Arsenal have extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points as they seemingly begin to run away with the title. This week, the Gunners have a blockbuster clash against Manchester United on Monday which headlines Matchday 23’s slate of the EPL. We take you through our best bet for that fixture plus more below!
EPL 2025-26: Matchday 23 Preview & Betting Tips
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Selhurst Park, Monday 26th January, 1:00am AEDT
Crystal Palace welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park in a fixture that highlights the gap between a side searching for consistency and one pushing towards the European places. Palace’s season has been uneven, with encouraging performances often followed by frustrating lapses. They have been one of the worst teams in the league in the final third, ranking 17th for goals scored this season. Selhurst Park hasn’t been a fortress this season with Crystal Palace struggling at home, with a 2-6-3 record which they need to improve on if they are to salvage something from this season
Chelsea arrive with far greater attacking firepower, having scored 36 goals, the fourth most in the Premier League. They also possess the fourth best defence in the league (24 goals conceded) which is surprising given the turbulent nature of their season, however their talent has carried them through in games this season. They’ve shown an increasing ability to dominate possession and create chances through structured build-up and quick combinations between the lines. Chelsea’s overall balance looks stronger than Crystal Palace’s, particularly in midfield where they can dictate tempo and territory. If Chelsea settle early, they should be able to pin Palace back and force defensive errors.
Crystal Palace’s best hope lies in staying compact at the back and hoping they can generate opportunities on the counter, but that is easier said than done given the quality of Chelsea's defence. Another factor going against Palace is their record against Chelsea over the last eight years. Chelsea have absolutely dominated Crystal Palace, winning thirteen of their last sixteen Premier League games against Palace, and not losing a single game in that timespan. With superior depth, creativity and finishing quality, the visitors appear well-placed to control large periods of the contest.
Chelsea to Win
$2.00 (1 Unit)
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
St James’ Park, Monday 26th January, 1:00am AEDT
Newcastle United host Aston Villa in what shapes as one of Matchday 23’s most evenly balanced encounters. Aston Villa are in third place on the table, after missing a chance to move into second place after a shock 1-0 defeat against Everton at home. Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four games and remain within two points of the top five, making this game very important in the makeup of the top part of the table. Newcastle rank 8th for goals conceded and 10th for goals scored, which is reflective of their position on the table - solid, but not great.
Aston Villa, by contrast, have been one of the league’s most tactically disciplined sides. They have a top five ranked defence this season having conceded only 25 goals this season. Villa also rank 5th for possession (53.5%) highlighting their ability to control the tempo of their games, which allows their defence to get set. This system has allowed Unai Emery’s side to be one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League this season.
The key battle will be Newcastle’s intensity versus Villa’s composure. If Newcastle can force turnovers high up the pitch they’ll create opportunities at goal, however if Villa are able to win the possession battle and control the tempo, Newcastle may struggle to generate good looks at goal. This should be an entertaining game in the north, with both teams needing a win, Aston Villa’s control will be the deciding factor in this fixture, as their balance will be too good for Newcastle.
Aston Villa to Win
$3.60 (1 Unit)
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Emirates Stadium, Monday 26th January, 3:30am AEDT
Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United is the headline fixture of Matchday 23, bringing together two heavyweights clubs, in a clash between first and fifth on the Premier League table. Ironically Manchester United may end up playing a crucial role in Arsenal winning the Premier League title, with the Red Devils upsetting second placed Manchester City last week, giving Arsenal a seven point lead at the top of the league. Arsenal were held to a draw last week against Nottingham Forest, but luckily it didn’t hurt the Gunners.
Arsenal have built their campaign on complete consistency in all areas of the game. The Gunners are the best defence in the league having conceded just fourteen goals - seven fewer than any other team. Mikel Arteta’s side are also the second best attacking team in the league, with 40 goals this season. The Gunners' work in the final third will be a crucial factor in this game, given United have struggled at the back this season, conceding the seventh most goals in the Premier League.
The Gunners have well and truly had the wood over Manchester United over the last three years, with Arsenal holding a 5-1-0 record in their last six Premier League games against the Red Devils. Arsenal have the quality to expose United’s defence, and given their current unbeaten run of seven games, they have shown all season long their ability to be consistent and execute in important games. Arsenal have a 9-2-0 record at home this season, and will continue their strong form at home with a convincing win.
Arsenal -1
$2.40 (1.5 Units)
