Premier League Gameweek 18 Tips
We aren’t getting the traditional Boxing Day schedule in the Premier League this term, but there’s a long festive weekend of great Premier League action ahead.
We have picked out four bets from Gameweek 18 in the Premier League, starting with the clash at Old Trafford on Boxing Day Night, when Manchester United host Newcastle.
Tip 1 – Manchester United to beat Newcastle @ 6/4
Manchester United vs Newcastle (Friday, 8pm)
Newcastle United followed up their 1-0 defeat at Sunderland by throwing away a 2-0 lead against Chelsea last weekend. Eddie Howe’s side are short on numbers at the back, while their away record remains an issue.
The 1-0 defeat in the Tyne-Wear Derby was Newcastle’s fourth away loss in eight trips this season. That’s despite them only heading to one of the current top five, a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in the opening weekend.
The Magpies have suffered home defeats to Arsenal and Liverpool, and they could fall short in another big test on Friday night.
Manchester United are missing some key names, but this Newcastle side have suffered defeats at Brentford and West Ham this term. The Red Devils have won four times at home, so they’re good value for the points.
Tip 2 – Fulham to win at West Ham @ 33/20
West Ham vs Fulham (Saturday, 3pm)
Fulham’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest gave them a 10-point cushion over the drop zone, and they can extend that to 13 with a win over 18th-placed West Ham.
The Hammers have lost six of their eight home league games this term, and they have lost back-to-back matches ahead of this clash.
Fulham are peaking at the right time, having won four of their last six Premier League matches. They’ve won five of their six clashes with sides below them, so we’re backing the Cottagers to claim maximum points again.
Tip 3 – Sunderland to beat Leeds + BTTS @ 4/1
Sunderland vs Leeds United (Sunday, 2pm)
Leeds have pulled clear of the bottom three thanks to a four-game unbeaten run, but they face a tough trip to fellow promoted side Sunderland.
The Black Cats are unbeaten at the Stadium of Light, winning five of their eight games.
They’ve been helped by the fact that they’ve faced six of the bottom 10, but Sunderland have won five of those matches.
Leeds have seen both teams score in seven straight Premier League games, but they’ve lost six of their first eight trips.
We’re backing them to find the net in another defeat, as the Black Cats extend their brilliant home form.
Tip 4 – Both teams to score in Crystal Palace vs Tottenham @ 8/11
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4:30pm)
Crystal Palace’s fixture congestion has brought problems for their defence, with the Eagles conceding seven goals across their last two league games. Oliver Glasner’s side also shipped two goals to KuPS in between those two heavy defeats.
Opponents Tottenham have performed better on the road than at home, with 14 of their 22 points coming on their travels. However, Cristian Romero is banned, and Thomas Frank’s team are in awful form.
Spurs have shipped 12 goals in eight trips, but their attacking quality has helped them to overcome some poor build-up play under Frank. Tottenham’s Expected Goals numbers tend to be poor, but they’ve only failed to score once on the road.
Spurs have shipped 13 goals in their last six league games, so both teams to score appeals here.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
