EPL Week 20 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixture Info
Despite a clutch of draws in the Premier League during the previous game week, Chelsea and Manchester City still lead the charge at the top of the table.
City were unable to take advantage of the Blues dropping points at Southampton, as Burnley grabbed an unlikely point after trailing Manuel Pellegrini's men 2-0.
This week sees Chelsea face one of their toughest away days of the season as they play a youthful and emerging Tottenham team at White Hart Lane. The form of Harry Kane has excited England fans across the nation, as the young attacker continues to prove what a divine talent he is, but can he hurt Jose Mourinho's men?
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Here is the latest fixture information for this week's matches along with predictions for each game:
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 12:45 p.m. GMT/ 7:45 a.m. ET | Stoke vs. Manchester United | 1-1 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | West Ham vs. West Bromwich Albion | 1-1 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace | 1-2 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Hull vs. Everton | 1-0 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Liverpool vs. Leicester | 3-0 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Manchester City vs. Sunderland | 2-0 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m ET | Newcastle United vs. Burnley | 2-1 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Queens Park Rangers vs. Swansea | 2-1 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 3 p.m. GMT/ 10 a.m. ET | Southampton vs. Arsenal | 1-2 |
| Thursday, Jan. 1 | 5:30 p.m. GMT/ 12:30 p.m. ET | Tottenham vs. Chelsea | 1-2 |
Key Players
Harry Kane and Eden Hazard
It was not so long ago the name of Kane was not known by European football fans, but the 21-year-old attacker has exploded onto the scene this year with a dazzling display of goalscoring performances.
His form has been just what Mauricio Pochettino needed after a difficult first few months in charge of Spurs, with the north London team finally climbing the table.
Tottenham now sit sixth in the Premier League form guide and are now unbeaten in their last five outings—and were unlucky not to defeat Manchester United on Sunday.
But Kane has been the shining light of Pochettino's season so far, and surely it will not be long before the player regularly leads the attack for England alongside Wayne Rooney.
Kane's record has been outstanding in the past 12 months, and the BBC's Jacqui Oatley highlighted his contribution recently. The reporter also asked just how much more will the player achieve before the end of the current campaign:
Kane is not your typical striker, and his all-round game is incredibly functional, closer to Thomas Muller in style when compared to the top attackers in Europe.
He is a fantastic finisher when presented in front of the opposing goalkeeper, but his ability to create cannot be underestimated.
Many neutral fans still have not seen enough of Kane, but he is certain to become a star if he can maintain his fitness as he develops and accumulates experience.
On New Year's Day, Kane will be tasked with the job of overshadowing Eden Hazard, and it will be interesting to see what he can do against such company.
Hazard has developed hugely under Mourinho, and if Chelsea win the league, Hazard will be central to any success. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has found a new freedom in the Blues side with Cesc Fabregas behind him, conducting the orchestra in fine style.
Hazard currently has nine goals in his 24 Premier League and European performances this term, per WhoScored.com, and it is certain he will add to these figures in current form.
Kane and Hazard are two of the genuine stars of the English league this season, and yet both players are nowhere near their full potential as things stand.
Kane has a balance about his play that far exceeds his years, but he will struggle to outshine Hazard—who is arguably the Lionel Messi of the Premier League.
Hazard and Chelsea will be pushing for a win against Spurs, with Manchester City breathing down their neck and a re-emerging Manchester United looking to be involved in the title picture.
January will be a vital month for all three clubs and will shape the destiny of where the famous trophy will reside come May.
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