Here Press Association Sport reporter Carl Markham maps out his team of the season so far with players from current leaders Leicester, Watford and Crystal Palace featuring
PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE SEASON SO FAR (4-3-3)
GOALKEEPER
David de Gea (Manchester United): Manchester United have the best defensive record in the league and the form of the Spain international, with nine clean sheets, has been key to that.
DEFENDERS
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal): In his 14 league starts - he missed the 2-0 defeat to West Ham and 1-1 draw against Tottenham - Arsenal have conceded just seven goals.
Scott Dann (Crystal Palace): Much has been made of Palace's attacking prowess but in 16 matches they have conceded more than one just twice and Dann has played his part, while his goals in three games have helped the side earn seven points.
Chris Smalling (Manchester United): Another major factor in United's defensive superiority this season, the England international has emerged as a genuine leader this season.
Nacho Monreal (Arsenal): The ultra-consistent Spaniard, Arsenal's other full-back, has played every minute of every league match so far and that regularity has brought stability.
MIDFIELDERS
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester): The Algeria international's brilliantly-taken goal in the 2-0 win over Chelsea epitomised his talent but he has offered so much more in the Foxes' charge to the top of the table with 11 goals in 15 appearances.
Danny Drinkwater (Leicester): One of Leicester's unheralded heroes, the midfielder has pulled the strings so well behind the Foxes two stand-out stars that manager Claudio Ranieri has tipped him for an England call up.
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City): The Belgian has made a huge impact since arriving in the summer and his four league goals tell only part of the story as his work-rate and number of assists have made him an essential and influential part of Manuel Pellegrini's side.
STRIKERS
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): Fifteen goals in 16 appearances, including a new Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive matches, mean he is the hottest striker in the country.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton): After a slow start the Belgium international has exploded into a run of form which has seen him score in his last six matches to take his tally to 12.
Odion Igalho (Watford): Another surprise package, no-one expected Watford to do so well this season let alone see the Nigerian reach double-figures before Christmas.
Source : PA
Source: PA