Arsenal are the team to catch at the top of the Premier League with Christmas looming large, but the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa are gathering momentum in behind them.
Champions Liverpool look to be finding their feet again, following a difficult end to 2025 but problems continue to mount for the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.
Down at the bottom of the pile, Wolves, Burnley and West Ham all have work to do in 2026 if they are to secure their respective Premier League statuses.
Boxing Day football always hits the spot, and this feels like a big round of fixtures at both ends of the table.
Here are our Premier League tips for the next round of fixtures:
EPL Week 18 Predictions
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Manchester United ($2.50)
Newcastle United ($2.88)
Draw ($3.70)
It has been a curious campaign for both Manchester United and Newcastle and the pressure looks set to ramp up on both over the new year. The Red Devils were well beaten by Aston Villa at the weekend and Ruben Amorim’s side appear to be bereft of confidence currently. Meanwhile, Newcastle blew a 2-goal lead at home to Chelsea last time out and their best football has come at home this season. This should be a good one, with the draw very much in play.
1-1 Draw
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Nottingham Forest ($5.50)
Manchester City ($1.62)
Draw ($4.33)
Sean Dyche will be eager to see his Nottingham Forest show fight, as they take on Manchester City at home. The Tricky Trees have been excellent in front of their home fans this season, but they still have work to do in terms of their Premier League survival. Manchester City are beginning to click into gear this term but still appear a touch vulnerable, especially when on their travels. This could be raucous in the East Midlands, and a draw looks good value.
1-1 Draw
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Arsenal ($1.44)
Brighton ($8.00)
Draw ($4.80)
League leaders Arsenal look to have plenty of confidence currently and Brighton will be the next visitors to North London. The Gunners are flying high in both the Premier League and the Champions League, with silverware surely on its way to the Emirates Stadium. Brighton meanwhile are plugging away this term, without necessarily picking up the results and this feels like a tough one for them. The Seagulls will have a go, but Arsenal should prevail here.
Arsenal to win 3-0
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Liverpool ($1.23)
Wolves ($13.00)
Draw ($7.00)
Champions Liverpool are starting to show signs of finding their best form once again and Wolves are the next visitors to Anfield. Arne Slot’s men are only 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, and they continue to battle away this term. Wolves meanwhile are on course to be the worst Premier League side of all time, with just two points on the board from their opening 17 games. This will be one-way traffic and there is no way Liverpool lose this one.
Liverpool to win 4-0
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Burnley ($4.20)
Everton ($2.00)
Draw ($3.40)
Scott Parker has his Burnley side scrapping away down at the foot of the table and this feels like an important one for them at home to Everton. The Clarets picked up a late Bournemouth at the weekend, and they will be chasing more returns here. Everton meanwhile were undone by Arsenal last weekend and they continue to fight on under David Moyes. This will be cagey and it could well end up as a draw at Turf Moor.
1-1 Draw
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Brentford ($2.30)
Bournemouth ($3.10)
Draw ($3.70)
Two of the more entertaining sides in the division meet here, as Brentford take on Bournemouth. The Bees won well at Wolves last weekend and are fashioning a push for the top half over the second half of the campaign. Bournemouth’s season has lost some of its early momentum, but they remain a dangerous side, who are capable of beating anybody on their day. Calling this one is tough and both sides may end up settling for a point.
1-1 Draw
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West Ham United ($2.80)
Fulham ($2.65)
Draw ($3.55)
London rivals West Ham and Fulham meet here, as both sides chase precious points in the bottom half of the table. Manchester City had too much for the Hammers last weekend, as they continue to toil in the bottom three. Meanwhile, Fulham are a side plugging away under Marco Silva, but their Premier League status is a long way from being secured. This will be tight and while goals could be in the offing, a draw feels like the value pick in this London derby.
2-2 Draw
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Chelsea ($1.93)
Aston Villa ($4.00)
Draw ($3.90)
A pair of sides chasing a top four finish meet here, as Chelsea host Aston Villa. The blues clawed back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Newcastle last weekend but their inconsistency continues to trouble them this term. Villa meanwhile are very much in the Premier League title race, sitting pretty in 3rd place and they are beginning to believe they can compete this term. This will be a tough one for both sides, who may be willing to settle for a share of the points.
2-2 Draw
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Sunderland ($2.60)
Leeds United ($2.88)
Draw ($3.40)
Two promoted sides meet here, as high flying Sunderland take on Leeds. It has been a remarkable campaign for the Black Cats, who sit in the top eight of the Premier League table, with their PL status all but secured for next season. Leeds meanwhile have been markedly improved in recent weeks and their big win over Crystal Palace last weekend was a statement result. This should be a good one, with hosts Sunderland perhaps best placed to get the job done.
Sunderland to win 2-1
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Crystal Palace ($2.15)
Tottenham ($3.70)
Draw ($3.45)
Another pair of London rivals lock horns here, as Crystal Palace take on Tottenham. The Eagles came up short against Leeds last weekend but have plenty to be optimistic about heading into 2026. Tottenham are a side in flux under Thomas Frank, and they came up short in a chaotic one against Liverpool last weekend. Neither side is playing particularly well, and this could go either way, bringing the draw into play as the value bet.
1-1 Draw
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EPL Week 18 bet
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We’re backing three results this week as an accumulator with a betting stake of $50:
Brentford vs Bournemouth – Draw
Burnley vs Everton – Draw
West Ham United vs Fulham – Draw
