Boxing Day football is back, and with it, the chance for punters to cash in on festive sporting action! This year’s lineup is packed full of opportunities, with several matches offering tantalizing odds and the potential for thrilling gameplay. Key players like Aleksandar Isak and Cole Palmer are featuring prominently, and both look set to make waves as part of Betfair's Boxing Day Superboost.
Currently, Isak and Palmer form part of the Superboost, where backers simply need the duo to register one shot on target each. The potential returns have increased from 1/2 to 1/1, making for enticing odds as both players are currently among the top seven for shots on target this season.
Moving through the Premier League fixtures, the Bournemouth side sits pretty at fifth place, having collected 13 points from their last five matches, including a notable victory against Manchester United. Their confidence is high, especially when facing Crystal Palace, who have lost their recent outings and must strive for optimal performance to avoid another loss.
Meanwhile, the odds for QPR have not gone unnoticed. At 3/1, their unbeaten streak of seven matches positions them as serious contenders against Swansea. It's puzzling for some pundits to see such odds, especially considering Swansea's poor form with just two wins from the past eight games. QPR has shown strength, marking them as favorites.
Man City, too, finds itself under scrutiny as they struggle through the season, spiraling down the ranks after yet another loss. Following their defeat against Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola's side is now under pressure as they head to face Everton. With key injuries to players such as John Stones and Ruben Dias, City’s chances appear jeopardized. Their odds sit on the low side at 1.35, but faith is waning among backers as their performance has not matched expectations. Everton, meanwhile, is thriving defensively, having secured clean sheets against top teams like Arsenal and Chelsea. Sean Dyche has bolstered their spirit, and they’re expected to present City with considerable challenges.
Historically, Boxing Day has been known for its goal rush, and recent statistics complement this trend. Over the last 18 Premier League games on December 26, there has been an average of four goals scored per match and every game has seen more than 1.5 goals. The festive ambiance is believed to contribute to this uptick, with teams often playing at high intensity.
Looking at the broader picture, the statistics from the last few months support these claims, with the average goals per game swelling to 3.36. Bettors have been cashing on over 2.5 goals with success rates at 68 percent across recent games. With such numbers backing the notion of more scoring, punters are advised to target each Premier League fixture for over 2.5 goals – with combined odds reaching impressive heights.
With eight Premier League matches lined up on Boxing Day, the strategy of backing over 2.5 goals seems solid. The previous Boxing Day fixtures have consistently shown this trend. For example, every league match kicked off during the 22/23 season exceeded the 2.5-mark. Cautiously, the Manchester City vs. Everton fixture stands out as potentially troublesome, as City’s struggles and Everton’s solid defense lead some to temper high expectations.
Lastly, don’t overlook the diverse betting markets available for Boxing Day. The range of accumulators and prop bets flourish this time of year. Just keep your eye on the form and how teams are trending leading up to the fixtures. Football, like any betting venture, requires both insight and strategy, and Boxing Day is your chance to get it just right.
Boxing Day is undeniably one of the most anticipated days on the football calendar, filled with chances for excitement on the pitch and returns for those betting! The combination of historical trends, key player performances, and current team dynamics suggests plenty of opportunities for those gathering around the screen this December 26.
