After Spurs and United got us underway at midday, Gameweek 19 now brings us another eight fixtures over the course of Sunday afternoon.
First up, Southampton’s recent renaissance will be put firmly to the test as league leaders Chelsea roll up to St Mary’s just after 2pm. The Saints have won back-to-back matches since moving to a 3-5-2 formation but their opponents arrive in ominous defensive form, having produced six clean sheets in seven. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa will be hoping to improve their away form, with Cesc Fabregas proving the most consistent Chelsea attacker on his travels so far.
Villa and Sunderland go head-to-head at the midlands as Christian Benteke look to kick on from the form that has served up a goal and assist in his last two home encounters. With three Villa Park encounters in four, the big Belgian will be on many a shopping list if he can deliver today.
Hull and Leicester square up at the KC as Steve Bruce’s side look to register back-to-back wins for the first time. Gaston Ramirez grabbed a goal and assist at Sunderland on Friday and looks the Tigers’ form player, whilst Leonardo Ulloa has returned attacking points in four of his last six.
City’s home clash with Burnley has earned the champions significant numbers of new investors. David Silva’s three goals and an assist in two appearances has seen his price climb 0.2 in two days – with a New Year’s Day Etihad encounter with Sunderland just around the corner, too, he looks poised for further investment. Dead-ball beneficiary Yaya Toure is also in the mix again, whilst two goals conceded in six underline the strength of the hosts’ defence.
QPR will be looking to take advantage of managerless Crystal Palace at Loftus Road later today. Harry Redknapp’s side have scored at least twice in each of their last seven home encounters, with Charlie Austin the jewel in the crown here – he tops our Captain Poll ahead of Silva, after averaging 7.7 points per appearance in front of his own fans.
Stoke and West Brom square up at the Britannia in what promises to be a fascinating midlands derby. Bojan Krkic, Jon Walters and Peter Crouch have all show decent form for the hosts , who have beaten Arsenal and Everton in their last four matches.
West Ham’s home encounter with Arsenal hands a host of in-form players the chance to serve up the points. Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are the main men for Big Sam’s outfit, whilst Alexis Sanchez owners will be eager for the Gunners’ line-up – Olivier Giroud’s three-match suspension could afford the Chilean a return to the centre after a number of appearances on the flank.
