Premier League Team of the Week: Featuring Ballard, Cherki, and Rogers

Here’s our Premier League Team of the Week, featuring players from Leeds United, Newcastle, and Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea

Sanchez played a crucial role as Chelsea faced heavy pressure at Newcastle. His impressive shot-stopping kept the game level and he assisted Joao Pedro’s equalizer with a long pass.

Right-back: Lewis Miley – Newcastle

Miley, playing out of position, was exceptional in the draw against Chelsea, effectively managing the threat from Alejandro Garnacho.

He is a versatile player and could be considered for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Centre-back: Dan Ballard – Sunderland

Ballard has been solid for Sunderland, especially during their goalless draw at Brighton where he made six clearances and won 12 defensive duels.

Huge performance from Dan Ballard 💪 pic.twitter.com/yo5u1wkEnm

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) December 21, 2025

Centre-back: Jaka Bijol – Leeds United

Bijol has been effective in both defense and offense for Leeds. This weekend, he won six aerial duels and provided an assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin from a set piece.

Left-back: Gabriel Gudmundsson – Leeds United

Gudmundsson has consistently been a threat on the left flank since joining from Lille. His energy and skills have made him a valuable asset for Leeds.

Midfield: Ethan Ampadu – Leeds United

Ampadu had a standout performance as Leeds beat Crystal Palace. He won crucial battles in midfield and even scored a goal, causing problems for the Palace defense with his long throws.

Midfield: Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

Rogers was crucial for Aston Villa against Manchester United, scoring two goals that kept Villa just three points from the top of the table. He capitalized on a defensive error for his opener and finished skillfully for his second goal.

2 – Morgan Rogers is the first Villa player to score 2+ goals in back-to-back matches since Dion Dublin in 1998. pic.twitter.com/nFhLeaLwao

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 21, 2025

Right-wing: Keane Lewis-Potter – Brentford

Lewis-Potter scored twice in Brentford’s win against Wolves, showcasing his skills after previously playing mostly at left-back this season. His ability to adapt is a great asset.

🔓 Keane Lewis-Potter gets things started pic.twitter.com/28ykIbxo6f

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 20, 2025

Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City

Cherki was a standout performer for Manchester City against West Ham, creating multiple chances with his skill and speed. He played a key role in their attacking play.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Haaland continued his exceptional scoring run with a brace and an assist against West Ham, bringing his total to 19 league goals before Christmas.

This tally would have been enough to win the Golden Boot in several previous seasons.

🤖🤖🤖 pic.twitter.com/TAaGLRTv1G

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 20, 2025

Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Leeds United

Calvert-Lewin scored twice as Leeds won against Crystal Palace, marking his fifth consecutive game with a goal. He has netted seven times this season, doubling his previous season’s total at Everton.