Predictions for the 18th round of the Premier League, December 26-28
Manchester United vs Newcastle
The 18th round of the Premier League kicks off on Friday with a high-profile match – Manchester United against Newcastle at Old Trafford. Let's say right away that we see the visitors as the favorites. The reason is that Manchester United, already dealing with a significant number of injuries, has added two more to the list – Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Considering that the Red Devils have not won at home since October and have lost to the Magpies in 5 of their last 6 head-to-head meetings, we see no reason to bet on them.
Match Prediction for Manchester United vs Newcastle: Newcastle will not lose
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
The second match of the round, and again Manchester. But City, unlike their geographical neighbors, will play away. Their opponent will be Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche has helped the Foresters climb out of a deep crisis, but has not yet become a symbol of stability. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's squad not only has won seven matches in a row but has also tightened up their defense, conceding only one goal in the last five matches – against Real Madrid (2:1). Therefore, we won't overthink it and will bet on the favorite.
Match Prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City: Manchester City to win
Arsenal vs Brighton
London's Arsenal continues its journey towards a long-awaited championship, which promises to become more challenging given the close competition. The Gunners will play against Brighton, which often causes them problems. We do not rule out that this will be the case again, considering the tough cup match against Crystal Palace during the week. However, Mikel Arteta's team should claim their own. At home, they are usually prolific – scoring more than 1.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches. Their streak was interrupted in the game against the Eagles, but this is just a good reason to start a new one.
Match Prediction for Arsenal vs Brighton: Arsenal's individual total over 1.5 goals
Brentford vs Bournemouth
A meeting of two teams not in the best form. Brentford has won the last four head-to-head encounters, but only one of them with a clean sheet – in the League Cup at the start of the current season. So we expect goals from both the Bees and Bournemouth, who recently scored four at Old Trafford. We are betting on both teams to score – this bet has won in 7 of Brentford's last 8 home matches.
Match Prediction for Brentford vs Bournemouth: both teams to score (yes)
Burnley vs Everton
Sinking Burnley will play against Everton, and here we also expect both teams to score, which has happened in 4 of the last 5 matches involving the Clarets. Everton is much higher in the table, but their recent clean sheet away victories against Manchester United and Bournemouth seem anomalous. David Moyes' team is not so reliable in defense. We believe that at Turf Moor is in for a tough challenge.
Match Prediction for Burnley vs Everton: both teams to score (yes)
Liverpool vs Wolverhampton
Is Liverpool still in the title race? With a ten-point deficit, it's laughable to talk about it, but at least the "Reds" are now within touching distance of the top four. However, their convincing gameplay is still missing. Even a Tottenham reduced to ten men caused them a lot of problems. But a barely alive Wolverhampton, having scored just one goal in their last five away matches, is nowhere near Tottenham's level. Arne Slot's men won't get a better chance to secure a long-awaited convincing victory.
Match Prediction for Liverpool vs Wolverhampton: Liverpool to win with a handicap (-1.5)
West Ham vs Fulham
Here comes one of the most unpredictable matches of the round. West Ham has suffered two consecutive defeats, but considering their opponents were Aston Villa (1:2) and Man City (0:3), it doesn't say much. Especially in the context of a game against Fulham, who themselves are far from stable. The "Cottagers" have many personnel losses, and the match at the "London Stadium" promises to be challenging for them. Therefore, we believe the visitors will receive more than 1.5 bookings. Marco Silva's team has surpassed this threshold in 9 of their last 10 away Premier League matches.
Match Prediction for West Ham vs Fulham: Fulham's individual total over 1.5 yellow cards
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
One of the main highlights of the round! Chelsea is set to host the incredible Aston Villa, who are on a ten-match winning streak. We see a significant odds advantage in favor of the hosts, but it's unclear why. If we consider the period from 2023, the "Blues" don't have the upper hand in head-to-head encounters, and their current form is not worth mentioning. The visitors should score and ensure both teams find the net. This bet has won in 6 of Unai Emery's team's last 7 matches.
Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Aston Villa: both teams to score (yes)
Sunderland vs Leeds
Sunderland continues to steadily collect points and remains in the upper part of the table, but the "Black Cats'" scoring has significantly dropped. They've lost many players due to the Africa Cup of Nations, which naturally affects their play. Meanwhile, Leeds has gained tremendous momentum and is unbeaten in four consecutive matches, having thrashed Crystal Palace in the last round (4:1). Considering that last season, when both teams played in the Championship, the "Peacocks" never lost to Sunderland, we suggest betting on the visitors.
Match Prediction for Sunderland vs Leeds: Leeds will not lose
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Crystal Palace will try to redeem themselves in front of their fans after the thrashing by Leeds (1:4) and the painful penalty shootout elimination from the League Cup. Tottenham has lost 4 of their last 5 away matches, and in the last one, they were utterly demolished by Nottingham (0:3). We highly doubt that with a bunch of injuries and without the suspended Hiva Simmons and Christian Romero, the "Spurs" will manage to get anything done at Selhurst Park. Especially since last season they lost twice to the "Eagles" without scoring.
