GK- Scott Carson –

DF – Micah Richards – Manchester City, the defender is probably in the form of his life, and that is why he is back in the England fold. Lets not forget his fantastic goal for City against Stoke, unfortunately it wasn’t to be a winner.

DF – Paul Scharner – West Bromwich Albion, like Scott Carson he has gone from strength to strength, the 4-1 road victory against Everton shows that manager Roberto Di Matteo has a well balanced squad, on a budget. Expect a few more West Brom players to be on here before the season is out. They defended superbly against a difficult set piece specialist team.

DF – Ryan Shawcross – Stoke City, had another smart display and has been able to snuff out some of the best forwards in the league so far this season. He was a big reason along with the rest of his back line of why Stoke deserved a point against big spending Man City.

DF – Ashley Cole – Chelsea, the champions might be struggling, but Cole has been in great form regardless. A decent point in the snow up at Newcastle, and with JT and Frank Lampard soon to be back, the champs should regain some form. As for Cole, attack or defend, with or without the top players, he’s been without doubt the best left back in the league all season.

MF – Scott Parker -West Ham United, the captain has worked hard, and with things going wrong all around him results wise, he has still put in a superb effort. He scored the Hammers third goal in a 3-1 win over Wigan, the icing on top of the cake so to speak. Well deserved praise for a man who has shown undoubted loyalty even though he could easily move to another team.

MF – Jack Wilshere – Arsenal, the youngster keeps improving in front of our eyes. He scored a well taken goal, and under the guidance of Arsene Wenger he really could become an Arsenal legend. This could also be great news for England too.

MF – Nani – Manchester United, he absolutely ran Blackburn Rovers ragged. He is doing a great job of carrying United and trying his hardest to fill the shoes of Ronaldo, and doing it with some skill to boot. What is pleasing to United fans is that there is a lot of end product with Nani, add Rooney into the mix and United is back on track to really challenge for the title.

MF – Andrei Arshavin – Arsenal, the Russian had been in a bit of a dry spell goal wise. His goal against Villa was extremely well taken and set the Gunners well on their way.

MF – Chris Brunt – West Bromwich Albion, the midfielder is one of the best strikers of the ball in the league, he also proved it with a fantastic 30 yard free-kick into the top hand corner. He beat Tim Howard all ends up. There were rumors a month or so back that Liverpool were interested in his services, if he carries on playing like he did against Everton then I see no reason why that interest wouldn’t start up again.

ST – Dimitar Berbatov – Manchester United, there is a reason we only started one forward in our team of the week, and that’s because it’s not every day you witness a player bang in five goals. Berbatov was under pressure from manager Sir Alex Ferguson to perform, with the return to fitness of Wayne Rooney the heat was really on. Berbatov we salute you!

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GK Robert Green –

DF Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea, last week it was the other Blues right back that made our best XI. He really is one of the toughest opponents in the league, and if Barcelona really run into trouble with Dani Alves’ contract negotiations, I could see them sniffing around. Lets not forget his great 84th minute finish against Blackburn.

DF Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United, Great header, great defender, great leader, need we say more?

DF Martin Skrtel – Liverpool, two weeks in a row a Reds defender makes our list! Having to deal with the tall and powerful combo of Elmander and Davies is nothing to be sniffed at, he was just as powerful back, and he will need to continue that. Also, Daniel Agger seems to have lost his place in the team, no thanks to Skrtel.

DF Carlos Salcido – Fulham, the Mexican international has adapted superbly to the EPL. He helped Fulham keep a clean sheet and also does very well to join in the attack, and in so doing, put in a great looking cross to Dempsey to break the deadlock.

MF Alex Song – Arsenal, he doesn’t just get the nod because he scored the late winner for the Gunners, it’s his all ’round midfield play that wins us over. He can pass, tackle, run, head the ball, and pop up with a goal too. Wenger has unearthed and developed another gem.

MF Nani – Manchester United, the winger is without doubt the Red Devils best player this season. He set up Vidic nicely and then scored the most bizarre goal to give United the two goal lead against Spurs. He really is improving in front of our eyes.

