*All prices in copy correct at time of publication and they’re always bang on with our clever live betting banners.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – Palace to Win
Crystal Palace absolutely need a result and a performance following their seven-goal drubbing at the hands of Liverpool. The Eagles actually performed decently in the opening half an hour against the league leaders and can count themselves unfortunate that they didn’t manage to draw level before Liverpool ran riot.
However, they didn’t manage to find a way past Alisson and consequently suffered an almighty hammering. Having said that, Roy Hodgson is too experienced a manager to allow one heavy defeat derail his side’s season.
Saturday 3pm: Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
BBC One and iPlayer
Expect Palace to be far more resilient at Villa Park on Boxing Day, especially considering they will have had a week’s respite. Palace have generally been better on their travels than they have been at Selhurst Park, winning three of their five league games so far this season on the road.
Villa, meanwhile, have been much worse at home than they have been on their travels. Dean Smith’s side have failed to win each of their last four games at Villa Park, losing three of them, while their impressive away form of five wins in six games has carried them to their lofty league position.
Palace will be much better than they were against Liverpool in a similar manner to how Southampton dramatically improved after their 9-0 hammering against Leicester by pushing Manchester City to the brink one week later. All things considered it’s worth being onside with the Crystal Palace Win in this one.
MORE TOP TIPS
- PHIL THOMPSON: My 9/2 Man Utd, Chelsea & Man City Boxing Day treble
- SUNDAY’S BIG ACCA: Our 20/1 bet for all FOUR Premier League games
- BOXING DAY SPECIAL BET: Our 17/2 treble from the Premier League, King George & NFL
Fulham vs Southampton – Draw
Fulham’s revival over the past few weeks has been remarkable. Scott Parker’s side looked set to emulate the notorious Derby team of 2007/08 in the early days of the season as they fell to heavy defeat after heavy defeat, but they have rallied in recent weeks to give their survival hopes a shot in the arms thanks to some eye-catching results.
The Cottagers battered Liverpool for the most part in their 1-1 home draw almost two weeks ago and have since battled to two more stalemates against Brighton and Newcastle. Southampton, on the other hand, have been rather hit and miss.
Saturday 3pm: Fulham v Southampton
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
The Saints find themselves in sixth place in the league table, but they have only won two of their last six games, with one of those wins coming in controversial circumstances thanks to a contentious penalty at Brighton.
Southampton are in with a great chance of challenging for a Europa League spot this season, but their form has dipped somewhat since their run of 16 points from a possible 18 earlier in the season. They may find this improved Fulham outfit a tough nut to crack and we’re on the Draw here.
Paddy’s Boxing Day 3pm Premier League double
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – Palace to Win
Fulham vs Southampton – Draw
*All prices in copy correct at time of publication and they’re always bang on with our clever live betting banners.
BOXING DAY BEST BETS
- Goals galore expected as Leicester host Man Utd in Boxing Day opener
- Goal machine Tavernier to help Rangers beat Hibs
- EFL acca: Our 10/1 four-fold for Boxing Day’s big fixture list
- Celtic recovery to continue with win at Hamilton
- Chelsea to pile more misery on Arsenal in this 9/1 Bet Builder
- Our 6/1 double for Boxing Day’s 8pm kick-offs
SUNDAY’S TOP TIPS
- Burnley to blunt Leeds with Chris Wood on target
- Hot-shot Haller to help West Ham leave Brighton feeling blue
- There’s festive fun for Liverpool in this 14/1 Bet Builder v West Brom
- Wolves and Tottenham set for stalemate in Sunday’s late game
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW