Staff Picks: Best EPL Fantasy Fixture, Week 20

Charles - Arsenal v. Newcastle

On paper, this is a dream matchup for Arsenal. Newcastle has perhaps the worst road record in the Premiership, having scored but 5 goals away while allowing 20. Arsenal have lost but one game at the Emirates, having allowed but 6 goals in their nine home matches.

I would offer to add any Arsenal player in your lineup. Ozil, Giroud, Cech, Bellerin, etc. and roll with it. Captain Ozil in the official game if you have him, considering his incredible form.

Rotation could be a concern, as could fatigue. Remember just two weeks ago, heavily favored, they traveled toSouthampton and were sent home having been thrashed 4-0. However, Newcastle aren't quite in the same class as the Saints, so I still expect a big victory for the Gunners.

Zach - Manchester United v. Swansea City

United looked a bit more like their former selves against Chelsea last run out and have a fine fixture on the cards to continue that form. Although the match still finished 0-0, United put in an inspired performance only to be thwarted multiple times by the woodwork.

With Swansea City rambling up to Old Trafford, United have an opportunity to douse some of the fire and vitriol aimed at Louis van Gaal and their poor displays as of late. If they decide to play with as much forward thinking and energy, there is no reason to doubt they cannot right the ship after a wretched stretch of results.

Chris - Everton v. Tottenham Hotspur

I am tempted to go with Leicester City v. Bournemouth, but harbor a bit of concern that Claudio Ranieri will rest Riyad Mahrez or Jamie Vardy following the big game against Manchester City on Tuesday. As far as back-up picks go, this one is not too shabby, featuring two teams in the top five in scoring with plenty of rest following Monday's games that should afford full star power in the starting line-ups along with hopes for an entertaining goal fest.

Both teams have plenty to play for, as Spurs will have their attention focused on staying in the top four spots, while Everton will look to shake off its crazy loss to Stoke, grab all three points and move up the table in this unexpectedly open, tightly-contested season. You know the usual suspects that will be on everybody's mind (Everton's Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Leighton Baines along with Tottenham's Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli), but if you're feeling frisky you could cast a wider net for someone like Arouna Kone, Erik Lamela or Son Heung-Min.

Gavin - Leicester City v. AFC Bournemouth

A loss against Liverpool and a draw against Manchester City have knocked the Foxes from their perch at the top of the table as we head into the new year, but Claudio Ranieri's men have a golden opportunity to put three more points on the board as they host Bournemouth on Saturday. Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy could both use a rest at some point, but with Leicester only picking up 1 point from 6 over the holidays, it's hard to imagine both men being left out of the starting lineup for what should be viewed as a must-win match.

With only one goal conceded in two high-profile matches, there are signs of the Leicester defense beginning to solidify. However, the Cherries have been getting back into the goalscoring groove through the likes of Joshua King and Junior Stanislas, who may both be good alternative options this week. Go for attackers from both teams here, with the edge to Leicester players if you can afford to bring them into your sides.

Simon - Arsenal v. Newcastle

The Gunner's have previous when it comes to giving Newcastle a heavy defeat over the holiday period. Having said that, Arsenal do seem more content than in previous years to get a couple goals clear and then operate in a middle gear. With their injury issues they be wise to do so again in this one. However, with no midweek game to follow they may look to improve their goal difference if they can get clear early. Ozil is likely to be at the heart of it all and a home clean sheet looks a good shout as well.