MF Kevin Nolan – Newcastle United, the Magpies captain put bitter rivals Sunderland to the sword, a devastating hat-trick helps too, but he’s been a goal threat all season. Could England honors be around the corner? Maybe not, but if he keeps performing like this then we could see some transfer rumors pop up for sure.

MF David Edwards – Wolverhampton Wanderers, yes he scored the winner against Man City, but he worked hard against money bags City. And if Wolves are to survive they will need big midfield performances like this, and from all 11 starters.

ST Shola Ameobi – Newcastle United, he also got in the scoring act against Sunderland, grabbing two for himself, but then he’s been making a bit of a habit scoring goals lately. A real threat and is a perfect foil for Andy Carroll.

ST Clint Dempsey – Fulham, scored the two goals that helped the West Londoners over Wigan. We like Dempsey and he’s a decent forward and midfielder. He is a solid EPL player and we think the Cottagers is a perfect fit for him. Expect him to score a few more goals and not look out of place coming up against the big boys.

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GK Lukasz Fabianski –

DF Jose Bosingwa – Chelsea, it’s hard to believe that he was injured for so long, apart from building up his match fitness he is proving why he is one of the better right backs in the world.

DF Sotirios Kyrgiakos – Liverpool, the Reds defense has been creaking and leaking so far this season. However, over the last month or so the big Greek, Kyrgiakos, has been the man to stick his head where it hurts, coming up big at the back and also on the attack.

DF Michael Turner – Sunderland, the centre half was dominant against Villa. He is starting to find some form again that got him mentions for England. Strong, brave, smart, and good use of the ball have made him a tough opponent in the EPL.

DF Leighton Baines – Everton, scored his first goal of the season against Spurs, a superbly struck free kick, around the wall into the top corner. Lets not forget he is an international class defender, Everton is improving after their usual slow start.

MF Youssuf Mulumbu – West Bromwich Albion, the Congolese man scored for the first time in a year, lovely finish too. Helped West Brom bounce back after going down a goal early. The central midfielder is going to have a huge task in helping the Baggies stay safe, but as of right now they sit comfortably in the top half of the table. His continued form and chipping in with goals will help.

MF Samir Nasri – Arsenal, the attacking midfielder has really stepped up his game since the massive injury list kept growing at the Gunners. There is no surprise that he is rumored to be signing a new five year contract at Arsenal. Lets not forget why he is in our team of the week, just a smart move and finish for his goal.

MF Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal, we are really seeing the form that makes him one of the best box to box midfielders in the world, yes Barca want him, but at Arsenal he is their leader, a focal point of there team. Back in Barcelona he will be bit part player.

MF Cheick Tiote – Newcastle United, the midfielder freely admits that he tries to mirror the style of fellow African, Michael Essien. He was immense against West Ham United, powerful and rugged. As he keeps adjusting to the league not only will he get admirers, but Newcastle will benefit on the pitch.

ST Javier Hernandez – Manchester United, the Mexican forward continues to impress us. His double against Stoke City was very good, and the blow of losing Rooney for another couple of weeks doesn’t seem so daunting.

ST Andy Carroll – Newcastle United, the big, young English hit-man ended his goal drought, but not before setting up his captain, Kevin Nolan. Good to see the forward making the right kind of headlines after some court appearances recently.

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GK Petr Cech –

DF Leighton Baines – Everton, the left back has improved a ton over the last month. The snub for the World Cup has helped I’m sure, but Everton is starting to improve overall too. Ending Birmingham’s unbeaten home record helps too.

DF Stephen Crainey – Blackpool, we gave Crainey the love for the Seasiders back line. To be honest Liverpool didn’t threaten a ton, but a 2-1 victory at Anfield is truly amazing. Not only a well deserved three points, but maybe big enough to use the confidence from that to stay up and produce a few more shocks.

DF Titus Bramble – Sunderland, it’s been a tough couple of weeks off the field for the big defender, but he’s produced big against Liverpool the week before, and then even bigger in shutting out Manchester United. Could this be England form?

