Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 34 – Part Two

Paul Pogba is hauled off before the hour-mark while Jesse Lingard starts on the bench in the first match of Man United’s Double Gameweek 34.

Erik Lamela is preferred to Son Heung-min on the teamsheet for Spurs’ home encounter with Man City, as Nicolas Otamendi is handed a surprise rest at Wembley.

Elsewhere, Charlie Austin is restricted to a late cameo as Southampton start the first of a pair of Double Gameweeks with a narrow home loss to Chelsea.

After assessing the first ten teams yesterday, we turn to part two of Line-up Lessons, checking out the teamsheets and formations from the Gameweek 34 encounters, with one eye on what’s to come from the midweek league matches, weekend FA Cup fixtures and beyond.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Kompany, Laporte, Delph; Gundogan, Silva, De Bruyne (Toure 89), Sane (Otamendi 64), Sterling; Jesus (Bernardo Silva 76). Subs not used: Bravo, Zinchenko, Foden, Brahim Diaz.

• What we saw: Pep Guardiola named a strong side for the trip to Wembley Stadium just four days after bowing out of the UEFA Champions League. Ilkay Gundogan stood in for the suspended Fernandinho in central midfield, while with Sergio Aguero injured, Gabriel Jesus started as the central striker in the usual 4-3-3 formation. Vincent Kompany and Aymeric Laporte formed the centre-back partnership, with Nicolas Otamendi dropping to the bench. City ended the match in more of a 5-4-1 formation, with Otamendi brought on in central defence. Fellow substitute Bernardo Silva played on the right side of midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne positioned on the left. Raheem Sterling operated as the lone striker.
• What we learned: With the title now secured, Guardiola is expected to utilise all of City’s squad for the remainder of the campaign, based on his previous history at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich when league titles had been wrapped up. But against Swansea City on Sunday, he should name a strong side as City celebrate in front of their own fans, and out of respect to the other teams battling to avoid relegation. Otamendi is likely to return in central defence, most likely in place of Laporte, but with Fernandinho still suspended, the three-man midfield is expected to remain unchanged. Bernardo Silva provides a possible alternative out wide, but with Aguero now potentially out for the final month of the season with a knee injury, Jesus is now in pole position to lead the attack unchallenged.

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

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Lindelof, Young (Rashford 75); Matic, Herrera (Lingard 46); Mata, Pogba (Martial 59), Sanchez; Lukaku. Subs not used: Jones, Rojo, McTominay, Joel Pereira.

• What we saw: Despite facing bottom side West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho decided to stick with the 4-3-3 formation he used in the 3-2 win over Man City. He did make two changes, though, with Victor Lindelof preferred to Eric Bailly in central defence, while Juan Mata replaced Jesse Lingard on the right of the front three. But following a disappointing first-half display, Mourinho switched to a more attacking 4-2-3-1, with Lingard taking up a No 10 role. Shortly before the hour mark, Anthony Martial was introduced for Paul Pogba, with the former positioned out wide on the left. That allowed Alexis Sanchez to play centrally alongside Romelu Lukaku in more of a 4-1-3-2 system. After falling a goal behind, Mourinho threw caution to the wind, bringing on Marcus Rashford for Ashley Young, leaving just Chris Smalling, Lindelof and Nemanja Matic as defensive-minded players, with Antonio Valencia covering the right side of the pitch.
• What we learned: With Wednesday’s trip to Bournemouth coming just three days before the FA Cup semi-final with Spurs, Mourinho has hinted that he will rotate at the Vitality Stadium. Bailly, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are options in central defence, while the Argentine could also feature at left-back in place of Young. The United boss may start with a 4-2-3-1 against the Cherries, so Herrera could drop to the bench, although Pogba may also be handed a rest. The likes of Scott McTominay and Marouane Fellaini could provide fresh legs in the middle of the park. Lingard, Martial and Rashford are all options to in the attacking midfield spots, with Mata set to drop out of the starting XI.

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

Newcastle United

Starting XI: Dubravka; Yedlin, Lejeune, Lascelles, Dummett; Ritchie (Murphy 85), Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy; Perez (Joselu 79); Gayle (Slimani 63). Subs not used: Darlow, Clark, Hayden, Manquillo.

• What we saw: Unsurprisingly, Rafa Benitez once again named an unchanged starting X1 for the home encounter against Arsenal, with the Magpies lining up in the usual 4-4-1-1 system.
• What we learned: Following a fourth successive victory, Benitez may again stick with the same starting line-up for the trip to Everton on Monday night. However, Islam Slimani made an impact after coming on as a substitute against the Gunners, and provides a different option to Dwight Gayle in the lone striker role. Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu offer alternatives out wide, but appear unlikely starters.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Lone Striker

Southampton

Starting XI: McCarthy; Bednarek (Gabbiadini 90), Yoshida, Hoedt; Cedric Soares, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse (Austin 79), Tadic (Sims 83); Long. Subs not used: Lemina, Boufal, McQueen, Forster.

