Our weekly segment of a combined starting XI continues, with this week looking at a combined XI with Aston Villa. Two teams in claret and blue, but this segment should show which side comes out on top.
Aston Villa have been an interesting team to watch since their return to the Premier League. Some decent performances that could show enough quality for them to survive, however, results have perhaps indicated otherwise.
Of course, if it wasn’t for that disastrous refereeing decision regarding Jack Grealish’s “dive”, then it could show a different story, but here we are.
West Ham meanwhile have enjoyed some reasonable successes to the start of this season. Forgetting the absolute humbling on the first day from Manchester City, the Hammers are already seven points better off than they were last season (although that wasn’t too hard to do in fairness).
So, which team comes out on top? Does Grealish take a spot in this squad?
This is my combined starting XI between West Ham United and Aston Villa.
GK - Lukasz Fabianski
Heaton is a good keeper, but Fabianski takes the keeper spot.
RB - Ryan Fredericks
A tough spot to pick, purely through lack of quality in my opinion. Fredericks takes it.
CB - Issa Diop
Diop takes the first CB spot, not to the surprise of many.
CB - Tyrone Mings
Mings has had an impressive start to this season after making his move to Villa permanent. An England call up was certainly deserved.
LB - Arthur Masuaku
King Arthur takes the left-back spot. With how he’s been playing this season, it’s a no-brainer.
CDM - Declan Rice
Another England international in this line-up, was Rice ever in doubt?
CM - John McGinn
What a baller. McGinn is different gravy, and secures this starting spot.
CM - Manuel Lanzini
Another baller in this central midfield. A McGinn-Lanzini partnership is a thing of dreams.
RW - Andriy Yarmolenko
A tough one, I could’ve put Manu on the right and maybe put Jack Grealish or Jack Wilshere in the middle. I’ll stick with Yarmolenko.
LW - Felipe Anderson
Was there ever any doubt? The guy is world class.
ST - Sebastien Haller
A top striker in top form. Haller was never in doubt to start up top.