FIFA 15 Barclays Premier League Team of the Season Prediction

Post time 04/04/2015 12:11pm 04/04/2015 12:11pm by fifaRAWR | Predictions


Probably about time I got my act together and compiled a few Team of the Season Predictions, eh? I am well aware that the Premier League season isn't actually over yet and the races for the title, top 4 and avoiding relegation are all still far from foregone conclusions, however that's why this is a prediction, and nothing more than that. All statistics and ratings aren't meant to be accurate and are far visual effect only.

Lets begin with the side that I feel, come 24th May, will be Premier League Champions; Chelsea. They've been the complete package this season and when certain individuals have gone off the boil, the more experienced individuals have not let them down. Their defence has been influential in their success, both defensively and offensively. Between them, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic have either scored or assisted 15 of Chelsea's 61 Premier League goals so far this season; a remarkable statistic given Chelsea also have the 2nd best defensive record in the Premier League.

Their central midfield combination of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic was imperious in the first half the season. Their form may have dipped in the latter stages of the season, Fabregas especially has come under much scrutiny, however I believe both have done enough to make the TOTS. Diego Costa is another who started off the season like a rampaging bull, and at times has shown the physicality of one as well; 7 goals in his opening 4 Premier League appearances was an incredible start to life in England and a further 12 goals in 19 appearances since then should almost certainly secure his place in this TOTS.

Eden Hazard is one that will divide opinion this year. While I do agree he's not produced as many headline making performances, he's been a consistent 7 or 8/10 for Chelsea this year and is at the heart of everything positive that they do. 11 goals and 6 assists is hardly a poor return either...

What a season David De Gea has had. Remember he when first joined Manchester United, the number of people that at the time, perhaps rightly, doubted him? Well it's safe to say he's proved them all wrong this season. Some of the Spanish shot-stopper's performances have been nothing short of extraordinary and he's been a crucial part in Manchester United's fight for a top 4 spot; they also have the third best defensive record in the league and big Dave has been present in all 30 of United's Premier League fixtures so far.

How has managed to make Southampton perform so well this season after last summer's mass exodus is nothing short of a miracle. They made some shrewd attacking purchases in the form of Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic, however their most impressive area has been their defence. They boast the best defensive record in the league and goalkeeper Fraser Forster has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season. Jose Fonte, who's in his 5th season at Southampton and has been ever present in their rise up the British leagues and remains one the Saints' defensive linchpins. Nathaniel Clyne has been another consistently outstanding performer; he continues to attract attention from bigger clubs and even England boss Roy Hodgson and is another worthy member of this TOTS.

I love Alexis Sanchez. Just thought I'd put that out there. His form in the first half of the season was nothing short of scintillating; scoring 12 goals and assisting 7 more by January, for someone who is primarily a winger, is outstanding. Yes, like many, he's tailed off since then, however I feel he's done enough to secure his spot in the TOTS. The complete opposite can be said for Olivier Giroud, who since his red card against QPR on boxing day, has been fantastic. He's found the net 8 times, contributing to his ever growing season total of 13, and has been crucial in Arsenal's run of form this calendar year; the Gunners have won 14 of a possible 17 in all competitions. If he manages to continue his personal form, I can see him making the TOTS alongside Alexis.

It's not been the best of seasons for the blue side of Manchester. Another failure in Europe as well as the fact they seem set to relinquish their status as Champions of England has some wondering how much longer Pellegrini will remain at the helm at the Etihad. There are two players however who have given City fans something to cheer about this season; David Silva and Sergio Aguero. The duo have either scored or assisted nearly 2/3 of City's total Premier League goals this season and have lit up England's top flight with some incredible performances and moments of skill. Perhaps Pellegrini does have a viable excuse or two though, the AFCON meant they lost Yaya Toure for almost an entire month, Aguero missed an entire month before that through injury and Vincent Kompany appears to have forgotten how to play football, yet should a club of City's stature and worth be so reliant on a few individuals? Discuss.

If it weren't for Christian Eriksen or Harry Kane, when on earth would Tottenham be?! I hate to think. The former has saved Spurs on numerous occasions; a third of his Premier League goals have come in the last 5 minutes of matches, including securing Tottenham a total of three 2-1 victories as well as 6 additional points. And Harry Kane?! Wow, he's exploded onto the Premier League scene from practically nowhere and currently sits joint top of the goal-scoring charts with Diego Costa with 19 goals in 19 starts. Perhaps he's not scoring quite as consistently as he was, however his performances are still class and he's been duly rewarded with an England call-up; wasn't a bad debut either was it!

If QPR manage to avoid the drop, it will be mainly down to this man's efforts. He's scored half of Rangers's goals this season, including goals to secure them a total of 4 wins, which, when you bear in mind they've only won 6 times all season, proves just how influential Charlie Austin is to his side. If QPR do get relegated then yes, perhaps you could exclude Charlie from the TOTS, but at the moment I believe his place in the team is fully justified. He was one to lose out on a call up to the England side thanks to Harry Kane's incredible form too.

Below is a picture of the full squad. I am well aware some people will disagree with my choices and if you do so, feel free to leave a comment or send me abuse on Twitter. Also, what league do you guys want next? I think the Bundesliga sounds pretty good... #PACKPARTY

First XI

GK: David De Gea (Manchester United)

RB: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea)

CB: Jose Fonte (Southampton)

CB: John Terry (Chelsea)

LB: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

LW: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

CM: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

LM: David Silva (Manchester City)

LM: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

ST: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)

ST: Diego Costa (Chelsea)

Substitutes Bench

GK: Fraser Forster (Southampton)

RB: Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)

CDM: Nemanja Matic (Chelsea)

CAM: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

ST: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal)

ST: Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers)

ST: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Squad Link: http://www.futwiz.com/en/custom-squad/109573

Here are also some other players that I heavily considered for this TOTS Prediction, however didn't quite make the final cut; I'd expect to see a couple of them, at least, in the community most consistent TOTS.

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