Coral’s PL XI of Matchweek 15: strikers back with a bang

The Premier League proffered yet more thrilling fixtures this week, so here’s who made the cut in our XI from a marvellous Matchweek 15 full of surprises.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (Manchester City)
City stopper Hart kept his second clean sheet in three matches to earn this spot in our XI. Everton rarely troubled the Sky Blues’ goal, but the England number one sprang into action spectacularly to deny Romelu Lukaku’s volley and secure all three points. Manchester City are 2/1 to win the Premier League.

Right back: Alan Hutton (Aston Villa)
Hutton was rampant down the right to help Villa to a hard-fought, and vital, victory. The Scottish international bests fellow impressive performer Carl Jenkinson due to his rapid run down the flank to net the winner. His battle with Jeff Schlupp was key to keeping Leicester City quiet, and the 30-year-old was as effective in defence as attack.

Centre back: Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
A perfectly timed diving header from Ashley Westwood’s curling set piece saw Clark score for the first time in two years. His equaliser was the catalyst to Villa’s comeback, and the Republic of Ireland international clearly had the bit between his teeth, crunching into tackles left, right and centre. Ron Vlaar’s eventual return will be a conundrum for Paul Lambert.

Centre back: John O’Shea (Sunderland)
The Sunderland skipper certainly put in a shift against Liverpool, organising the Black Cats’ belligerent backline to great effect and utilising his experience, to help shut out the Reds as they gained a foothold in the second half.

Left back: Paul Dummet (Newcastle United)
The Newcastle academy product was arguably the cream of the defensive crop against Chelsea, repelling almost everything that came his way and winning a super seven aerial duels. Debut stopper Jak Alnwick certainly benefited from the solid full back’s confidence and competency whilst the Magpies were on the back foot.

Defensive midfield: Jack Colback (Newcastle United)
Hassled Chelsea’s midfield non-stop, snapping at the heels of Cesc Fabregas and co in Nemanja Matic’s absence, never letting the Blues settle on the ball. Continues to be one of Alan Pardew’s best pick-ups this summer and may yet earn himself another England call-up. Newcastle are now 9/1 for a top six finish.