DF Alex - Chelsea, his defensive performance against Arsenal was fantastic, and shouldn’t be over shadowed by his superb free kick, but here at SJ we’re glory whores, and that is the 100% reason he gets a ton of love from us.

MF Tim Cahill – Everton, the scoring midfielder lived up to his reputation to seal all three valuable points on the road, his 90th minute goal helped Everton to their first win of the season. Yes it’s October, but Everton always seems to start slow.

MF Rafael Van Der Vaart – Spurs, two goals don’t tell the whole story. Could this be the best of all the summer transfers in the EPL? So far so good, and nothing suggests that the skillful Dutchman won’t be. A joy to watch, but more importantly he helped Spurs come from behind against a decent villa side to take all three points.

MF Gareth Bale – Spurs, another all action display from the Welshman, left back or left midfield. It really doesn’t matter, we think that he is growing in to a real superstar, and you wonder why Manchester United and Real Madrid are sniffing around?

MF Adam Johnson – Man City, not getting a lot of love from his manager in terms of starting minutes, but he came on yesterday against Newcastle and destroyed the back line, great goal too. It’s only a matter of time before he will be a world beater. Left footed, English wingers are hard to come by, if City doesn’t want him, plenty others will.

ST Luke Varney – Blackpool, scored a crucial first half injury time goal against Liverpool, it not only rocked Liverpool, but the fans too. He worked tirelessly to make sure the EPL new boys defended from the front, don’t get me wrong, they weren’t hanging on for dear life, he was a continual threat throughout the game.

ST Didier Drogba – Chelsea, how did he finish that? All the talk of strikers coming to Chelsea is pointless. In Drogba they have one of the most complete forwards that Chelsea has ever seen, let alone had on their books. 

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GK Robert Green

DF Leighton Baines - Everton, nothing seems to be going right at Goodison Park this season. The point against Manchester United a few weeks back was exciting but not much else has happened worth shouting about. Saturday they got a shut out down at Fulham, and Baines played a big part. Baines is on the verge of really making himself an elite left back, we just think he might have to leave Everton to get where he deserves to be.

DF Matthew Upson - West Ham United, the left footed centre half has come under some criticism the last year and a bit, but he produced a big display on Saturday against a very good Tottenham attack. We’re not saying the West Ham faithful are ready to let him off the hook just yet, but if he can be consistent and as switched on as he was, there is no doubt he can help lead West Ham to safety and beyond.

DF Vincent Kompany – Manchester City, the classy Belgian marshaled the City defence extremely well against the free scoring champions, Chelsea. Snuffing out the likes of Drogba, Anelka, and Malouda says it all, and if Man City want at the very least Champions League football, he will be a huge rock in the heart of the defence.

DF Michel Salgado - Blackburn Rovers, the former Real Madrid man showed his vast experience for Rovers on Saturday. He has settled in to English football with such ease that it’s almost as if he had played there his whole career. Sam Allardyce has a knack of picking up and using veterans wisely. Rovers are a really tough team to beat, and a huge part of their success is the experienced back line.

MF Nani - Manchester United, just how good can Nani be? It’s up to him, his goal was pure class and by class we mean Roy of the Rovers kind of stuff. Forget that United were lucky to get a point against Bolton. The Portuguese international is really starting to make himself an ideal replacement for the fantastic servant Ryan Giggs, yes we rate him that highly!

MF Yaya Toure – Manchester City, the big defensive midfielder didn’t miss a beat against Chelsea. He helped keep the midfield shape and did very well against the likes of Essien, Ramires, and Mikel Obi, who at times have over run other teams’ midfield. Not the case in the early kick off, sometimes hard work has to take priority over flair, as was the case with Toure.

MF Peter Odemwingie - West Bromwich Albion, who thought the Nigerian would score against Arsenal? Let alone West Brom getting all 3 points at the Emirates! He ran them ragged, winning a penalty too, only for Chris Brunt to take it and miss. The winger/forward has lit up the Baggies since his arrival and could really help keep them up in the EPL.

