 |
|
Tweet
 Week 13 of the 2014-2015 English Premier League season marks the first double gameweek of the campaign. Chelsea still looks imperious at the summit and they'll look to solidify their position when they host Sunderland on Saturday and travel to Tottenham in midweek. Champions Manchester City, currently eight points off the pace, will hope they can claw back some of that deficit in week 13 when they host second-placed Southampton and Sunderland. QPR is now occupying last place, but they might fancy their chances of climbing up the standings when they travel to fellow promoted cub Leicester. They then entertain Swansea on Tuesday. Burnley is still in the relegation zone but they'll look to build upon recent successes against Aston Villa and Newcastle. Remember to make your Premier League Pickem predictions before the deadline of each game. Week 13's schedule is a double gameweek and the first round of games begins on Saturday with a 7:45 AM ET kickoff. Six 10 AM ET games follow, with a 12:30 PM ET clash ending Saturday's proceedings. Sunday has two fixtures, one at 8:30 AM ET and the other at 11 AM ET. The second round of games start on Tuesday with four 2:45 PM ET contests, followed by two starting at 3 PM ET. Week 13 ends with four 2:45 PM ET encounters on Wednesday. Note that the Yahoo! Fantasy Premier League game has two separate gameweek deadlines; the first is on Saturday at 6:45 AM ET and the second is on Tuesday at 1:45 PM ET. Here we preview the 20 games in the upcoming week of the English Premier League. The title of each game section is a link to pick the result of that game. Arsenal (8th) at West Bromwich Albion (13th) (Sat, 7:45 AM ET) Arsenal's form on the road so far this season has been inconsistent; during the league campaign, the Gunners have posted two wins, two ties and two defeats on their travels. They began the term with a pair of away ties, at Everton and Leicester, and Arsenal has split their last four journeys between wins and losses, losing to Swansea in week 11. West Brom will hope week 13 provides them with an opportunity to boost their position in the league standings with two home fixtures slated. The Baggies are on a poor run of form right now, notching just one victory in their last six in the division. That win came in week 10 against Leicester, but since then West Brom has fallen to a pair of defeats. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Arsenal 1-1 West Brom West Brom 0-1 Arsenal (reverse fixture) Arsenal 1-1 West Brom (League Cup; Arsenal won on penalties) Last 6 (all competitions): Arsenal lead 5-0-1 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at West Brom (all competitions): Arsenal lead 2-0-1 (includes 1 League Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Arsenal lead 66-36-31. Team News Arsenal (from): Martinez, Szczesny, Chambers, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal, Cazorla, Diaby, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Rosicky, Alexis, Campbell, Giroud, Podolski, Sanogo, Walcott, Welbeck. Doubts: Sanogo (hamstring), Welbeck (knee), Szczesny (hip). Out (reason, expected return date): Wilshere (ankle, Feb), Özil (LCL, Jan 1), Debuchy (ankle, Dec 13), Ospina (thigh, Dec 13), Arteta (calf, no date), Walcott (groin, no date). West Brom (from): Daniels, Foster, Myhill, Baird, Davidson, Dawson, Gamboa, Lescott, McAuley, Pocognoli, Wisdom, Blanco, Brunt, Dorrans, Gardner, Morrison, Mulumbu, Sessegnon, Roofe, Varela, Anichebe, Berahino, Ideye, Nabi, Samaras. Doubts: Morrison (illness). Out (reason, expected return date): Olsson (foot, Jan 10). Suspended: Yacob (first game of three-match ban). Aston Villa (16th) at Burnley (19th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) The fact that a total of two goals in their last three matches represent an upturn in fortunes for them shows how bad things have been in the final third of the field for Aston Villa. They have found the back of the net just six times this season and they head into this match looking to end an eight-game winless streak, though Villa has tied the last two. Burnley is on a roll right now and will hope they can extend their current run as they play two home fixtures in week 13. Having had the longest winless drought in the whole of English soccer this season, the Clarets now head into this contest on the back of successive victories; Burnley beat Hull 1-0 and then last week they defeated Stoke away 2-1. