Premier League Matchday 18: Boxing Day and Beyond - What the Stats Say

The festive fixture pile-up reaches its peak with a thrilling Premier League Matchday 18, promising plenty of action, drama, and goals as teams look to capitalize on Boxing Day momentum. Liverpool aim to solidify their lead at the top, while the chasing pack battles to close the gap.

Here’s a breakdown of key stats and insights heading into the week’s most anticipated clashes. Kick-offs at 5pm CAT, unless otherwise stated.

Manchester City v Everton
2:30 PM CAT, December 26

Manchester City have been Everton’s tormentors in recent years, unbeaten in 13 home league meetings since 2010. However, the Toffees have their own Boxing Day resilience, unbeaten in their last eight away games on this day. City’s struggles this season—with nine losses in their last 12 matches—make this encounter anything but predictable. 

Adding intrigue, Everton’s last Boxing Day win against reigning champions came in 2016, when they stunned Leicester City. Can Sean Dyche’s team channel similar underdog energy at the Etihad? For Pep Guardiola, this is a chance to silence critics and reignite a faltering campaign, with Erling Haaland’s form key to their fortunes. 

For the neutral fan, this game offers contrasting narratives: City’s quest to regain dominance and Everton’s determination to climb away from relegation danger. Expect a tactical battle as both sides look to exploit defensive frailties. 

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace

Bournemouth, thriving in the top five, are buoyed by their strong Boxing Day home record, undefeated since 2003. Crystal Palace, however, are chasing a third consecutive away win, something they haven’t managed since 2019. With both teams showing strong recent form, this clash could define momentum heading into the new year. 

Dominic Solanke has been pivotal for Bournemouth, leading their attacking charge with clinical finishing and creative link-up play. Meanwhile, Palace’s hopes rest on Eberechi Eze and his ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling and vision. Both managers will view this as a litmus test of their European ambitions. 

The battle in midfield could determine the outcome, with Jefferson Lerma’s combative style clashing against Palace’s more fluid approach. Both teams are in fine form, so expect a fiercely contested game with opportunities aplenty at both ends. 

Chelsea v Fulham

In this London derby, Chelsea’s dominance over Fulham at Stamford Bridge—unbeaten in 19 home games—faces the Cottagers’ impressive nine-game streak without a derby loss. With Chelsea unbeaten in nine league matches, Fulham will need to overcome history to make a mark. 

The Blues’ attack has come alive in recent weeks, with Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson leading the charge. Fulham, however, boast defensive resilience, anchored by the experienced Tim Ream. Can Chelsea’s creativity outwit Fulham’s organization? 

Key to the contest will be Chelsea’s ability to break Fulham’s counter-attacking threat. As two sides with contrasting philosophies meet, expect a game of chess punctuated by moments of individual brilliance. 

Newcastle United v Aston Villa

Newcastle are a fortress against Aston Villa, unbeaten in 15 home games. Both sides share Boxing Day woes historically, but the Magpies, fresh off consecutive 4-0 wins, are chasing a record-breaking third. Can Villa spoil the party? 

Eddie Howe’s high-flying Newcastle have found an attacking rhythm, with Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães pulling the strings. Aston Villa, meanwhile, will rely on Ollie Watkins to capitalize on any defensive lapses. It’s a test of Newcastle’s consistency against Villa’s opportunism. 

Defensively, Newcastle’s solidity at home clashes with Villa’s struggles on the road. This match promises to be physical and end-to-end, with both sides eager to stake their claim for a top-six finish. 

Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur

Forest’s recent resurgence has them eyeing a fourth straight win, while Spurs boast an incredible 16-game unbeaten Boxing Day run. A fascinating matchup awaits between two in-form teams. 

Forest’s home crowd at City Ground has been their 12th man, creating an electric atmosphere. Spurs, with their attacking prowess led by Son Heung-min and James Maddison, will look to silence the crowd early.

Spurs will need to manage Forest’s physicality and set-piece threat, while capitalizing on counter-attacks. With both teams pushing for points, expect a thrilling contest full of intensity. 