ST Darren Bent- Sunderland, the England hit-man is once again in fantastic form, a double at struggling Liverpool was well deserved. He has to be right up there with Jermaine Defoe and England’s elite out and out goal scorer and we honestly can’t see him sticking around at Sunderland for too much longer.

ST Carlos Tevez – Manchester City, the hard working Argentine took his goal against Chelsea very well. The guy is the complete package, oh how Manchester United must regret not locking him in. An absolute joy to watch, and he will do it against the best teams consistently.

ST Kenwyne Jones – Stoke City, what a handful the big Trinidad and Tobago forward was, an absolute nightmare to defend against, just ask the Newcastle back line. We were surprised he made what seemed to be a sideways move from Sunderland to the Potters, either way he’s still putting the ball in to the back of the net.

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GK Pepe Reina – Liverpool. The Spaniard certainly saved the reds after a tricky road game against Birmingham City. The early season blunder against Arsenal seems to be out of his system already, again proving that if he was representing any other nation he’d be the number 1 choice.
DF Christopher Samba – Blackburn Rovers. The centre half patrolled his back-line superbly and managed to stifle the Man City attack. When will Samba get to move to one of the bigger clubs? We think he is one of the most under-rated defenders in the league. Spurs don’t seem to have much luck in the injury department and he could be the perfect man to fill the void.
DF Ashley Cole – Chelsea. We honestly can’t say enough good things about him. Another fantastic performance at the back and going forward he was even better. We promise we’re not Chelsea fans, but this guy just deserves to be on this list every week so far.
DF Scott Dann – Birmingham City. Along with centre back partner, Roger Johnson, made the Liverpool attack look ordinary and lightweight. Again, England has another two defenders that have an outside chance of getting a call up, and after forming a really formidable partnership will most definitely have bright futures.
DF Dekel Keinan- Blackpool. The Israeli played fantastically well in front of 50,000 fans up at St James. This is a big deal, to come away with a win and a clean sheet, well the clean sheet was down to him and his goalkeeper Matthew Gilks. Keinan only signed a one-year contract and if he keeps it up, not only will Blackpool make him sign that further one-year option, but he might have some more admirers.
MF Michael Essien – Chelsea. He looked unstoppable to be honest. His work rate, tackling, and attacking play is hard to match. Chelsea is already favorites to lift the title again, having him for the whole season in this kind of form, there is no doubting it.
MF Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal. This is what the Gunners fans want to see, whole hearted commitment. They got it and much more. The guy is slowly creeping up there with the best central midfielders in the world. It will have the Barcelona board readying a bid next summer though! Glad that he is however making headlines for the right reasons.
MF Steed Malbranque – Sunderland. The midfield man hasn’t hit the heights that we thought he might, but on Saturday at Wigan he really stepped up after Lee Cattermole was sent off in the first half. He rallied the team and alongside England under-21-midfielder Jordan Henderson, they pretty much ran the middle of the park.
MF Steven Pienaar – Everton. In what can be called the most entertaining game of the weekend, a 3-3 draw with Man Utd, with Everton scoring two injury time goals, the South African scored in the first half, but his classy display is nothing new to the Toffees. They are trying to lock him down to a new contract, but the vultures are circling and a bigger stage could be awaiting the midfielder.
ST DJ Campbell – Blackpool. A fine performance from the front man, only highlighted by his great 90th minute finish to secure all the points. He was a hero last season in helping the Seasiders get up to the EPL, thankfully they managed to get him back from Leicester City. Blackpool is most definitely the surprise package.
ST Moussa Dembele – Fulham. The forward scored a brace including a 90th minute winner. He witnessed his strike partner Bobby Zamora break his leg in the first half and will be vital while he is out. He tore it up whilst playing in Holland for AZ, but the Belgian international has already hit the ground running here.

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GK Ali Al Habsi –

DF LUKE YOUNG – Aston Villa. After getting crushed 6-0 last week, and then getting knocked out of the Europa League mid-week, confidence at Villa Park was a little low. So up steps full back Luke young, curling in a cracking effort from the edge of the area for the only goal of the game. When the pressure was on as Everton chased the game, he helped the back line stand firm and restore a little pride to the Villans.

