EPL Predictions: Picks, Top Players for Week 16 Premier League Fixtures

Leicester City can retain their place at the top of the Premier League table in Week 16 if they beat struggling defending champions Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.

Both meetings between the two clubs last season resulted in comfortable victories for the Blues, but given Leicester's immense form so far this season—and Chelsea's ongoing issues—the Foxes will be confident of picking up all three points.

Manchester City will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Stoke City last time out and are firm favourites heading into a home clash with Swansea City, who have won just one league game in their last 11.

Read on for a look at the top players for Week 16 and full predictions for all 10 matches. 

Date	Time (GMT/ET)	Fixture	Prediction
Dec. 12	12:45 p.m./7:45 a.m.	Norwich City vs. Everton	1-3
Dec. 12	3 p.m./10 a.m.	Crystal Palace vs. Southampton	1-1
Dec. 12	3 p.m./10 a.m.	Manchester City vs. Swansea City	3-0
Dec. 12	3 p.m./10 a.m.	Sunderland vs. Watford	2-2
Dec. 12	3 p.m./10 a.m.	West Ham United vs. Stoke City	1-2
Dec. 12	5:30 p.m./12:30 p.m.	Bournemouth vs. Manchester United	0-1
Dec. 13	1:30 p.m./8:30 a.m.	Aston Villa vs. Arsenal	0-2
Dec. 13	4 p.m./11 p.m.	Liverpool vs. West Bromwich Albion	2-1
Dec. 13	4 p.m./11 p.m.	Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United	3-2
Dec. 14	8 p.m./3 p.m.	Leicester City vs. Chelsea	1-1

Riyad Mahrez vs. Chelsea

Riyad Mahrez's hat-trick against Swansea last time out saw the Foxes to an easy 3-0 away win, which moved them back to the top of the table.

Given how impressive Claudio Ranieri's side have been during this campaign, it was no surprise to see Leicester sweep past a decent—if out-of-form—Swans side, and even less so to see the Algerian play a starring role.

Mahrez could be the chief tormentor for Chelsea's defence when the two sides face up on Monday, the Blues currently sitting a remarkable 13 places below Leicester following their eighth loss of the season last time out against Bournemouth.

Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have been absolutely brilliant this season, netting over 20 goals between them, per Bleacher Report UK:

The 24-year-old's impressive movement and link-up play will be vital in dragging Chelsea's struggling defensive midfield duo—Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas—out of position and opening up spaces for Leicester to work in.

Similarly, Mahrez's pace and directness could be devastating to the Blues' low-on-confidence back four, and he and Vardy could well be in the goals again.

Per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, Chelsea need to find form immediately if they are to have even the slightest chance of finishing in the top four this season:

But they could hardly be facing a much tougher proposition than an away match at Leicester, especially with Mahrez coming off the back of a hat-trick and looking to add further goals to his season tally.

Kevin De Bruyne vs. Swansea City 

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

The Sky Blues looked all at sea against Stoke as they were torn apart by the Potters' inspired front three of Bojan Krkic, Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic.

However, they have the perfect opportunity to bounce back against struggling Swansea and prove that they have what it takes to win the Premier League.

Kevin De Bruyne will be essential for Manuel Pellegrini's men as they look to make a statement against one of the most out-of-form sides in the division.

With Sergio Aguero currently struggling for fitness, City's Chilean manager needs some of his other players to step up, and De Bruyne can be the architect in attack.

Per Squawka, he has already made a huge impact at the club since his summer move from Wolfsburg:

While he was not able to prevent City's defeat against the Potters, he was at least looking to create something, and he should have more luck against Swansea.

City will likely be invited to attack as Garry Monk's side will surely be targeting a point at the Etihad, and De Bruyne should benefit from such a setup as he will have numerous opportunities to work his magic going forward.