EPL 2016-17: The strongest second XI from the competition

2) Midfielders

Francis Coquelin (Arsenal)

With Granit Xhaka coming into the side, Coquelin’s time on the pitch could be reduced

There isn’t much Coquelin has done wrong since he burst onto the scene with Arsenal. The 25-year-old midfielder added a bite to the Arsenal midfield that they were in dire need of, and turned out a series of excellent performances in the middle of the park for The Gunners.

But Arsenal have an extraordinary set of central midfielders this year, with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Coquelin offering a variety of creativity and leadership in the middle of the field. It’s hard to say how much game time Coquelin will manage this season, but it remains clear he’s a great player to have in your side.

Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

We’re going to partner Coquelin with a former Arsenal player in Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard still clearly oozes creativity and the eye for a pass, but is going to find it hard to start in Antonio Conte’s system this year. It doesn’t mean that he’s less talented though, and in our team, he’ll be the central playmaker. Coquelin and Fabregas will form a fearsome duo that will be almost as good as any in the league.