The best and worst of the Matchday 12 EPL schedule

After an exciting Week 11, Tottenham Hotspur remain at the top of the table, still tied on points with Liverpool but ahead on goal differential as both teams logged wins last week. In fact, the top 7 teams in the league all won their matches last week as they continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Let’s have a look ahead at Week 12 in Premier League play.

Best of Week 12

Manchester United v. Manchester City

Saturday, December 12, 12:30p.m. ET
Old Trafford, Manchester
Watch on NBC & Telemundo

The Manchester Derby needs no explanation as to why it’s the best game of the weekend to watch. Regardless of where these clubs are in the table, it’s always an exciting match when these rivals meet each other, deciding what color Manchester will be for the foreseeable future. Both teams are missing some key players, with Edinson Cavani not quite yet cleared for return, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stating a late decision will be made on him. Anthony Martial looks to be back this week for the Red Devils. On the blue side, Eric Garcia will be out with a leg injury while Sergio Aguero is expected to make an appearance as a substitute, if even at all. United, after a rocky start to the season, are riding a 4-game winning streak as they’ve climbed the table all the way up to 6th place, sitting one point clear of City and trending upward. A win over their blue counterparts could see them jump into the top 4, taking on a more familiar positioning. Regardless of the outcome, you won’t want to miss this game.

Worst of Week 12

Arsenal v. Burnley

Sunday, December 13, 2:15p.m. ET
Emirates Stadium, London
Watch on NBCSN & Universo

It’s rare to find Arsenal being listed in a worst of the week match-up, but the 15th-place Gunners are in the middle of a 4-game winless skid as they play host to 18th-place Burnley. Each side has only won once this season, scoring 15 goals in total between them while allowing a combined 32. Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey who is sidelined with a thigh injury, and David Luiz is still questionable as it’s unknown if he’ll make his return after suffering a head injury at the end of November in their match against Wolverhampton. Nicolas Pepe is serving a 3-game suspension after a headbutt in their November 22 game against Leeds. While it’s up in the air who, if anyone, will emerge victorious in this contest, but regardless of the outcome, it’s likely to be a low-scoring affair. With so many players missing in the midst of Arsenal’s downward spiral, Burnely has a decent shot at escaping the relegation zone with a win this weekend.

Week 12 Sleeper

Crystal Palace v. Tottenham

Sunday, December 13, 9:15a.m. ET
Selhurst Park, London
Watch on NBCSN & Universo

Yes, Spurs are top of the table and essentially the best team in the league at the moment, so why would they be part of a sleeper match? Crystal Palace is the answer. They’ve won 2 of their last 4, and both of those wins came by multiple goals — a 5-1 shellacking of West Brom last week as well as a 4-1 victory over Leeds just 2 weeks prior to that. When Palace is on point, they can be lethal. However, Spurs are the best of the best at the moment. With only 1 loss through 11 games, it’s no surprise they’re sitting at the top of the table. They’ll be without Erik Lamela yet again and Serge Aurier is doubtful. Other than that, they’re essentially at full strength as they head on the road to Selhurst Park. Spurs haven’t lost against Palace in their last 10 league meetings, and on paper this one doesn’t look too different. But while Palace are able to turn out such huge victories like their 2 most recent ones, they could shock the league leaders and take a result, making this game all the more intense.

This Weekend’s Full Schedule

All times listed are Eastern.

Saturday, December 12

7:30 a.m.: Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Aston Villa — Peacock
10:00 a.m.: Newcastle United v. West Bromwich Albion — Peacock
12:30 p.m.: Manchester United v. Manchester City — NBC, Telemundo
3:00 p.m.: Everton v. Chelsea — Peacock

Sunday, December 13

7:00 a.m.: Southampton v. Sheffield United — NBCSN
9:15 a.m.: Crystal Palace v. Tottenham Hotspur — NBCSN, Universo
11:30 a.m.: Fulham v. Liverpool — NBCSN, Telemundo
2:15 p.m.: Arsenal v. Burnley — NBCSN, Universo
2:15 p.m.: Leicester City v. Brighton & Hove Albion — Peacock