Staff Picks: Best EPL Fantasy Fixture, Week 15

Zach - Chelsea v. AFC Bournemouth

This is the match, it has to be right? Chelsea still haven't navigated out of the fog but the turning point surely isn't far off. Bournemouth, while playing with extreme heart, just haven't been able to cope with the pressures of the Premier League and look real candidates for relegation. Sad but that's the way it goes in the top division. Any other season and this match would have been a forgone conclusion with Chelsea expected to put 3-4 past a vastly weaker side.

However this season hasn't been normal in any sense for the Blues. Even with the heroics against Everton to snatch a point at the death, player for player, Bournemouth just can't stack up to the squad boasted by Mourinho. If there was ever a time when Hazard and Co. will dish out a drubbing, it's this match.

Roberto - Everton v. Crystal Palace

The match of the week for me is Everton vs. Crystal Palace on Monday night at Goodison. Will Romelu Lukaku continue his fine form for the Toffees against this Crystal Palace side who is currently seventh in the league is looking to go within touching distance of the top four? The Eagles trashed Newcastle United last Saturday 5-1 following braces from James McArthur and Yannick Bolasie. Everton will desperately need the three points more after drawing Bournemouth in a dramatic 3-3 match that saw two goals in stoppage time after 90 minutes. This is the perfect match for the Belgian striker to continue his fine goalscoring form.

Chris - Swansea City v. Leicester City

If this game were in Leicester, all signs would point to the Foxes in a cake walk. Given the Liberty Stadium locale, however, there is hope for feasting from both sides. Leicester City has scored at least two goals in each of its past five away games, netting thrice in its last pair. Sitting in second place in the standings due to its offensive prowess, Cladio Ranieri's outfit is tied for conceding the 7th most goals overall, giving up at least two scores in three of its past five games away from King Power Stadium. Meanwhile, even with its struggles, Swansea has managed two goals in four of its seven home games, with 2-2 score lines in two of its past four such matches.

Leicester City should be more relaxed, heaving a collective sigh now that Jamie Vardy has achieved the consecutive goal scoring streak record, but you know he won't be shy about trying to add to it. Riyad Mahrez remains his usual strong choice and you can always take a punt on Marc Albrighton. Things are a bit murkier with the Swans, as you have to wonder whether Garry Monk will select Bafetimbi Gomis or Eder to start up front. Andre Ayew remains the most consistent option for the Welsh crew with Jonjo Shelvey (returning from suspension) probably second-best given his penalty duties if Gomis is benched, while anyone amongst Jefferson Montero, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ki Sung-Yeung is always a threat to get in on things as well.

Charles - Arsenal v. Sunderland

his will be an interesting one. Big Sam has Sunderland enjoying a resurgence and they travel to the Emirates to play an Arsenal team which is reeling from a bad result at Norwich City and the loss of three key players.

Well, first Sunderland. The Black Cats have dispatched both Crystal Palace and Stoke City with shutouts the past two game weeks and their confidence must be soaring. Their defenders may have an opportunity, they now appear to be utilizing quite a few with the 3-5-2 formation, they are playing.

Arsenal has 10 first team players injured, the latest are Laurent Koscielny, Santi Cazorla, and Alexis Sánchez. Who will replace this trio? Can they summon some character following the 1-1 tie at Norwich, a team a championship contender might have been easily expected to put down.

Gavin - Newcastle v. Liverpool

I had originally leaned toward Manchester United's home match against West Ham United as the fixture of the week, avoiding Liverpool due to their involvement in the Capital One Cup against Southampton in midweek. However, given the nature of the Reds' 6-1 win over the Saints, including a brace by fit-again Daniel Sturridge, it's hard to choose anyone else. Jurgen Klopp has transformed the Merseyside club in record time and has them in title-contending form over the past 10 matches.

Liverpool's injury crisis is easing slightly heading into a very busy run of fixtures, and the returns of Sturridge and captain Jordan Henderson will only stand to help Liverpool's chances of closing the 6-point gap to the top of the table. Newcastle will be eager to put the 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace behind them with a big performance, though on current form, it seems unlikely they'll be able to right the ship this weekend.

Simon - Chelsea v. AFC Bournemouth

This fixture would have had you loading up on the home teams options at the start of the season. I bet the terrible start by the Champions will put many off this week. Chelsea though are showing signs of improvement over recent weeks and with Bournemouth conceding for fun you at least want coverage don't you?

Willian is the only player who has played well this season and with direct free kicks and his share of corners in his locker he is perhaps the best bet. Eden Hazard looks to have the drive back despite poor fantasy returns over the last few weeks. For a cheap option why not Pedro as no Chelsea player has had more shots playing at home.

You cannot underestimate the Cherries though who seem to have found their attacking groove. Matt Ritchie continues to look better and better while Junior Stanislas offers you a budget midfield option. The match looks likely to be lively. I fancy a couple home goals and they may just need them to get the 3 points.