Formation: 4-3-3 | Every pick explained | Full lineup visual is at the bottom of the article.
GK — Martin Dúbravka
Fixture: Burnley 1–1 Nottingham Forest
Why: Dúbravka made seven big saves and kept Burnley alive. If they stay up, it’ll be because of nights like this - an important result for a newly promoted side.
RB — Neco Williams
Fixture: Burnley 1–1 Nottingham Forest
Why: Williams scored from Forest’s first set piece, arriving unmarked at the back post to convert for his first of the season, and complemented it by winning six of ten duels and supporting build-up down the right.
CB — Dan Burn
Fixture: Bournemouth 0–0 Newcastle
Why: Burn captained a disciplined away clean sheet, recording fifteen defensive actions (blocks, clearances, aerial wins and recoveries) while maintaining structure across the back line.
CB — Nordi Mukiele
Fixture: Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa
Why: Mukiele anchored a defence reduced to 10 men after a 33rd-minute red card, helping secure the draw. Registered 12 clearances and won 7/10 duels, justifying his inclusion at centre-back.
LB — Tyrick Mitchell
Fixture: West Ham 1-2 Cyrstal Palace
Why: Mitchell scored the match-winner. His first league goal since May 2024 - reacted quickest after a ricochet, stepped into the box like a No.9 and volleyed home from six yards.
CM — Ryan Gravenberch
Fixture: Liverpool 2-1 Everton
Why: Gravenberch contributed a goal and an assist, timing his run to convert the opener and later supplying the final pass for the winner, while providing secure ball retention in central areas. Liverpool are now 5 wins in 5.
CM — Anton Stach
Fixture: Wolves 1–3 Leeds United
Why: Stach scored directly from a 22-yard free kick and later assisted Okafor, pairing set-piece execution with progressive passing to control key moments of an away win. Masterclass performance from the German.
CAM — Bruno Fernandes
Fixture: Man United 2-1 Chelsea
Why: Fernandes scored from close range to give United the lead and register his 100th goal for the club. He captained the side through a must-win match once again. When United win he's usuually at the heart of it.
LW — Alex Iwobi
Fixture: Fulham 3–1 Brentford
Why: Iwobi equalised from close range after a defensive lapse and assisted Wilson with a low cross from the left. A goal and assist in a big win for Fulham, you can always count on him to put in a good performance.
RW — Harry Wilson
Fixture: Fulham 3–1 Brentford
Why: Wilson scored with a first-time finish into the bottom-left corner and created three chances, frequently drifting inside to link play.
ST — Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Fixture: Wolves 1–3 Leeds United
Why: A classic DCL equaliser to turn the tide — towering back-post header from a quality delivery. Led the line in a huge 3–1 win for Leeds which could prove to be vital later on in the seaoson.
