If we're looking at our strongest team this season based on player performance, and the results certain players have helped achieve, you can't look too further away from not3bad's X1 there. Ireland and Bannan started the Newcastle game, Swansea and Sunderland. Our midfield seems to perform better with them in it.
Westwood has promise but not shown enough yet to dislodge KEA (or anyone else in CM), while Lichaj has generally looked steadier than Bennett. The toughest decision, for me, is including both Holman and Weimann, because I think both deserve to start but it's fitting them in. I still think Holman could be an option instead of Ireland on occasion.
Be interesting to do this again in another dozen games.