Premier League betting tips: Mason Mount with an assist against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Man City to draw, and more from Gameweek 18 betting tips

So, how are we getting on? Hopefully, you are reading this having boxed off Christmas in terms of gifts and the big shop.

Got the last of my food shopping yesterday and saw a bloke running out of Tesco with a massive turkey up his jumper. Big security guard chasing after him, shouting “OI, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT?” Bloke shouts back, “VEG, MASH AND GRAVY!”

Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from the Premier League's TV games from Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate - The Bookie Basher - including a big weekend game between Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Manchester United vs Newcastle United

The "expansion of European club competitions" has led to there being just a single game on 26 December in the English top flight, according to the Premier League.

It’s a diabolical liberty if you ask me, as for those who like a punt, Boxing Day is essentially Christmas Day for adults with wall-to-wall horse racing and footy.  

Eight games, two wins, multiple missed opportunities for Manchester United. All Frank Ilett (that Man United fan with the increasingly wild bouffant) wanted for Christmas was a short back and sides.

Alas, that won’t be happening anytime soon. Tough gig being a Man United fan in 2025. At Villa Park last week, they were the better team without ever looking like winning (if that makes sense).

Due to Newcastle’s p*ss poor away form, Ruben Amorim et al might just fancy this. The 13 points Newcastle have dropped from winning positions this season could well be keeping Eddie Howe awake at night, and they just look a different team - and not in a good way - away from home.

Over 2.5 goals have landed in nine of Newcastle's last 10 outings in the Premier League, so both teams to score & over 2.5 goals looks rock solid at 10/11.

If you are feeling a bit more daring, Mason Mount at 8/1 to register 1+ assists against the Mags looks interesting.

Mount has scored three in 18 games so far this season but has not registered an assist yet.

However, skipper Bruno Fernandes is set for a spell on the sidelines, and that means Mount could step up in terms of set pieces.

It’s by no means a cert this, but 8’s looks too big, particularly when you factor in that Bryan Mbeumo is missing too for the hosts due to being away on AFCON duty.

Suggested bet: Mount 1+ assists at 8/1 (bet365)

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City

Manchester City cruised to victory over West Ham last time out, but Pep Guardiola was quick to warn his players afterwards against loading up on Cadbury’s Celebrations and pigs in blankets on Christmas Day.

They will evidently all be weighed in the lead up to this game, and Pep reckons anyone who has taken the p*ss won’t even be on the bus to Nottingham!

After a bit of a wobble in late November, the Cityzens have been perfect so far in December and are right on Arsenal’s shoulder in second.

Nottingham Forest are doing great under Sean Dyche. It was six wins in eight games before they played Fulham on Monday night, and even though they lost that one 1-0, the fans are clearly enjoying 'Dyche-ball.'

This won’t be easy for Man City, and I might have a few shekels on the draw at 17/5.

Suggested bet: Draw at 17/5 (bet365 / Boylesports / Paddy Power)

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Chelsea vs Aston Villa

10 wins in a row for Villa, who continue to defy all xG logic. Thankfully, football results are not decided by xG stats.

They are decided by saucy individual flair, solid teamwork, shrewd management - and this Villa side have all three. In bucketloads.

Morgan Rogers can do no wrong at the minute, just effortlessly pinging in worldies on the regular.  

Consistency is Chelsea's problem with such a young team. They were miles off it in that first half against Newcastle, but took control in the second half and looked by far the better team. Reece James was magnificent.

You never see a bookie in sand shoes, but they do get things wrong from time to time, and Chelsea at odds on here just feels like a bit of an error given how well Villa have been going.  

Suggested bet: Aston Villa to win at 16/5 (BetMGM)

Sunderland vs Leeds United

Leeds will be buzzing after that impressive 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Their fans would surely settle for being six points clear of the relegation places at Christmas, but they face a tough trip to Wearside on Sunday.

Sunderland’s home form is the reason why they won’t be relegated this season, and with another packed house roaring them on, they look a fair price to turn over Leeds.

Five players down to AFCON and the Black Cats still got a draw away at Brighton. They are a real collective who work tirelessly for each other and are fancied to bag another three points here.

Suggested bet: Sunderland to win & both teams to score at 9/2 (bet365 / Hills / Paddy Power / skybet)

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur

Crystal Palace have been a breath of fresh air this season, but they’ve not got the biggest squad in the Premier League, and Ismaila Sarr’s AFCON departure is a big negative for the Eagles.

Tottenham's festive fixtures look OK, and so this feels like make-or-break territory for under-fire boss Thomas Frank with the team currently languishing in 14th.

Spurs have just two home wins out of nine in the Premier League under Frank this season, but things have been slightly better away from HQ (14 points from eight matches).

They are 13/5 to win this and will get a result here. Source - “Trust me bro”. 

Suggested bet: Tottenham to win at 13/5 (bet365)

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