MATCH PREVIEWS

Brentford vs. Arsenal: A New Year’s Day Battle at the Gtech

Brentford welcome Arsenal to the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day in a clash of two teams with contrasting ambitions. Brentford will be looking to climb into the top half, while Arsenal aim to cement their position as chief challenger to Liverpool for the title.

Key Stats to Know:

Brentford at Home: Sitting in 12th place, Brentford have made their home ground a fortress lately, with 5 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 loss in their last 8 matches. Offensively, they’ve been electric, scoring 2.75 goals per game (xG: 1.38), but defensive frailties linger as they concede nearly 2 goals per match. Bryan Mbeumo has been their star man with 10 goals this season, though injuries to key players like Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee could leave their backline vulnerable.

Arsenal on the Road: Arsenal’s away form reflects their quality, with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses from their last 8 outings. Scoring 2.5 goals per game (xG: 2.03) and conceding just 1 (xG: 1.39), they’ve shown balance in attack and defence. Kai Havertz leads the way with 12 goals this season, while Gabriel Jesus is firing on all cylinders. Despite injuries to Bukayo Saka and Ben White, Arsenal remain a well-drilled unit capable of adapting.

Betting Suggestions:

Brentford to win at 6.4 feels like a tempting long shot considering their strong home form, but Arsenal’s quality could still shine through. For a safer option, Gabriel Jesus to score anytime at 2.3 offers solid value, given his sharp form against a suspect Brentford defence.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet. Click here to access these odds »

Rangers vs. Celtic: Old Firm Fireworks at Ibrox

It’s derby day in Glasgow, as Rangers and Celtic lock horns in one of football’s most intense rivalries. With both sides in top form, Ibrox will be electric as fans gear up for what promises to be a thriller on and off the pitch.

Key Stats to Know:

Rangers at Home: The hosts have been rock-solid at Ibrox, unbeaten in their last six matches with 4 wins and 2 draws. Scoring 2 goals per game (xG: 2.57) and conceding just 0.5 (xG: 0.65), Rangers have found the perfect balance between attack and defence. Václav Černý is their main man, with 10 goals this season, and will be key to breaking down Celtic’s steel wall at the back.

Celtic on the Road: The Hoops have been equally impressive on their travels, also boasting 4 wins and 2 draws from their last six away games. They’ve averaged 1.67 goals per game (xG: 1.62) and conceded a microscopic 0.17 (xG: 0.98). Kyogo Furuhashi, with 10 goals to his name this season, remains their sharpest weapon and will be ready to exploit any gaps in the Ranger's defence.

Betting Suggestions

This one feels destined to be a tight tactical affair, and the 1-1 draw at 6.5 is worth a serious look. If you’re chasing the chaos that derbies often bring, over 3.5 goals at 2.65 offers great value, given the firepower both sides bring to the table.

No matter the result, expect fireworks, crunching tackles, and an atmosphere that only the Old Firm can deliver.

This game is available via our partner Booms Bet. Click here to access these odds »

WTF?

⚽ BELLINGHAM'S BURNLEY BAMBOOZLE: The Best Transfer Prank of 2024

Imagine being a Real Madrid fan and seeing "Bellingham Signs for Burnley" trending. Don't worry, Los Blancos faithful - your golden boy isn't trading the Bernabéu for Burnley just yet, but this story's better than any transfer rumour.

The setup:

• Location: Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley

• Contract length: 10 years (ambitious!)

• Bellinghams involved: 2

• Young fan's creativity level: 100/100

• Madrid fans' heart attacks: Countless

Here's what went down: While Jude was in England watching little bro Jobe tear it up for Sunderland, a young Burnley fan named Alfie pulled off the transfer coup of the century. Armed with nothing but a homemade contract and pure audacity, the kid managed to "sign" both Bellingham brothers to a decade-long deal with the Clarets.

Big picture: While Real Madrid's PR team probably needed a moment, this wholesome holiday moment shows why the Bellinghams are becoming football's favourite family. Jude might be worth €100M+, but he's still game enough to play along with a kid's creative autograph request.

Bottom line: When a makeshift contract at a spa hotel creates more buzz than actual transfer window news, you know you're in peak silly season. Now, about that release clause... 📝

DID YOU KNOW?

Van der Sar’s 1,311-Minute Masterpiece: A Record for the Ages

Edwin van der Sar didn’t just keep clean sheets; he kept an entire Premier League at bay. In the 2008-09 season, the legendary Dutch keeper went 1,311 minutes over 14 games without conceding a single goal.

For perspective:

• That’s like binge-watching all six "Lord of the Rings" films twice (extended editions, obviously).

• Or waiting for your train at Utrecht Centraal during rush hour.

The breakdown:

• Van der Sar broke the previous record by 103 minutes.

• It took a random goal from Newcastle’s Peter Løvenkrands (remember him?) to finally stop the streak.

• Manchester United went on to win the league that year (remember that being the done thing?), and Edwin casually added another trophy to his bulging cabinet.

Big picture: It’s been 15 years, and no one’s even come close. So, unless someone straps a rocket to their gloves, Van der Sar’s clean-sheet marathon is going to stand longer than your New Year’s resolutions.

MEME OF THE DAY

Even with the winter break, December was another great month for PSV.

WHO WILL WIN?