While a host of leagues go on the customary winter break, the Premier League will continue in full swing despite the recent spike in covid-19 cases. Once again, a couple of fixtures have been postponed ahead of the weekend but we still have a good number of games to look forward to.
Boxing day fixtures have always produced thrill in recent years and this year is expected to be no different. Without much ado, we bring you the best tips and betting predictions to go with ahead of the upcoming round of games.
Straight Wins
Tottenham have certainly improved in the Premier League under the guidance of Conte and the majority of the Spurs fans will be expecting their team to win on Boxing Day against Crystal Palace. We’re backing a Tottenham win as we feel the home advantage will play a big part in the game. Spurs have won three of their last six meetings with Crystal Palace and in each of those games, they were the home side. Tottenham’s last four league games have produced three wins and a draw, while Palace have lost their last two away trips. Bet9ja have 1.76 odds, Paripesa have 1.79 odds and 1xBet has 1.79 odds.
Manchester City have been near-invincible since the end of the October international break, winning their UEFA Champions League group and racking up ten wins in 11 Premier League (PL) games. They currently lead the PL table with only three points making the match all the more important. Leicester provides the opposition at the Etihad on Boxing Day. We’re expecting the Foxes’ starting eleven to be weakened and that’s one of the reasons we are backing Man City to win on Boxing Day. The hosts have won five of their last seven games against Leicester and we can see that happening once again today. Bet9ja has 1.18 odds, Paripesa has 1.22 odds and 1xBet has 1.22 odds.
Bottom of the table Norwich could really do with some festive cheer in the form of a Premier League win on Boxing Day. However, the Canaries go up against the Gunners this weekend. Arsenal have won five of their last seven encounters with Norwich, including a 1-0 win at the Emirates back in September. Norwich have lost their last three league games and have failed to score in four of their last five matches, while Arsenal have won four of their last six outings. This is a really good game for Arteta’s men and with the form they are in, they would most likely take home all three points. Bet9ja has 1.44 odds, Paripesa has 1.47 odds and 1xBet has 1.47 odds
Newcastle have lost their last three Premier League games and now face a tough home game against Manchester Utd. The visitors arrive unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and are the favorites to win this Boxing Day clash. United have a fully rested squad, making this a very sure pick here today. The last five meetings between these clubs have seen Manchester United win. With Newcastle losing their previous three games before this, United would surely capitalize on that poor run of form and win here today. Bet9ja has 1.48 odds, Paripesa has 1.53 odds and 1xBet has 1.53 odds.
Over 2.5 Goals
Aston Villa have improved a lot during the short period Steven Gerrard has been manager of the club but the home side face another tough test in the Premier League this weekend when they take on Chelsea. There is a good chance that we will be treated to lots of goalmouth action in this Boxing Day game as five of the last seven meetings between Aston Villa and Chelsea have produced over 2.5 goals. At least three goals have been scored in three of Villa’s last five outings, while four of Chelsea’s last six matches in all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals. Bet9ja has 2.00 odds, Paripesa has 2.10 odds and 1xBet has 2.10 odds.
Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 3pts last weekend when they took maximum points from their game against Newcastle, while Liverpool could only manage a draw at Tottenham. Leicester provides the opposition at the Etihad on Boxing Day. Manchester City is a side that has shown their competence in front of goals, four out of their last five games resulting in over 2.5 goals. Leicester on the other hand, have a poor defense with one clean sheet in five games and they now face a determined Manchester City side. Bet9ja has 1.38 odds, Paripesa has 1.41 odds and 1xBet has 1.41 odds.
The Manchester United vs Newcastle game in recent seasons this has proven to be a fixture that so often produces goals and we’re expecting more of the same this weekend. Over 3.5 goals have been scored in five of the last seven meetings between Newcastle and Man Utd and we’ve only backed over 2.5 goals to be scored on Sunday. Exactly four goals have been scored in each of Newcastle’s last three matches, all of which ended in defeat, and we’re expecting the Man Utd attack to have a field day with this leaky Magpie’s defense. Bet9ja has 1.57 odds, Paripesa has 1.68 odds and 1xBet has 1.68 odds.
The last of the Boxing games selected here would be West Ham vs Southampton, this fixture has rarely produced goals in previous seasons but it would be a different case today as both sides have displayed a lack of defensive acumen this season. Both sides have conceded at least a goal in their previous five games and they will surely score here today. An added bonus tip is that both teams are likely to score with this match being a very open one. Both teams have scored in three of West Ham’s and four of Southampton’s last six matches in all competitions. Bet9ja has 1.70 odds, Paripesa has 1.81 odds and 1xBet has 1.81 odds.
Anytime Goalscorers
Sterling
Sterling now has five league goals for the campaign and looks to have found his form and his spot in the Man City first team. The England international forward was on target in his side’s 4-0 win at St James’s Park and has scored 5-goals in his last 9 appearances for Man City in all competitions. He is a top name to get on the score-sheet amid all the rotation. Bet9ja has 2.50 odds while Paripesa has 2.20 odds.
Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in the Premier League for Man Utd with 7-goals and we’re backing the veteran Portuguese international to find the back of the net against Newcastle. The 36-year-old has scored 6-goals in his last eight appearances for Man Utd in all competitions, so if anyone is going to score this weekend, it’s Ronaldo. Bet9ja has 1.70 odds while Paripesa has 1.60 odds.
Son Heung-min
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min became the fifth player of the season to score at least seven goals in their first 14 PL appearances. He got on the scoreboard last time out against Liverpool. We’re backing the Tottenham and Son to score against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day and help lead his side to victory. Bet9ja has 2.70 odds while Paripesa has 2.60 odds.
Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli appears to have finally found his form at Arsenal and the 20-year-old has been key to his side’s recent run of good results. The young Brazilian has scored 4-goals in the league this season, each arriving in his last six appearances for the club and we’re backing him to score again when Arsenal take on Norwich. Bet9ja has 2.75 odds while Paripesa has 2.50 odds.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
