It’s getting tight at the top of the English Premier League table with just three points separating the top three teams in the league. While a cluster of teams in the middle of the table have an opportunity to stay in the hunt for the top four!
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EPL 2025-26: Matchday 17 Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle vs Chelsea
St James’ Park, Saturday 20th December, 11:30pm AEDT
Newcastle United host Chelsea in what could be a pivotal mid-season encounter at St. James’ Park to open Matchday 17. The Magpies sit in 12th position with 22 points after their 1-0 defeat to arch rivals Sunderland, although they are only four points away from fifth placed Crystal Palace. Chelsea’s win over Everton last week pushed themselves back into the top four, and they have a chance to create some space from the chasing pack. Newcastle have shown glimpses of promise but inconsistency has hampered their season. Their defensive and offensive record reflects this volatility, having conceded 20 league goals and scoring 21, struggling to excel at either end of the pitch.
Possession statistics show Chelsea as one of the more dominant sides in midfield control, averaging 58.4 % possession over the season, which reflects their preference for controlling matches and building patiently. Newcastle, on the other hand haven’t had an ability to maintain control through the middle of the pitch this season, which has limited their defence’s ability to get set behind the ball. If Chelsea can control this facet of the game, they are going to give Newcastle plenty of issues.
Chelsea have certainly had the better of this matchup over the past seven years, holding a 9-1-4 record in their last fourteen Premier League games against Newcastle. Chelsea also hold one of the best away records in the league this season at 4-2-2, so going north will not hold any fears for Chelsea. Chelsea’s attacking potency will be the difference in this matchup, ranking as the fourth most prolific side in the league, and they will be too strong for the Magpies.
Chelsea to Win
$2.50 (1 Unit)
Brighton vs Sunderland
American Express Stadium, Sunday 21st December, 2:30am AEDT
American Express Stadium plays host to a genuine six point match as 10th placed Brighton (23 points) host 8th placed Sunderland (26 points). Both sides sit in the congested mid-table pack, with a win for Sunderland could potentially have them in the top four if results go their way, while Brighton need to win to stay in the hunt for European football. Brighton come into this game after a 2-0 defeat against a struggling Liverpool side, in what was a missed opportunity for the Seagulls.
The big matchup in this game is the battle between Brighton's attack and Sunderland’s defence. Sunderland are one of the best defensive sides in the league having conceded only 17 goals in 16 matches - the fifth fewest in the league. Brighton have been dangerous in attack at times this season, scoring 25 goals - equal sixth most in the Premier League. Can Brighton make the most of their opportunities against a quality defensive outfit?
Sunderland only average 42.4% possession per game this season, ranked 18th in the Premier League. They are happy to surrender possession to get set behind the ball, so it’s likely Brighton will dominate the possession battle in this clash. The Seagulls formline doesn’t make for much optimism though, with two losses and a draw from their last three games. Sunderland will be buoyed from their win in the derby last week, and will hold strong defensively to keep things close.
Sunderland +1
$2.20 (1 Unit)
Everton vs Arsenal
Hill Dickinson Stadium, Sunday 21st December, 7:00am AEDT
Everton host Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium in a fixture that pits a revitalised Toffees side against the league’s pace-setters. Arsenal are currently top the table on 36 points, enjoying a consistent campaign of high quality performances in all facets of the game. Everton have been a surprise packet this season, sitting in ninth place on 24 points and in the hunt for a top five position. The Toffees did see the gap between themselves and the better sides in the league last week, where they were defeated by Chelsea 2-0.
Arsenal’s attacking output has been among the Premier League’s best this season, with 30 goals scored, the second most in the Premier League. Their ability to consistently create and convert chances has been clear to see. To go with their attacking game, they have the number one ranked defence in the league, conceding only 10 goals in 16 matches. Despite their standing Everton are one of the worst teams in the league in the front third, scoring only 18 goals, ranked 18th in the Premier League. Only Wolves and Forest have scored fewer goals.
Everton’s lack of attacking capability was found out against Chelsea, and the league leaders will provide an even bigger challenge this week. As expected, the Gunners are a quality team away from home, with a 4-2-2 record in away games, equal second best in the league. Arsenal’s attacking quality is going to be far too much for the Toffees to handle, and Arsenal know they have to win to remain on top of the table, so there won’t be any complacency in this match.
Arsenal -1
$2.63 (1.5 Units)
