We return to Premier League action this week for the Boxing Day schedule, where we take a look at all eight fixtures set for Thursday and provide betting suggestions for each match.
Before we get into this week’s fixtures, let's take a look at the latest outright odds for the Premier League title race. Liverpool have shortened to 9/20 as title favourites following this weekend’s results, with Arsenal firmly behind at 7/2. Chelsea enter the equation at 13/2, while defending champions Manchester City are priced as high as 33/1. The rest of the field is priced at 250/1 or greater.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
MANCHESTER CITY v EVERTON – Click here to bet
Manchester City, currently 7th in the standings with 27 points, return to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday after a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Aston Villa over the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side will view this encounter as a prime opportunity to rebound and rediscover their winning touch. Despite their struggles on the road, City have been far more consistent at home, amassing 16 points from a possible 24 in their 8 matches (W5 D1 L2). Additionally, City boast a dominant record in this fixture, having defeated Everton in each of their last six league meetings.
Everton, sitting in 15th place with 16 points, have shown signs of improvement under Sean Dyche, remaining unbeaten in their last three league matches with two draws and a win. The Toffees come into this clash on the back of three consecutive clean sheets against Wolves, Arsenal, and Chelsea, a run that has injected some much-needed momentum into their campaign. However, their away form leaves much to be desired, with only one win and 6 points collected from 8 outings (W1 D3 L4).
Last season, Manchester City completed a double over Everton, starting with a 3-1 victory in the reverse encounter, followed by a clinical 2-0 win in this fixture.
City’s firepower at the Etihad, combined with Everton’s defensive frailties on the road, makes the home side clear favourites. However, Everton’s recent defensive resolve could make this a closer affair than some might anticipate.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, No at 19/20
BOURNEMOUTH v CRYSTAL PALACE – Click here to bet
Bournemouth, currently 5th in the standings with 28 points (W8 D4 L5), return to the Vitality Stadium riding high on confidence after a stunning 3-0 victory away to Manchester United. Andoni Iraola’s side has been in scintillating form, picking up an impressive 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five league appearances (W4 D1). The Cherries’ home form has been equally solid, amassing 14 points from 8 matches (W4 D2 L2), and they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak on Boxing Day as they aim to strengthen their bid for European football.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 16th in the table with 16 points. Oliver Glasner’s side endured back-to-back heavy defeats to Arsenal last week, including a 5-1 loss at Selhurst Park. The Eagles’ away form has been underwhelming, with only 9 points secured from 8 matches (W2 D3 L3). Adding to their woes, Palace failed to take any points against Bournemouth last season and will need a significant turnaround in form to avoid a similar outcome this time.
Last season, Bournemouth completed a double over Crystal Palace, starting with a 2-0 victory in the reverse encounter, followed by a 1-0 win in this fixture.
Bournemouth’s momentum, coupled with Palace’s recent struggles, makes the home side strong favourites. However, Palace will need to find resilience and organization if they hope to contain the Cherries’ in-form attack.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Bournemouth at 1/1
Get your money back if your team loses to an injury time penalty.
Introducing Tough Luck Insurance from World Sports Betting. Bet on football matches with confidence, and if your team loses to an injury time penalty, we'll return your stake as free bets.
*Valid for Pre-Match and Live in Play events up to 90 Mins.
T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R5000. Single/Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Limited to 1 refund per customer per event.
Simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Subject ‘ Tough Luck Insurance ’
NEWCASTLE UNITED v ASTON VILLA – Click here to bet
Newcastle United return to St. James’ Park on Thursday in fine form, following a commanding 4-0 victory away to Ipswich Town over the weekend. With three consecutive wins in all competitions, the Magpies are hitting their stride as they look to climb the Premier League table and secure European football next season. Currently sitting 8th with 26 points from 17 matches (W7 D5 L5), Eddie Howe’s side has turned St. James’ Park into a fortress, earning 14 points from 8 home games (W4 D2 L2). Newcastle’s strong home form will be crucial as they aim to extend their unbeaten run.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are also riding high after an impressive 2-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s team has been in excellent league form, with four wins from their last five matches. This surge has propelled the Villains into 6th place with 28 points from 17 games (W8 D4 L5). However, their away performances remain a point of concern, having managed just 10 points from 8 games on the road (W3 D1 L4). Villa’s inconsistencies away from home may leave them vulnerable against a Newcastle side that thrives on home turf.
