Staff Picks: Best EPL Fantasy Fixture, Week 18

Charles - Liverpool v. Leicester City

For me, it is a far easier decision than normal, with the Liverpool hosting Leicester City match standing out.

Until the Newcastle match, it appeared that Jurgen Klopp had transformed Liverpool. Then things fell apart at both ends, losing to the Magpies and then suffering a 3-0 defeat at Watford. Now they find themselves back in the friendly confines of Anfield hosting the surprise team in the Prem this season. Can Coutinho get back again on track following his injury? The Liverpool defense has struggled mightily all season and now appears to be a major question against an exceedingly resourceful Leicester City attack coming off another strong performance, defeating Everton 3-2.

There should be some goals in this one, as Leicester has encountered it's own defensive struggles. Riyad Mahrez appears to be the early candidate for player of the year unless he is pipped by his high-scoring teammate Jamie Vardy. Leave them off your fantasy squads at your own peril. Anyway, this will be a fun one to watch with a crackling atmosphere to enjoy on Boxing Day at the packed house at Anfield. Can Leicester continue to slay the dragons? Or, will Liverpool bounce back from their humiliating loss? More will be revealed.

Simon - Manchester City v. Sunderland

I love the idea we see an angry Man City this week. True, Kun will get just the hour or so but Kompany has trained and seems could be back for this one. The side has shown themselves reliant on both players for the remaining players to shine, so having them back is big.

Sunderland's initial improvement under Sam has gone and he badly needs the transfer window. Until then they must be opposed when playing away from home. I like a home win and City to score 3 or more.

Chris - Chelsea v. Watford FC

At the beginning of the season, if you had said that this was a match between the 7th place team and the 15th place team, we all would have been surprised that Chelsea was as low as 7th. Instead, of course, there's the double shock of Watford being only one point behind fourth place and the Londoners just three points ahead of the relegation zone.

Chelsea will have a measure of confidence following the 3-1 victory over Sunderland in which the players looked like a collective straight-jacket had been removed, and will look to impress under new caretaker manager Guus Hiddink. While the Hornets generally feature a strong defense, they lack that stoutness on the road, where they usually end up in a much more open style. Additionally, Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake will be forced to sit, denting the continuity of the back line. Factor in Watford's dynamic duo of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney being absolutely on fire combined with the Blues' defensive shortcomings this season on top of that all, and this should offer up plenty of goals and drama from both sides in a compelling match-up between the old and the new guard.

Gavin - Tottenham Hotspur v. Norwich City

After a minor blip against Newcastle in Week 16, Spurs were back to winning ways against the Saints last time out to climb into the coveted Top 4. The squad assembled in the wake of Gareth Bale's sale to Real Madrid has finally settled, and this season's additions are fitting in nicely as well. The defense has been much improved with Toby Alderweireld slotting in alongside Jan Vertonghen. On the attacking side of things, Harry Kane has rediscovered the form that was so vital to Spurs' success in the second half of last campaign, while youngster Dele Alli has had a breakthrough season in central midfield.

Norwich will be high on confidence following their victory over the Red Devils last weekend, with Robbie Brady, Nathan Redmond and Wes Hoolahan leading a strong counterattacking core in midfield. However, it's hard to see them finding much joy against Mauricio Pochettino's men at White Hart Lane. You should feel confident buying players from both the attack and defense from Tottenham here.

Roberto - Liverpool v. Leicester City

Will this be the match that the Reds finally get back to winning ways? Following the loss to Watford, Jurgen Klopp's men desperately need to get points on Boxing Day against the high-flying foxes, who don't seem to be slowing down soon, but remember this: Liverpool were top of the table exactly two years ago, so Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and company will have to be at their best to keep their place at the top of the table for the rest of the season. It's hard to bet against them, though, and you have to think they'll be putting up good numbers again.