EPL Predictions: Picks, Top Players for Week 12 Premier League Fixtures
Manchester United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday is the highlight fixture of the 12th week of this Premier League season. Both teams are carrying injuries, but a number of factors favour the Red Devils beating the Gunners and getting themselves back in the title race.
Speaking of the title, second-placed Chelsea face a difficult trip to Middlesbrough on Sunday. The newly promoted side has already earned creditable draws against Arsenal and Manchester City.
As for City, they can reclaim top spot by winning away to Crystal Palace on Saturday. However, the Citizens would also need Southampton to prevent leaders Liverpool from winning at St. Mary's Stadium.
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Here are the fixtures for Week 12, along with picks:
| Date | Time (GMT / ET) | Match | Pick |
| Saturday, November 19 | 12:30 p.m. / 7:30 a.m. | Manchester United vs. Arsenal | United |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City | City |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Everton vs. Swansea City | Everton |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Southampton vs. Liverpool | Draw |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Stoke City vs. Bournemouth | Stoke |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Sunderland vs. Hull City | Draw |
| Saturday, November 19 | 3 p.m. / 10 a.m. | Watford vs. Leicester City | Leicester |
| Saturday, November 19 | 5:30 p.m. / 12:30 p.m. | Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United | Draw |
| Sunday, November 20 | 4 p.m. / 11 a.m. | Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea | Draw |
| Monday, November 21 | 8 p.m. / 3 p.m. | West Bromwich Albion vs. Burnley | Draw |
Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney
Arsenal know all about Marcus Rashford now. The teenager announced himself to the Premier League in style by scoring twice against the Gunners during a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last season.
Rashford's goals in February took the steam out of Arsenal's title challenge, and the 19-year-old can punish the Gunners again with his pace, crafty movement and keen eye for goal.
United will need all of those qualities with attacking talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to serve a suspension. Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho would be wise to feature Rashford's pace in the Swede's absence.
Arsenal are still vulnerable to pace at the back, where both centre-backs—Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi—can be caught out. Yet Rashford will need supply, something Wayne Rooney can provide.
Ibrahimovic missing out could be the worst news possible for the Gunners. It could mean a rare start for Rooney, a player who has punished Arsenal throughout his career.
The England international has had his struggles this season but does at least appear to have found his creative range recently, per WhoScored.com:
Rooney's steady return to form is just one of many reasons to pick United this week. There's also the troubling injury woes blighting Arsenal.
In particular, right-back Hector Bellerin has been ruled out with an ankle injury. He's the only member of the Arsenal defence with any genuine pace.
There's also the uncertain status of forward Alexis Sanchez, who is a major doubt with a hamstring issue, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Without Sanchez leading the line, Arsenal will likely turn to target man Olivier Giroud. The Gunners will then lose their considerable threat on the break and become slow and predictable with their approach play.
Finally, Mourinho should be back in the dugout after serving a ban in United's last match. He has never lost to Wenger in the Premier League, a record he'll relish keeping.
Expect at least a two-goal win for United, with both Rooney and Rashford firing.
Oriol Romeu
Southampton boast an impressive defence this season, and they'll need it against the division's top scorers, Liverpool.
Yet while the Saints boast a strong back four, the form of holding midfielder Oriol Romeu has caught the eye this season. The Spaniard's positional awareness, discipline and tough tackling will be vital against Liverpool's fluid forward line.
Specifically, Liverpool love to exchange positions and rotate different players into the pockets of space between midfield and defensive lines. Those areas are where Romeu has done his best work this season.
A strong performance from the former Barcelona and Chelsea man can keep the Saints in it and ultimately lead to a worthy draw.
Adama Traore
Middlesbrough have frustrated the big boys by keeping things tight at the back and striking on the break. It's an age-old and effective formula, one reliant on sudden pace and flair in wide areas.
Fortunately for Boro, Adama Traore is providing ample amounts of both this season. He's a tricky, turbo-heeled winger who is causing a host problems for defences.
The 20-year-old loves to take defenders on, something he did often during the recent 1-1 draw at Manchester City, per WhoScored.com:
Traore's appetite for tying opponents in knots will test Chelsea's 3-4-2-1 formation on the flanks. Specifically, he'll challenge the defensive discipline of wing-backs Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso.
Chelsea have been rampant lately, but an injury to striker Diego Costa may prove costly. He could miss out with a groin problem, per BBC Sport.
Not having Costa against a side adept at playing up against the top teams will prove decisive in slowing Chelsea's momentum.
The tight title race will take another few turns this week. There will also be a new player at the top as United, who have been close to some big wins lately, will get back in the mix at the expense of an Arsenal side teetering close to a heavy defeat.
