After each round of Premier League fixtures, ESPN FC brings you its Team of the Weekend. Our panel of experts carefully selects 11 star performers along with a manager.

Do you agree or disagree? You can have your say on those picked or overlooked in the comments section at the foot of the article or on Twitter using the hashtag #ESPNFCTOTW.

Goalkeeper: The mark of good goalkeepers is that they can come to life just when their team needs them most. After having a quiet game against Bournemouth, Ben Foster pulled off two fine saves at the death, as West Brom edged to an important victory to keep them flying high. Foster's efforts earn him the recognition of the whole panel with Steve Nicol, Paul Mariner and Gabriele Marcotti all in agreement that he was worthy of a place in Team of the Weekend.

Right-back: Because they're currently outside the Premier League's top six, Everton's recent good form -- they are unbeaten in nine in the Premier League -- has gone under the radar. With three assists and six clean sheets in that run Seamus Coleman has been a big factor in their success. Marcotti is aware of his impact and described him as "a demon of an attacking full-back down the right flank."

Centre-back: Gareth McAuley's form for West Bromwich Albion this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The 37-year-old has started every Premier League game as the Baggies have found their way to eighth place in the table. He's scored six times too, including the winner against Bournemouth on Saturday. Nicol and Mariner give him his dues and select him for the team, with the latter highlighting his "constant threat in the opposition box."

Centre-back: Unwanted at Liverpool, Mamadou Sakho is already proving his worth in south London and caught Marcotti's eye with an excellent performance at both ends of the pitch, as Crystal Palace climbed out of the relegation zone by beating Middlesbrough. "Ten months after his last appearance, he takes the pitch, sets up a goal and patrols the defence with his usual presence," our man said. "So far, so good."

Left-back: Patrick Van Aanholt was another key figure as Palace took an important step towards safety. He scored the only goal of the game, provided an outlet down the left-wing and earned the praise of everyone on the panel, including Mariner, who dubbed him "Big Sam's saviour." Marcotti added: "Many were surprised at his fee, but he's repaying it little by little, starting with the goal that sinks Middlesbrough in one of those classic relegation six-pointers."

Midfield: The plaudits for Everton's 2-0 win against Sunderland went to an unlikely source, but there are no arguments from anyone on the panel about Idrissa Gueye taking his place in central midfield. "Different class," is how Marcotti summed up his performance, adding: "He was in beast mode when winning the ball back, and this time he also got on the score sheet."

Midfield: On his 300th Premier League appearance, Cesc Fabregas showed he is as effective as ever, opening the scoring for Chelsea against Swansea and coming close to adding a second but for the woodwork. He isn't always a first pick for Antonio Conte, but the panel show him plenty of love. "He controlled the game and showed his class and professionalism," Mariner said, while Marcotti added that "his patience is being rewarded."

Midfield: Chelsea's man of the moment Pedro took his 2017 tally to seven goals in 10 games and restored their lead against Swansea at a crucial moment in the game. Marcotti is the only man to give him the nod but his reasoning is sound. "The former Barcelona man is playing some of the best football of his career," he said.

Forward: A Chelsea win wouldn't be complete without an appearance from Eden Hazard, and although he only set up one goal on Saturday, he was in the middle of all his side's best moves. Mariner praised his "massive influence on the game," adding that "he looks at his best and is loving playing again."

Forward: Harry Kane showed the full range of his repertoire as Spurs thumped Stoke 4-0. The Premier League's joint top goal scorer got one inside the box, two outside and then turned provider for Dele Alli. "He's in Hurricane mode," said Marcotti. "Or 'Harry Kane' mode. He tortured Stoke!" "Magnificent," Mariner added.

Forward: Diego Costa isn't quite in Kane-esque form but he's doing a great job leading the line for the champions-elect as they close in on the title. Marcotti makes an argument for Romelu Lukaku's selection, but Mariner and Nicol both plump for Chelsea's main man, whom Mariner describes as "a constant threat."

Manager: Crystal Palace will get no points for style, but that matters little in the midst of a relegation battle. Luckily for them they a seasoned pro at the helm, and although Sam Allardyce isn't universally liked at Selhurst Park, it looks like his message may finally be sinking in, as fellow strugglers Middlesbrough were beaten. "It wasn't pretty," Marcotti said, "and it was certainly tough against a direct Boro side, but Palace were vindicated with the three points." Mariner agreed, calling it "a massive win for Palace."

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by MICHAEL WADE

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