The Premier League returns!

It’s been a weird season and to be honest, with the interruption of the FIFA World Cup, it feels good that the league season doesn’t have to go on a couple of weeks break before resumption.

While the rest of the top flight sleeps, the English Premier League keeps us entertained all holiday long. Love it!

A couple of clubs that were having a bad start like Chelsea, Liverpool and the likes will be hoping this break affords them an opportunity for a reset. While the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle will be hoping the break and fatigue doesn’t cost them momentum as they look to wrap up in the second half of the season.

Personally, I’m of the opinion that this break and the just concluded tournament will surely have an impact on the pitch. However, the impact will be team specific.

Having said that, let’s delve right into my penultimate tips for the year 2022 and once again, May Lady Luck be in our favour!

Crystal Palace v Fulham

This will be the first of two London derbies to take place on Boxing Day and it’s really set to be a fight.

Both clubs are currently tied on points although the visitors have an advantage having conceded one goal less than their Monday opponents and are two places ahead in ninth place. Both teams have performed fairly, going by their moderate position on the log.

However, with most of their respective players having rested and had time to train during the holiday, it would certainly be a contest. Head to head stats is also almost equal with Palace winning three and drawing three of the eight games between them having not lost any of the last four meetings. In fact, their three victories came in the last four games.

A buzz to this tie is the return of former Chelsea player, Willian, back in the premier league and with Fulham. There is certainly something to look forward to by the fans. However, I think Palace will just nip it. Thanks to home advantage and experience.

Tip: 1 @ 2.06 odds

Everton v Wolves

Two teams that are underperforming, surprisingly.

Frank Lampard hasn’t uplifted the home side as expected since he managed to save them from relegation last season.

However, Wolves are having it worse.

Head to head stats isn’t much different and I expect an uninspiring performance from both teams. But the home side with its strong home support may just scrape through.

Tip: 1x @ 1.41 odds

Leicester City v Newcastle 

Newcastle have been the next big surprise after Arsenal, never mind the big money owners. It’s still been a surprise that has seen them comfortably in third place. The best part is that they’ve been going about their comprehensive victories silently and without much buzz and attention from the media. I’m not sure why, but it’s been what it’s been.

Leicester on the other hand have struggled. It’s been quite unfortunate especially with the talented squad in their ranks.

The fishies have had the benefit of the international break to recharge and refine their game. I don’t see things changing from how it started.

Tip: 2 @ 2.16 odds

Southampton v Brighton 

Brighton have had such an impressive season having sustained the performance and results begin by now Chelsea coach, Graham Porter.

While  Southampton battle relegation struggles, Brighton are up in seventh and just six points outside European spots.

I fancy a narrow victory for the visitors.

Tip: 2 @ 2.11 odds

Aston Villa v Liverpool 

As much as Liverpool have struggled so far, I fancy them as one of the struggling teams that’ll benefit from the break for a breather.

Tip: 2 & O1.5 @ 1.78 odds

Arsenal v West Ham

As a London derby, it’s the big game this weekend.

Arsenal will be missing Gabriel Jesus and there is no denying that that will impact on their performance as he has been a key player for the side.

Lucky for the Gunners, they’ll be playing against a lowly and under-performing West Ham side.

Expect them to carry the momentum into this game.

Tip: 1 @ 1.53 odds

Chelsea v Bournemouth

The Blues will be hoping to recover from their slump and gather some momentum to hopefully propel them to the top of the table and into champions league places.

Although they had a couple of players participate at the World Cup and get to resume, they have enough strength in depth to prosecute this game against Bournemouth.

Tip: 1 @ 1.34 odds

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest

Tip: 1 @ 1.32 odds

Click here for coupon code 8ZySpnk valid till 4pm WAT Monday, December 26, 2022.

Note: Always stake what you can afford to lose. Good luck!