue to be favoured over new arrival Martin Dubravka.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: McCarthy; Cedric Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand; Lemina , Romeu; Ward-Prowse, Tadic (Redmond 88), Boufal (Hojbjerg 85); Carrillo (Long 75). Subs not used: Forster, Yoshida, Davis, Gabbiadini.

• What we saw: Mauricio Pellegrino kept faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation for the trip to West Bromwich Albion, although he did make a couple of personnel changes. Mario Lemina returned at the base of midfield in place of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, while Sofiane Boufal was recalled at the expense of Steven Davis. Boufal played on the left of the attacking midfield trio, seeing Dusan Tadic move into the No 10 role behind lone striker Guido Carrillo. The Argentine was handed his first start for Saints in place of Shane Long. In an attempt to hold onto their 3-2 lead, Pellegrino decided to bring on Hojbjerg for Boufal, seeing Southampton end the match in more of a defensive 4-5-1 with the substitute joining Lemina and Oriol Romeu in the middle of the park.
• What we learned: After returning to winning ways, Pellegrino may opt to stick with a similar starting XI for Sunday’s home clash against Liverpool. The likes of Maya Yoshida, Hojbjerg, Davis and Long may have to remain patient for an opportunity to force their way back into the side.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, lone striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Bauer, Shawcross, Zouma, Pieters; Cameron; Shaqiri, Allen, Ndiaye (Stafylidis 71), Choupo-Moting (Berahino 83); Crouch (Diouf 83). Subs not used: Grant, Johnson, Adam, Sobhi.

• What we saw: Paul Lambert opted for a slightly more defensive 4-1-4-1 formation for the trip to Bournemouth. The Potters boss handed a Premier League debut to deadline day signing Badou Ndiaye, who joined Joe Allen in central midfield, with Geoff Cameron taking up the defensive midfield role. The other change saw Peter Crouch replace Mame Biram Diouf as the lone striker. The Potters ended the match in a 4-2-3-1, with Diouf on the right of an attacking midfield trio, Saido Berahino as the lone striker and Erik Pieters pushed forward on the left, with new arrival Konstantinos Stafylidis taking over at left-back.
• What we learned: Lambert will check on Darren Fletcher (knock) ahead of Saturday’s crucial home encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Scot likely to come straight back into the side if he’s available. Cameron may be the one to drop to the bench, with Allen perhaps taking up a No 10 role in a 4-2-3-1 system. Back on home soil, Lambert may prefer the pace of Diouf to Crouch in the lone striker position.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, lone striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Dyer (Bony 71), Fer (Carroll 36), Ki Sung-yueng, Clucas; Ayew (Routledge 90). Subs not used: Abraham, Narsingh, Nordfeldt, Routledge, Bartley.

• What we saw: Carlos Carvalhal once again named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Leicester City, sticking with a 5-4-1 formation. But an Achilles injury for Leroy Fer during the first half saw Tom Carroll replace the Dutchman in a straight swap. Jordan Ayew moved onto the right side of midfield after Wilfried Bony was brought on in place of Nathan Dyer.
• What we learned: The Swans have been dealt a major blow with the news that Fer and Bony (knee) will both miss the rest of the season. Carroll is in line to replace Fer in central midfield, with Andy King another option in the middle of the park. With Burnley the visitors to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, Carvalhal could switch to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation, particularly with Andre Ayew back in training following a hamstring injury. He could partner brother Jordan up front against the Clarets. Tammy Abraham, who is set to start in the FA Cup fourth round replay against Notts County tonight, provides another alternative in attack. That change in system would likely see Mike van der Hoorn drop to the bench.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez (Lamela 71), Vertonghen, Davies; Dier; Dembele (Wanyama 79), Eriksen; Alli; Son (Llorente 90), Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Sissoko, Aurier, Winks.