DF TITUS BRAMBLE – Sunderland. Helped the Black Cats shut out Manchester City and get the deserved win. When Bramble plays like this he is an amazing centre half. If he can be consistent and continue to keep his concentration then there is no reason why he couldn’t gain international honors. Unfortunately he had so many problems in the early part of his career that he is playing catch up. Take nothing away from this performance though, Sunderland fans will be hoping for 35 more just like it.

DF STEVE GOHOURI – Wigan. The huge centre half marshaled his defence superbly against a potent Spurs attack. He also proved an attacking threat, but like the rest of the Wigan back line, a fantastic response after what can only be described as an abysmal first two games, allowing in 10 goals. A massive statement to the fans, they do care and they are good enough to play for Wigan.

MF NANI – Manchester United. The winger has started the season off like he has something to prove. Again it looks like he’s using his disappointment of missing the World Cup as a catalyst to his play (Chalk off the penalty miss last week). A mazy run and thunderous finish against West Ham showed everyone one at Old Trafford that on his day he can be just as effective as CR7!

MF THEO WALCOTT – Arsenal. Another player that has a point to prove, although unlike Nani he wasn’t injured. Ruthlessly cut from England’s World Cup squad, he has taken his frustration out on Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers. Now, another great finish, surely he can kick on and lock the right-hand side of England’s midfield down too.

MF FLORENT MALOUDA – Chelsea. What else can we say about the French winger? By far the hottest player in the EPL right now. Another great finish after a quality assist from John Terry! Malouda now looks like a bargain for Chelsea, has improved every season since he joined the Blues from Lyon for £13.5 million three years ago.

MF DICKSON ETUHU – Fulham. The Cottagers had a rough afternoon against EPL new boys Blackpool, but were rescued by a late burst from Etuhu. An incredible finish from the defensive midfielder to pull his side level late on, the Nigerian provides great energy and helped his teammates overcome the potential banana skin.

ST ANDREI ARSHAVIN – Arsenal The Russian was too hot to handle. His movement and passing were fantastic. We love watching him play, and if Arsenal are going to carry on his fine form and potentially challenge for the EPL title, they need to keep this guy fit.

ST DIMITAR BERBATOV – Manchester United. The Bulgarian is starting to justify his price tag. It took far too long for him to settle in, but now he looks dangerous in and around the penalty box, great scissors finish to get himself on the score sheet.

ST FERNANDO TORRES - Liverpool. Still short of match fitness, he only played in fits and starts against West Brom, but his finish was of top calibre. Liverpool’s move to ease him back in is proving to be a wise move. Lots more to come from the Spaniard, but at least he has hit the back of the net now. That in itself is a huge confidence boost for the 26-year-old.

