MATCH PREVIEWS

Man. City vs. Everton: Boxing Day Blowout at the Etihad

Manchester City welcomes Everton to the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day, which could be the perfect opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s side to rediscover their groove. Despite City’s crisis, this clash looks like a prime mismatch on paper.

Key Stats to Know:

• City’s Home Comforts with a Few Cracks: The reigning champions have still been okay at home, winning four, drawing one, and losing two of their last seven matches at the Etihad. With 2.29 goals per game (xG: 2.26), led by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, who has 18 goals this season and three in his last five games, things might not appear as broken as they seem. However, defensive vulnerabilities have crept in, with City conceding 1.57 goals per game from an xG of 1.35.

• Everton’s Away Blues: The Toffees have struggled on their travels, with just one win in their last seven away games. Their attack has been woeful, averaging only 0.71 goals per game (xG: 1.05). Dwight McNeil’s injury leaves a massive hole in their already thin attacking options, meaning Ashley Young, with just one goal in his last five, is their best hope. Defensively, they’re conceding 1.29 goals per game (xG: 1.27).

• Corners Could Be Key: City’s relentless attack often forces opponents into mistakes and clearances, leading to plenty of corners. This season, games at the Etihad have seen an average of over 12 corners, and Everton’s defensive style could add to that tally.

Betting Suggestions

Manchester City to be leading at half-time at 1.71 feels like a solid call. With their knack for fast starts at the Etihad and Everton’s often sluggish opening halves, it’s hard to see the visitors holding firm until the break.

For the more adventurous punters, both teams to score in the first half at 4.7 could be worth a look. City’s defence hasn’t been airtight, and if Everton sneak a chance early on, they might just grab a goal before Pep’s men inevitably take control.

And here’s a sneaky stat-driven pick: over 12.5 corners at 2.65. With City’s relentless attacking and Everton forced to defend deep, we’re expecting a flurry of set-pieces. It’s shaping up to be a busy day for the corner flag.

Check this game out now via our partner Booms Bet

Liverpool vs. Leicester: Boxing Day at Anfield

Liverpool host Leicester at Anfield for a festive Boxing Day clash. With both teams at opposite ends of the Premier League table, it’s a match that feels like Liverpool’s to lose, though the magic of the post-Christmas fixtures always keeps things interesting.

Key Stats to Know

• Liverpool’s Dominance: The Reds are unbeaten in their last seven home games (six wins, one draw), scoring 2.29 goals per game (xG: 2.31) and conceding just 0.57 (xG: 1.5). Mohamed Salah is in sparkling form, with 16 goals this season and four in his last five outings, though defensive absences like Robertson’s suspension could test their backline.

• Leicester’s Woes: The Foxes have one win in their last nine away matches and are conceding 2.78 goals per game (xG: 1.81) while scoring just 1.22 (xG: 0.85). With a long injury list and Jamie Vardy their only real attacking threat, it’s hard to see them holding out against Liverpool’s firepower.

Betting Suggestions

Boxing Day often brings chaos, and at 1.84, both teams to score feels like an appealing bet. Liverpool’s defence has been reliable, but a few absentees at the back could open the door for Leicester to nick a goal.

If you’re feeling festive, Liverpool to win 4-2 at 26.0 has the potential for Boxing Day drama written all over it. Anfield has hosted its fair share of high-scoring thrillers, and Leicester’s defensive woes make this a long shot worth considering.

Truth be told, though, all signs point to Liverpool walking this one. A comfortable win for Slot’s side feels inevitable unless the holiday spirits (or sauce) get to Van Dijk and company.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet

WTF?

When Assistants Go Solo: The Lijnders Edition 📉

Looks like not every assistant manager's graduation to head coach goes according to plan. Just ask Pep Lijnders, who's finding out that for every Arteta there's, well... a Pep Lijnders.

The former Liverpool assistant just got the boot from Red Bull Salzburg after a mere 16 league games, proving that sometimes the jump from tactical whiteboard to hot seat is more of a cliff dive. 

His record? A not-so-impressive seven wins and a Champions League campaign that looked more Champions League-lite (five losses in six games).

The timing's particularly awkward since his former boss, Klopp, is about to join the Red Bull family as global football chief in January. Talk about missing the reunion party.

The collateral damage? Liverpool loanees Bobby Clark and Stefan Bajcetic are now stuck in Austrian limbo, wondering if their loan spells will last longer than their manager did.

Bottom line: While Klopp once predicted Lijnders would be ready to "stand with his own feet," it turns out those feet needed a bit more stability training. Sometimes, the best view of the game really is from the assistant's chair. 🤷‍♂️

DID YOU KNOW?

Why We Skip the Boxing Day Football Craze 🎅⚽️

Have you ever watched those packed English stadiums on Boxing Day and wondered why we don't do the same? 

Fun fact: We actually tried to join their festive football party back in the '70s, but like most experiments with English traditions (except tea, we'll give them that one), it just wasn't our cup of chocomel.

The Eredivisie actually scheduled proper matches on December 26th, attempting to mirror the English tradition. But between our legendary winter weather (you know, the kind that turns the Amsterdam canals into ice rinks) and Dutch fans sensibly choosing warm homes over frozen stands, it became clear pretty quickly that we had other plans for our kerstdagen.

These days, we're pretty content with our winter break strategy. While English fans are shivering through their Boxing Day matches, we're:

• Planning mid-season training camps (somewhere warmer, natuurlijk)

• Prepping for the January transfer window

• Actually enjoying our oliebollen without having to worry about match schedules

• Giving players time to recover and return stronger in the new year

Bottom line: Sometimes, the best traditions are the ones that make sense for us. We'll take our cosy winter break, thank you very much - there's always plenty of football waiting after the nieuwjaarsduik! 🧊⚽️

MEME OF THE DAY

Man City are shit and Liverpool are flying. We feel his pain!

WHO WILL WIN?