English Premier League betting: How many Boxing Day fixtures will be played as scheduled?
Will there only be two Boxing Day fixtures canceled?
Wolves versus Watford and Liverpool versus Leeds have been called off as of Thursday morning due to COVID-19 cases. So far, every other game for Dec. 26 (and Dec. 27) is on. Hopefully, none of those games get canceled too.
With COVID-19 spreading throughout the Premier League, our advice from last week remains the same. Wait until you see the team sheets to bet. You’ll have an idea of who is available and, more importantly, know that the game is going ahead.
Here’s what you need to know for the latest round of EPL fixtures. We hope you have a great holiday season and, as always, odds are from BetMGM. Games are on Sunday unless noted.
Burnley vs. Everton (over/under 2.5)
Burnley (+135)
Everton (+200)
Tie (+225)
Burnley has played the fewest games in the Premier League (15) after three of its games have been postponed in recent weeks. Thanks to those postponements and a run of three scoreless games, Burnley hasn’t scored since Nov. 20. Everton has a draw and a loss in its last two games. We wouldn’t be surprised with a win by either team and wonder if the tie is the best play.
Norwich City vs. Arsenal (2.5)
Norwich City (+575)
Arsenal (-225)
Tie (+375)
Arsenal is now in fourth in the table after three consecutive league wins since losing to Everton. Norwich is playing better under Dean Smith and doesn’t have astronomical odds as a result. Arsenal’s form makes the Gunners the smart pick, though an upset wouldn’t be a massive shock.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City (3.5)
Man City (-500)
Leicester City (+1150)
Tie (+600)
City is three points clear at the top of the table after beating Newcastle over the weekend. Man City has won its last two games by a combined score of 11-0 — that’s why the over/under is at 3.5. Every Leicester game since Nov. 7 has included at least three goals. And I’m going to be counterintuitive. Under 3.5 (-135) is tasty.
Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace (2.5)
Tottenham (-145)
Crystal Palace (+375)
Tie (+290)
Tottenham is finding its stride under Antonio Conte and hasn’t lost a league game since a 3-0 loss to Manchester United at the end of October when Nuno Espirito Santo was still in charge. Palace has established itself as a very solid mid-table side and there’s no reason to think that will change over the second half of the season. We like Tottenham and the under.
West Ham vs. Southampton (2.5)
West Ham (-120)
Southampton (+340)
Tie (+260)
West Ham is still hanging onto fifth in the table despite just one point in its last two league games. Southampton is having the perfectly nondescript EPL season. The Saints are a comfortable six points above the relegation zone and have won just three times in 17 games. Go with West Ham.
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea (2.5)
Aston Villa (+450)
Chelsea (-155)
Tie (+275)
Chelsea was short-handed against Wolves last week while Villa’s game was postponed. Chelsea has been dropping points lately. The Blues have just five points over its last four games and are now six points back of Man City. Villa has been much better under Steven Gerrard, though Chelsea should have the upper hand.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Brentford (2.5)
Brighton & Hove (-110)
Brentford (+300)
Tie (+250)
Brighton has been tumbling down the table and both teams have 20 points through 16 games. Since this game is at the AmEx, we’re leaning toward Brighton, though a win here would be the team’s first in the league since Sep. 19.
Newcastle vs. Manchester United (2.5) [Monday]
Newcastle (+500)
Man U (-225)
Tie (+360)
Newcastle is a mess. This one is an easy pick.