Your Complete Guide to Arsenal's Defense, Villa's Ascent, and Saturday's Spurs-Liverpool Spectacular | Odds, Predictions & Accumulators
December 20-22, 2025 | Season 2025/26
Executive Summary
As we approach the festive period, Gameweek 17 delivers a feast of fixtures that could reshape the title race and European qualification picture. After 16 compelling weeks, Arsenal lead the charge with 36 points, establishing a narrow buffer at the summit. Manchester City lurk just two points behind on 34, while Aston Villa's remarkable campaign sees them occupy third place with 33 points.
The defending champions Liverpool find themselves in unfamiliar territory, languishing in sixth place with 26 points—a full ten points adrift of Arsenal. Crystal Palace continue to confound expectations in fifth, while Chelsea occupy fourth spot in what remains the most compressed Premier League table in years. At the other end, Wolves remain anchored to the bottom on a paltry two points, still searching for their elusive first win of the campaign.
This weekend's headline fixture sees Tottenham host Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—a clash between two sides whose seasons have veered in opposite directions under their respective new managers. Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Manchester City welcome West Ham to the Etihad in what should be a routine afternoon for Pep Guardiola's men.
Current League Standings
After Gameweek 16
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | +20 | 36 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 16 | 11 | 1 | 4 | +22 | 34 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | +8 | 33 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | +12 | 28 |
| 5 | Crystal Palace | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | +5 | 26 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | +2 | 26 |
| 7 | Sunderland | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | +2 | 26 |
| 8 | Manchester United | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | +5 | 25 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 20 | Wolverhampton | 16 | 0 | 2 | 14 | -28 | 2 |
Golden Boot Race
Erling Haaland has reasserted his dominance in the scoring charts after last season's disappointment. The Norwegian machine sits atop the pile with 17 goals in just 16 appearances—a rate that, if maintained, would see him break his own Premier League record. His recent double at Crystal Palace extended his cushion over Igor Thiago (11 goals), who has emerged as Brentford's new talisman following Ivan Toney's departure.
Mohamed Salah's involvement in the AFCON tournament beginning December 21 will see him miss valuable weeks of the campaign. Currently sitting on 9 goals, Salah's absence represents a significant blow to Liverpool's already stuttering title defence. The likes of Phil Foden, Hugo Ekitike, and Antoine Semenyo all sit on 7 goals, with several players poised to capitalise on Salah's absence.
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 17 | 3 |
| 2 | Igor Thiago | Brentford | 11 | 2 |
| 3 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 9 | 11 |
| 4 | Phil Foden | Manchester City | 7 | 4 |
| 5 | Hugo Ekitike | Liverpool | 7 | 2 |
Match-by-Match Previews
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
The early kick-off sees Chelsea travel to Tyneside looking to solidify their Champions League ambitions. The Blues ended their three-match winless streak with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend, with Cole Palmer pulling the strings on his return to the starting lineup.
Newcastle's form has been erratic at best. The Magpies stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby, a result that encapsulated their inconsistent campaign. Eddie Howe's side now sit 12th, though their home record remains their saving grace—five of their six victories this season have come at St James' Park.
Chelsea Double Chance @ 1.55 – The Blues' away form has been exceptional this term, winning four of eight on the road while averaging 1.88 goals per game.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
Manchester City vs West Ham United
City continue their relentless pursuit of Arsenal, having won five consecutive league matches. The breathtaking 5-4 victory over Fulham demonstrated both their attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities, though recent performances suggest Pep Guardiola has steadied the ship. Erling Haaland's recent brace at Crystal Palace took him to 17 for the season—a stat that speaks for itself.
West Ham's campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo has been nothing short of dismal. Winless in seven league matches, the Hammers arrive at the Etihad having conceded 35 goals—more than every team outside the relegation zone. Their 5-0 capitulation against Liverpool exemplified their defensive fragility.
