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22 Dec 2025 | Sportsbetting
Premier League Matchday Predictions - Boxing Day 2025/26
All predictions for Premier League matchday 18 of the 2025/26 season. From Man United vs. Newcastle to Arsenal vs. Brighton. Current form and tips at a glance.
approx. 3 min.
Premier League Matchday Predictions - Boxing Day 2025/26
Boxing Day is as much a part of football tradition in England as Christmas itself. From 26 to 28 December, the Premier League action comes thick and fast, and this tight schedule produces surprises, intense matches and wide-open encounters year after year. For many teams, this round of fixtures is the final major benchmark before the turn of the year: who makes a statement, and who continues to slide? While the top teams battle for every point in the title race, crucial points in the relegation fight are already at stake at the bottom of the table. Top clashes, evenly matched duels and emotional floodlit games make this matchday one of the most exciting of the entire season. Boxing Day – football doesn’t get more English than this.
Merkur Quick Tips for Premier League Boxing Day
Man United vs. Newcastle
Manchester United have shown some promising phases recently, but once again lacked efficiency and consistency against Aston Villa. At home on Boxing Day, the Red Devils will be keen to play more proactively and finally reward themselves for their efforts. Newcastle arrive full of confidence. The draw against Chelsea was largely thanks to an outstanding Nick Woltemade, who underlined his excellent form with an early brace. At the same time, it became clear that the Magpies remain defensively vulnerable when forced to sit deep.
Tip: Draw
Nottingham vs. Man City
Nottingham Forest are experiencing a mixed season under Sean Dyche, with a few highlights but still stuck in the lower half of the table. Against Manchester City, the focus will clearly be on defensive solidity, with quick transitions used to pose a threat on the counter. City, however, arrive in top form. Led by another outstanding Erling Haaland, who has been everywhere in recent matches, the Sky Blues look extremely composed and clinical.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Arsenal vs. Brighton
Arsenal are currently extremely solid and once again showed their ability to grind out narrow victories with a hard-fought win at Everton. Mikel Arteta’s side look very secure defensively and boast enormous quality and depth throughout the squad. At the top of the table, Arsenal will be determined to set the pace over the festive period. Brighton, meanwhile, are going through a small results slump. Several dropped points in recent weeks, including a 0-0 draw against Sunderland, make this away trip to the in-form league leaders a tough task.
Tip: 1
Brentford vs. Bournemouth
Brentford are currently very stable. The 2-0 away win at struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers was fully deserved, and the Bees sit comfortably in 12th place. Lewis-Potter in particular provided a boost with a recent brace. Notably, their recent defeats have come almost exclusively against top teams. Bournemouth, by contrast, seem to be treading water. The 1-1 draw against 19th-placed Burnley was their third consecutive draw and only helps marginally in their bid to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Tip: Draw
Burnley vs. Everton
Burnley simply cannot gain momentum at the bottom of the table. The 1-1 draw against Bournemouth was once again not enough to spark real hope in the relegation battle. Just two wins from the last ten matches and a meagre eleven points tell a clear story. Everton narrowly lost 1-0 to Arsenal in their last outing but delivered a respectable performance and held their own for long spells. In the end, an unfortunate handball decision proved decisive rather than clear superiority from the Gunners.
Tip: 2
Liverpool vs. Wolverhampton
Liverpool recently picked up an important win at Tottenham but once again exposed weaknesses in attack despite playing with a numerical advantage. From the Reds’ perspective, one positive was Florian Wirtz registering his first Premier League goal contribution. Wolverhampton are stuck deep in the relegation zone. Just two points from 17 matches and already 15 defeats speak volumes. The Wolves look overwhelmed in almost every department, with quality currently falling well short of Premier League standards.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
West Ham vs. Fulham
West Ham have been waiting several matches for a win and remain under pressure. Especially at home, points are now essential. Fulham have shown slight improvements in their play under Marco Silva but have too rarely converted performances into results. The Cottagers also find themselves in the lower third of the table and know that a win in this direct duel would be hugely important heading into the new year.
Tip: 2
Chelsea vs. Aston Villa
Chelsea showed character recently, fighting back from an early deficit to earn a draw against Newcastle. The first half was very poor, but the Blues improved significantly after the break. At home on Boxing Day, Chelsea are under pressure to deliver a statement performance.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, travel to London full of confidence. Ten consecutive competitive wins are a real statement, and Unai Emery’s side have looked extremely efficient and defensively solid in recent matches. Matchwinner Rogers is in outstanding form, and Villa are playing with the maturity and composure of a genuine top team.
Tip: Draw
Sunderland vs. Leeds United
As a promoted side, Sunderland remain one of the positive surprises of the season. Sixth place is a deserved reward for a solid playing philosophy and a well-balanced squad built around Xhaka. However, the recent goalless draw against Brighton also showed that results have flattened somewhat in recent weeks. Leeds arrive at the Stadium of Light with momentum. The impressive 4-1 win over Crystal Palace was an important statement, and overall Leeds are unbeaten in four matches.
Tip: 2
Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham
Crystal Palace sit in a respectable eighth place with 26 points but continue to suffer from unnecessary slip-ups under coach Glasner. Two consecutive league defeats have recently halted their momentum, despite greater consistency being well within reach. At home, Palace will be eager to respond. Tottenham come into this match battered after a bitter defeat to Liverpool and two red cards. Beyond the loss itself, the lack of discipline left a sour taste, and Spurs also looked short of ideas going forward for long periods.
Tip: 1
