MY ACCOUNT
The Premier League is back and with it comes the busy fixture schedule that will see clubs play three times in nine days across late December and early January.
In the build-up to the traditional round of fixtures on Boxing Day, LiveScore have put together a festive XI featuring all your favourite top-flight stars.
Goalkeeper: Saint Nick Pope
Nick Pope gets the nod after impressing with Newcastle.
His cat-like reflexes and commanding presence in goal have helped the Magpies cement a spot in the top four of the table.
The 30-year-old stopper knocks David de Sleigh-a out of the starting XI after keeping seven clean sheets in the league so far this season.
Right back: Sleigh-mus Coleman
Everton veteran Seamus Coleman is a long-time inclusion when it comes to festive XIs.
The Irishman may only have featured seven times for the Toffees this term but his leadership remains crucial as Frank Lampard’s side fight for survival yet again.
Once the heartbeat on Merseyside, Coleman now plays a more minor role but he is still capable of performing at a top level when called upon.
Centre-back: Willy Holly
Nottingham Forest centre-back Willy Boly has yet to see much game time after joining the Midlands outfit in the summer.
The 31-year-old defender was a regular starter at Wolves but has made only two appearances this season.
Boly did play 90 minutes for Steve Cooper’s side in the final Premier League game before the World Cup, helping Forest to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Centre-back: Merry Mina
Yerry Mina has been unlucky with injuries for much of his time in the Premier League — and he is a big miss for struggling Everton.
The 6ft 3in colossus has experience playing at international level for Colombia and it is not surprising his club are leaking goals without him.
He is expected to return for the Boxing Day clash with Wolves and, with any luck, can help propel the Toffees away from the relegation zone.
Left-back: Ben Chill–well
Ben Chilwell missed the World Cup through injury, which was a big miss for Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions crashed out in the quarter-finals.
The England international, 26, has two goal contributions to his name in nine Premier League appearances this season and there is more to come when he returns to fitness.
In an ideal world, Chilwell will be back for the home game against Bournemouth on December 27 as Chelsea look to recapture their form under Graham Potter.
Right midfield: Phil Snow–den
Phil Foden is one of England’s brightest prospects and a regular starter under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The 22-year-old playmaker has seven strikes and three assists for his club this season and contributed with three goal contributions for England in Qatar.
He provides the team with a direct approach and is capable of serving up opportunities on a platter for any striker in the world.
Central midfield: Pierre-Emile Ho Ho Hojbjerg
Midfield general Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been an influential figure at Tottenham since arriving in 2020.
A favourite under Jose Mourinho and now Antonio Conte, the Dane brings a calmness to the engine room and is capable of contributing in attack and defence.
An early exit for Denmark in Qatar has given the 28-year-old enforcer plenty of rest ahead of the return — he will undoubtedly be a key player as Spurs look to push for a place in the Champions League.
Central midfield: Granit Cracker
Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka has looked a man reborn in 2022 and is thriving in Mikel Arteta’s system.
The Swiss international already has six goal contributions in the current campaign, double the number he managed last season.
He fends off interest from Fabian Elf for our second central midfield spot.
Left midfield: Son Heung-Mince Pie
Tottenham and South Korea star Heung-Min Son slots in at left midfield and will add a touch of class to the team.
The 30-year-old ace helped his country progress through the World Cup group stage and will look to add to his five goal contributions in the Premier League when the action resumes.
With the absence of Richarlison due to injury, Son will have to re-form his formidable partnership with Harry Kane and pick up the slack in the final third.
Striker: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus makes a return to our festive XI but this time sporting red instead of sky blue.
The Brazilian made the switch from Manchester City to Arsenal in the summer and has been instrumental in helping the Gunners climb to the top of the table.
Having undergone surgery on an injury sustained in Qatar, the forward will be able to put his feet up and relax during this busy Christmas period.
Striker: Harry Candy Kane
Kane also makes a return and will line up alongside his rival from North London.
England’s captain is the only one close to keeping pace with Erling Haaland at the top of the goalscoring charts in the Premier League this season but still sits six behind the Norwegian.
Tottenham’s No10 will have to overcome a mental barrier having missed a last-gasp penalty against France in Qatar — but there is no doubt the will bounce back sooner rather than later.