Manchester City -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.75 – City have won their last six meetings against West Ham, and this West Ham defence simply cannot contain Haaland.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 West Ham
AFC Bournemouth vs Burnley
Two promoted sides meet in what promises to be a tightly contested affair. Bournemouth's winless run extends to seven matches, though their draws against Liverpool and Chelsea suggest they're not far from rediscovering their early-season form. Antoine Semenyo continues to be their primary threat, with seven goals to his name.
Burnley have adjusted well to life back in the top flight under Scott Parker. The Clarets sit 15th but have shown resilience, particularly at the back. Josh Cullen's leadership in midfield has been crucial to their survival efforts.
Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 – Both sides have been defensively organised, and Bournemouth's recent matches have produced modest totals.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Burnley
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland
Brighton welcome the Premier League's feel-good story of the season. Under Fabian Hurzeler, the Seagulls have been entertaining if inconsistent, while Danny Welbeck has defied expectations with seven league goals at 34 years of age.
Sunderland's return to the top flight after an eight-year absence has exceeded all expectations. Sitting seventh with 26 points—the same as Liverpool—the Black Cats have embraced their underdog status. New captain Granit Xhaka has brought leadership and experience to Regis Le Bris' young squad.
Both Teams to Score @ 1.72 – Both sides possess attacking threats and defensive vulnerabilities in equal measure.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Sunderland
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brentford
The bottom club welcomes a Brentford side that has exceeded expectations under new manager Keith Andrews. Wolves remain the only Premier League team without a win this season—two points from 16 games tells its own sorry tale. Rob Edwards, appointed in November, has steadied matters slightly, but the task before him is Herculean.
Brentford arrive with Igor Thiago in scintillating form. The Brazilian has 11 goals, establishing himself as a worthy successor to Ivan Toney. Nathan Collins leads from the back as captain, while the Bees sit comfortably in mid-table.
Brentford Win @ 2.30 – Wolves have been desperately poor, and Brentford's attacking firepower should prove decisive.
Prediction: Wolves 0-2 Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool
The evening's showpiece pits Thomas Frank's resurgent Spurs against Liverpool's stuttering champions. Frank has brought structure and tactical nous since arriving from Brentford in the summer, and while results have been inconsistent, Spurs have shown flashes of their potential. Dominic Solanke leads the line with 11 goals in all competitions, while Brennan Johnson has emerged as a genuine attacking threat.
Liverpool's title defence has unravelled spectacularly. Arne Slot's side sit ten points behind Arsenal and look a shadow of the team that dominated last season. Mohamed Salah's imminent departure for AFCON will deprive them of 9 goals and countless assists. Hugo Ekitike has shown promise, but consistency has eluded the Reds all campaign.
Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90 – These fixtures invariably produce goals. Liverpool have conceded in 81.82% of away matches this season. In what may be Salah's final match before AFCON, the Egyptian will target Spurs' left flank.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
Everton vs Arsenal
Arsenal travel to Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium looking to extend their lead at the summit. The Gunners remain the division's most defensively sound outfit—10 goals conceded in 16 matches is remarkable. Ben White's hamstring injury sustained against Wolves is a concern, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined. However, Mikel Arteta will be buoyed by the return of Gabriel Jesus from his ACL injury.
Everton have found form under David Moyes, winning four of their last five matches. The Toffees sit seventh and have proven formidable at their new ground. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has impressed in midfield, albeit accumulating five yellow cards in the process.
Arsenal Win to Nil @ 2.40 – The Gunners have kept five clean sheets in their last six Champions League games. Their defensive organisation should contain Everton's limited attacking threat. The veteran right-back Coleman will need all his experience against Arsenal's chief creator Saka.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Arsenal
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Leeds have adjusted well to Premier League life under Daniel Farke, sitting eighth with 24 points. The switch to a 3-5-2 formation has yielded results, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in four consecutive matches. Elland Road has proven a fortress—3 wins, 3 draws, and just 2 defeats at home.
