Premier League Team of the Week XI

The frantic festive period is finally over in the Premier League – we will now need to wait until January 17 until the next set of Premier League fixtures rolls around.

As teams from England’s top division prepare for the third round of the FA Cup, which players stood out the most during gameweek 21?

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher

Coaimhin Kelleher is the obvious pick for our best goalkeeper of the week. Not only did he keep a clean sheet, the Irish international also saved a penalty along the way.

In all fairness, it was a very easy penalty save, as Enzo Le Fee simply chipped the ball into his hands – nevertheless, Kelleher showed great composure to stand his ground.

RB: Matty Cash

Matty Cash is in fine form at the moment. He wasn’t able to register a goal contribution against Crystal Palace, but his defensive efforts were stellar.

The defensive aspect of his game has been criticised previously, but there could be no complaints on Wednesday night as he kept the Eagles firmly at bay.

CB: Nathan Collins

Nathan Collins has to be this week’s star defender – not only did he keep a clean sheet, he also scored Brentford’s third goal of the game against Sunderland.

The Bees have defied all expectations so far this season – they currently sit fifth in the league table, with Collins being a driving force behind their excellent run.

CB: Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi also kept a clean sheet in midweek – he had an almighty task on his hands, but he stepped up to the plate.

Palace are a depleted outfit at the moment, but they were still able to keep the in-form Aston Villa at arm’s length in a 0-0 draw.

LB: Piero Hincapie

Arsenal vs Liverpool was an ugly watch with few positives, but we’ll give Piero Hincapie his flowers for the display he put forth.

Despite being asked to play out of position, the Ecuadorian international performed admirably, keeping Liverpool’s attacking players well out of harm’s way.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes showed everyone why he is one of the best central midfielders in the world during Newcastle United’s dramatic 4-3 win over Leeds United.

The 28 year old scored a well-taken penalty and also notched up an assist earlier in the evening – he has now scored eight goals this season.

CM: Yehor Yarmoliuk

Another Brentford player makes it into our team of the week – given how good they were against Sunderland, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Yehor Yarmoliuk was on hand to score their final goal of the game – it was a close-range effort, but he had to squeeze through a mass of bodies to find the back of the net.

RW: Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson was bitterly unfortunate to not have been on the winning side on Wednesday night. Despite scoring twice, he couldn’t save the Whites from defeat.

Nevertheless, this XI is about individuals, not team performances. As such, Aaronson is very good value for his place in the team.

AM: Mateus Mane

Mateus Mane makes it into our Premier League team of the week for the second gameweek in a row – the 18 year old is making some serious waves at the moment.

Everton had no answer for his deft feet – he made a brilliant run through the heart of the Toffees’ backline to find the back of the net and nick a crucial away point for Wolves.

LW: Harvey Barnes

Could Harvey Barnes be a surprise inclusion in the England squad at the World Cup? If his performance against Leeds is anything to go by, he should at least be in the conversation.

Barnes found the back of the net twice against the Whites – the second of which was a stunning 90+12 equaliser.

ST: Igor Thiago

Igor Thiago is the man to watch in the Premier League as things stand, He is in phenomenal form – Sunderland were powerless to resist against him.

The Brazilian netted a brace against the Black Cats – Carlo Ancelotti will certainly be keeping tabs on him ahead of the World Cup.