Southampton v West Ham United

Bottom-dwelling Southampton hope to rekindle their Boxing Day magic against West Ham, unbeaten in their last five away games at St. Mary’s. The Hammers, though, haven’t won a Boxing Day game outside London since 2015, making this a true battle for points. 

James Ward-Prowse’s set-piece mastery could be Southampton’s ace, while Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s most reliable attacking outlet. Both teams have struggled defensively, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. 

A clash of desperation and determination, this game could hinge on which side seizes their opportunities in the final third. Expect late drama as both managers push for a much-needed win. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United
7:30 PM CAT, December 26

Manchester United’s Boxing Day pedigree is unmatched, but Wolves, rejuvenated under Vítor Pereira, are eager to break their winless home streak against the Red Devils. Will United’s firepower or Wolves’ newfound grit shine? 

Wolves’ Adama Traoré could be the game’s wildcard, with his pace posing problems for United’s defense. On the other hand, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are primed to exploit Wolves’ vulnerabilities in transition. 

With Wolves seeking to build on their new manager bounce and United aiming to solidify their top-four spot, this game promises to be fiercely competitive. Tactical adjustments may play a key role in determining the winner. 

Liverpool v Leicester City
10 PM CAT, December 26

Liverpool’s seven-game Boxing Day winning streak and 21-match unbeaten run in all competitions make them overwhelming favorites. Leicester, on a three-game losing streak to the Reds, face an uphill battle at Anfield. 

Mohamed Salah’s form has been instrumental for Liverpool, with his goals and assists driving their attack. Leicester’s hopes rest on Jamie Vardy, who has a knack for scoring against big teams. Will Vardy’s pace disrupt Liverpool’s high defensive line? 

The Reds’ defensive vulnerabilities of late could give Leicester a glimmer of hope, but their attacking firepower should ultimately prove decisive. Expect a fast-paced encounter under the lights at Anfield. 

Brighton v Brentford
9:30 PM CAT, December 27

Brighton are unbeaten in all three of their Premier League home games against Brentford (W2 D1), having lost two of their last three against them at home before their promotion.

Brentford have won just one of their last seven league games against Brighton (D3 L3), a 2-0 home win in October 2022. Brentford have alternated between defeat (3) and victory (2) in their final league game in each of the last five calendar years, losing 3-1 at Crystal Palace in their last game of 2023.

Brighton have alternated between a draw (3) and defeat (2) in their last five Premier League games, drawing 1-1 with West Ham last time out. They’ve opened the scoring in all three of these draws.

Both managers favor attacking football, so expect end-to-end action with plenty of goalmouth drama. The Seagulls’ home advantage might just tip the scales in their favor. 

Arsenal v Ipswich Town
10:15 PM CAT, December 27 

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 13 league games against Ipswich (W10 D3), since a 2-1 away loss in September 1984.On the other hand, Ipswich are winless in their last 11 away league games against Arsenal (D4 L7), losing the last four in a row. Their last such victory was in August 1979 (2-0 under Bobby Robson).

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 41 Premier League home games against promoted sides (W36 D5), winning the last 12 in a row. Only Chelsea (43 between 2001 and 2015) have had a longer such run in the competition’s history.

Arsenal have won their final league game in three of the last four calendar years, though the exception was a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on New Year’s Eve last year. This is the first time their final league game of a year has come at home since 2019, a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge at the Emirates.

Arsenal have scored 5+ goals in seven different Premier League games in 2024 – the last team to do so in more top-flight games in a single calendar year were Burnley (9 in 1960), while the last time the Gunners did so was in 1931 (8).

For Ipswich, this is an opportunity to measure themselves against the league’s elite. Arsenal, however, will view this as a must-win to keep their title hopes alive. Expect a dominant display from the home side. 

As the festive cheer spills onto the pitch, these stats suggest that drama, surprises, and goals are all but guaranteed. Don’t miss a moment of the action, live on SuperSport!