Gameweek 18 of the Premier League is set to provide a thrilling spectacle for football fans as it kicks off on Boxing Day and wraps up on the night of Friday, 27th December. With eight exciting fixtures on Boxing Day and two more on Friday, it’s a packed schedule that promises drama, goals, and plenty of talking points.
As English football takes center stage during the festive period, fans of Premier League clubs can look forward to key encounters that will shape the standings heading into the new year. Whether it’s Manchester City attempting to return to form, Chelsea aiming to stay in the title race, or Arsenal and Liverpool pushing for top spot, Gameweek 18 is brimming with high-stakes matchups.
Let’s take a detailed look at the fixtures and predictions for Premier League Gameweek 18.
Boxing Day Fixtures
12:30 – Manchester City vs Everton
Prediction: Manchester City 1-0 Everton
Manchester City, the defending champions, have had a challenging few weeks. Despite their status as one of the top teams in the league, City has struggled to regain the form that has defined their previous seasons. They have won just one of their last 12 matches across all competitions and are currently languishing in seventh place in the Premier League standings.
Their upcoming opponents, Everton, are in relatively solid form defensively. The Toffees have managed to keep clean sheets against both Arsenal and Chelsea in their last two matches. However, despite their strong defensive displays, Everton has struggled to score goals consistently. In this encounter, Manchester City, even though not at their best, should still have enough quality to edge out a narrow 1-0 victory. Everton’s defense will test City, but their attacking power should eventually break through.
15:00 – Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Crystal Palace
Bournemouth, who have been one of the more surprising teams in recent weeks, will host Crystal Palace in a match that could go either way. The Cherries have shown significant improvement and will be confident playing at home. Their attack has been potent, and they will look to capitalize on their good run of form.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has also been tough to break down, especially against top teams. However, they haven’t been the best away from home. Given Bournemouth’s form and Palace’s tendency to draw away matches, a high-scoring, entertaining draw seems likely here. Both teams are evenly matched, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting outcome.
15:00 – Chelsea vs Fulham
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
Chelsea’s form has been inconsistent this season. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in their last match, and they will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Fulham in this west London derby. Fulham, although not as highly ranked, have proven to be a difficult team to beat, especially in their defensive organization.
Fulham’s ability to frustrate bigger sides means they should be able to hold Chelsea to a draw. With Chelsea struggling to find their best attacking rhythm, this match is likely to end in a 1-1 draw. Both teams have enough talent to score, but neither side will likely break through for a decisive win.
15:00 – Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle United will host Aston Villa in what promises to be an exciting contest. Both teams have been on upward trajectories in recent seasons, and this game could prove pivotal in determining which side will continue their push for a top-four finish in the second half of the season.
Newcastle has been solid at St James’ Park, and they will be looking to extend their home advantage against Villa, who have also been impressive but may find it tough to take points from an in-form Newcastle team. Villa’s recent results have been positive, but Newcastle’s attacking play and solid defense will likely see them edge this one 2-1.
15:00 – Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham
Nottingham Forest has been one of the form teams in the Premier League recently. They have been solid at home, and with Tottenham struggling, especially away from home, Forest will fancy their chances. Tottenham has been inconsistent, and their form on the road has been far from reassuring.
Forest’s attacking play and resilience should see them prevail in this match. Tottenham’s struggles continue, and Forest will take advantage of their lack of form to claim a 2-1 victory. This win would help Forest push further away from the relegation zone.
15:00 – Southampton vs West Ham
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 West Ham
Southampton will look to build on their recent draws, including a solid 0-0 result against Fulham. They have been playing pragmatic football under their new management and will aim to secure another point at home. West Ham, meanwhile, will be feeling the pressure after a series of disappointing results, and manager Julen Lopetegui will need to turn things around quickly.
West Ham has the quality to cause problems for Southampton, but given both teams’ recent form, a draw seems likely. A 1-1 scoreline appears the most probable, with both teams sharing the spoils.
17:30 – Wolves vs Manchester United
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Manchester United
Wolves, under new manager Vitor Pereira, will look to continue their positive start. They are coming off a strong performance and will be eager to continue their good form against a Manchester United side that has been struggling recently. United, who lost to Bournemouth in their last match, will need a much-improved performance to avoid further dropping points.
Wolves have proven to be tough at home, and with United still finding their rhythm, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Both teams will likely cancel each other out in a 1-1 draw, leaving them both with a point.
20:00 – Liverpool vs Leicester
Prediction: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester
Liverpool has been in excellent form, and their 4-0 win against Tottenham showed just how dominant they can be. With a four-point lead at the top of the table, Liverpool will be keen to extend their advantage against a struggling Leicester side.
Leicester has been woeful in defense this season, and they will find it difficult to contain Liverpool’s attacking trident. The Reds should cruise to a comfortable 4-1 win, keeping their title charge firmly on track as they approach the new year.
Friday 27 December Fixtures
After a hectic Boxing Day, the Premier League schedule slows down slightly, with two more games on Friday evening. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.
19:30 – Brighton vs Brentford
Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Brentford
Brighton will be desperate to end their tough December with a win. They face a Brentford team that has struggled on the road, failing to secure a Premier League away win this season. Brentford has also been dealing with a series of injuries, which has further hampered their performances.
Brighton, despite a tough few weeks, has enough attacking quality to overcome a Brentford side that has been inconsistent away from home. Brighton should win this match 3-1, securing an important three points as they look to turn their form around.
20:15 – Arsenal vs Ipswich
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Ipswich
Arsenal, despite the injury blow to Bukayo Saka, will remain strong contenders for the Premier League title. They have been in excellent form this season, and their depth will allow them to handle the absence of Saka. Ipswich Town, a newly promoted team, will face a tough challenge against the high-flying Gunners.
Ipswich has struggled in the Premier League this season, and with Arsenal aiming to finish 2024 with a win, a comfortable 2-0 victory for the Gunners seems the most likely result.
Summary of Predictions
| Kick-off Time (GMT) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 | Man City vs Everton | 1-0 |
| 15:00 | Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace | 2-2 |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Fulham | 1-1 |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs Aston Villa | 2-1 |
| 15:00 | Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham | 2-1 |
| 15:00 | Southampton vs West Ham | 1-1 |
| 17:30 | Wolves vs Manchester United | 1-1 |
| 20:00 | Liverpool vs Leicester | 4-1 |
| 19:30 | Brighton vs Brentford | 3-1 |
| 20:15 | Arsenal vs Ipswich | 2-0 |