• What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino opted for a midfield diamond in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation for the trip to Liverpool, with Dele Alli operating at the tip behind the front pairing of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane. Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen were stationed on the sides of the diamond. Chasing an equaliser during the second half, Pochettino moved Eric Dier back into central defence, seeing substitute Victor Wanyama partner Alli in the middle of the park. Fellow substitute Erik Lamela joined Eriksen and Son in the attacking midfield spots.
• What we learned: The decision to start with a midfield diamond failed to pay off at Anfield, so up against Arsenal on Saturday, Pochettino could revert back to his back 4-2-3-1. The personnel are expected to remain very similar, with clues likely to be on offer from the teamsheet against Newport County in the FA Cup on Wednesday night. Certainly, most of Spurs’ big hitters are expected to be rested in that match. Serge Aurier was back on the bench on the weekend and is a possible alternative to Kieran Trippier at right-back. Although they are both back in training, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld are unlikely to come into contention to start the north London derby. Wanyama is a viable starter in central midfield, with Pochettino expected to juggle his resources in central midfield over the coming weeks given that Spurs face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League following the Arsenal clash. Lucas Moura is only likely to be an option to feature as a substitute against the Gunners as he starts to settle at his new club.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Karnezis; Mariappa, Prodl, Holebas; Janmaat, Doucoure, Capoue, Zeegelaar; Deulofeu (Carrillo 89), Deeney (Gray 90), Richarlison (Pereyra 65). Subs not used: Bachmann, Lukebakio; Mukena, Ndong.

• What we saw: Javi Gracia decided to match up against Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 formation, using Jose Holebas on the left of a back three, and Adrian Mariappa on the right in the absence of the injured Christian Kabasele. Marvin Zeegelaar and Daryl Janmaat returned at left wing-back and right wing-back respectively in the only other changes.
• What we learned: Given that the Hornets travel to face a West Ham United side who have also been playing with three at the back on Saturday, Gracia could well stick with the same system. That would make personnel changes unlikely, with the likes of Roberto Pereyra, Andre Carrillo and Andre Gray not expected to take the starting spots of Gerard Deulofeu, Richarlison or Troy Deeney, unless Gracia opts for fresh legs. If any of Heurelho Gomes, Kabasele or Tom Cleverley are fit to return this weekend, they appear more likely to come under consideration for starting berths.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders, central midfield

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Hegazi, Nyom (McClean 77); Phillips, Barry, Yacob (Burke 62), Brunt; Sturridge (Rodriguez 62), Rondon. Subs not used: Myhill, Field, Harper, Jameson.

• What we saw: Alan Pardew again rolled out a 4-4-2 formation for the home encounter against Southampton, although he did hand recalls to Gareth Barry, Chris Brunt and Matt Phillips, while he handed a first start to Daniel Sturridge. The injured Grzegorz Krychowiak, along with James McClean, Sam Field and surprisingly Jay Rodriguez dropped out. Phillips and Brunt were stationed out wide, while Sturridge partnered Salomon Rondon in attack. Trying to get back into the match at 3-1 and then 3-2 down, the Baggies ended with substitute McClean at left-back, leaving Oliver Burke and Phillips out wide behind Rondon and Rodriguez up front.
• What we learned: With Pardew now having a number of options to choose from, particularly in midfield and attack, there is some uncertainty as to who will line up against Chelsea in Gameweek 27. If he sticks with a 4-4-2, it’s two from Rondon, Sturridge and Rodriguez that will start up front. Phillips and Brunt remain the favourites to keep their places out wide, although both Burke and McClean are possible alternatives. Krychowiak (thigh) and Jake Livermore (knock) will also be viable starters if they are passed fit, but Jonny Evans and Kieran Gibbs (both hamstring) have missed the last two matches, and remain doubtful for the trip to Stamford Bridge, potentially leaving Pardew with few options to change things around in defence.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, central midfield, flanks, forwards

West Ham United

Starting XI: Adrian; Collins, Ogbonna, Rice (Antonio 65); Byram (Hugill 80), Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Cresswell; Mario; Chicharito. Subs not used: Reid, Fonte, Haksabanovic, Hart, Cullen.

• What we saw: David Moyes named an unchanged starting XI from the one that drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Hammers lined up in a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Joao Mario used in a central support role behind lone striker Chicharito, while Pablo Zabaleta was used in a three-man midfield. After falling 2-1 behind, Moyes decided to switch firstly to a more of a 4-3-3, with substitute Michail Antonio joining Chicharito and Joao Mario in attack. Zabaleta then moved to right-back after Sam Byram made was for debutant Jordan Hugill, who helped form an attacking quarter in more of a 4-2-4 system with West Ham trailing 3-1 by this point.
• What we learned: Antonio and Hugill both got minutes under their belt last weekend, though, of the two, it’s Antonio who will be pushing for a start against Watford on Saturday. A change in formation could be a possibility, with a 4-3-3 perhaps an option if Antonio and Hugill are handed starts alongside Chicharito in attack, seeing Joao Mario drop back into midfield. With options available to Moyes in midfield, Zabaleta could move to right-back, potentially seeing Byram drop to the bench. Winston Reid returned to the bench at the Amex Stadium, and may be an option to come back into the side in central defence.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Wing-backs, central defenders, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield