A spate of goalless draws threatened to put a dampener on the latest round of SPL fixtures, but thankfully there was enough drama in the race for survival, third spot and, of course, the title to keep fans across the country entertained.
A spate of goalless draws threatened to put a dampener on the latest round of SPL fixtures, but thankfully there was enough drama in the race for survival, third spot and, of course, the title to keep fans across the country entertained.
The 3-4-3 formation of the latest setanta.com SPL Team of the Week is shaped by those who rose above and beyond to contribute to the finer points of the game over the weekend, with a rejuvenated Falkirk side claiming three representatives. Two Dundee United players make the grade, alongside solitary standouts from Hearts, Celtic, St Mirren, Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
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Goalkeeper - Lukasz Zaluska - Dundee United
The Polish star is Celtic bound come the end of the season, but he was doing his future employers no favours as his side claimed a point in Sunday’s clash. He made a fine stop to deny Scott McDonald a potentially contest-ending second goal in the first half, and another in the second.
Right Back - Jack Ross - St Mirren
The Buddies failed to really get going as they scrapped to a draw against Hamilton, but the modest creativity that was on show came mostly from Ross in the full back position. The 32-year-old spurred his team on at every opportunity, and fulfilled his defensive duties in equal measure.
Left Back - Lee Naylor – Celtic
The Englishman doesn’t tend to score many goals, but when he did pop up with a stunning equaliser at Tannadice it proved to be well worth the wait. His sweetly struck volley set the cap on a fine performance all round from the defender, as he helped The Bhoys to a well earned point.
Centre Back - Zander Diamond – Aberdeen
Playing as a lone centre back in any team can be an often thankless task, but the Dons defender has done nothing to suggest he couldn’t handle the task. As well as holding firm when called upon at the back, the 24-year-old was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet with an early header as his side drew a blank against Hibs.
Right Midfield - Scott Arfield – Falkirk
The youngster has shown so much promise for The Bairns this season, and there can be no doubt that he is capable of playing a pivotal role in the relegation battle at Westfield. At the tender age of 20, he showed his fighting credentials as his team stormed to a 4-0 victory over closest rivals Inverness on Saturday, scoring a late penalty to claim the third of the match.
Centre Midfield - James McCarthy - Hamilton
In a drab match at New Douglas Park on Saturday there was very little in the way of flair on display, but the infinitely talented 18-year-old tried his best to breathe life into the fixture. His pace and determination made life difficult for St Mirren in the goalless draw, and he was denied a match winning goal only by the post after showing neat footwork inside the box.
Centre Midfield - Ruben Palazuelos – Hearts
It took only three magical minutes for the Spaniard to write himself into Jambos folklore as he earned his side an unlikely point away to Rangers on Saturday. With his side toiling at 2-0 down in the second half, he provided a goal for Christos Karipidis before slamming home an equalizer himself moments later to take an unlikely three points back to Tynecastle.
Left Midfield - Mehdi Taouil – Kilmarnock
The explosive Moroccan has been somewhat off the boil since the turn of the year, but then that could be said of Kilmarnock in general. Not so for Taouil on Saturday though, as he displayed all the effortless skill and trickery that has made him a fans favourite at Rugby Park, lighting up an otherwise drab stalemate with Motherwell.
Striker - Mark Stewart – Falkirk
Bairns boss John Hughes took a massive gamble by sending his relegation threatened side out to face fellow strugglers Inverness with three strikers, but it paid off in a way even he could not have foreseen. As his side blitzed the Highlanders 4-0, youngster Stewart was at the heart of every attack, stroking home a neat finish to claim the second of the afternoon.
Striker - Carl Finnigan – Falkirk
One of Stewart’s partners in crime, Finnigan hogged the headlines at Westfield as he grabbed two of his side’s goals in Saturday’s emphatic win. The brace might just prove to be a key moment in his side’s battle for SPL survival, and the fans and manager alike will be hoping for more of the same from the Englishman as the run in gathers pace.
Striker - Francisco Sandaza - Dundee United
The Spaniard grabbed a goal against Celtic the last time the sides met at Tannadice back in August, and he managed to go one better by striking twice in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with the champions. His strength in attack is matched by his pace and keen eye for goal, making him a key figure in the Arabs success this season.