This article is part of our Ball Watching series.
I. Milner Time?
James Milner should get more playing time and assists, but he won't. The Manchester City wide man is one of the leaders in Europe with more than 3.5 assisted shots per 90 minutes. The fact that it has only led to four assists is puzzling because three of other top-five performers in that same stat (Dimitri Payet, Kevin De Bruyne, and Cesc Fabregas) all have at least double that number, with Fabregas at a startling 11 assists. On the other hand, the Cityzens are going to be without Stevan Jovetic, Edin Dzeko, and Sergio Aguero until 2015.
II. Yes way, Jose
If you haven't heard of Jose Pozo until recently, it's okay -- neither did many of his Man City teammates. However, Pozo is going to get the first crack at the center forward role for Manchester City while regulars Dzeko, Jovetic, and Aguero out for the entire compressed holiday schedule.
III. Juan Mata >Aaron Ramsey
My podcast partner, Andrew Laird aka Lairdinho, tried to argue for the Arsenal Welshman to be in our weekly rankings, but my ranking of Manchester United Spaniard Juan Mata proved to be the correct choice given that Ramsey did not even start for Arsenal. No, I'm not writing this to rub it in his face.
IV. Manchester United Defense
Over the past six games, Chelsea is tied with Manchester United for fewest goals allowed (three). That is a testament to how good goalkeeper David De Gea has been all season, but only now is getting the fantasy credit. Furthermore, the return of Phil Jones bolsters the strength at the once vulnerable center-half position. Once Daley Blind returns, this once Manchester United defense critic may have to change his mind.
V. Mile Jedinak for MVP
Jedinak is the pound-for-pound MVP (depending on your league scoring) this season. He gets production in multiple categories for a significantly smaller price than the thoroughbreds of the Premier League. The Palace midfielder is second in the league in tackles (four) and aerials won (4.4) per 90 minutes, while being top of the league in interceptions per 90 minutes (4.1). All of this while chipping in five goals and an assist on the offensive end. Jedinak, Yaya Toure, and Nemanja Matic come to mind as other balanced performers, but the Australia international costs a fraction of the other two.
