Premier League Boxing Day will treat fans to some excellent post-Christmas gifts. Although Premier League Boxing Day action doesn’t showcase the headline fixtures of previous weeks, the matches will kick-off a busy week.
Arsenal vs. West Brom Albion
Last week was a week to forget for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners’ title hopes were thrown into a tailspin after two consecutive 2-1 losses.
In both, Arsenal gave up a winning position before dropping all three points. Now nine points off top spot, Arsenal host a West Brom side that took three of six points in last season’s clashes.
Good news for Arsenal fans, the Gunners are undefeated in their last seven home Premier League matches. SkyBet lists Arsenal to win at 1/3.
Chelsea vs. Bournemouth
Chelsea take their 11 home match winning streak up against 10th place Bournemouth. The Cherries shocked Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season, but this term’s Blues are far different than the team that lost this fixture a year ago.
The Premier League’s leading scorer Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante will both miss through suspension. Meanwhile, John Terry remains on the injury list.
SkyBet has Chelsea to win at 2/5 heading into the match.
Leicester vs. Everton
This fixture features two teams that continue to start and stop this term. Leicester are undefeated in 22 of 23 home Premier League matches.
Everton are winless in their last four away from Goodison, and with Romelu Lukaku failing to find form, anything different than a Leicester win or draw looks unlikely.
Both teams have won just once in their last six games. SkyBet has a draw at 12/5.
Manchester United vs. Sunderland
Manchester United have finally found form under Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils have won three straight on the strength of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s goal scoring.
The Swede has tallied 11 of United’s 24 goals this term.
United’s opponents Sunderland have been diabolical away from home. The Black Cats have lost five of six Premier League away matches. Moreover, Sunderland have failed to score in five games away from the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United should have defenders Luke Shaw Eric Bailly back from injury.
United should have little trouble in their Premier League Boxing Day fixture against Sunderland based on form.
Manchester United are 2/9 to win at Old Trafford, according to SkyBet.
Hull City vs. Manchester City
Manchester City have dominated five of the last six fixtures between the two sides. Hull’s last win against City came in 2010, when the Blues were a much different club altogether.
Sergio Aguero remains suspended until the 31st and without him, Manchester City’s forwards have struggled. Despite their struggles, Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last two.
Meantime, Hull are bottom of the Premier League and have failed to win their last six Premier League fixtures.
According to SkyBet, Manchester City are 1/3 to win.
Liverpool vs. Stoke City
Post Premier League Boxing Day action sees Liverpool host Stoke at Anfield. The Reds are just six points off of top spot.
Despite their current position, Liverpool find themselves beginning a difficult stretch in the season.
Between Premier League Boxing Day and mid-March, Liverpool will play Manchester City twice, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
If Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are to win the Premier League title, they will have to perform well during their upcoming stretch.
Stoke haven’t beaten Liverpool since humbling the Reds’ 6-1 to finish the 2015 season. And since the Potters awful start the Premier League season, they have distanced themselves from the drop.
Liverpool are 2/7 to win, according to SkyBet.
Premier League Boxing Day action is ready to be unwrapped for football fans as the second half of the season gets set for kick-off.
Monday December 26, 2016
Watford vs. Crystal Palace
Arsenal vs. West Brom Albion
Burnley vs. Middlesbrough
Chelsea vs. Bournemouth
Leicester vs. Everton
Manchester United vs. Sunderland
Swansea vs. West Ham
Hull City vs. Manchester City
Tuesday December 27, 2016
Liverpool vs. Stoke City
Wednesday December 28, 2016
Southampton vs. Tottenham
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