The Flop XI Of The EPL So Far Featuring Chelsea and Manchester United Stars

English Premier League is in its second international break, we have already seen some scintillating performances from top stars across the division, in stark contrast, some players have struggled to get their season started till now. Defending champions Chelsea are languishing in 16^th spot right now while Manchester City are leading the title race with 18 points from 8 games. Brendan Rodgers got sacked last weekend after a one all draw against their bitter rivals Everton following which Klopp was given the task of reviving Liverpool’s season.

Here is our 11 worst performers in the top-flight this season.

Goalkeeper: Tim Krul

Tim Krul has generally been a reliable presence between the sticks for Newcastle, even in times of desperation, but this season he has struggled against top teams. He has already conceded the joint second highest number of goals, just one less than Sunderland keeper Pantilimon. Unfortunately, the Dutch goalkeeper was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an injury on international duty this week.

Defense: Ivanovic, Terry, Coloccini and  Kaboul

One of the biggest disappointment this season has been the form of Ivanovic, he has been torn apart by the speed of the opposition. Mourinho doesn’t seem to keen to drop him but with no sign of Ivanovic’s form improving, he might just be forced to do the unthinkable. Joining him in the backline is his team-mate John Terry, who was one of just two outfielders to feature in every single minute of league action last term, but after just eight league games he has already missed 350 minutes of action after being cast to the sidelines following a severe slump in form. Newcastle’s Coloccini has seen a downward spiral in his form this season. The Argentine defender, despite his experience, has struggled to rally those around him, as his side sit bottom of the table. Kaboul was snapped up from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but he has been woeful for the Black Cats this season. He is definitely one of the top candidates for the worst signing of the season.

Midfield: Firmino, Shaqiri, Depay, Fabregas and Hazard

The midfield consists of two Chelsea players who have been a shadow of themselves in comparison to last season. Both Fabregas and Hazard have scored one goal each this season, but it is their inability to provide the creative spark that is more of a worry. Liverpool’s summer signing Firmino is injured now but prior to that he had struggled to find any real rhythm since his mega move from Hoffenheim. Klopp will be hoping that his star players regain his form that convinced the Liverpool hierarchy to spend so much money on him. Shaqiri has been a major disappointment since his arrival at Stoke City, the fans wanted to see the best of the former Bayern Munich man but, at the moment, are having to wait. United star summer signing Depay has started every league game since his arrival from PSV, though it’s telling that he has completed 90 minutes just three times and has been withdrawn at half-time in crucial matches against Liverpool and Arsenal. His flicks and tricks aren’t coming off at present and his link-up play has also been found wanting at times given the fact that he has only created four chances in the Premier League.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has struggled to impose himself on the pitch this season. Though the United striker became England’s all-time leading scorer last month, there is no doubt that he is struggling for form this season. He has only scored one goal in the league this season and Van Gaal will be praying that his captain regains his form especially after the humiliating defeat against Arsenal.