With Christmas Day fast-approaching and the half-way point of the Premier League season drawing near, The Sportsman thought now would be a good time to select their best XI from the 2018/19 campaign so far.
There are the usual suspects and a few surprise names in our bold 4-3-3 formation. What do you make of our picks?
Alisson (Liverpool)
A couple of glaring errors against Leicester City and Manchester United aside, the disgustingly handsome Alisson Becker has been imperious for a Liverpool side that has conceded just seven league goals this season. The keeper has already kept eleven clean sheets and he is our unrivalled No. 1.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka again served notice of his incredible potential with a dominant display during Crystal Palace's stunning 3-2 win at Manchester City on Saturday. The right-back has completed the most tackles - 68 - in the Premier League and he is the real deal.
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
There is a youthful flavour to our team and the 24-year-old Andrew Robertson continues to earn rave reviews for his performances at Liverpool. Solid defensively, the Scottish left-back has chipped in with three assists during this campaign.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The best player in the league, if not the world (if Liverpool fans are to be believed...)
Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City)
A disappointing afternoon against Crystal Palace apart, Aymeric Laporte has been a revelation at centre-half for a Manchester City team that has only conceded 13 goals this term.
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Laporte's City teammate, Raheem Sterling, walks straight into our team off the back of another productive season. The England star continues to prove the naysayers wrong and he has scored nine goals, as well as laid on six assists.
Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)
Arsenal's Lucas Torreira arguably has claims to be THE signing of the summer transfer window as the Uruguayan has provided the Gunners with an energy that they have been missing for so long. The Uruguayan has scored two goals and laid on two assists, and he is still only 22 years of age.
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
Ryan Fraser's efforts for Bournemouth have earned him rave reviews and the diminutive midfielder has already affected eight assists, as well as scored four goals, in the 2018/19 Premier League.
Mo Salah (Liverpool)
Early season talk of Mo Salah being a 'one season wonder' have been put to bed by the Egyptian's eleven goals.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tops the Premier League goalscorer charts with twelve goals and he may be something of a 'flat track bully' - he has scored only two goals against Arsenal's 'Big Six' rivals during his time in England - but he has been a wonderful addition since moving to The Emirates in January.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
This pick might raise a few eyebrows but Anthony Martial is a man in form. He has scored eight goals in his last ten league appearances for Manchester United and he is averaging a goal every 111 minutes he is on the pitch this season - that is the best minutes-per-goal ratio of any of the top scorers in the Premier League.
