KEY POINTS:
Petr Cech (Chelsea)
A knock to the bonce against Reading last October put Cech out for close to four months but he was still the best goalkeeper in the competition. The 24-year-old is a brilliant shot-stopper, commands his box well and kept eight clean sheets in a
row soon after his return in January. He's certainly been worth the £7 million the Special One forked out in 2004 (you couldn't say that about all of his signings, could you? Messrs Ballack, Shevchenko, Boulahrouz, Ferreira...) and deserves the "untouchable" tag Mourinho has given him.
Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)
Sometimes defenders forget what they are there for - to stop goals - as they dazzle us with their Cruyff turns and dynamic dribbling. Not Jamie Carragher. There's nothing elegant about his style but it's certainly effective and it's part of the reason why he set a club record for most appearances in European competition. He can add selection to the Heraldon Sunday team to his other accolades, like being given the freedom of Sefton. This allows him to drive a herd of sheep through the streets of Bootle. You'd try that at least once, wouldn't you?
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Along with Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho kept Chelsea's defence intact when they went through their much-publicised 'injury crisis'. Without the athletic Portuguese defender, it's unlikely Chelsea would have been in the title race for so long and it is no coincidence it finally fell off the rails when he was absent towards the end. His reading of the game and timing of the tackle are exemplary, which means he would be ideal to play the sweeper's role in a back three.
Joleon Lescott (Everton)
A controversial choice, perhaps, but Lescott has been the standout of a resolute Everton defence. Apart from the first three games of the season, the 24-year-old has played every minute of every game for the Toffees. He's strong, good in the air, has a nice touch and his versatility means he can also play fullback. His rising standing in the game has seen him linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
First name on the team sheet. Ronaldo has been the outstanding player of the season and he now has the gongs to prove it - PFA Player and Young Player of the Year, the Football Writers' Association Award and now selection for the Herald on Sunday team of the season. All of this was achieved despite his infamous wink during the World Cup, as well as his subsequent desire to drive his Ferrari around the streets of Madrid. Ronaldo has learned seven stepovers are more than enough and that raw pace is a more dangerous weapon. He's also found the back of the net 17 times - a Premiership record for a midfielder - and 23 in all competitions.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
At times it seemed Liverpool's only attacking spark was coming from midfield and Gerrard in particular. Whether from wide on the right or through the middle of the park, Gerrard's power and poise mark him as the most gifted English midfielder of his generation. The 26-year-old's 14 goals were down on last season but his work rate was just as high. Unlike the likes of Frank Lampard, Gerrard does his fair share behind the ball, too.
Mikael Arteta (Everton)
The 25-year-old Spaniard is a large reason why Everton sit fifth on the table. He's scored nine goals for them this season but it's his artistry at dead ball situations and his ability to deliver quality crosses and passes that is his real asset. Arteta was bought by Everton for the ridiculously cheap price of £2 million - his next transfer is likely to be worth a bucketload more than that.
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
It's little surprise Arsenal locked Fabregas into a deal - the longest in Premiership history - until the end of the 2014 season. Most of us will be closing in on our pension by then but the little Spaniard will be only 27. Common sense suggests he will just be coming into his prime. Already he's a delight to watch, with his deft feet and brilliant passing game. In the absence of Thierry Henry, the 20-year-old has been the heart of the Gooners this season.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Rooney has been overshadowed by Ronaldo this season and Colleen is sure to have to endure his jealous rants in bed as the hairdryer burns out in the background. He's been employed largely as a winger in Manchester United's five-man midfield and we have chosen to use him in a similar role here, interchanging with Ronaldo. He still possesses a potent shot and great vision (on the field, at least) and that amazing ability to get himself into trouble.
Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham)
It's hard to argue with Spurs boss Martin Jol's assessment that Berbatov has been the "signing of the season". The problem for Jol, however, is hanging on to the Bulgarian marksman. Chelsea and Manchester United have called in their accountants to assemble the wheelbarrow-loads of cash to tempt Jol to part company with his striker. Berbatov has scored 22 goals this season but it's his superb first touch, movement off the ball, ability to give defenders the slip and excellent vision which make him such a wonderful player.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Here at HoS Towers, we don't particularly like Drogba. He's a diver, a snivelling moaner and plays for Chelsea (reason enough). But the boy sure can play. He's strong (when he chooses not to dive), fast and is deadly in front of goal. He leads the Premiership with 19 and has scored 31 in all competitions, the first time a Chelsea player has passed 30 since Kerry Dixon in 1984-85.
Substitutes
Pepe Reina (Liverpool) - Penalty specialist.
Michael Essien (Chelsea) - Supremely versatile, so could slot into defence.
Michael Carrick (Manchester United) - Finally showed why Fergie spent £18.6 million on him.
Benni McCarthy (Blackburn) - Scored goals (17) in an average side.
Kevin Doyle (Reading) - One for the non-superpowers.
Assistant Manager (To assist Michael Brown)
Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)
The Special One would stake his own claim for this position - it's that sought after - while Steve Coppell was also in line after doing such a fine job with Reading. But Fergie showed he is top dog once again. Chelsea were in line for a historic quadruple but could end up with only the League Cup. United have the title which, traditionalists argue, is the true sign of the best side and they played with a style that put Chelsea's dire send-'em-to-sleep route one football to shame.