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Best EPL players from Saturday and Sunday only.
GK Ben Foster – Birmingham City. He gets the nod from us just over the young Fulham keeper David Stockdale. Foster proved that he has what it takes to be a number one, moved to City from Man Utd in the summer. He showed everyone that he is right up there with Joe Hart to fight it out for an England spot, and the reason he gets the nod from us, a superb penalty stop from a thunderous strike from Morten Gamst Pedersen.
DF Brede Hangeland – Fulham, OK. We know he scored an own goal that he knew nothing about. But for the most part he controlled the Cottagers back line very well against Berbatov and Hernandez and a rampaging Manchester United. He also stepped up for a 90th minute corner and rose above Vidic and Berbatov to head home the equalizer.
DF Alex – Chelsea. Two weeks in a row Chelsea has scored six goals in a game, but also just as impressive, two clean sheets. Alex has stepped out of John Terry and the now departed Ricardo Carvalho’s shadow, a mega display at the back and seemed hell bent on securing that clean sheet. Surely he can’t be over looked by Brazil for too long.
DF Ashley Cole – Chelsea. Again love him or hate him, the guy has come back from the World Cup a different player, an attacking force at every opportunity, but he is also defending as if his life depended on it. Proving again that he is probably the number one left back in the world.
MF Florent Malouda – Chelsea. A goal and an assist, the Frenchman had a good afternoon up at Wigan. The Chelsea attack is frightening right now, Anelka and Drogba will provide most of the goals this season, but Malouda will get in the act with goals and assists. Looks like he’s still using the disappointment of a terrible World Cup as his motivation.
MF Kevin Nolan – Newcastle United. The captain was fantastic on Sunday against AstonVilla, playing just off the striker in an unfamiliar role he scored two and led by example. If the Magpies are to survive then the midfield is key for United. Of course thumping Villa 6-0 doesn’t hurt!
MF Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur. He scored two on Saturday. The first one came off his face and didn’t know much about it, but his second was something out of this world. A left footed volley on the angle that flew into the top-hand corner, an early contender for the EPL goal of the season.
MF Craig Gardener – Birmingham City. A double from the midfielder helped City over come a very good performance over Blackburn Rovers. His winner though was a top quality drive from outside the box, seems to be really kicking on since he left neighbors AstonVilla.
ST Theo Walcott – Arsenal. It may have only been Blackpool, and they may have been reduced to 10 men, but Walcott showed that on his day he is ruthless, attacked with pace and confidence, the hat-trick was the icing on the cake. Wenger and Capello must be delighted.
ST Andy Carroll – Newcastle United. The young target man did well last year in the Championship, but there were still question marks if the England under-21 attacker could cut it at the top level. Handed the famous Newcastle number nine shirt he showed every aspect of his game against Aston Villa, hold up play, strength, poaching, and speed. It may be a little early to throw him in the England frame, but a few more games under his belt and the powerful front man could be the perfect partner for Wayne Rooney.
ST Johan Elmander – Bolton Wanderers. He gets the nod over Nicolas Anelka because Elmander has had a tough transition, but he showed to everyone how good a front man he can be. The Swede was fantastic in France before he joined Bolton, but the wheels fell off a little when he arrived to the EPL, but a great start to the season for Bolton has obviously done wonders for Elmanders confidence. Two good finishes against West Ham United will help him kick on from here on out.

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GK- Joe Hart- Manchester City. England’s new number one seems to have won the race for the same spot with Man City. A magnificent performance to keep Spurs at bay, highlight for us was the stop from Defoe, as the striker turned and shot on the volley we thought it was 1-0 for sure. Hart reacted very quickly, justifying his growing reputation.
DF- Vincent Kompany- Manchester City. Along with Keeper Hart, was outstanding in helping City to a point. Spurs looked amazing and deserved all 3 points to be honest. Kompany stood firm and to think that City were rumored to be interested in selling off the Belgian!
DF- Jamie Carragher- Liverpool. The English centre half was immense, his leadership undoubted, playing the whole 2nd half with 10 men. Liverpool were marshaled at the back by Carra, and when Agger was in and out of the game with what seemed like a concussion .It was all hands on deck, the vice captain was left distraught though after admitting it was hard to take after an OG from Pepe Reina, rather than Arsenal getting a goal from their main advantage.
DF- Ashley Cole- Chelsea. Like him or not as an individual, old “Cashley” showed everyone why he is one of the best left backs in the world let alone the EPL. Defensive prowess and attacking runs a plenty, now if he can keep his wiener in his pants, his mouth shut to the papers, and focus on his football, he could be a real asset to club and country.
MF- Marc Albrighton- Aston Villa. Who said England weren’t producing enough young English talent? The young winger is comfortable on either wing and made West Ham United’s afternoon miserable. We don’t expect this to be Albrighton’s only appearance in our best XI this season, crossing, running at defenders, and shooting, he looks great at all three.
MF- James Milner- Aston Villa. Could be one of his last games in a Villains shirt, you certainly wouldn’t have thought so. He played hard, scored a good goal, and got a standing ovation as he left the field. Villa’s loss will be City’s gain. Definitely showed the Premiership that even when his future is uncertain he can still perform at the top level.
MF- Javier Mascherano- Liverpool. Another one whose future is uncertain. Barca and Inter Milan are his preferred destination after admitting he wanted to leave Liverpool, so when Arsenal rolled into town it was a surprise that he started. He let no one down though, a commanding figure in central midfield, and even more so when Joe Cole was sent off. Liverpool fans can only love him when he plays like this, sadly his afternoon was cut short with a thigh injury, he also got a fantastic goodbye as Lucas came on to replace him.
MF- Florent Malouda- Chelsea. The winger made a mess of West Brom’s back line. A couple of goals to boot, not a bad way to start the season or forget the nightmare that was World Cup 2010 for France. Malouda has gone from strength to strength since moving to Chelsea from Lyon. Now he is without doubt one of the most feared left-sided players in the league.
ST- Marlon Harewood- Blackpool. Last Wednesday Harewood didn’t even have a club! Saturday rolls around and he scores a brace against Wigan, showed what a hunger to succeed will do for you. A decent player on his day, suffered a torrid time at Aston Villa, now he’s one of the star players at an unfashionable Blackpool. Plenty more hard games for the Seasiders, but this gave the club and fans a massive boost.

