Matchday 18 of the English Premier League marks the final matchday before Christmas day, before the busiest part of the dreaded Winter schedule arrives.
Games will be taking place almost every three days before the eventual two week break after the first games in the new year.
Crystal Palace and Brighton kicked off matchday 18 yesterday evening with a 1-1 draw and Manchester City’s game with Brentford has been postponed due to City’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite this, we’ve picked out our top tips and booking code for the remaining eight games spread across the next three days.
Aston Villa to win, 1.23
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United
Aston Villa are coming into this game in phenomenal form, especially at home with them winning 16 straight home games. Unbelievably, a win today would see Aston Villa finish the day at the top of the Premier League table for the first time since 1999, and they could stay there if Arsenal and Liverpool draw their game.
They come up against a Sheffield United side that currently sit bottom of the table with just eight points, scoring just 12 and conceding seven more than any other side with 43 goals. Villa haven’t lost to Sheffield United at Villa Park in almost 60 years so they are sure to be confident going into this one, and with the added incentive of finishing the day top of the league, Villa should win this one.
Richarlison to score at anytime, 3.00
Richarlison hasn’t had an easy first year and a half since joining Tottenham in July 2022, with the Brazilian managing just eight goals in this time for his new side. However, he has been much improved this season and especially in recent weeks as he has picked up three goals in his last two games.
While Everton have been solid defensively this season with just two conceding less than their tally of 20 goals, including clean sheets in all four of their last Premier League games, Tottenham have been an extremely creative side this year and are sure to get chances. With Richarlison facing up against his old side he’s sure to be at his best and we fancy him to score again in this one.
Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals, 3.45
Liverpool vs Arsenal is undoubtedly the standout fixture of the week with the two sides currently residing in first and second place, although this could change prior to the game depending on Aston Villa’s result. A win here for either side would put them top of the table for Christmas day and leave them in a fantastic position to go into the New Year as the leaders of the pack. This is a much-desired place to be on Christmas day as 10 of the last 14 sides who have been top at Christmas have gone on to win the Premier League title.
Arsenal have won seven of their last 10 Premier League games, while Liverpool have managed six. Both sides have also got almost identical goals scored and conceded records this season with both conceding the least in the league with just 15, while Liverpool have scored one more than Arsenal with 36.
This is just a sign of things to come in the upcoming fixture, as it is bound to be a tight encounter between two top sides. The last two meetings between these two sides have produced four and five goals and for that reason we’re expecting over 2.5 goals throughout the game, and with it taking place at Anfield where Liverpool are so strong, we believe they will go on to win the game.
Best Booking Code: 5X6Y2CB (odds: 12.63)