Last season, Newcastle United completed a double over Aston Villa, starting with a 5-1 victory in this fixture, followed by a 3-1 win in the reverse encounter.
With both teams in strong form, this clash promises to be an entertaining affair. Newcastle’s home advantage and Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities on the road could tilt the balance in the Magpies’ favour.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Newcastle United at 17/20
SOUTHAMPTON v WEST HAM – Click here to bet
Southampton host West Ham at St. Mary’s Stadium on Thursday, hoping to build on their improved defensive display under new manager Ivan Jurić. The Saints earned a vital 0-0 draw away to Fulham last weekend, marking only their second clean sheet of the season. While still rooted at the bottom of the standings with just 6 points from 17 matches (W1 D3 L13), Southampton will be eager to make the most of their first home game under Jurić as they aim to kick start an improbable bid for survival.
West Ham, meanwhile, arrive at St. Mary’s unbeaten in their last three league matches, with one win and two consecutive draws, including a 1-1 stalemate at home to Brighton on Sunday. Currently sitting 14th with 20 points from 17 games (W5 D5 L7), Julen Lopetegui’s side have struggled for consistency, particularly on the road, where they’ve managed just 9 points from 8 matches (W2 D3 L3). The Hammers will be wary of the bounce effect of a new manager but will also see this as an opportunity to claim a valuable away win against a struggling Southampton side.
These two sides last met in the 2022/23 season, where West Ham remained unbeaten that campaign, registering a 1-1 draw in this fixture, followed by a 1-0 victory for the Hammers in the reverse encounter.
While West Ham hold the upper hand in terms of form and league position, Southampton’s newfound defensive organization under Jurić could make this a tighter contest than expected.
Suggested Bet: Double Chance and Totals, Draw/West Ham and Under 3.5 at 21/20
CHELSEA v FULHAM – Click here to bet
Stamford Bridge sets the stage for a Boxing Day London derby as Chelsea look to recover from a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Everton on Sunday. Despite dropping points against a struggling Toffees side, the Blues remain firmly in the title race, sitting 2nd in the standings with 35 points from 17 matches (W10 D5 L2). Enzo Maresca’s side will aim to close the 4-point gap on leaders Liverpool and further solidify their impressive home form, which has seen them collect 15 points from 8 matches (W4 D3 L1).
Fulham, meanwhile, come into this fixture following a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to bottom-placed Southampton. Marco Silva’s team, currently 9th with 25 points (W6 D7 L4), struggled to break down the Saints' defence but remain a solid mid-table outfit. Away from home, the Cottagers have been resilient, going unbeaten in their last four matches with one win and three draws, securing 10 points from a possible 24 overall (W2 D4 L2).
Last season, Chelsea completed a double over Fulham, starting with a 2-0 victory in the reverse encounter, followed by a closely fought 1-0 win in this fixture.
While Chelsea are favourites given their superior quality and form at Stamford Bridge, Fulham’s defensive organization and ability to grind out results on the road could pose a challenge. The Blues will be wary of the Cottagers’ improved away form but will be confident in their ability to claim another derby victory, having done the double over Fulham last season.
Suggested Bet: Result and Totals, Chelsea and Over 1.5 at 6/10
NOTTINGHAM FOREST v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR – Click here to bet
City Ground will be buzzing on Thursday as Nottingham Forest aim to continue their remarkable season when they host Tottenham Hotspur. Forest will head into this week’s clash on the back of a superb 2-0 victory at Brentford, becoming the first team to win at the Gtech Community Stadium this season. That result extended their winning streak to three matches and solidified their position in 4th place with 31 points from 17 games. With European football now a genuine possibility, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will look to maintain momentum at home, where they’ve been impressive, collecting 14 points from 9 matches (W4 D2 L2).