• What we saw: Mark Hughes stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation that yielded an improved performance in the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal for the visit of Chelsea to St Mary’s. Jan Bednarek was handed his Premier League debut in place of the suspended Jack Stephens as part of the three-man backline in the only change for Saints. After falling 3-2 behind, Hughes decided to introduce Charlie Austin for James Ward-Prowse, bringing a change to more of a 3-4-3. Substitute Josh Sims and Shane Long operated either side of central striker Austin. Manolo Gabbiadini was sent on as a final roll of the dice during stoppage time.
• What we learned: Given that Southampton played so well for the first hour against Chelsea, Hughes may keep faith in the majority of the same starting XI for Thursday night’s trip to Leicester City. Austin is the player most likely to edge his way into the line-up, although if the Saints boss sticks with a 3-4-2-1, he could again miss out with Long preferred for his mobility. A switch to either a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 may see both forwards combine up front. The starts of James Ward-Prowse and/or Bednarek appear the most at risk should there be a change in system. Mario Lemina provides the main alternative in central midfield should Hughes look to inject some fresh legs, while Sims and Sofiane Boufal offer different options out wide. Their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea follows three days after the trip to the King Power Stadium, but given their position in the table, Hughes will surely have to name his strongest possible side against the Foxes.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, attacking midfield, forwards

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Zouma, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Bauer (Crouch 70), Allen, Ndiaye, Sobhi (Cameron 61); Shaqiri; Diouf (Ireland 87). Subs not used: Grant, Sorensen, Fletcher, Campbell.

• What we saw: Paul Lambert was forced into making one change for the trip to West Ham United, with Kurt Zouma replacing Glen Johnson, who missed out due to a groin injury. The Chelsea loanee slotted in at right-back, while Moritz Bauer continued on the right side of midfield in the same 4-4-1-1 formation. The Stoke boss decided to switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 on the hour mark, introducing Geoff Cameron for Ramadan Sobhi. Cameron sat next to Badou Ndiaye at the base of midfield, freeing up Joe Allen to play in the No 10 role. Xherdan Shaqiri operated down the right, with Bauer moving to the opposite flank. Peter Crouch was then brought on to lead the line, with Mame Biram Diouf moving out on to the left wing.
• What we learned: After scoring as a substitute, Crouch could push for a start when the Potters host Burnley on Sunday. But if Lambert only plays with a lone striker, Diouf may be deployed out wide, depending on the selected formation. With the matches rapidly running out for Stoke, it could be that Lambert opts for a 4-2-3-1 from the start, with Diouf and Shaqiri out wide, and Allen in the No 10 role. That would probably see Bauer return to right-back at the expense of Zouma, with Cameron then likely to start at the base of midfield. Alternatively, the same 4-4-1-1 may see fewer changes, with Diouf and Crouch battling it out for one spot up front.

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

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson; Ki Sung-yueng (Abraham 65), King, Carroll; Narsingh (Dyer 46), A Ayew, J Ayew. Subs not used: Nordfeldt; van der Hoorn, Routledge, Bartley, Roberts.

• What we saw: The return of Jordan Ayew following a three-match ban saw Carlos Carvalhal switch to a flexible 3-5-2 system. Jordan joined brother Andre up front, while Ki Sung-yueng returned in central midfield, with Sam Clucas missing out due to a knock to his knee picked up in training. Kyle Naughton started as the right-sided centre-back, with Luciano Narsingh stationed at right wing-back. The Dutchman was handed more freedom to push forward than Martin Olsson on the opposite flank, though, with Naughton at times moving across to right-back. Narsingh had to be replaced at half-time after twisting his ankle, however, seeing Nathan Dyer come on in a straight swap. The introduction of Tammy Abraham for Ki saw Carvalhal switch to a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Andre Ayew stationed in a No 10 role behind Jordan Ayew and Abraham up front.
• What we learned: Even if Narsingh is passed fit for Sunday’s trip to Man City, it’s unlikely he’ll be named in the starting XI, with Carvalhal set to switch back to a more defensive 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 formation. So providing he is fully fit following a shoulder problem, Mike van der Hoorn (who was on the bench at the weekend) is likely to return in central defence, with Naughton moving to right-back. Tom Carroll may be favoured over Ki in central midfield in a 5-4-1, providing Clucas is fit to start on the left wing as expected. But in a 5-3-2, Ki and Carroll could both start in the middle of the park.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele (Moura 73); Lamela (Son Heung-min 64), Eriksen, Alli (Sissoko 84); Kane. Subs not used: Vorm, Aurier, Wanyama, Sterling.

