What are you doing on Boxing Day? Sitting on the sofa regretting your food choices from Christmas Day? Trying to make small talk with relatives you only see once a year? Or maybe you’re playing football in a world class league just days after running yourself into the ground in another high tempo match?
There are many times when the life of a footballer is enviable. The Christmas period is not one of them. Premier League players have to go through a huge amount of work under massive pressure at this time of year. In seasons gone by the traditional Boxing Day fixtures have thrown up some surprise results but will the big boys come through unscathed this time around?
- Tottenham v Southampton – Tottenham to Win to Nil (13/10 with Bet365)
- Bournemouth v West Ham – Bournemouth to Win (11/8 with Coral)
- Chelsea v Brighton – Under 2.5 Goals (5/4 with BetVictor)
- Huddersfield v Stoke – Huddersfield to Win (8/5 with Ladbrokes)
- Watford v Leicester – The Draw (23/10 with Ladbrokes)
- Man United v Burnley – Man United to Win by 1 Goal (13/5 with Betfair)
- Newcastle v Man City – Man City -2 Goals (15/8 with Betfair)
- Crystal Palace v Arsenal – Crystal Palace/Draw Double Chance (5/4 with Bet365)
Premier League
Paul Clement became the sixth Premier League manager to lose his job this season. At some clubs, the decision to replace the manager has worked. West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton have all improved but things have so far not worked out so well for Alan Pardew at West Brom. Still, every club in the bottom half has a genuine chance of going down as the relegation battle promises to provide the entertainment that the title race isn’t likely to.
Tottenham v Southampton – 26th December
Tottenham fans have never really felt at home at Wembley Stadium. Although there have been highlights like the wins over Real Madrid and Liverpool, Wembley’s rarely rocked and it’s unlikely to early on Boxing Day afternoon.
The home fans would find it tough to get going for most games on Boxing Day but Southampton represent particularly unappealing opponents. The Saints are one of the least entertaining sides in the Premier League and are really struggling to find their feet in an attacking sense under Mauricio Pellegrino. The away side will be tough to break down as per usual but Spurs will be disappointed with anything less than three points. They could secure them thanks to a win to nil which is priced at odds of 13/10 with Bet365.
Tottenham to Win to Nil – 13/10 with Bet365
Bournemouth v West Ham – 26th December
Bournemouth arrested a poor run of form earlier on in the season but if they’re not careful, they’ll allow their current slump to become even more problematic. Eddie Howe has plenty of areas to work on and home form will be towards the top of his list. The Cherries have won just two league games at the Vitality Stadium so far but may just be able to add to that tally against West Ham.
David Moyes knows better than anybody the perils of playing so much football at this time of year. He has been working with a relatively small squad since taking over at West Ham due to injuries and suspensions. Although the Irons have improved since Moyes’ appointment the amount of hard work they’ve put in will catch up with them at some point. They’ll have to play tired players or squad players at the Vitality, handing the advantage to the home team.
Bournemouth to Win – 11/8 with Coral
Chelsea v Brighton – 26th December
Many managers have come unstuck during their first Christmas period in English football. Antonio Conte, however, is a step above most managers and he got it right last season. The Blues may not be on course to win the Premier League like they were 12 months ago but Conte is still targeting a strong return from their Christmas fixtures.
The home side are the firmest of favourites for the visit of Brighton to Stamford Bridge but there’s little point backing them to win at a general price of 1/5. Instead, the best bet from the match could be under 2.5 goals at 5/4 with BetVictor. Brighton’s main problem this season has been scoring goals and you can be sure they’ll be primarily concerned with keeping Chelsea at bay. From the Blues’ perspective, their aim will be to win with the least possible effort so don’t expect a classic.
Under 2.5 Goals – 5/4 with BetVictor
Huddersfield v Stoke – 26th December
If you struggled to find a Christmas present for somebody this year spare a thought for Mark Hughes’ family. There isn’t a present in the world good enough to make up for Stoke’s form of late and it may be about to get even worse when the Potters visit the John Smith’s Stadium.
While Stoke are set to fall short of their preseason expectations (and may well get dragged into a lengthy fight against relegation) Huddersfield have so far exceeded expectations in their first Premier League season. The Terriers have displayed impressive character to bounce back when results go against them and their mentality could make the difference against a frustrated Stoke side. At 8/5 with Ladbrokes, Huddersfield look a very good bet.
Huddersfield to Win – 8/5 with Ladbrokes
Watford v Leicester – 26th December
They’ve gone about it in different ways but Watford and Leicester look set for a relatively comfortable but unspectacular mid-table finish this season. Watford were hoping for much more after some high profile wins and the lavish praise that came Marco Silva’s way. In contrast, Leicester had to sack their manager before finding their feet under Claude Puel.
It’s far too early for players and managers to be thinking about the end of the season. They’ve got big prizes and personal pride still to play for and you can be sure that Watford and Leicester will be confident about their chances in their meeting at Vicarage Road. With goals in the legs of both teams, expect chances at both ends and an entertaining game. However, both Silva and Puel may have to settle for a point in this well balance game.
The Draw – 23/10 with Ladbrokes
Man United v Burnley – 26th December
Chelsea, Everton, Southampton and Bournemouth all went into their home games with Burnley expecting to win. They all found out just how good Sean Dyche’s side are as the Clarets sent the home fans home disappointed. Could the same fate await the Man United fans who head to Old Trafford on Boxing Day afternoon?
If Jose Mourinho needed reminding that being a clear favourite is no guarantee of success in English football he got it when Man United crashed out of the Carabao Cup away to Bristol City. That defeat was another low point in a season that’s not gone to plan for Mourinho and he’ll be demanding much more from his players against Burnley. The Clarets have become known as 1-0 specialists this season but it’s Man United who look the most likely to do just about enough to win by one goal at 13/5 with Betfair.
Man United to Win by 1 Goal – 13/5 with Paddy Power
Newcastle v Man City – 27th December
Rafa Benitez and Pep Guardiola are both Spanish managers with huge reputations who have won some of the biggest trophies in European football. Throughout their impressive careers they’ve both built reputations as vastly knowledgeable tacticians who give their players detailed instructions to take onto the pitch. Where they differ is that Benitez focuses primarily on drilling his defence whereas Guardiola drills his attack.
Guardiola’s more structured approach to attacking has taken the Premier League by storm. With half the season still to go, some bookies have already paid out on City winning the title and it’s tough to see who can stop them. Surely Newcastle will come up short? The Magpies are on a horrible extended run of form and it’s not going to get any better when the Citizens visit St James’ Park. This could be a very chastening night for Newcastle and City look good value to win with a two goal handicap applied at 15/8 with Betfair.
Man City -2 Goals – 15/8 with Betfair
Crystal Palace v Arsenal – 28th December
Roy Hodgson was written off by some as a footballing dinosaur after his time as England manager ended with that humiliating defeat against Iceland at Euro 2016. When he was appointed as the man to save Crystal Palace’s season those same critics thought the Eagles were doomed but Hodgson is the one smiling now having guided Palace away from the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace have already claimed big wins against Chelsea and Watford under Hodgson and there’s no chance of them approaching their match against Arsenal with fear. Can the same be said about the Gunners who have four defeats on their travels already?
Arsene Wenger’s team have been uncharacteristically poor in an attacking sense recently. Palace will have no problem sitting deep and robbing the Gunners space to operate before hitting the visitors on the break. With some frightening attacking players of their own, Crystal Palace have more than enough about them to avoid defeat on Thursday night.
Crystal Palace/Draw Double Chance – 5/4 with Bet365