Wayne Rooney tumbles, Harry Kane moves up but Alexis Sanchez retains top spot ahead of Arsenal vs Tottenham

PREMIER LEAGUE POWER RANKINGS GAME WEEK 12: Who are the 17 most important players heading into the next round of Premier League fixtures?

(The Independent)

The stand-out fixture this weekend sees Arsenal entertain Tottenham at the Emirates in the North London derby.

Prior to that, the side level on points with the Gunners at the top of the table, Manchester City, face a tricky trip to Villa Park. Whilst Aston Villa might be at the polar opposite end of the table, the arrival of Remi Garde has the potential to produce the 'new manager bounce'.

Then there is Chelsea's trip to Stoke, a match that will not see Jose Mourinho, who will serve out his one-match stadium ban.

But taking matters back to the pitch, who are the Premier League's most important stars?

We all know who the best players are but defining those with the power to shape events in the Premier League is not so simple - so we've created The Independent's Premier League Power Rankings.

Ahead of every round of fixtures in the top-flight our team of experts get together to define the 17 players who hold the power.

Rather than being based on who the best or most talented footballers are, it's defined by current form, league position, next fixture and any other factors which could influence events.

Players move up and down the rankings, battling to be number one. Some will drop out and new entries will emerge. You might not agree (in which case let us know why) - but that's half the fun.

These are the 17 most important players in the Premier League right now...

PREVIOUS RANKINGS:

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11

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