The ‘Football-Talk’ Team Of The Week: Adebayor & Suarez On Fire

Liverpool will top the Premier League on Christmas Day, after another Luis Suarez-inspired win over Cardiff took them to the summit, just ahead of Arsenal on goal difference.

The Gunners could only register a 0-0 draw with bitter rivals Chelsea, as Jose Mourinho’s unbeaten record against Arsene Wenger continued, albeit in dour circumstances.

Man Utd continued their resurgence with a 3-1 win over West Ham on Saturday. Danny Welbeck was among the goals again, as the England man continues to impress in the absence of Robin van Persie.

Tottenham dramatically won at Southampton thanks to a brilliant Adebayor brace; and Man City toppled a brave Fulham 4-2 at Craven Cottage.

Here is the Football-Talk Team of the Week, for Game-week 17:

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

Hart made his Premier League return against Fulham on Saturday, and was pretty solid throughout. There was little he could do about either goal, and should have done enough to keep his place after Christmas.

Right-Back: Mathieu Debuchy

Newcastle have been in excellent form of late, and have climbed up to sixth in the table after a comfortable 3-0 win at Crystal Palace. Debuchy grabbed an assist and looked dynamic on the flank.

Centre-Back: Per Mertesacker

The big German has been a regular feature in my weekly lineups, and he is there once more after a solid clean sheet against bitter rivals Chelsea. He shackled Torres well throughout, and never really looked troubled.

Centre-Back: John Terry

Leading by example, the former England captain rolled back the years with a dominant display in the heart of the Chelsea defence on Monday. Arsenal hardly had a sniff, and Terry was integral to earning that precious clean sheet.

Left-Back: Seamus Coleman

Everton’s flying full-back slots into the left side this week, despite being a right sided operator. I believe he could handle it in reality, such is his obvious quality. He showed this once more in the win against Swansea, with a fantastic long-range effort.

Central Midfield: Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has exploded into the scene this year, and deservedly earns a spot in the Team of the Week. Bust-a-gut all game, and scored a special free-kick right at the end to earn the high-flying Everton all three points against Swansea.

Central Midfield: Yaya Toure

Yaya has been a standout performer for the often rampant Man City, and he was in typically commanding form in the Fulham win. Yet another free-kick scored by the Ivorian, who now has scored the most direct set-pieces in the league this season.

Central Midfield: Frank Lampard

At 35, many thought Frank Lampard’s time was almost up. But the evergreen midfielder had a superb game at the Emirates on Monday. He bustled around the pitch to great success, and was mightily unlucky not to have grabbed the winner when his volley cracked back off the crossbar.

Striker: Luis Suarez

Suarez might as well have a place reserved in the Team of the Week, such is the stunning consistency of the Uruguayan. More goals and assists to add to his phenomenal tally, he is redefining what it means to be a Premier League striker.

Striker: Emmanuel Adebayor

It has been quite a week for the previously banished striker. The man from Togo has been brought back into the fold by new boss Tim Sherwood, and repaid his faith with a excellent brace in the 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday. Now, can he keep it going?

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Man Utd haven’t suffered in the absence of Van Persie, which is largely down to the sheer industry and drive of Wayne Rooney. The England man set up two of the three Utd goals, and remains their most important player.

What do you think? Agree with the lineup? Let me know in the comments below…