The traditional Boxing Day football feast may be absent this year, but the Premier League's festive schedule still promises a series of captivating encounters. As the season approaches its midway point, key questions loom: is the title race now a straight fight between Arsenal and Manchester City, or can Aston Villa maintain their stunning challenge? Meanwhile, at the bottom, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley face a grim outlook, but which club will be dragged into the Championship battle alongside them?
Boxing Day Showdown at Old Trafford
The sole top-flight fixture scheduled for December 26th is a heavyweight clash at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host Newcastle United at 8 pm. United's performance in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last Sunday showed signs of the consistency manager Ruben Amorim has been seeking, but a lack of cutting edge proved costly. A significant blow was the loss of captain Bruno Fernandes to a hamstring injury, which is expected to sideline him for a considerable period.
Newcastle, languishing in 11th place, arrive after squandering a two-goal lead to draw with Chelsea. With just one win in their last four matches across all competitions, and over £600 million spent under Eddie Howe, pressure is mounting for an improved second half of the campaign. Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle.
Title Challengers Look to Capitalise
On Saturday 27th December, the focus shifts to the title contenders. Manchester City, having won seven consecutive games, travel to face Nottingham Forest (12.30 pm). While Sean Dyche's Forest can be resilient at home, as shown in a 3-0 win over Tottenham, City's relentless form makes them strong favourites. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City.
Later that day (3 pm), league leaders Arsenal welcome Brighton to the Emirates. The Gunners, top at Christmas for the third time in four years, ground out a 1-0 win at Everton last weekend. They face a Brighton side mired in a four-game winless run. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Brighton.
The evening's standout match sees Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge (5.30 pm). Unai Emery's Villa, just three points off the summit and on a ten-game winning streak, aim to prove their title credentials. Chelsea's inconsistency was epitomised in their draw at Newcastle, leaving them seven points behind Villa. Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Aston Villa.
Relegation Battles and Mid-Table Encounters
The festive period could be pivotal for clubs at the wrong end of the table. At Anfield (3 pm, 27th Dec), Liverpool are expected to dispatch a Wolves side rooted to the bottom without a win all season. With Mohamed Salah absent and Alexander Isak injured, it's a test of squad depth, but one Liverpool should pass. Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Wolves.
For Burnley, the situation appears dire. Hosting Everton (3 pm, 27th Dec), Scott Parker's team has not won since October 26th. Everton, despite a flat display against Arsenal, possess the attacking threat to edge a tight game. Prediction: Burnley 0-1 Everton.
Elsewhere, Brentford and Bournemouth look set for a share of the points, while West Ham's desperate search for a win continues against Fulham. The weekend concludes on Sunday 28th December with Sunderland's fairytale return facing a stern test from free-scoring Leeds, and a London derby between Crystal Palace and an underperforming Tottenham.
Remember to gamble responsibly. Set limits, use tools provided by betting platforms, and seek support from organisations like GamCare or GambleAware if needed. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
