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Ray Parlour reveals his combined Premier League team of the season - and there’s not a single Man City player

The Arsenal legend and NetBet main man has chosen three Forest players in his Premier League 11, but there’s no room for Erling Haaland and Co.

Ray Parlour's combined Premier League XI has some surprises

It’s entering the business end of the Premier League season.

And while early favourites Liverpool top the table with 25 games played, it’s fair to say there have been a few surprises in the 2024/25 campaign.

Not many would have predicted that Manchester City’s title race would end before February.

And Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary run means they’re now serious contenders to land European football next season - just three years after returning to the top flight.

It’s why former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has singled out Nuno Espirito Santo as his standout manager this term and selected three players from the Midlands club in his combined Premier League team of the season.

Among them is Brazilian defender Murillo, who has been a huge hit with Nottingham Forest fans since he arrived at the City Ground in August 2023. The 22-year-old has been at the heart of a defence that’s conceded just 29 goals this term.

At the other end of the pitch, frontman Chris Wood also makes it into Parlour’s combined 11 following a remarkable return that has seen him net 18 times for the Midlanders.

“I had Nottingham Forest down for a relegation battle,” said the former Gunners star. “They are one of the surprises for sure.

“Nuno has done a great job so far this season and they’re looking good for a European spot next season.”

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is another player to get the nod from Parlour. The 21-year-old Hungarian defender has netted twice so far this season, registered three assists and kept six clean sheets to help the Cherries into fifth place in the Premier League.

There’s no room for any Manchester City players though, and just a single choice from Chelsea.

Parlour, who won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his 12 years in North London has only picked two players from his former club alongside three players from table-toppers Liverpool.

Ray Parlour’s combined Premier League team of the year

Goalkeeper:

  • Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)

Defence:

  • Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
  • Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
  • Gabriel (Arsenal)
  • Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfield:

  • Declan Rice (Arsenal)
  • Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
  • Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)

Forwards:

  • Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
  • Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
  • Isak (Newcastle)

Parlour was part of Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles team who won the Gunners’ last Premier League trophy back in 2003/04. And the former midfielder still thinks his old side can land their first title in 21 years.

Mikel Arteta’s side trail Arne Slot’s Liverpool by seven points, and are currently 10/3 with NetBet to triumph.

Liverpool are the favourites at 1/4 with Mohamed Salah 8/15 to finish as the season’s top scorer.

City’s Erling Haaland is 3/2 and Alexander Isak 10/1 to top the scoring charts in May. Chris Wood is 20/1 and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer 33/1 with NetBet.

“Naturally Man City have been a big surprise, although I expect them to have a good end to the season and finish in a Champions League spot,” says Parlour.

“Credit to Arne Slot for coming in and pushing Liverpool to the top of the table. He inherited a good squad who are showing good quality having led the table for most of the season.

“Their FA Cup exit won’t have an effect on the title race. Liverpool would have had that down as the third of the trophies they wanted to win behind the Premier League and Champions League.

“Arsenal can still win the League, although it will be very difficult with Havertz now out.”

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