Premier League - Game Week 26 In-form XI

With just three months left of the Premier League season, players hitting form in the latter stages of the season can have a huge effect on where their team finishes come the end of May. This blog post will analyse and select the most in form starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: In goal we have Ben Foster, the former Manchester United man has revitalised his rollercoaster career in recent months for a Watford side struggling to find form. The ex England international has been in the news recently not only for his outstanding form but because he became the record holder for 'the most saves by one goalkeeper in the division' since records began in 2006. Whether that is an accomplishment for the Watford showstopper or a sign of Watford leaky defending you will have to decide. 

Right Back: We have Chris Smalling the England international was one of the names thought to be leaving Manchester United as Ole Gunner Solskjaer looks to inject some energy into the side that was  underperforming under Jose. But the ex Fulham man has played with 'the bit between his teeth' in the recent weeks, being aggressive and formidable in defence for the 'Red Devils.' 

Centre Back: Making up the first half of the defensive partnership is Cardiff's Sol Bamba, the Ivorian joined Neil Warnock's side whilst they were fighting for promotion into the Championship but the central defenders robust style has worked well in the top flight. Cardiff who sit in 17th faced Southampton at St Mary's last time out where Bamba put his side ahead from a corner, earning him a place in the Premier League's in-form XI. 

Centre Back: A long side Bamba, is Vertonghen. The 31 year-old Belgian defender has bolstered Tottenham's defence in recent week's whilst their star man Harry Kane is out with an ankle injury, Spurs have become reliant on their defensive line to ensure they are not leaking goals whilst they struggle to score them. Vertonghen also scored in mid week on the European stage against Borussia Dortmund in a 3-0 home win, putting his side into the driving seat to qualify for the next stage of the competition. 

Left Back: On the left hand side of the defensive line we have Scottish captain, Andy Robertson, who signed from Hull for just £8 million in the 2017 summer transfer window. With a lack of first team defenders currently fit at Liverpool Robertson has stepped up to the mark ensuring his side are not out of contention for both the Premier League title and the Champions League. The 24-year-old claimed his sixth assist of the season last weekend, making him the second highest assisting defender only behind Watford Greek international Holebas.

Central Midfield: In midfield we have young midfielder Sean Longstaff, having only made 3 appearances for the magpies in recent weeks the 21-year-old has impressed both many including Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez. The ex Blackpool loanee signed a four-year deal with the club earlier this year and he has certainly impressed since, being involved in a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Cardiff and the shock 2-1 win over last years champions Manchester City.

Central Midfield: Paul Pogba is our next in form midfielder, the French World Cup winner, has flourished under caretaker manager Ole Gunner Solskjaer, having 15 goal engagements since the sacking of Mourinho in just 12 games. When in full stride the midfield maestro is near on impossible to stop, which is why he has earned his way into the current Premier League in form XI.

Central Midfield: Next to Pogba, we have another Manchester United player in Ander Herrera, the Spanish international has too been impressive since the beginning of Solkjaer's reign. The former Bilbao man has cemented his place alongside Matic and Pogba in the United midfield, acting as the engine room for the side. As well as supplying the opener against Chelsea on Monday night, when he stooped low to head in Pogba's inviting cross to put United into the quarter finals of the FA cup.

Right Wing: On the right side of an attacking three is Raheem Sterling, the England international has excelled under Pep Guardiola bringing composure and intelligence to his game. Sterling is in the form of his life since his controversial move from Liverpool, already achieving his highest scoring tally to date.

Striker: Up front is none other than Manchester City's all time top goalscorer, Sergio Aguero, the prolific Argentinian has scored back to back hat-tricks this month. Almost individually dragging City to the top of the table on goal difference.

Left Wing: Is the South Korean Heung Min Son, since his return from international duty in UAE the Tottenham man has been in sensational form scoring a sensational solo goal in a 3-1 win over Leicester. His goals have helped Spurs stay within five points of the league leaders Liverpool and Man City.

Bayern Munich vs Liverpool pre-game squad analysis

Bayern Munich may have won the last six Bundesliga titles, but their squad has been all but dominant in the first 6 months of the 2018/19 season. Currently sitting in second place behind their bitter rivals Borrusia Dortmund, the Munich based side are only five points ahead of the chasing pack. For the first time in a number of years the German top division is not a two or even three hourse race, as Borrusia's second club Moenchengladbach have joined the fight for the title. Followed by a Red Bull Leipzig side notorious for their immense financial who sit two points further a drift in fourth place. Perhaps the more competitive nature of the German top flight has effected Bayern's ability to perform on the European stage.

With an average age of 27.7 Bayern Munich's squad may have too much experience, if thats possible. The ageing squad has been put into question, with fans speculating about the ability of Bayern's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, questioning why he and other board members have allowed the squad to age to such a degree without younger replacements.

Tonight the 2011 Champions League Winners take on joint Premier League leaders Liverpool. With an average age of 25, including Premier League veteran James Milner at 33, it is clear which team has youth on their side going into tonights first leg knockout fixture. Of course being the younger side is not the only key to progressing through to the next round of Europe's most prestigious competition. Can Liverpool take advantage of having the more youthful side on this occasion?

