IT’S WRITTEN IN THE ALL-STARS
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly’s idea of a Premier League all-star game got us thinking about what an SPFL East v West clash might look like. GAVIN BERRY & ROSS PILCHER analyse how the select teams could line up...
EAST XI
Craig Gordon – The only real choice for No.1. The Hearts captain keeps getting better with age and said earlier this week he wants to still be Scotland No.1 for Euro 2024 at the age of 41.
Chris Cadden – A consistent performer in what was a miserable campaign for Hibs last season. Cadden can play in midfield but has found a home on the right-hand side at Easter Road, either as full-back or wing-back.
Ryan Porteous – The name on everybody’s lips after an excellent debut for Scotland against Ukraine. Porteous is now the first-choice centreback at Hibs.
Craig Halkett – A model of consistency at the back for Hearts and had arguably become their most important central defender even before John Souttar left for Rangers.
Stephen Kingsley – Hearts defender made his return to the international stage after six years away. His form over the past year for his club has been exemplary.
Beni Baningime – Won’t be back until the New Year after a serious knee injury but he is tireless in the middle for Hearts, snuffing out danger and winning the ball back.
Connor Barron – Cultured and creative in possession, Barron can do the other side of the game too when Aberdeen don’t have possession.
Dylan Levitt – The Dundee United youngster’s ability to get forward from midfield and make things happen is valuable to any team. He would offer that in what is a balanced east coast engine room.
Martin Boyle – Hibs star has pace few in the Premiership can live with. Effective out wide or playing through the middle, he’s more than just a speed merchant and scores plenty of goals too.
Barrie McKay – Has been the creative spark at Hearts since arriving on a free. Glides across park as he drifts past players and is one of the best in the league in an attacking sense.
Bojan Miovski – Was a tossup between the Macedonian and Lawrence Shankland but the Aberdeen striker just gets the nod. Provides a focal point for their attack and can hold the ball up as well as regularly hitting the back of the net.
WEST XI
Joe Hart – Keeper has been one of Ange Postecoglou’s most crucial signings. Allan McGregor looks to have won back the gloves at Rangers after impressing against Napoli but it’s too early for him to get his place in this side.
Josip Juranovic – Faces strong competition from James Tavernier but the Croat has been consistently good since arriving last summer. Just as comfortable on left-hand side, his versatility is a useful weapon to have in the arsenal.
Connor Goldson – Rarely injured, Goldson has clocked up the games at Rangers and has been model of consistency. Strong in the air and physically imposing, he’s a threat at the other end as well, chipping in with his fair share of goals.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – Senior member of Celtic back line despite only being in his mid-twenties and he’d cut a similarly imposing figure alongside Goldson. Able to play from the back and possesses the pace that allows him to snuff out any threats.
Borna Barisic – Greg Taylor has had a storming start to the season in a position that has been a problem for Celtic in recent years but Barisic has managed to show flashes of his old self for the Ibrox side.
Callum McGregor – Like Goldson, Celtic skipper is seldom missing through injury and has the engine to cover the grass out of possession as well. His influence on those around him is just as valuable as what he does on the ball himself. An easy pick.
John Lundstram – After a sticky start at Rangers he has stepped it up and is now a regular. Comes up with big goals at big moments and isn’t shy of a tackle either , helping add steel to the engine room.
Matt O’Riley – Something of an under-the-radar arrival at Celtic but has established himself as one of the club’s main men in midfield. Good feet, incisive passing and an eye for goal.
Reo Hatate – Has been outstanding since £1.4million arrival last January but without getting the same kind of headlines as compatriot Kyogo. One look at sweeping ball in Real Madrid game tells you all you need to know about him.
Jota – It dragged on a bit but the Portuguese finally became a fully-fledged Celt in the summer after signing on loan from Benfica last season. Fans are on the edge of their seats when he’s on the ball and is a major creative influence. Scores goals as well.
Kyogo Furuhashi – Japanese star was on fire before a troublesome hamstring injury curtailed his goal scoring exploits last season. However, he’s nailed on to be up near the top of the scoring charts this term should he stay fit. Has that vital knack of being in the right place at the right time and is a nightmare to keep tabs on for defenders. Scores a variety of goals and is much more than just a fox in the box.