In one of the biggest soccer days of the year in England, the Premier League returns to action for Boxing Day this midweek for Matchday 19.
There are five matches on the day after Christmas, headlined by Manchester United hosting Aston Villa. Newcastle and Liverpool are both in action on Tuesday as well.
Meanwhile, the matchweek continues on Wednesday with three fixtures before a pair of games on Thursday. Manchester City returns from winning the FIFA Club World Cup with a match at Everton, and Arsenal welcomes West Ham to round out the games.
It is disappointing that all of the teams are not in action on Boxing Day, but the Sports Gambling Podcast Network still has you covered with our best bets and a full preview of the EPL.
Boxing Day Preview and Best Bets
Newcastle vs. Nottingham Forest – This could be the perfect bounce-back spot for Newcastle at home. The new manager for Forest keeps me away here.
Bournemouth vs. Fulham – Two of the most improved sides in the league meet in this one. With the spikes in form, it is hard to get a gauge on either team in this one.
Sheffield United vs. Luton Town – Under 2.5 Goals (-127) FanDuel
This game isn’t the first one that stands out on paper from an entertainment standpoint, which is what makes this a great spot for an under.
Whenever you get these relegation six-pointers, both sides can come out extremely cagey. They will focus on not giving up a crucial goal in such an important match.
You also have to look at the data since Chris Wilder returned as manager to Sheffield. In his four games in charge, this bet would have cashed in all of them, with the Blades averaging just 0.69 expected goals per 90 minutes, according to fbref.com.
As for Luton, the visitors rank in the Bottom 5 of the Premier League in xG, and big chances are created on the road.
I’m not saying you have to watch this one, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t money to be made in a snoozer.
Burnley vs. Liverpool – How does Liverpool respond after playing Arsenal this past weekend? I still can’t trust Burnley, even in the perfect scheduling spot at home.
Manchester United vs. Aston Villa – Bookmakers are starting to catch up with how bad United is. However, I still can’t bet them or Villa away from home here.
Brentford vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers – The odds are spot on here. I don’t see any value on the side or total.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace – Both teams to score almost made the article. Chelsea’s only clean sheets at home came against Sheffield and Luton. Palace has scored in all, but one road match and Eberechi Eze should be fit enough to start.
Everton vs. Manchester City – Everton +1 (-117) BetRivers
Yes, we are once again back on Everton here. Outside of the Toffees’ terrific form, City could have serious injury issues coming into this match.
In the game to win the Club World Cup, Rodri picked up a knock and couldn’t finish the match. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne both were ruled out as well.
I understand that Pep Guardiola has plenty of options to fill in for those guys. However, those are his three most important players in the squad.
The Cityzens are also forced to come back from Saudi Arabia after celebrating and winning another trophy by going to a tough play to play in Goodison Park. This is an excellent spot for Sean Dyche’s team to get a result here.
Brighton vs. Tottenham Hotspur – You would expect there to be goals in this match. I’m staying away, but this could be a great watch for the neutrals.
Arsenal vs. West Ham – Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, typically dominates these sides at home. I could see the Gunners being popular in parlays due to the heavy price to back them.