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Last met in 2010 Last 6 (all competitions): Aston Villa lead 3-1-2 (includes 3 League Cup games). Last 3 at Burnley (all competitions): Tied 1-1-1 (includes 1 League Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Aston Villa lead 50-39-25. Team News Aston Villa (from): Given, Guzan, Bacuna, Clark, Herd, Hutton, Lowton, Okore, Cleverley, Cole, Grealish, N'Zogbia, Richardson, Sanchez, Westwood, Agbonlahor, Burke, Weimann. Out (reason, expected return date): Delph (dislocated shoulder, Dec 26), Vlaar (calf), Senderos (calf), Baker (knee), Kozák (broken leg, no date). Suspended: Benteke (final game of three-match ban). Burnley (from): Gilks, Heaton, Duff, Keane, Lafferty, Long, Mee, Reid, Shackell, Trippier, Ward, Arfield, Boyd, Chalobah, Howieson, Jones, Kightly, Marney, Wallace, Barnes, Ings, Jutkiewicz, Sordell. Out (reason, expected return date): Taylor (calf, Dec 13), Vokes (ACL, no date). Stoke City (11th) at Liverpool (12th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) Stoke is still to find any rhythm in this campaign but perhaps the fact they haven't lost two games in a row to date will give them hope going into this matchup. The Potters fell victim to Burnley last time out, making it five defeats already this season. They've also won just once in their last four outings, a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in week 11. Liverpool's home results so far this term have been disappointing, with last season's runners-up struggling to impose themselves upon the opposition at Anfield. They have just two home victories from six so far in the league campaign and Liverpool has scored just six times with home advantage. They're seeking to snap a three-match losing streak. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Stoke 0-1 Liverpool Liverpool 5-3 Stoke (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Liverpool lead 3-1-1 (includes 1 FA Cup game). Last 3 at Liverpool (all competitions): Liverpool lead 2-0-1 (includes 1 FA Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Liverpool lead 66-29-35. Team News Stoke (from): Begovic, Butland, Sorensen, Bardsley, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters, Shawcross, Teixeira, Wilson, Adam, Ireland, N’Zonzi, Palacios, Sidwell, Whelan, Arnautovic, Bojan, Crouch, Diouf, Walters. Doubts: Begovic (illness), Cameron (illness), Bardsley (illness). Out (reason, expected return date): Moses (thigh, Jan 17), Huth (calf, Dec 13), Odemwingie (ACL, Jun). Unavailable: Assaidi (loanee; can't face parent club). Liverpool (from): Jones, Mignolet, Johnson, Jose Enrique, Lovren, Manquillo, Moreno, Sakho, Skrtel, Toure, Allen, Can, Coutinho, Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana, Lucas, Markovic, Suso, Balotelli, Borini, Lambert, Sterling. Doubts: Enrique (knee), Sakho (thigh), Suso (groin). Out (reason, expected return date): Sturridge (thigh, Jan 1), Flanagan (knee, Dec 21), Saez (groin, Dec 6), Balotelli (groin, no date). Hull City (17th) at Manchester United (4th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) Hull is in real need of an improvement right now having plummeted to within one place of the relegation zone. The Tigers defeated Crystal Palace in week 7 but they've since gone winless. They followed that victory with two ties and now they're mired in a three-match losing streak. Last time out, they took an early lead against Spurs but lost 2-1. Manchester United's campaign to date has had many highs and lows already but they still occupy fourth place in the standings. After winning just once in their opening five contests, United has begun to win more regularly and they go into this encounter looking to extend a two-game winning streak. Last time out United held on to defeat Arsenal 2-1. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Hull 1-3 Manchester United Manchester United 3-2 Hull (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Manchester United lead 6-0-0. Last 3 at Manchester United (all competitions): Manchester United lead 3-0-0. All-time (all competitions): Manchester United lead 18-5-4. Team News Hull (from): Harper, Jakupovic, McGregor, Bruce, Chester, Davies, Dawson, Maguire, McShane, Robertson, Rosenior, Brady, Ben Arfa, Diame, Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler, Quinn, Aluko, Jelavic, Sagbo. Out (reason, expected return date): Snodgrass (knee, May). Suspended: Ramírez (first game of three-match ban). Manchester United (from): Amos, De