The Boxing Day round of fixtures in the Premier League is often the games that fans look at first when the matches are released at the beginning of the season. All but two of the teams are in action on December 26th this year, with Manchester United making their trip to St James’ Park a day later on the 27th. But, what are some of the best picks that gamblers can make for the host of festive fixtures on the day after Christmas this year?
Title Favorites Look Good Value
Shocks are often common on Boxing Day, but there should be no issues for some of the teams playing at home this year. We will start with the early kick off on Boxing Day, as Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield. The Whites are struggling in the league this season, and have conceded ten goals in recent visits to Stamford Bridge and the Etihad. Leeds at +1600 should tell you everything you need to know about their chances on Merseyside. Liverpool at -800 is just a little short for us, so we would be willing to take the -2 handicap on the Reds, which is at a more eye-catching -105.
Manchester City also fall into the home banker category on Boxing Day, despite coming up against European chasers Leicester City. City have won their last eight in the Premier League and are stepping up the pressure on the chasing sides in the title race. Questions surrounding City’s threat in the final third has certainly fallen on deaf eyes, as Pep Guardiola’s side have scored eleven goals in their last three games. Leicester have been more inconsistent, as they have won once in their last three and twice in their previous five. However, they also haven’t played since their fixture against Spurs was called off. The City win at -450 looks like the best pick to us.
Where Could The Shock Results Come?
As always, we will be looking to try and find some value in the markets for you on the Boxing Day weekend, and we could have found a couple of avenues. Watford could be a very decent bet to pile misery on Wolves on Sunday, as the Midlands side are just too shy in front of goal this season. The Hornets desperately need a result to move clear of the relegation zone and will be boosted by the fact that they have won two of their previous four against Wolves. Watford at +375 looks a good value pick for us.
Villa vs Chelsea in one of the two late games on Boxing Day, and also looks an interesting betting fixture. Steven Gerrard has worked wonders at Villa Park since arriving, as the Villa have lost just once since the former Liverpool skipper arrived. Chelsea’s form has nosedived in recent weeks and they are just about clinging on in the title race at present. Villa at +425 for the win in this fixture looks marginally too high, while those less daring could also be interested by the Double Chance selection of Villa/Draw, which is available at +120.
Premier League Picks
- Liverpool (-2) @ -105
- Manchester City @ -450
- Watford @ +375
- Aston Villa/Draw @ +120
