Christmas is nearly here and I’m back to guide you through the final Premier League games before Santa arrives. Here are my five best bets for this weekend’s action including a massive table-topping match between Liverpool and Arsenal game, and Christopher Nkunku’s eagerly anticipated Premier League debut.
Who will come out on top when the top two collide? 🤜🤛#FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/xaa11uyIMi
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 22, 2023
Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United (Friday, December 22)
Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United gives us a chance to see a team in Villa who are firmly in the Premier League title race. The job that Unai Emery has done is truly incredible and as a neutral it’s brilliant to see a different name fighting for the trophy.
Villa face a home game against the Premier League’s bottom club, and in my opinion, the worst team by a margin. Sheffield United have picked up just eight points all season, losing 13 games and it’s about to be 14. Only one team has scored more goals than Aston Villa’s 37 and I expect them to win big at home, so I’m taking Emery’s men -2.5 goals. It’s a big ask, but they have the talent the +160 odds are too good to ignore.
Pick: Aston Villa -2.5 (+160)
West Ham vs. Manchester United (Saturday, December 23)
West Ham come into this with three wins in their past five Premier League games and are now just one point behind the visitors Man Utd, who have a substantial injury list, particularly in defensive positions. There’s plenty of attacking talent on display through with Muhamed Kudus in great form for the Hammers and United welcoming back captain Bruno Fernandes.
Only three teams have conceded more goals than West Ham this season and they’re all in the relegation zone, while Man Utd are never far from a defensive mishap. I’m expecting goals here, and with Over 2.5 goals hitting in six of West Ham’s past seven Premier League games, it should happen again.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-154)
Fulham vs. Burnley (Saturday, December 23)
This is another game that looks primed for Over 2.5 goals. Firstly, Burnley have conceded 36 goals in 17 Premier League games so far this season, an average of more than two per game.
There’s also been Over 2.5 goals in each of Fulham’s past six games, a spell that takes in two 5-0 wins and last week’s 3-0 thumping by Newcastle. We should see the net bulge plenty of times on Saturday at Craven Cottage.
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-118)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Saturday, December 23)
I’d still argue that Man City are the best team in the Premier League, but the league position tells a different story with Arsenal top, leading Liverpool by a single point. Right now, these two are in better form than anybody, and they meet in a mouth-watering match on Saturday.
Both clubs have conceded 15 goals this season, the lowest total in the league, and Liverpool have scored one more goal overall. We aren’t at the stage where top of the table clashes are “must win” but they probably are “can’t lose” and I expect the fear of defeat to play on both team’s psyches. Their last meeting finished 2-2 and I’d expect another draw here, which you can get at a big +250 price.
Pick: Draw (+250)
Wolves vs. Chelsea (Sunday, December 24)
To wrap up the weekend’s games we have a big +200 on Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku to score on his Premier League debut. He made his Chelsea debut from the bench midweek in the Carabao Cup, playing 52 minutes and it was notable how his arrival instantly made them look more dangerous.
He’s simply too good to stay on the bench for long and I predict a start here. Even if he doesn’t start, I’d expect him to come on with plenty of time left and to score a goal. Nkunku’s dribbling and finishing are great, and his movement causes defenses problems. At +200 I think you’re getting a big price on somebody who will very soon be acclaimed as Chelsea’s best attacking talent.
Pick: Christopher Nkunku to score (+200)
