Honestly, picking an EPL Team of the Season in January feels a bit like trying to predict the weather in Manchester. You think you’ve got it sorted with an umbrella, and then the sun comes out and blinds you. We are officially past the halfway mark of the 2025/26 campaign, and the table is a complete mess—in the best way possible.
Arsenal are currently sitting pretty at the top with 48 points. Mikel Arteta has finally found that "killer" consistency, but Manchester City are breathing down their necks just five points behind. Then you've got the real surprise: Aston Villa. Unai Emery has them in third, tied with City on points but trailing on goal difference. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. And it makes picking a Best XI nearly impossible without offending at least three fanbases.
If the season ended today, who actually gets in? Forget the "big name" bias. We're looking at the data, the eye test, and the players who are actually carrying their squads through the winter sludge.
The Brick Wall: Goalkeeper and Defense
Let's talk about David Raya. People laughed when Arteta swapped out Ramsdale, but Raya has been a joke this season. Ten clean sheets already? That’s not just a good defense in front of him; that’s elite positioning. He’s the reason Arsenal have only conceded 14 goals in 20 matches. He starts. No debate.
For the back four, it’s a mix of the old guard and some absolute Tier-1 breakout energy.
- William Saliba (Arsenal): The guy plays football like he’s wearing a tuxedo. He never looks stressed. He’s the primary reason Erling Haaland didn't score in their last head-to-head.
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): Yeah, he’s still here. Even with Liverpool hovering in 4th, Van Dijk has completed 1,681 passes this season—more than any other player in the league. He is the system.
- Reece James (Chelsea): Stay with me here. When he’s fit, he’s the best right-back in the world. He’s already notched 4 assists in limited starts. If his hamstrings hold together for another month, he’s a lock.
- Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley): Here’s your curveball. The Burnley man has been a revelation at left-back, racking up 4 assists. In a team fighting for air, he’s been a lung.
The Engine Room: Midfielders Who Run the Show
Midfield is where the 2025/26 season is being won. It’s not just about flashy goals anymore; it’s about who can handle the transition.
Bruno Fernandes is having a "revenge" season. Critics said he was done, but he’s leading the league with 9 assists. Manchester United might be struggling for consistency, sitting in the mid-table scrap, but Bruno is the only reason they aren't lower. He creates something out of nothing every single week.
Then you have Granit Xhaka at Sunderland. Wait, Sunderland? Yeah, they’re back, and Xhaka has been the veteran presence they needed. Five assists and a level of discipline nobody expected from him three years ago. He’s been vital.
But the real star? Rayan Cherki at Manchester City.
He’s the heir to the De Bruyne throne. Seven assists and a dribbling success rate that makes defenders look like they're playing in wet jeans. He’s basically a cheat code in Pep Guardiola’s system.
The Goal Machines: Who’s Leading the Line?
This is where the EPL Team of the Season gets scary.
Erling Haaland has 20 goals. 20. It’s January.
He’s not a human; he’s a biological glitch. He scored twice against West Ham in December just to remind everyone that the Golden Boot is his property. But he’s got company this year. Igor Thiago at Brentford has been a monster, sitting on 16 goals. He’s the main reason Brentford are currently 5th and dreaming of the Champions League. It’s a wild story.
To round out the front three, we have to talk about Antoine Semenyo.
His move to Manchester City has been seamless. 10 goals and a work rate that fits perfectly into the "Semenyo-Haaland-Cherki" trifecta. It’s honestly unfair.
The "How Did They Not Get In?" List
Every year, someone gets snubbed.
- Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool): He’s been better than Isak this year, but he just lacks the volume of goals to displace Thiago or Haaland.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds): He’s found a second life at Leeds with 9 goals. If Leeds weren't 16th, he'd be a serious contender.
- Chris Rigg (Sunderland): At 18, he’s playing like a 30-year-old. He’ll be in the Team of the Season by 2027, guaranteed.
What This Means for the Title Race
Looking at this XI, it’s clear why Arsenal and City are the favorites. They have the most balance. But Aston Villa’s surge shouldn't be ignored. Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans were very close to making this list.
The depth in the league right now is insane. Only nine points separate 4th place from 15th. One bad week and you’re suddenly out of Europe and looking at the mid-table. If you’re a betting person, keep an eye on Brentford. Igor Thiago isn't slowing down, and if they keep their defensive shape, they could actually pull off a "Leicester-lite" finish.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the Transfers: With the January window closing soon, watch if Arsenal buys a backup for Saliba. If he gets injured, their "Team of the Season" representation drops to zero.
- Track the Fatigue: Keep an eye on Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki. Young creative hubs often hit a wall in March. If he dips, the title goes to North London.
- Fantasy Strategy: If you don't have Igor Thiago or Bruno Fernandes in your squad yet, you're basically giving away points. Get them in before the price spikes again.
The second half of the season is going to be a bloodbath. Enjoy it.