quite a balanced article from a spurs fan.......probably about right, although not sure carragher should be there now.
Top 4 Contenders Best XI
by Alan the librarian
The most fascinating battle in the Premier League has to be the race for 4th place. There is now just 4 points separating Tottenham, Man City, Aston Villa and Liverpool who will hoping their team is first across the finish line.
So who has the best players?
Before I start with my suggestions I should mention the methodology. Firstly, this will be based on the rule that form and injuries are temporary, class is permanent. Secondly, it'll be a 4-4-2 system as all but Man City play that way. Finally, this will be based on inidividuals and not necassarily what makes the most compatible team.
So lets start!
Goalkeeper - Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
Perhaps the most difficult as all four clubs boast excellent keepers but having won the Euro's with Spain, Pepe just pips it for me.
Left back - Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham)
No outstanding contenders with Insua and Bridge possessing defensive weaknesses and Warnock offering little going forward so Beno is the most balanced of players.
Central Defenders - Carragher ('Pool) and King (Spurs)
Remembering my rule that this based on class then it's an easy choice with Carraghers leaderships skills and medal list and King is just a rolls royce of a defender. City's lot are overrated and Villa's lot are very well marshalled but lack individual talent.
Right Back - Glenn Johnson (Liverpool)
Much like at left back, not many outstanding candidates so the 17m, England International is the obvious choice.
Left Wing - Luka Modric (Tottenham)
The likes of Martin Petrov, Stuart Downing and Yossi Benayounare not fit to clean Modric's boots who if not for injury would be setting the prem alight.
Centre Mids - Mascherano ('Pool) - Barry (City)
All four clubs have got defensive mids but Mascherano for me is World Class and Barry is the best of a weak selection with Hudd and Milner on form but not as talented and the less said about Lucas at Liverpool the better.
Right Wing - Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Craig Bellamy is having a good year and Ashley Young is a very good player (I won't mention Kyut) but Lennon has everything. First touch, close control and assists at the plenty. He has made many a left back look very embarrassed this season.
Strikers - Gerrard and Torres (both Liverpool)
As much as it pains me to leave Defoe out, as soon as I put down my rose tinted glasses this was an easy choice. Two World Class proven players.
Manager - Rafa Benitez (Liverpool)
Using my rule that form is temporary then Benitez honours in the game have to be respected even though he looks a bit of an idiot at the moment.
Summary
Liverpool have the strongest first XI on paper, especially in the spine of the team, and Villa have no entrants but for me they are a solid team without boasting any outstanding inidividuals. City's 1 entrant may all change come Jan when they'll sign a new team!
Top 4 Contenders Best XI
by Alan the librarian
The most fascinating battle in the Premier League has to be the race for 4th place. There is now just 4 points separating Tottenham, Man City, Aston Villa and Liverpool who will hoping their team is first across the finish line.
So who has the best players?
Before I start with my suggestions I should mention the methodology. Firstly, this will be based on the rule that form and injuries are temporary, class is permanent. Secondly, it'll be a 4-4-2 system as all but Man City play that way. Finally, this will be based on inidividuals and not necassarily what makes the most compatible team.
So lets start!
Goalkeeper - Pepe Reina (Liverpool)
Perhaps the most difficult as all four clubs boast excellent keepers but having won the Euro's with Spain, Pepe just pips it for me.
Left back - Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham)
No outstanding contenders with Insua and Bridge possessing defensive weaknesses and Warnock offering little going forward so Beno is the most balanced of players.
Central Defenders - Carragher ('Pool) and King (Spurs)
Remembering my rule that this based on class then it's an easy choice with Carraghers leaderships skills and medal list and King is just a rolls royce of a defender. City's lot are overrated and Villa's lot are very well marshalled but lack individual talent.
Right Back - Glenn Johnson (Liverpool)
Much like at left back, not many outstanding candidates so the 17m, England International is the obvious choice.
Left Wing - Luka Modric (Tottenham)
The likes of Martin Petrov, Stuart Downing and Yossi Benayounare not fit to clean Modric's boots who if not for injury would be setting the prem alight.
Centre Mids - Mascherano ('Pool) - Barry (City)
All four clubs have got defensive mids but Mascherano for me is World Class and Barry is the best of a weak selection with Hudd and Milner on form but not as talented and the less said about Lucas at Liverpool the better.
Right Wing - Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
Craig Bellamy is having a good year and Ashley Young is a very good player (I won't mention Kyut) but Lennon has everything. First touch, close control and assists at the plenty. He has made many a left back look very embarrassed this season.
Strikers - Gerrard and Torres (both Liverpool)
As much as it pains me to leave Defoe out, as soon as I put down my rose tinted glasses this was an easy choice. Two World Class proven players.
Manager - Rafa Benitez (Liverpool)
Using my rule that form is temporary then Benitez honours in the game have to be respected even though he looks a bit of an idiot at the moment.
Summary
Liverpool have the strongest first XI on paper, especially in the spine of the team, and Villa have no entrants but for me they are a solid team without boasting any outstanding inidividuals. City's 1 entrant may all change come Jan when they'll sign a new team!
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