Gea, Lindegaard, Blackett, Evans, McNair, Rafael, Smalling, Vermijl, Anderson, Carrick, Di Maria, Fellaini, Fletcher, Herrera, James, Januzaj, Mata, Valencia, Young, Falcao, W. Keane, Rooney, Van Persie, Wilson. Doubts: Rojo (dislocated shoulder), Falcao (calf). Out (reason, expected return date): Shaw (ankle, Dec 13), Jones (calf, Dec 8), Lindgard (knee, Dec 8), Blind (MCL, no date). Leicester City (18th) at Queens Park Rangers (20th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) Leicester's slump into the bottom three of the standings has a lot to do with their terrible form on the road. They've so far lost five out of their six away fixtures, scoring just once in the process. That goal came in their 1-0 against Stoke in week 4 but since then they've lost four road games on the trot, conceding seven goals while being blanked. Queens Park Rangers still prop up the league standings but it's not because of their form at Loftus Road. Rangers currently rank ninth on home form, courtesy of eight points from six games. Their two home defeats were by a single goal and they've also held Manchester City to a 2-2 tie. They're seeking to extend a two-match unbeaten home span. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Leicester 1-0 QPR QPR 0-1 Leicester (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Leicester lead 4-2-0. Last 3 at QPR (all competitions): Leicester lead 2-1-0. All-time (all competitions): QPR lead 25-22-10. Team News Leicester (from): Hamer, Schmeichel, Smith, De Laet, Konchesky, Moore, Morgan, Simpson, Upson, Wasilewski, Albrighton, Cambiasso, Drinkwater, James, King, Knockaert, Mahrez, Powell, Hopper, Lawrence, Nugent, Schlupp, Taylor-Fletcher, Ulloa, Vardy, Wood. Out (reason, expected return date): Hammond (calf, no date), Bakayogo (knee, no date). QPR (from): Green, McCarthy, Murphy, Caulker, Ferdinand, Hill, Isla, Onuoha, Traore, Yun, Barton, Fer, Henry, Hoilett, Kranjcar, Mutch, Phillips, Wright-Phillips, Austin, Taarabt, Vargas, Zamora. Out (reason, expected return date): Faulin (ACL, Jul), Sandro (knee, Jan 10). Suspended: Dunne (one-match ban). Crystal Palace (15th) at Swansea City (7th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) Crystal Palace has had a lot of close matches on their travels and perhaps hasn't picked up as many points as they should have done. The Eagles have lost three times away from home but just one - a 2-0 defeat by Hull - was by a two-goal margin. Palace won 3-2 at Everton in week 5 and they've also been involved in two high-scoring away ties. Swansea might have won their opening three games of the campaign but they've failed to match that total in their subsequent nine fixtures. The Swans went on a five-game winless run but ended it with a 2-0 win against Leicester in week 10. They extended their unbeaten stretch to three games but that was halted by Manchester City last week. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Crystal Palace 1-1 Swansea Swansea 2-0 Crystal Palace (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Swansea lead 4-0-2. Last 3 at Swansea (all competitions): Swansea lead 1-0-2. All-time (all competitions): Swansea lead 10-4-7. Team News Crystal Palace (from): Hennessey, Kettings, Speroni, Dann, Fryers, Hangeland, Kelly, Ward, Bannan, Bolasie, Jedinak, Ledley, McArthur, O'Keefe, Puncheon, Thomas, Campbell, Chamakh, Gayle, Johnson, Zaha. Out (reason, expected return date): Delaney (calf, Dec 6), Mariappa (MCL, no date), Doyle (groin, no date). Swansea (from): Cornell, Fabianski, Tremmel, Amat, Bartley, Kingsley, Obeng, Rangel, Taylor, Tiendalli, Williams, Britton, Carroll, Dyer, Fulton, Ki, Montero, Routledge, Sigurdsson, Sheehan, Shelvey, Barrow, Bony, Emnes, Gomis. Out (reason, expected return date): Fernandez (calf, Dec 6), Richards (knee, no date). Newcastle United (5th) at West Ham United (6th) (Sat, 10 AM ET) Newcastle spent much of the opening seven weeks of the season in the bottom reaches of the division but a sudden upturn in fortunes has seen them rise to fifth in the table. The Magpies failed to win any of their first seven games in but they now head into this clash boasting a five-match winning streak. They've conceded one goal during that span. West Ham began poorly at Upton Park this season but they've stepped it up and are on a nice unbeaten home streak. The Hammers lost to Tottenham and Southampton in their opening two home fixtures but they then went on a run of three successive wins at Upton Park. However, they were held to a 0-0 tie by Aston Villa in their last home contest. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Newcastle 3-1 West Ham West Ham 0-0 Newcastle (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Newcastle lead 3-1-2. Last 3 at West Ham (all competitions): Newcastle lead 2-0-1. All-time (all competitions): Newcastle lead 50-38-37. Team News Newcastle (from): Alnwick, Elliot, Krul, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara, Janmaat, Streete, S. Taylor, Williamson, Anita, Bigirimana, Cabella, Colback, Jonas, Sissoko, Tiote, Vuckic, Ameobi, Armstrong, Cisse, Ferreyra, Gouffran, Perez, Riviere. Doubts: Krul (ankle). Out (reason, expected return date): R. Taylor (knee, Jan 10), De Jong (thigh, Jan 1), Aarons (hamstring, Dec 13), Abeid (ankle, Dec 2), Obertan (thigh, no date), Santon (knee, no date), Good (groin, no date). West Ham (from): Adrian, Jaaskelainen, Spiegel, Collins, Cresswell, Demel, Jenkinson, O’Brien, Potts, Tomkins, Amalfitano, Downing, Jarvis, Kouyate, Lletget, Noble, Nolan, Song, Carroll, Cole, Sakho, Valencia, Vaz Te, Zarate. Out (reason, expected return date): Sakho (back, no date). Suspended: Reid (one-match ban). Chelsea (1st) at Sunderland (14th) (Sat, 12:30 PM ET) Chelsea has always been known for their strong home record under José Mourinho but they're currently looking good away from Stamford Bridge too, helping them go unbeaten through the first 12 games of the campaign. On the road, the Blues have notched four victories and they also have two 1-1 ties, which were against the two Manchester clubs. Sunderland has been very close to a strong start to the season but they've notched the most ties in the league. Their total of ties is now up to seven after tying their last two; a 1-1 tie against Everton and a goalless tie with Leicester. Sunderland's two victories this season have both come in their last six games and they're unbeaten in the last three. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Chelsea 4-3 Sunderland Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea (reverse fixture) Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland (League Cup; after extra-time) Last 6 (all competitions): Chelsea lead 4-2-0 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at Sunderland (all competitions): Chelsea lead 2-1-0 (includes 1 League Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Chelsea lead 57-41-21. Team News Chelsea (from): Cech, Courtois, Schwarzer, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Christensen, Filipe, Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Fabregas, Hazard, Matic, Mikel, Oscar, Ramires, Salah, Willian, Costa, Drogba, Remy, Schurrle, Solanke. Out (reason, expected return date): Ake (hamstring, Dec 6). Sunderland (from): Mannone, Pantilimon, Brown, Coates, O'Shea, Reveillere, Vergini, Alvarez, Bridcutt, Buckley, Cabral, Cattermole, Gomez, Johnson, Larsson, Mavrias, Rodwell, Altidore, Fletcher, Wickham. Out (reason, expected return date): Jones (hamstring, Dec 6), Giaccherini (ankle, Dec 6), Van Aanholt (dislocated shoulder, no date). Manchester City (3rd) at Southampton (2nd) (Sun, 8:30 AM ET) The defense of Manchester City's crown has improved over the last seven games but they've still lost ground on the current leaders Chelsea. After hitting a three-game winless run, the Citizens went on a three-match winning streak. However, they lost to West Ham in week 9. They've since gone three games unbeaten, defeating Swansea last week. Very few predicted Southampton could better the start they made to last season's league campaign but they still sit in second place with a dozen games in the books. The Saints have conceded just six goals, with their 2-1 defeat in week 1 the only time they've shipped more than one goal. Southampton is currently on a five-game unbeaten span. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Manchester City 1-1 Southampton Southampton 1-4 Manchester City (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Manchester City lead 4-1-1 (includes 1 FA Cup game). Last 3 at Southampton (all competitions): Southampton lead 1-0-2. All-time (all competitions): Southampton lead 30-26-24. Team News Manchester City (from): Caballero, Hart, Wright, Boyata, Clichy, Demichelis, Kompany, Mangala, Nastasic, Sagna, Zabaleta, Fernandinho, Fernando, Lampard, Milner, Nasri, Navas, Sinclair, Toure, Aguero, Jovetic. Out (reason, expected return date): Kolarov (calf, Dec 13), Dzeko (calf, Dec 6), Silva (knee, Dec 6). Southampton (from): K. Davis, Forster, Gazzaniga, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Clyne, Fonte, Gardos, Targett, Yoshida, Cork, S. Davis, Isgrove, Mane, McQueen, Reed, Schneiderlin, Tadic, Wanyama, Long, Mayuka, Pelle. Doubts: S.Davis (hamsting). Out (reason, expected return date): Rodriguez (ACL, Jan 1), Ward-Prowse (ankle, Dec 21), Gallagher (knee, Dec 13). Everton (9th) at Tottenham Hotspur (10th) (Sun, 11 AM ET) In contrast to their unbeaten start twelve months ago, Everton suffered three defeats in their opening seven games this time around. However, heading into this week 13 encounter, they've found some form and will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak. Everton is on a five-game unbeaten stretch, comprising of three victories and two ties. Tottenham has lacked any kind of consistency this season after winning their opening two games of the term. Spurs hit a four-match winless streak, which was ended with a 1-0 victory over Southampton in week 7. However, three defeats in their next four fixtures followed and they fell behind to Hull last weekend but fought back to triumph 2-1. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Everton 0-1 Tottenham Tottenham 0-0 Everton (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Tied 2-2-2. Last 3 at Tottenham (all competitions): Tottenham lead 2-0-1. All-time (all competitions): Tottenham lead 61-55-51. Team News Everton (from): Howard, Joel, Stanek, Baines, Browning, Coleman, Distin, Garbutt, Hibbert, Jagielka, Atsu, Barkley, Barry, Besic, Junior, McCarthy, McGeady, Osman, Pienaar, Eto'o, Kone, Long, Lukaku, McAleny, Mirallas, Naismith. Doubts: McCarthy (hamstring), Barry (ankle), Naismith (hamstring), Baines (hamstring), Pienaar (knee) . Out (reason, expected return date): Gibson (knee, no date), Alcaraz (dislocated shoulder, no date), Oviedo (leg, no date), Stones (ankle, no date). Tottenham (from): Friedel, Lloris, Vorm, Chiriches, Davies, Dier, Fazio, Kaboul, Rose, Vertonghen, Bentaleb, Capoue, Ceballos, Chadli, Dembele, Eriksen, Lamela, Lennon, Mason, Paulinho, Stambouli, Townsend, Adebayor, Kane, Soldado. Out (reason, expected return date): Walker (groin, Dec 6). Suspended: Naughton (final game of two-match ban). Newcastle United (5th) at Burnley (19th) (Tue, 2:45 PM ET) Newcastle has struggled at times while on the road but their results have improved over the last couple of months. The Magpies went winless through four away games, with two defeats and two ties. However, they have now won on their last two road trips, beating Tottenham and West Brom. Burnley's promotion push last season was helped by a strong record at Turf Moor, where they won 15 games and lost just twice. However, they found little solace at home early on this term, losing three of their first five. They notched their first home win in week 11, though, against Hull. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Last met in 1983 Last 6 (all competitions): Burnley lead 3-2-1. Last 3 at Burnley (all competitions): Burnley lead 3-0-0. All-time (all competitions): Tied 41-41-17. Team News Newcastle (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Krul; Janmaat, Williamson, Dummett, Haidara; R.Taylor, Colback; Cabella, Sissoko, Ameobi; Pérez (Subs): Armstrong, Cissé, Gouffran Out (reason, expected return date): R. Taylor (knee, Jan 10), De Jong (thigh, Jan 1), Aarons (hamstring, Dec 13), Obertan (thigh, no date), Santon (knee, no date), Good (groin, no date). One booking away from suspension: Colback, Janmaat, Sissoko. Burnley (week 12): (4-4-1-1) Heaton; Trippier, Duff, Shackell, Ward; Boyd, Marney, Jones, Kightly; Barnes; Ings (Subs): Jutkiewicz, Reid, Keane Out (reason, expected return date): Taylor (calf, Dec 13), Vokes (ACL, no date). Liverpool (12th) at Leicester City (18th) (Tue, 2:45 PM ET) Liverpool has scored more goals on the road than they have at Anfield but their defense has been prone to errors, leading to four away defeats already. They put three past Tottenham and QPR to record away wins but Liverpool is hoping they can end a two-game losing streak on the road. Leicester's home games have yielded the vast majority of their total points so far but they've only collected one home win. That success was their 5-3 victory over Manchester United in week 5 but they've struggled to emulate that result. Leicester has tied four out of six home games to date. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Last met in 2004 Last 6 (all competitions): Liverpool lead 4-1-1. Last 3 at Leicester (all competitions): Tied 1-1-1. All-time (all competitions): Manchester City lead 41-36-23. Team News Liverpool (week 12): (4-3-3) Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren, Johnson; Lallana, Gerrard, Allen; Sterling, Lambert, Coutinho (Subs): Borini, Can Out (reason, expected return date): Sturridge (thigh, Jan 1), Flanagan (knee, Dec 21), Saez (groin, Dec 6). One booking away from suspension: Skrtel. Leicester (week 12): (4-4-2) Schmeichel; De Laet, Wasilewski, Morgan, Konchesky; Mahrez, Cambiasso, James, Schlupp; Ulloa, Vardy (Subs): Nugent, Wood, Knockaert Out (reason, expected return date): Hammond (calf, no date), Bakayogo (knee, no date). One booking away from suspension: Moore. Stoke City (11th) at Manchester United (4th) (Tue, 2:45 PM ET) Stoke has actually picked up more points on the road than they have at Britannia Stadium so far this campaign. The Potters went unbeaten in their first three away fixtures, winning one and tying two. They then lost two on the spin, though. However, they won at Tottenham in week 11. Manchester United lost their opening home fixture against Swansea but they've since gone unbeaten at Old Trafford. They thrashed QPR 4-0 to respond to that week 1 loss and they followed that with two more wins. A tie against Chelsea broke the run but they beat Crystal Palace in week 11. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Stoke 2-3 Manchester United Manchester United 1-2 Stoke (reverse fixture) Manchester United 2-0 Stoke (League Cup) Last 6 (all competitions): Manchester United lead 5-1-0 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at Manchester United (all competitions): Manchester United lead 3-0-0. All-time (all competitions): Manchester United lead 41-27-32. Team News Stoke (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Cameron, Muniesa; Sidwell, N'Zonzi; Walters, Bojan, Moses; Diouf (Subs): Adam, Crouch, Arnautovic Out (reason, expected return date): Moses (thigh, Jan 17), Huth (calf, Dec 13), Odemwingie (ACL, Jun). One booking away from suspension: Diouf. Manchester United (week 12): (3-4-1-2) De Gea; McNair, Smalling, Blackett; Valencia, Fellaini, Carrick, Shaw; Rooney; Van Persie, Di María (Subs): Fletcher, Young, Wilson Out (reason, expected return date): Shaw (ankle, Dec 13), Jones (calf, Dec 8), Lindgard (knee, Dec 8), Blind (MCL, no date). Queens Park Rangers (20th) at Swansea City (7th) (Tue, 2:45 PM ET) A big reason why Queens Park Rangers are currently bottom of the table is their diabolical away record. They'll head into this encounter hoping to gain their first away points of the campaign. QPR has scored just twice during their six away defeats, while their defense has shipped 15 goals. Swansea has been solid at Liberty Stadium so far, with only Chelsea and Southampton picking up more points on home ground. The Swans won their first two at home but then lost to Southampton and tied with Newcastle. They've won their last two home games against Leicester and Arsenal. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Last met in 2013 Last 6 (all competitions): Tied 2-2-2. Last 3 at Swansea (all competitions): Swansea lead 1-0-2. All-time (all competitions): QPR lead 18-12-12. Team News QPR (week 12): (4-4-2) Green; Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker, Yun; Barton, Sandro, Henry, Fer; Zamora, Austin (Subs): Kranjcar, Hoilett Out (reason, expected return date): Faulin (ACL, Jul), Sandro (knee, Jan 10). Swansea (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Fabianski; Rangel, Bartley, Williams, Taylor; Ki, Carroll; Dyer, Sigurdsson, Montero; Bony (Subs): Barrow, Shelvey, Gomis Out (reason, expected return date): Fernandez (calf, Dec 6), Richards (knee, no date). One booking away from suspension: Taylor, Williams. Aston Villa (16th) at Crystal Palace (15th) (Tue, 3 PM ET) Aston Villa's fast start to the season coincided with two 1-0 away wins at Stoke and Liverpool. However, they then began their long drought in front of goal and lost three consecutive road games without scoring. Villa heads into this week having failed to score in four successive away games. Like most teams who will be battling in the lower reaches of the league, Crystal Palace must capitalize on home advantage. They've already suffered three defeats at Selhurst Park, though. However, Palace recorded their second home victory last time out when they defeated Liverpool 3-1. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace 1-0 Aston Villa (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Crystal Palace lead 3-1-2 (includes 2 FA Cup games). Last 3 at Crystal Palace (all competitions): Crystal Palace lead 2-0-1 (includes 1 FA Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Aston Villa lead 16-10-13. Team News Aston Villa (week 12): (4-3-3) Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Clark, Cissokho; Cleverley, Westwood, Sánchez; N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann (Subs): Richardson, Bent Out (reason, expected return date): Delph (dislocated shoulder, Dec 26), Vlaar (calf), Senderos (calf), Baker (knee), Kozák (broken leg, no date). One booking away from suspension: Weimann. Crystal Palace (week 12): (4-4-1-1) Speroni; Kelly, Dann, Delaney, Ward; Puncheon, Jedinak, Ledley, Bolasie; Chamakh; Gayle (Subs): McArthur, Bannan, Hangeland Out (reason, expected return date): Delaney (calf, Dec 6), Mariappa (MCL, no date), Doyle (groin, no date). West Ham United (6th) at West Bromwich Albion (13th) (Tue, 3 PM ET) West Ham has an even away record having produced two wins, two ties and two defeats on their travels. They began well, winning their first away contest at Crystal Palace and then tying with Hull. A defeat at Manchester United was followed by another victory and tie. They lost at Everton last week. West Brom's home fixtures have actually yielded fewer points than their away games so far. The Baggies produced the most ties last term and they've already picked up three ties at the Hawthorns. West Brom is winless in their last three at home; losing 2-0 to Newcastle in week 11. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: West Ham 0-1 West Brom West Brom 3-3 West Ham (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Tied 1-1-4. Last 3 at West Brom (all competitions): West Brom lead 1-0-2. All-time (all competitions): West Brom lead 38-37-21. Team News West Ham (week 12): (5-3-2) Adrián; Jenkinson, Tomkins, Collins, Reid, Cresswell; Amalfitano, Nolan, Noble; Carroll, Cole (Subs): Jarvis, Vaz Te, Zárate Out (reason, expected return date): Sakho (back, no date). West Brom (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Foster; Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Baird; Yacob, Gardner; Dorrans, Sessegnon, Brunt; Berahino (Subs): Morrison, Anichebe, Gamboa Out (reason, expected return date): Olsson (foot, Jan 10). Suspended: Yacob (second game of three-match ban). Southampton (2nd) at Arsenal (8th) (Wed, 2:45 PM ET) Southampton's away form doesn't quite match their results at home but it's good enough to currently rank fourth in the league. The Saints narrowly lost their first away game of the term but they bounced back by winning three of the next four. On Monday they tied 1-1 away to Aston Villa. Arsenal has struggled to get the job done when they've had home advantage, leading to three ties at the Emirates already this campaign. The Gunners won on the opening day of the season but they followed that with three successive ties at home. Arsenal lost to Manchester United last week. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal Arsenal 2-2 Southampton (reverse fixture) Southampton 2-1 Arsenal (League Cup) Last 6 (all competitions): Arsenal lead 2-1-3 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at Arsenal (all competitions): Arsenal lead 2-1-0 (includes 1 League Cup game). All-time (all competitions): Arsenal lead 44-17-24. Team News Southampton (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Forster; Clyne; Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, Schneiderlin; Tadic, Long, Mané; Pellé (Subs): Cork, Mayuka Out (reason, expected return date): Rodriguez (ACL, Jan 1), Ward-Prowse (ankle, Dec 21), Gallagher (knee, Dec 13). One booking away from suspension: Pellé, Schneiderlin. Arsenal (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs; Ramsey, Arteta; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Sánchez; Welbeck (Subs): Cazorla, Giroud, Martinez Out (reason, expected return date): Wilshere (ankle, Feb), Özil (LCL, Jan 1), Debuchy (ankle, Dec 13), Ospina (thigh, Dec 13), Arteta (calf, no date). Tottenham Hotspur (10th) at Chelsea (1st) (Wed, 2:45 PM ET) Tottenham has been vastly superior when on the road so far this term, accumulating nearly double the points gained at home. Spurs has suffered one heavy away defeat, a 4-1 loss to Manchester City, but they've won three out of six. They head into this contest on the back of successive away victories. Chelsea's results at Stamford Bridge have been perfect so far, with the league leaders winning six out of six to date. Their defense has been solid, conceding in just two of the matches and Chelsea has scored at least twice in each of their home fixtures, notching the second-most. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Tottenham 0-4 Chelsea Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Chelsea lead 3-0-3 (includes 1 FA Cup game). Last 3 at Chelsea (all competitions): Chelsea lead 1-0-2. All-time (all competitions): Aston Villa lead 78-54-45. Team News Tottenham (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Dembélé, Mason; Lamela, Kane, Eriksen; Soldado (Subs): Lennon, Chiriches, Paulinho Out (reason, expected return date): Walker (groin, Dec 6). Chelsea (week 12): (4-2-3-1) Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fábregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa (Subs): Drogba, Remy, Ramires Out (reason, expected return date): Ake (hamstring, Dec 6). One booking away from suspension: Costa, Fábregas. Hull City (17th) at Everton (9th) (Wed, 2:45 PM ET) Hull's first game of the season was away from home and they defeated Queens Park Rangers 1-0, but that has been their only success on the road. That sole victory was followed by an away defeat and then the Tigers reeled off three successive ties. They lost 1-0 at Burnley in week 11. Everton's home form has been disappointing so far this season; the Toffees have claimed two wins and two ties on home turf, meaning their home games have yielded fewer points than their away matches. They'll go into this one, though, hoping to extend a three-game unbeaten run at Goodison. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Hull 1-2 Everton Everton 2-0 Hull (reverse fixture) Last 6 (all competitions): Everton lead 5-1-0 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at Everton (all competitions): Everton lead 3-0-0. All-time (all competitions): Everton lead 9-6-4. Team News Hull (week 12): (4-2-3-1) McGregor; Elmohamady, Dawson, Davies, Robertson; Huddlestone, Livermore; Ben Arfa, Ramírez, Brady; Jelavic (Subs): Rosenior, Meyler, Quinn Out (reason, expected return date): Snodgrass (knee, May). Suspended: Ramírez (second game of three-match ban). One booking away from suspension: Huddlestone, Livermore, Robertson. Everton (Thursday's lineup): (4-2-3-1) Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Hibbert; McCarthy, Osman; Mirallas, Naismith, Barkley; Lukaku (Subs): Atsu, Eto'o, Besic Out (reason, expected return date): Gibson (knee, no date), Alcaraz (dislocated shoulder, no date), Oviedo (leg, no date), Stones (ankle, no date). One booking away from suspension: Barry, Naismith. Manchester City (3rd) at Sunderland (14th) (Wed, 2:45 PM ET) The defending champions began quite well on their travels this season but they'll be looking to improve on their most recent away performances. Manchester City won three of their first four away games but then lost to West Ham. They then scrambled a 2-2 tie away to QPR. Sunderland has amassed the joint-most home ties so far this season, with four in their first six Stadium of Light fixtures. Three of those came in their first three home games, before they defeated Stoke 3-1. Sunderland lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal but held Everton to a 1-1 tie in week 11. Head-to-Head Stats Last season: Manchester City 0-1 Sunderland Sunderland 2-2 Manchester City (reverse fixture) Sunderland 1-3 Manchester City (League Cup at Wembley) Last 6 (all competitions): Tied 2-2-2 (includes 1 League Cup game). Last 3 at Sunderland (all competitions): Sunderland lead 3-0-0. All-time (all competitions): Manchester City lead 63-50-26. Team News Manchester City (week 12): (4-4-1-1) Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Navas, Fernandinho, Yaya, Nasri; Jovetic; Agüero (Subs): Lampard, Milner, Fernando Out (reason, expected return date): Kolarov (calf, Dec 13), Dzeko (calf, Dec 6), Silva (knee, Dec 6). Sunderland (week 12): (4-3-3) Pantilimon; Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Réveillere; Larsson, Cattermole, Gómez; Johnson, Fletcher, Wickham (Subs): Bridcutt, Buckley Out (reason, expected return date): Jones (hamstring, Dec 6), Giaccherini (ankle, Dec 6), Van Aanholt (dislocated shoulder, no date). |
Sections: Main, Fantasy Games | Tags: Premier_League_Talk, Soccer_Talk, Fantasy_Premier_League, ASFL2_Fantasy_Games, Premier_League_Pickem, Unofficial_Games, Bonus_Points |