Bayern's quality is not in question, that being said, with a number of Bayern Munich's 24 man squad being past their prime and now in their 'twilight years'. How will the German's top team compete with the pace and direct approach that Liverpool lit up last years competition.

Of course even in the later stages of their careers, on their day each member of the Bayer side are able to compete with any club still in the competition, with a number of Germany's world cup winning team in the squad. Especially when looking at Bayern's attacking style it is impossible to look past prolific goal scorer Robert Lewandowski. Niko Kovac's side play the majority of their football through their Polish number nine. As a traditional striker, in terms of his ability to hold up the ball and ariel ability, the leading Polish goal scorer is a threat to anyone of Europe's finest defence's even at 30 years of age. Looking to be the supply line for the three time Bundesliga player of the year is the hungry French international Kingsley Coman and ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry, Liverpool's depleted makeshift defence could be in for a long European night at Anfield.

How does that compare with Liverpool's attacking trio? After just missing out in last years final to serial winners Real Madrid, Liverpool's attacking threat of Salah, Mane and Firmino became some of the most sort after attackers in the footballing world, with interest coming from the likes of PSG and Barcelona. Although they haven't hit the heights of last year thus far, the raw pace and flowing football will no doubt be a problem for the veteran defenders in Jerome Boateng and Matts Hummels who in recent years have struggled on the turn when the ball is played in behind, a style of play that has become paramount since Klopp's reign.

Liverpool fan Ellis Ranger believes his side have what it takes to beat the Bavarian's. 'I think if Salah, Mane and Firmino are on song they wont be able to cope with us on the turn. The likes of Sule, and Hummels are good when they play is in front of them because they're strong central defenders that can read the game well, but with the likes of Wijnaldum playing intricate balls in behind I think we will have the upper hand tonight at Anfield.' He says showing the level of confidence he has in the depleted Liverpool side. 'Of course we are lacking a few of our star players, especially in defence with Gomez still out and Virgil being banned but I think Fabinho has enough European experience and quality to pull through what is a young defence.' Clearly Ellis sees Liverpool going into the second leg with the an advantage over the Germans. 'Not forgetting the atmosphere at Anfield, theres no where like it in the country.'

After last years near miss, Liverpool are 10/1 and the 4th favourites to go all the way, will the addition of the ball playing keeper Alison Becker prove worth his £67 million price tag. 

While last years Bundesliga champions are sixth favourites  to take home the trophy at 12/1 according to the bookies. Will the experienced German side be able to turn back the clock to beat Liverpool and progress into the Quarter finals of Europe's top competition? Tune into BT one from 7pm tonight to find out.

Rinse and Repeat for Nottingham Forest fans

Its de-ja-vu for Nottingham Forest fans, if you cast your mind back 12 months Mark Warburton had just been sacked, despite guiding them to safety on the final day of the season just six months prior. The club escaped relatively unscathed from the relegation battle which saw them stay in England's second division with a 3-0 home win over Ipswich that saw the now ex Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga score a brace that cemented Forest's place in the Championship for another season.

Forest were two points above the drop when Warburton took over on March 14th 2017, but guiding an underperforming side to safety without a transfer window was clearly not enough to allow him to take charge for the entirety of the following season.

By December 12th 2017, just one day after an embarressing 1-0 loss to struggling Sunderland, Warburton was sacked, his term in charge lasting just nine months, only managed the side 37 times. After his sacking last season Nottingham Forest were put into the hands of the under 23's manager Garry Brazil, this the third time Brazil has had to make the step up to manage the first team in the past five years.

Thankfully, this time Gary Brazil's spell was short, lasting just eight days in charge before former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka became the new manager, sadly the ex Real Madrid assistant manager was unable to have a positive effect on the club despite spending upwards of 20 million pounds. The Portuguese coach invested heavily in young talent from abroad, though it seems it is experience that the youthful Forest side seem to be lacking. Karanka lasted 3 days short of a year in charge, before his sacking on the 11th January 2019. An almost carbon copy of the clubs management activity just a year prior.

Once again begging the question what are the owner looking for in a managerial sense? How can you give a manager less than a calendar year to sort out a club that were fighting to stay in England's second division just a year ago?

Having explored the expansive footballing style associated with managers from the continent, in the form of Karanka, Forest fans demanded someone with a sense of familiarity, in an attempt to bring some pride back into the club.

Martin O'neill, a two time winner of the European Cup with Nottingham Forest was without a job after leaving his post as the manager of the Republic of Ireland international side, the board wasted no time securing his services just a week after the sacking of Aitor Karanka. The ex-Irish international brought in another fan favourite in the form of ex Forest starlet Roy Keane as his assistant.

O'Neill may have the fans on side due to his heroics as he guided the club to two European cups in the late 70's, but with a reputation for agricultural football the honey moon period may be cut short. Nottingham Forest FC have now been out of the top flight of English football since 1997, unfortunately it will take more than a familiar face and route one football for them to return to the Premier League anytime soon. O'Neill has now been in charge for three games at the club, bringing him two losses, to Bristol City and Birmingham City, as well as a win at home to Wigan. Unless him and his right hand Roy Keane can bring some passion back to a lacklustre Forest side O'neill could become Nottingham Forest's 17th sacked manager since 2006.