The traditional Boxing Day fixtures are almost upon us and there is plenty to look forward to.
We have previewed five of the eight matches taking place on December 26, including those involving Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, plus one that takes place on Friday night.
A £10 wager on our three-leg acca would pay out £45.64, while the same stake on our five-leg version offers a potential return of £137.96.
Manchester City vs Everton: Both teams to score (10/11)
Manchester City just cannot seem to stop the rot. The reigning Premier League champions fell to a ninth defeat in their last 12 games on Saturday, as they went down 2-1 to Aston Villa.
City’s chances of defending their title are virtually nil at this point. Instead, the club’s supporters are now worried about potentially missing out on the Champions League. That loss to Villa saw them drop outside the top six for the first time since August 2021.
There are tactical issues behind City’s sudden collapse, not least the absence through injury of midfield lynchpin Rodri. But the problems run much deeper now. City are suffering from a dramatic crisis of confidence.
A home game against Everton is a chance for Guardiola’s side to return to winning ways. But although the Toffees are not exactly free-scoring, even they could have some success against a City backline that has suddenly lost all sense of solidity. Go for goals at both ends in this one.
Chelsea vs Fulham: Chelsea to win (12/25)
Chelsea were frustrated by Everton last weekend, as the two teams played out a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche’s side did a good job of stifling the title challengers, who saw a five-game winning streak come to an end on Merseyside.
With Liverpool marching on courtesy of a 6-3 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, it is important that Chelsea bounce back on Boxing Day.
The Blues have the best away record in the division, but they rank only sixth in the home table. That is an area where Enzo Maresca’s men can still improve.
Fulham are potentially awkward opponents. They have drawn with Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks.
The Cottagers have an awful record at Stamford Bridge, though, having failed to win at the home of their west London rivals since 1979.
Back Chelsea to win at 12/25 with bet365
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa: Over 2.5 goals (8/13)
Newcastle United and Aston Villa have a common goal: to break up the so-called ‘big six’. Both clubs have qualified for the Champions League over the last couple of years, and both want to participate in that tournament on a regular basis.
Newcastle have won back-to-back games to mark a return to form. They thumped Ipswich Town 4-0 last time out, as Alexander Isak notched a fantastic hat-trick.
Aston Villa have also rediscovered their groove, winning three of their last four matches in the top flight. They are now up to sixth in the standings, just three points behind Nottingham Forest in fourth.
Newcastle won both meetings between the pair last term, triumphing 5-1 at St James’ Park and 3-1 at Villa Park. We anticipate attacks getting the better of defences on Thursday too.
Select over 2.5 goals at 8/13 with bet365
Back the 3-fold acca
Liverpool vs Leicester City: Liverpool -2.5 Asian handicap (3/4)
Arne Slot has made a magnificent start to his Liverpool career. The Reds are top of the Champions League, semi-finalists in the EFL Cup and, most importantly, Premier League leaders.
A 6-3 victory over Tottenham last time out moved Liverpool four points clear of the chasing pack, led by Chelsea. They are now strong favourites to win the title in Slot’s maiden campaign at the helm.
It is hard to see Liverpool slipping up at home to Leicester City, who went down 3-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their most recent outing.
Slot’s charges are on fire right now and they are particularly formidable when playing in front of their own fans at Anfield.
Leicester have the joint-second worst goal difference in the division. Liverpool should win this one comfortably.
Go for Liverpool with a -2.5 Asian handicap at 3/4 with bet365
Arsenal vs Ipswich Town: Arsenal to win to nil (8/11)
Back-to-back triumphs over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup and the Premier League have got Arsenal back on track.
But Mikel Arteta’s men still have ground to make up in the title race. Despite Saturday’s 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park, Arsenal are six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the Gunners.
Arteta’s side recently dropped two points at home to Everton and they cannot afford a repeat against Ipswich Town on Friday night.
The Tractor Boys head into this fixture on the back of a 4-0 defeat by Newcastle on Saturday. They barely troubled the Magpies in that match and they will also struggle to penetrate Arsenal’s backline at the Emirates Stadium.
Add an Arsenal win to nil to your acca at 8/11 with bet365
Back the 5-fold acca
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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