• What we saw: Mauricio Pochettino decided to name something close to his strongest side for the home clash against Manchester City. Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies and Eric Dier all returned to the starting XI after being rested for the 2-1 victory over Stoke City. The one slight surprise was Erik Lamela being preferred to Son Heung-min in the attacking midfield spots. The Argentine was stationed on the right wing, with Dele Alli on the left and Christian Eriksen in the No 10 role. With his side trailing 3-1, Pochettino decided to switch to more of a 4-1-4-1 system, with substitutes Son, Lucas Moura and Moussa Sissoko joining Eriksen behind lone striker Harry Kane.
• What we learned: Spurs face a short turnaround before tonight’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, which comes four days before their FA Cup semi-final against Man United. It’s then a long break until they host Watford in Gameweek 36 on April 30. Son is expected to replace Lamela in the starting XI, while should Pochettino look to inject further fresh legs, the likes of Sissoko and Lucas may also be considered for starts in the attacking midfield positions. The Spurs boss has suggested that Lucas and Fernando Llorente, who missed out last weekend due to personal reasons, will both be involved. Victor Wanyama is a possible alternative at the base of midfield in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, while in defence, Serge Aurier is in line to start at right-back. Danny Rose is said to be progressing well following a calf problem, but won’t feature. Kyle Walker-Peters is fit-again, though, and could be an option at left-back if the Spurs boss wants to rest Ben Davies. Pochettino has also reportedly started that Toby Alderweireld will be in the squad at Brighton. If the Belgian centre-half is handed a start, Jan Vertonghen may also be an option at left-back, while Davinson Sanchez may be a slight rotation risk.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield

Watford

Starting XI: Karnezis; Mariappa, Prodl, Cathcart, Janmaat; Capoue, Doucoure; Femenia (Richarlison 58), Hughes (Sinclair 90), Pereyra; Deeney (Gray 81). Subs not used: Gomes, Britos, Kabasele, Okaka.

• What we saw: Javi Gracia only made one change from the side that lost 2-1 to Burnley for the trip to Huddersfield Town, with Craig Cathcart coming in for the injured Jose Holebas. Cathcart partnered Sebastian Prodl in central defence, with Adrian Mariappa moving to left-back in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
• What we learned: Holebas will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Crystal Palace after missing out last weekend. Should he remain sidelined, Miguel Britos and the fit-again Christian Kabasele provide the main alternatives in defence. After being withdrawn just before the hour mark, Kiko Femenia’s start on the right wing could come under threat. Richarlison may earn a recall in that position, potentially leaving Femenia and Daryl Janmaat to battle it out for the starting spot at right-back.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Defence, right wing

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Nyom, Dawson, Hegazi, Gibbs; Phillips (Krychowiak 81), Livermore, Brunt (Yacob 90), McClean; Rodriguez; Rondon (Sturridge 85). Subs not used: Myhill, Gabr, Burke, Field.

• What we saw: Caretaker manager Darren Moore named the same side that drew 1-1 against Swansea City for the trip to Man United, although the Baggies lined up in a 4-4-1-1 system at Old Trafford, with Jay Rodriguez stationed in a support striker role. Moore introduced Grzegorz Krychowiak late on to help shore up the central midfield area, with Rodriguez moving out to the right wing in a 4-5-1 formation.
• What we learned: Following the shock 1-0 victory on Sunday, Moore may well name the same side once again for Saturday’s home encounter against Liverpool. While Daniel Sturridge returned from injury as a late substitute, the on-loan forward is now ineligible to face his parent club. The fit-again Sam Field was named among the substitutes at Old Trafford, but he, along with Krychowiak, will struggle to force their way back into the starting XI. Nacer Chadli could be ready to return to the bench this weekend, but Jonny Evans (knee) remains doubtful. If fit, the centre-back is the player most likely to push for a recall, though.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Central defenders

West Ham United

Starting XI: Hart; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Masuaku (Lanzini 81); Fernandes (Chicharito 76), Arnautovic, Joao Mario (Carroll 86). Subs not used: Hugill, Adrian, Eva, Cullen.

• What we saw: David Moyes decided to name the same side that drew 1-1 with Chelsea for the home clash against Stoke. Aaron Cresswell recovered from a knock to start on the left of the back three in the same 3-4-2-1 system. With the match goalless, Moyes firstly decided to bring on Chicharito for Edimilson Fernandes, prompting a switch to a 3-4-1-2, with the Mexican joining Marko Arnautovic up front, leaving Joao Mario in the No 10 role. Then after falling a goal behind, the returning Manuel Lanzini was brought on for Arthur Masuaku, before Andy Carroll entered the fray in place of Joao Mario. That saw the Hammers end the match in an attacking 4-2-1-3, with Lanzini in the No 10 position behind a front three of Arnautovic, Carroll and Chicharito.
• What we learned: The Hammers face a trip to Arsenal next on Sunday and Carroll’s late equaliser provides some food for thought for Moyes. The striker, along with Lanzini, may be short of match sharpness but will still be in Moyes’ plans with the latter the favourite to earn a start. Should Carroll also get the nod, we may see Arnautovic moved to a support role alongside Lanzini. The rest of the line-up looks settled, with a three-man backline clearly now the preferred system.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Attacking midfield, forwards