Crystal Palace boast the league's best away record (5-1-2), though fatigue may be a factor. The Eagles face a gruelling schedule—a Conference League fixture on Thursday precedes a mere 48-hour turnaround. Oliver Glasner's side have overperformed expectations, sitting fifth with 26 points.
Leeds Double Chance @ 1.52 – Palace's European exertions and small squad make this a tricky fixture. Leeds are unbeaten in three. The Eagles captain Guehi must marshal his defence against the in-form striker.
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Crystal Palace
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
The standout fixture on Sunday sees third-placed Villa host eighth-placed United. Unai Emery's side have been magnificent—10 wins, 3 draws, and just 3 defeats have them firmly in the title conversation. Villa have won 15 of their past 17 matches in all competitions, an extraordinary run that has established them as genuine contenders.
Manchester United's season has been characterised by inconsistency. Ruben Amorim's October appointment as manager injected initial optimism, and he claimed the Manager of the Month award for October, but results have plateaued. The thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth typified their campaign—entertaining yet ultimately frustrating. Bruno Fernandes continues to shoulder the creative burden, while Amad Diallo has emerged as a consistent threat.
Aston Villa to Win @ 2.10 – Villa's home record (10-4-1 over the last twelve months) and red-hot form make them irresistible at this price. The midfield battle will determine the tempo and ultimately the outcome.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
Monday, December 22, 2025
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
The Monday night closer sees two mid-table sides clash at Craven Cottage. Fulham's rollercoaster season included that remarkable 5-4 defeat to Manchester City—a match that captured their attacking ambition and defensive frailty in equal measure. Sasa Lukic leads the team in yellow cards (5), indicative of their combative approach.
Nottingham Forest have stabilised under Sean Dyche following the chaotic reigns of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou. Ryan Yates captains the side, while the manager's trademark defensive organisation has brought a semblance of structure. Forest sit 14th with 18 points.
Draw @ 3.40 – Dyche's defensive focus should nullify Fulham's attacking threat. A stalemate feels inevitable.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Betting Summary
🎯 Banker Selections
High confidence picks for accumulator inclusion:
- Manchester City to Win @ 1.25
- Arsenal to Win @ 1.85
- Aston Villa Double Chance @ 1.33
- Brentford to Win @ 2.30
- Chelsea Double Chance @ 1.55
- Manchester City -1.5 AH @ 1.75
- Aston Villa to Win @ 2.10
- Leeds Double Chance @ 1.52
- Man City vs West Ham Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.30
- Tottenham vs Liverpool Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.55
- Brighton vs Sunderland BTTS @ 1.72
- Aston Villa vs Man Utd Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.80
Complete Predictions Summary
| Match | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle vs Chelsea | 1-2 | Medium |
| Man City vs West Ham | 4-0 | High |
| Bournemouth vs Burnley | 1-1 | Medium |
| Brighton vs Sunderland | 2-1 | Medium |
| Wolves vs Brentford | 0-2 | High |
| Tottenham vs Liverpool | 2-2 | Medium |
| Everton vs Arsenal | 0-2 | High |
| Leeds vs Crystal Palace | 2-1 | Medium |
| Aston Villa vs Man Utd | 2-1 | High |
| Fulham vs Forest | 1-1 | Medium |
Players to Watch
⚡ In-Form Strikers
- Erling Haaland (Man City) – 17 goals in 16 games. Facing a West Ham defence in crisis.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds) – 4 goals in 4 games. Has found his best form under Farke.
- Igor Thiago (Brentford) – 11 goals. Finally delivering on his potential against Wolves.
🎨 Creative Catalysts
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – Continues to be Arsenal's chief creator from the right flank.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – Returned to the starting XI and immediately ran the show against Everton.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – Final appearance before AFCON. Will be desperate to leave his mark.
🏥 Injury Concerns
- Ben White (Arsenal) – Hamstring injury sustained vs Wolves. Major doubt.
- Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) – Groin injury. Expected return around Christmas.
- Rodri (Man City) – Hamstring. 'Looking sharper' per Kolo Toure but not ready yet.