We're almost at the opening of the January transfer window, and you get the feeling that many Premier League clubs are going to be frantically scrambling to bring in some talent in an attempt to turn their season around, or maintain their decent start and replace the dead wood.
We've seen inconsistency from nearly every side in the league, and some truly shocking performances put in during the first four months of the season, but a few names are guilty that more than the odd day off.
In compiling this XI, we wanted to look for players who have played a good amount of minutes and done nothing with them, and in some cases have hindered their team's performances in doing so.
Here is our worst XI of the season so far:
Tim Howard
This was a toss-up between Howard and Simon Mignolet, but the Belgian has done nothing that we didn't expect, whereas Howard has been a shadow of his former self. Everton regularly struggle to keep clean sheets, yet rarely face many shots against. Toffees fans have been moaning about the Team USA Soccer goaltender since around this time last year, but he has been very poor since August.
Steven Whittaker
Dropped for Andre Wisdom in October, before then he was torn on many occasions, most notably against Newcastle which is also the last game we have seen him in. Funny how Norwich's defensive record improved since October.
Sebastian Coates
Sunderland are a mess at the back, and Coates is getting bullied week-in, week-out for Sam Allardyce's men. Soon to be a forgotten failed Liverpool signing.
Martin Demichelis
Without Vincent Kompany, Manchester City are simply not the same team. Here's a fun stat about Martin Demichelis: The defender has played in 10 games this season, and has never earned more than 1 single point in terms of fantasy football. That's mad for a City defender.
Kieran Richardson
It has been tough to watch Richardson at left-back for Aston Villa. Traditionally a winger, he has been exposed numerous times in this campaign and although his teammates haven't fared much better, he has stood out as poor.
Cesc Fabregas
This time last year Fabregas was a leading contender for player of the year, now? The Spaniard looks like he is seriously struggling for motivation, and has been pinpointed by the Chelsea fans as one of the main reasons for Jose Mourinho's sacking. Abysmal.
Vurnon Anita
Newcastle took a while to get going, and in that time we saw an awful lot of Vurnon Anita chasing shadows. A very limited player, his workrate is what earns him his place in the side, but that's not much use in a Premier League midfield.
Jesus Navas
Anyone who has seen 'Office Space' will be familiar with the term "What is it, you would say, that you do here?", and that applies directly to one of the least effective wingers in the league. Navas has all the pace, a nice first touch, and regularly finds himself in great positions, but his productivity is alarmingly low. A hit and hope merchant with no finishing ability.
Eden Hazard
Nothing much needs to be said about Hazard. He has simply not been bothered when the chips were down for Chelsea. After being named double player of the year back in May, this season has been incredibly disappointing.
Wayne Rooney
Another one who's troubles are well known, Rooney honestly looks like the 'Monstars' from 'Space Jam' have stolen his talent. His first-touch is embarrassingly bad, and he has developed an ability to completely coast through matches offering no threat at all.
Sadio Berahino
He wanted to play for Spurs this season, we know that, but sulking your way through matches and looking disinterested is not a good way to get a club to come back in for you. He's let personal issues affect his game in a bad way, and looks a shadow of the player we saw last season.
Of course this list is going to upset some, so feel free to get in touch and let us know who should have made this team instead.
