English Premier League Fixtures, Picks, Match Day No. 12: Eastlands Hosts Season’s First Manchester Derby

Certainly the story entering Gameweek 12 of the Barclays Premier League is the rejuvenated form of Newcastle United. Well, that and a certain derby in the North West of England, but the Toon have enjoyed quite the week or two in the Premier League where they fairly easily disposed of rivals Sunderland at home and just Saturday won away at Arsenal. Now 5th in the table, Newcastle, through players Andy Carroll, Joey Barton, Cheick Tiote and Mike Williamson in the heart of defense seem to be in serious contention for a Europa League spot in their first season back up.