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EPL Week 19 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixtures
- Updated: December 29, 2016
Liverpool’s game against Manchester City highlights the Premier League fixtures over the New Year’s period. The two title contenders meet at Anfield on New Year’s Eve, both hoping to keep pace with leaders Chelsea.
It won’t be easy, though, not when the Blues will be hosting Stoke City earlier in the day. Given Chelsea’s current rampant form, including a club-record 12 straight wins in the league, the leaders have to be expected to pick up three more points.
Fourth-placed Arsenal will be keeping a close eye on these games before facing Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on January 1. The Gunners are still in the title race despite trailing Chelsea by nine points.
Here’s the full the list of fixtures for Week 19, along with picks, followed by a look at some of the key players to watch:
Yaya Toure
Manchester City have been revived in the title race since manager Pep Guardiola began turning to midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure more often. Guardiola and the Ivory Coast man initially endured a frosty relationship, with Toure left out of City’s squad for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
However, Toure has been a key figure in recent matches. The 33-year-old was outstanding during the 2-1 win over Arsenal earlier this month. He also scored a penalty to cap a dominant display in a 3-0 away win over Hull City last time out.
Sky Sports Statto confirmed how influential Toure was against the Tigers:
Man of the match, @ManCity’s Yaya Toure121 touches106 passes, 89% accuracy60th PL goalCity won all 5 PL games he’s started this season …