This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
I. Sunderland's Defensive Success
If you take out their 0-8 undressing by the hands of Southampton, Sunderland's goal differential is +1. That would be better than the likes of Tyneside-neighbors Newcastle and the likes of higher-priced clubs Liverpool and Tottenham. The 0-0 draw to Chelsea was certainly surprising, but a second look at the Black Cats' form (unbeaten in four straight while only conceding two goals) shows that they're hitting their stride going into the condensed schedule.
II. Praise for Sunderland's Keeper
Doubling up on Sunderland (might be the last time this happens), newly-appointed keeper Costel Pantilimon has been a great value in all formats with both clean sheets and saves. The latter should continue to occur.
III. Yaya Toure is Back
Another reason to buy into Yaya's resurgence: he now leads all midfielders in shots per game. Oh yeah, he's also scoring on those shots, too (two goals and an assist in his last three games). He is second to Cesc Fabregas in passes per game (87.2) and is truly the focal point of the Man City offense even though the praise mostly goes to Sergio Aguero.
IV. Still Passing on Welbeck
I'm (still) not going to trust Danny Welbeck. Wenger deployed the young Englishman out wide with Olivier Giroud playing the traditional center forward position during Saturday's win over West Brom. As long as that's the case, I'm going to value Giroud significantly higher in my rankings due to the logjam that will occur when Theo Walcott and Meszut Ozil return from injury. Not to mention the previously impressing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
V. One Quick Mile
Mile Jedinak has been a midfield force for Crystal Palace this season. The Australian takes the free kicks and penalties, while also being a factor from open play as well. It all adds up to five goals for the midfielder on the season, which is a great value considering his prices (if you need to replace the injured Nacer Chadli, for example).
VI. The Best Second-Tier Striker
Wilfried Bony has six goals in his last seven games, and he is the best option of the second-tier strikers right now. If you can't afford Diego Costa (suspended for Gameweek 14) or Sergio Aguero, Bony should be close to the top of your list with QPR next.