Tottenham Hotspur, currently 11th in the standings with 23 points after 17 matches (W7 D2 L8), will be eager to bounce back after suffering a humbling 6-3 defeat at the hands of league leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Ange Postecoglou’s side had been unbeaten in three matches prior to that result but now face a tough test against a Forest side in top form. Spurs have enjoyed success in this fixture, winning the last three meetings against Forest, but their away form this season has been inconsistent, with just 10 points from 8 matches obtained (W3 D1 L4).
Last season, Tottenham Hotspur completed a double over Forest, starting with a 2-0 victory in this fixture, followed by a 3-1 win in the reverse encounter.
With Forest riding high and Spurs struggling for consistency on the road, this promises to be a tightly contested affair. The hosts will be eager to take advantage of their momentum, while Spurs will hope to draw on their strong recent head-to-head record to secure a much-needed result.
Suggested Bet: Draw No Bet, Nottingham Forest at 8/10
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Thursday night’s clash at Molineux sees Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Manchester United, with both sides eager to find some consistency. Wolves secured a dream start under new head coach Vitor Pereira, thrashing Leicester City 3-0 away from home last weekend to end a four-game losing streak. Despite sitting 18th in the standings with just 12 points (W3 D3 L11), Wolves will hope to build momentum with back-to-back wins for only the second time this season. However, home form remains a concern for Wolves, who have claimed just 4 points from a possible 24 at Molineux (W1 D1 L6). Pereira’s first home game in charge brings added expectation, and the players will aim to deliver after their impressive showing at the King Power Stadium.
Manchester United arrive at Molineux on the back of a frustrating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, a result that extinguished the optimism from their recent derby victory over Manchester City. Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled for consistency, sitting mid-table with 23 points after 17 matches (W6 D5 L6). On the road, United’s record has been underwhelming, with just two wins and nine points from eight away games (W2 D3 L3). Despite their struggles, United boast a strong recent record against Wolves, winning their last four meetings. They will look to use that confidence to steady the ship and prove that their win over City wasn’t a fluke.
Last season, Manchester United completed a double over Wolves, starting with a 1-0 victory in the reverse encounter, followed by a thrilling 4-3 win in this fixture.
Suggested Bet: Totals and Both Teams to Score, Over 2.5 and Yes at 10/11
LIVERPOOL v LEICESTER CITY – Click here to bet
Red-hot Liverpool welcome Leicester City to Anfield on Thursday, aiming to maintain their relentless push for a 20th league title. The Reds come into this clash brimming with confidence after a thrilling 6-3 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Arne Slot’s side sit atop the Premier League standings with 39 points (W12 D3 L1), holding a four-point lead with a game in hand. Liverpool’s home form has been equally formidable, amassing 19 points from a possible 24 at Anfield (W6 D1 L1). The Reds are unbeaten in their last 21 matches across all competitions, with 18 wins in that stretch, showcasing their dominance. Facing a struggling Leicester side, they will undoubtedly target another three points to strengthen their title charge.
Leicester City, on the other hand, are in dire straits. Consecutive defeats, including a 3-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, have left the Foxes reeling. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men are 17th in the standings with 14 points (W3 D5 L9), just two points above the relegation zone. The Foxes’ inability to score in their last two league outings, combined with seven goals conceded, underscores their frailty. Away from home, Leicester have secured just one win and five points from eight matches (W1 D2 L5), making their trip to Anfield an uphill battle. Against a Liverpool side in scintillating form, the Foxes will need nothing short of a miracle to escape with a positive result.
These two sides last met in the league during the 2022/23 season, where Liverpool completed a double by securing a 2-1 victory in this fixture, followed by a more comprehensive 3-0 win in the reverse encounter.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool to win both halves, Yes at 15/20
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