ST- Didier Drogba- Chelsea. A hat-trick from the big African and there was a question mark as to if he would play. Back to back top EPL scorer? Don’t write him off, deadly from all areas.
ST- David Ngog- Liverpool. Can only be described at Fernando Torres’ back up. Scored a fantastic goal against Arsenal, and worked his socks off when Liverpool went down to ten men, four goals in all competitions so far this season (three Europa League goals) and seems to be maturing into a decent player. Still a lot to learn, like not being caught offside as much, but strikers thrive on confidence, this kid is confident!

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Coming into the FA Cup semi final as huge underdogs, against an in form Spurs, Portsmouth had been relegated officially to the Championship 24 hours earlier, their bright spark this season, Jamie O’Hara, who is on loan from Tottenham, was not allowed to play against his full time employers.

The gulf in talent was evident, but the magic of the oldest cup competition was well and truly alive, two extra time goals sent Pompey through and a money spinning final against Chelsea. Let’s hope they are allowed to get that Europa Cup spot too.

GK, David James – The older he gets the better he performs, outstanding saves all afternoon, 100% going to South Africa with England.

DF, Steve Finnan – The Irishman has been a solid and consistent performer all season.

DF, Ricardo Rocha – Had a rough time when he first joined the club, a couple of red cards didn’t help, but he got one over his old team.

DF, Aaron Mokoena – The South African international helped keep Crouch and company at bay, an inspired performance no less.

MF, Hayden Mullins – Asked to cover in defensive duties, shut down David Bentley. Richard Hughes replaced him in the 119th minute.

MF, Michael Brown – Never stopped running, you know what you get from him, 110% effort, a bit dirty, but battled with Huddlestone and Palacios all afternoon.

MF, Marc Wilson – The young Irishman didn’t let Portsmouth down, the fact they have been relegatd means they need to keep a hold of this young talent, nurture him and try to bounce straight back up, a well deserved start.

MF,  Hassan Yebeda – The French born Algerian international who is on loan from Benfica, worked hard for his 87 minutes and was given a well deserved rest when the fresh legs and speed of John Utaka were brought on to replace him.

MF, Kevin-Prince Boateng – Another former Spurs player coming back to haunt them, scored Pompey’s 2nd goal, with 3 minutes left of extra time, held his nerve from the spot.

ST, Aruna Dindane - the Ivorian on loan from Lens will be going to South Africa, he will also not be at Portsmouth next season, but you wouldn’t think his mind was on other things, worked tirelessly and won Portsmouth the penalty after being fouled by Wilson Palacios.

ST, Frédéric Piquionne – The striker has had something of a break out season, on loan from Lyon, he has scored 10 goals in all competitions, not bad for a struggling, relegated team, he will have suitors for sure. Scored the opening goal for Portsmouth, slightly fortunate as Spurs centre back slipped at the vital moment. Was replaced immediately after scoring by Papa Bouba Diop.

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