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Premier League Boxing Day Picks; EPL Odds Week 17

Josh Ricker

by Josh Ricker in Soccer News

Updated Dec 25, 2022 · 8:59 AM PST

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrating a goal
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Tuesday, April 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
  • Matchday 17 in the EPL features seven games on Boxing Day, starting off with Brentford vs Tottenham at 7:30 am ET on Monday morning
  • Arsenal holds a five-point lead atop the Premier League table, with Man City in second and Newcastle seven points back
  • Get the EPL Boxing Day odds and betting predictions, below

Finally, after a prolonged World Cup break, the Premier League is back with a seven-game slate on Boxing Day. In turn, I have four EPL picks to share with all of you over this holiday weekend.

Something to keep an eye on in Matchday 17 of the EPL is movement in the middle of the table. Sixth-place Liverpool and thirteenth-place Leicester City are separated by a mere five points. Seven of the eight teams in that range play on Boxing Day, which should make for some interesting climbs and drops across the league. Also, Everton take on Wolves, which should be an interesting relegation battle.

EPL Odds Matchday 17

Matchup Home Draw Away
Brentford vs Tottenham +250 +270 +105
Leicester City vs Newcastle +230 +250 +120
Crystal Palace vs Fulham +110 +255 +260
Everton vs Wolves +140 +225 +215
Southampton vs Brighton +230 +255 +120
Aston Villa vs Liverpool +340 +310 -130
Arsenal vs West Ham -200 +340 +600

Odds as of December 24th from DraftKings. Use this DraftKings Sportsbook promo code to claim a unique Premier League bonus. 

Currently, Tottenham (+105) and Liverpool (-130) are the only away favorites in their respective matches versus Brentford and Aston Villa. Arsenal have the juiciest Premier League odds for the day at -200.

 

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Leicester City vs Newcastle Prediction

Despite a miserable record against the Foxes recently, including nine losses in thirteen games, I am favoring Newcastle to win on Boxing Day.

They have won two out of their last three against Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester side and have only lost one match all year. The job Eddie Howe has done with the Toon Army has been nothing short of spectacular. After a long skid to start the year, they have rattled off an 8-2-0 record in their last ten, winning the xG battle in five of their last eight Premier League contests.

On the other hand, Leicester City have held four clean sheets in their last five Premier League matches. However, they were expected to conceded seven goals over the same span. I expect Leicester’s luck to run out here against a clinical offense and the Newcastle moneyline at +120 is great value. Not to mention, Leicester City are 1-1-6 on Boxing Day since 2014.

Likewise, I also favor the over on 2.5 total goals at -120. This is a play that has hit in their last six head-to-head meetings against one another.

Pick: Newcastle ML (+120) + Over 2.5 Total Goals (-120)

Crystal Palace vs Fulham Prediction

Next, I am riding with the chalk again and leaning on the Crystal Palace moneyline (+105) against Fulham. To start, Crystal Palace are a really good home side and much of that credit must go to the wild fans that fill up Selhurst Park. The Eagles have a 4-1-2 record at home in the Premier League, gathering seven more points than their seven matches on the road.

Moreover, Crystal Palace have won their last three matches against Fulham. While Marc Guehi will be missed at the back for Palace, due to suspension, Fulham are also dealing with a couple of major absences. Antonee Robinson is a doubt at left-back, along with Aleksander Mitrovic up top. The Serbian has scored 41% of Fulham’s Premier League goals this season, making him a gut-wrenching scratch for Marco Silva.

Pick: Crystal Palace ML (+105)

Aston Villa vs Liverpool Prediction

Since their 7-2 drubbing back in 2020, Liverpool has all won four games against the Villains, in Premier League and FA Cup play. It is worth mentioning they will still be without the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Milner, Ibou Konate and Curtis Jones on Monday. A win will require some impact performances from rotation players on both ends of the pitch.

Nonetheless, my focus is on the absences for Aston Villa. World Cup winner Emi Martinez will not play on Monday, which leaves a gaping hole between the sticks. Furthermore, Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey are also both doubts in midfield. While their injuries are moderate in terms of numbers, they are major in terms of impact. Liverpool has more depth and should win this match, even away from home.

Here, I like the Liverpool moneyline at -130 and Mo Salah to score at +150. The Egyptian has five goals and two assists in seven matches against Aston Villa and should step up in a makeshift Liverpool front line.

Pick: Liverpool ML (-130) & Salah to score (+150)

 

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