Matchweek 18 of the 2024-25 English Premier League promises thrilling Boxing Day action with the top betting predictions and strategies here.
Matchweek 18 of the 2024-25 English Premier League promises thrilling Boxing Day action, with highlights including Nottingham Forest hosting Tottenham and Aston Villa visiting Newcastle.
Here are our top soccer betting tips for the festive fixtures.
Manchester City v Everton
Thursday, December 26 – 12:30pm GMT – Etihad Stadium
Seventh-placed Manchester City aim to recover from six losses in their last eight Premier League matches when they face 15th-placed Everton. Despite playing at home, Pep Guardiola’s men could face resistance from the Toffees, who recently earned draws against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Draw
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Thursday, December 26 – 3pm GMT – Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth sit fifth with 28 points and will look to build on their dominant victory over Manchester United. Against a Crystal Palace side 11 places lower in the table, the Cherries are poised for their fifth win in six games.
Bournemouth to win
Chelsea v Fulham
Thursday, December 26 – 3pm GMT – Stamford Bridge
Chelsea, second on the table, will aim to rebound from a goalless draw against Everton. Facing ninth-placed Fulham, Enzo Maresca’s side has been formidable at Stamford Bridge and is expected to claim victory in this West London derby.
Chelsea to win / Both teams to score
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Thursday, December 26 – 3pm GMT – St James’ Park
Newcastle climbed to eighth after a four-goal display against Ipswich, while Aston Villa secured a dramatic win over Manchester City. The Magpies, who beat Villa twice last season, should edge this encounter.
Newcastle United to win
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur
Thursday, December 26 – 3pm GMT – The City Ground
Fourth-placed Nottingham Forest take on 11th-placed Tottenham, who have suffered three defeats in their last four matches. Chris Wood, with 10 league goals this season, offers strong value as a likely scorer with the top online betting sites.
Chris Wodd anytime goalscorer
Southampton v West Ham United
Thursday, December 26 – 3pm GMT – St Mary’s Stadium
West Ham sit 14th after two consecutive draws, while bottom-placed Southampton seek to end a seven-game winless streak under new manager Ivan Juric. A draw seems plausible in this battle of strugglers.
Draw
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United
Thursday, December 26 – 5:30pm GMT – Molineux Stadium
Wolves, buoyed by a 3-0 victory over Leicester, host a Manchester United side reeling from a loss to Bournemouth. Despite inconsistency under Ruben Amorim, United should have enough to secure three points.
Manchester United to win
Liverpool v Leicester City
Thursday, December 26 – 8pm GMT – Anfield
League leaders Liverpool welcome 17th-placed Leicester, fresh from a 6-3 win over Spurs. Luis Diaz, who scored twice in that game, is a solid bet with BetOnline to add to his tally.
Luis Diaz anytime goalscorer
Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
Friday, December 27 – 7:30pm GMT – Amex Stadium
Brighton, 10th and winless in five games, host 12th-placed Brentford, who have struggled on the road. Expect the Seagulls to continue their unbeaten home record against the Bees.
Brightford to win
Arsenal v Ipswich Town
Friday, December 27 – 8:15pm GMT – Emirates Stadium
Arsenal, third on the table, face second-from-bottom Ipswich. After scoring in Arsenal’s recent 5-1 triumph, Kai Havertz looks likely to find the net again.
