The Boxing Day fixtures are always incredibly festive, the English tradition of playing League football the day after Christmas has certainly found a place in the homes of fans around the world and we are all hoping this year is no different!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year! Hopefully we can cap off the Christmas weekend with a few more coins in the bank.
Sunday 26 December
Liverpool 1/7
Draw 7/1
Leeds United 14/1
(14:30)
14/1 about the away win is generous pricing by Hollywoodbets. Leeds have been taken apart in their last two games and it doesn’t get much better now travelling to Anfield.
I’m not sure if its brilliance or blasphemy but the stubbornness on display at Elland Road is truly something to behold. The Whites just refuse to change! Liverpool struggled (yes, struggled) against Spurs but I think Jurgen Klopp will remain calm here and his side will coast. Back the home side to score in both halves at 5/10.
Wolves 17/20
Draw 51/20
Watford 32/10
(14:30)
Wolves have been knocking at the door, and that knock is steadily growing. Their defensive showing has been brilliant. You cannot lose if you keep a clean sheet, but to earn all three points, you’ve got to have your attacking players pulling their weight in front of goal.
Watford haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet since the 24th of August…so if there was a side primed for Wolves to finally cash in, surely this is the one. Back the pack!
West Ham United 15/20
Draw 29/10
Southampton 33/10
(17:00)
Southampton have gone under the radar for all the wrong reasons, they are without a win in their last six, but crucially they just aren’t playing decent football. West Ham are a handful at home. David Moyes has done incredibly well and will have penciled these sorts of games in as their must-wins.
I can’t see past the Hammers at home here. Get on.
Tottenham 15/20
Draw 26/10
Crystal Palace 37/10
(17:00)
This should be another proper Premier League game of football. In their game against Liverpool, Antonio Conte illustrated exactly what a team under his guidance looks and feels like.
They pressed with a degree of poise and control, taking the game to Liverpool and standing toe-to-toe with them. Palace will welcome the challenge; they’ve been brilliant under Patrick Vieira. Suddenly, the Eagles are an attacking team, irrespective of their opponents. I think both teams to score but do yourself a favour and watch this game.
The result could go either way, but I think both teams to score sees us through our betting slip. Get on at 9/10.
Norwich City 54/10
Draw 34/10
Arsenal 9/20
(17:00)
Norwich is still largely inconsistent under their new manager. Against Manchester United they defended with discipline and asked questions going forward…but against Villa they didn’t look as though they deserved to be sharing the field.
Arsenal is slowly but surely building something impressive under Mikel Arteta, the London club showed loyalty and patience when it mattered, and they are now slowly reaping the rewards. The Gunners still blow hot and cold on the road – but they win this.
Manchester City 1/5
Draw 56/10
Leicester City 11/1
(17:00)
Manchester City are reigning supreme now. They look as though they are miles ahead of the rest and they know it. Leicester have been affected by the disruptions quite intensely and haven’t played Premier League football since the 12th of December.
I think City win of course, I’m tempted to back both teams to score only because Leicester have the players and if they come back firing, they can certainly get on the scoresheet. You can get about 7/4 on City and both to score.
Burnley 11/10
Draw 51/20
Everton 9/4
(17:00)
Tough game to call, both sides have not come near their season expectations, and neither can afford to drop further points. The pressure is building on Rafa Benitez and the Goodison crowd will not simmer for long.
Against Chelsea they looked compact and happy to sit in, something I expect Burnley to do here. I have doubts over Everton’s creativity, so the goal market comes into play for me. Back under 2.5 goals at 13/20.
Aston Villa 46/10
Draw 29/10
Chelsea 6/10
(19:30)
Brighton 19/20
Draw 24/10
Brentford 3/1
(22:00)
Interesting game indeed, truly a contrast of styles in the league. Brighton always look to defend well, targeting moments in the game to look at hurting Brentford. The Bees, on the other hand, enjoy having a go – albeit often this usually happens at the Brentford Community Stadium. Brighton is without a win in their last 12 games (in all competition) and whilst this might be a chance to turn that around – I’m not sold.
Brentford will make life difficult and look to play at a blistering pace, I think they bully the Seagulls off the pitch. Given the price on offer, Brentford/Draw at 15/20 remains appealing.
Sunday 26 December
Newcastle United 5/1
Draw 36/10
Manchester United 9/20
(22:00)
The change at United since Ralph Rangnick took charge is evident. Yes, there are still questions about their defence, but the style of football and the pace is a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford.
I’m interested to see them play after a lengthy break, inevitably there would have been training where possible but irrespective of contact, there would have been consistent communication from the boss. They can only get better and with the squad they have I wouldn’t be bowled over should the Red Devils go on a bit of a run.
Newcastle under Eddie Howe have themselves seen steady improvement and they will certainly put up a fight at St. James’ Park. I think United win, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Magpies score. Get on at 39/20.
Written by Ryan Liberty