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The Premier League title race is alive and kicking as we head into the final weekend of the season before Christmas. Arsenal start round 17 on top of the league, but have Manchester City and Aston Villa snapping away at their heels. Will we see a new leader in a hectic festive period? There's all to play for at both ends of the table across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
The action begins at St James' Park, where two ambitious teams collide in Newcastle United and Chelsea. Will the Magpies make home advantage count to steal a valuable win? Man City host West Ham, knowing victory would send them top of the league, at least until Arsenal visit Everton on Saturday evening. Villa host Man Utd on Sunday, with Fulham v Forest on Monday.
The leading online bookmakers offer over 100 pre-match betting markets on each of this weekend's Premier League games. You can predict the match-winner or play one of the many specials, including both teams to score, handicap, and total goals. If ever there was a good time to beat the bookies, it's round 17. Flashscore's betting expert Frank Monkhouse gives his picks.
Newcastle v Chelsea, Saturday, 12:30 GMT
The curtain goes up with another fascinating tie at St James' Park. Newcastle United host Chelsea in the early afternoon start, with the locals eager to bounce back from defeat. Newcastle ended a four-match unbeaten run when losing 1-0 at the Stadium of Light last Sunday. They now face a third match in a week as they target three Premier League points.
Chelsea head north with confidence after ending a three-match winless run last time out. The Blues stumbled to two draws and a defeat before scoring an important 2-0 home win over Everton at Stamford Bridge in gameweek 16. Goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto earned the Blues three points, strengthening their bid for a top-four finish and spot in next season's UCL.
The games continue to come thick and fast as we get deep into a fascinating festive period. That means players will begin to show signs of fatigue, and managers will have to use their squads wisely. Both Newcastle and Chelsea have been inconsistent this season, but they have had no problems finding the net. Add both teams to score to your weekend EPL accumulators.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Newcastle and Chelsea to score at least one goal each.
Man City v West Ham, Saturday, 15:00 GMT
Four matches kick off in the much-loved Saturday 15:00 GMT start time, including an exciting showdown at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City have won their previous four fixtures in this competition, bagging a dozen points. Pep Guardiola's men are now within two points of long-term leaders Arsenal, knowing a home win over West Ham would turn up the heat.
West Ham started the week stuck in the bottom three and the relegation zone. The Hammers bring stats of three wins, four defeats, and nine draws, scoring 19 goals, but conceding 32. A tally of 13 points means they're currently three behind Leeds United and safety. Leeds are unbeaten in three, while West Ham are winless in their last five games at this level.
Experienced gamblers and football fans know anything can happen in the Premier League, with upsets and shock results common at this time of year. Thankfully, we can place our trust in the stats and trends available on the Flashscore app, including league form and the head-to-head. City won 4-1 when last hosting West Ham, and I'm picking another strong win for the locals.
Tip: Man City -1 handicap @ 4/7 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Man City must beat West Ham by at least two clear goals to score this bet.
Tottenham v Liverpool, Saturday, 17:30 GMT
The first of Saturday evening's live games promises to be a thriller as Tottenham host Liverpool under the bright lights. The iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be packed to capacity, with millions more football fans worldwide following on TV and live streaming apps. Spurs enjoy home comforts, but are stuck on a rotten run of form, winning one of their last six outings.
Liverpool travel from Merseyside to London with confidence returning to the squad. The Reds suffered an alarming dip in form, with some critics calling for the sacking of manager Arne Slot. The visitors did settle the ship, with Liverpool now unbeaten in four league starts. They've won two and drawn two of their previous four, a run that includes a 2-0 home win over Brighton.
Jumping back into those all-important head-to-head stats at Flashscore, we see a bet on over 2.5 goals would've landed you a profit when these teams last met. It was also the smart approach in seven of eight, a run stretching back to November 2022. In that time, we've seen Liverpool win 4-3, 4-2, 6-3, 4-0, and 5-1. Add over 2.5 goals to your Saturday EPL accas.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Tottenham vs Liverpool to produce three or more goals.
Leeds v Crystal Palace, Saturday, 20:00 GMT
Premier League followers have two matches kicking off at 20:00 GMT, with both enjoying live TV coverage. Leeds United welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road, with the home team in desperate need of a win. Leeds started the week just above the relegation zone with 16 points on the board, three more than West Ham in 18th. Leeds are unbeaten in three league starts.
Crystal Palace have already delivered some memorable wins this season. They started round 17 fifth in the table, with their stats showing seven wins, five draws, and four defeats, scoring 20 goals and conceding 15. Their efforts have Palace higher in the pecking order than some big names, including Liverpool, Man Utd, and Spurs. Will the Eagles heap pressure on Leeds?
Palace have performed much better than Leeds so far this season, but the home team are improving. Leeds boosted their chances of survival with a win and two draws. They beat Chelsea 3-1 at this venue, before sharing six goals with Liverpool. A fiercely competitive 90 minutes awaits, and we place our stake on both Leeds and Crystal Palace to score at fair odds.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 4/5 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Leeds and Crystal Palace must score at least one goal each.
Everton v Arsenal, Saturday, 20:00 GMT
The second of Saturday's late Premier League kick-offs pairs Everton and Arsenal. The Toffees are improving under David Moyes and are holding their own in the middle of the division. Stats of seven wins, three draws, and six defeats has Everton above Brighton, Spurs and Newcastle, but they did lose 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Will they bounce back to winning ways?
Arsenal are now involved in a title race. Many of their fans believed the Gunners would ease to the trophy, with defending champions Liverpool struggling to find the consistency needed to challenge. The visitors have failed to win half of their last six in this competition, winning three, drawing two, and losing the spare. With City breathing down their necks, pressure is mounting.
A home win for Everton would see them dent Arsenal's title chances while pushing the Toffees up the ladder. Checking Arsenal's recent stats, we see there have been three goals scored in their previous three games. Mikel Arteta's side lost 2-1 at Villa Park, beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League, and edged lowly Wolves 2-1 last time. Back over 2.5 goals on Saturday.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If this match ends with more than two goals scored, you'll make a profit.
Aston Villa v Man Utd, Sunday, 16:30 GMT
Round 17 brings just one match on Sunday, but it's quality over quantity at Villa Park, as Aston Villa host Manchester United. The home team have already claimed major scalps this season, beating Arsenal 2-1 and Man City 1-0 at this venue. They also left London with all three points after edging Tottenham 2-1 in October. Aston Villa have the best recent form in the league.
Manchester United suffered a slow start to the season, but fired themselves back into contention with an improved run of form. The Red Devils recently thrashed Wolves 4-1 on the road, and Crystal Palace 2-1 in the UK capital, after sharing four goals with Tottenham in London and Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Beating an in-form Villa would be a huge statement.
It doesn't pay to oppose Aston Villa this winter. The home team enjoy a long unbeaten run in the league, and were last seen edging West Ham United 3-2 at the London Stadium in Stratford. In three Premier League games played this month, Villa have beaten Brighton 4-3, Arsenal 2-1, and West Ham 3-2. We're siding with the team in better form, backing another win for Villa.
Tip: Aston Villa win or draw @ 1/3 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You need Aston Villa to avoid defeat at home to Man Utd.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.