Premier League New Year Weekend: Fixtures and Tips

Expert analysis, betting context and responsible advice

Below we expand on the Best of Bets New Year previews to give extra context on form, tactics and sensible market choices. Please remember this content is for information only and not a promise of profit; betting must be treated as entertainment.

18+ only. If you choose to bet, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose.

Like slipping on a new pair of trainers fresh out of the box after Christmas, Premier League fans are getting nice and comfortable with the presence of (copious amounts of) domestic football this festive period. The World Cup already seems a distant memory, with a tightly packed fixture list to enjoy over the next few weeks.

Here, Best of Bets previews the action around New Year, starting on Friday night and continuing onto New Year’s Day. Who will start 2023 with the momentum? And who is staring at a long 12 months ahead? Here are three games this weekend to keep an eye on…

Wolves vs Manchester United, New Year’s Eve @ 12.30pm

Erik ten Hag got exactly what he wanted for Christmas; a reinvigorated Manchester United side, who had shed their problematic individualist in Cristiano Ronaldo and then secured routine wins over Burnley and Nottingham Forest either side of Christmas Day. Then came the Cody Gakpo situation, however, with United missing out on a top transfer target at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool.

Now Ten Hag’s men face a test that has tripped up many of his United predecessors – not least Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. United won both their 2021 visits to Molineux but failed to win on their four previous trips in 2019 and 2020. Now under new boss Julen Lopetegui, and with a morale-boosting late Boxing Day win over Everton under their belts, Wolves will believe they can throw a spanner in the works of Ten Hag’s promising United project.

Our prediction: Manchester United to win to nil (11/4)

Brighton vs Arsenal, New Year’s Eve @ 5.30pm

Everyone is waiting for the inevitable moment when Arsenal slip up and hand Manchester City the initiative in the title race. The problem is, it’s simply not happening. The month-long World Cup break – compounded by a key injury to striker Gabriel Jesus – seemed to be the perfect storm for City, surely prompting an Arsenal meltdown when the fixtures returned. But Mikel Arteta’s side, even after going 1-0 down to West Ham, responded like champions, swatting side the Hammers with a 3-1 win.

Brighton have typically caused problems for the Gunners in recent years and they looked in confident form on Boxing Day when beating Southampton 3-1. But it will take an enormous performance from Roberto De Zerbi’s side, with Jesus replacement Eddie Nketiah looking razor sharp up front, alongside the menacing wide duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Expect goals in this one.

Our prediction: Arsenal to win and both teams to score (5/2)

Tottenham vs Aston Villa, New Year’s Day @ 2pm

It took an almighty fightback from Tottenham on Boxing Day to salvage a 2-2 draw with Brentford, but Spurs fans will have been encouraged by the sight of Harry Kane playing the full 90 minutes – and finding the net – after his World Cup travails. Brazil star Richarlison is still out injured, but Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-Min flanked Kane in West London and the trio may strike fear into the Aston Villa defenders when they’re seeing in the New Year the night before this game.

Villa remain an impossible side to predict, even under new boss Unai Emery. They showed glimpses of their attacking best even in defeat to Liverpool earlier in the week and given Spurs’ defensive vulnerabilities, the midlands outfit will believe they can further dent the top four aspirations of Antonio Conte’s side. It could be another draw for Kane and company.

Our prediction: Score draw (6/1)

Form, injuries and tactical considerations to watch

In a compact fixture window, squad depth and rotation become decisive factors because managers will manage minutes carefully to avoid late-season fatigue. Keep an eye on teams returning players from international duty and any fresh knocks that might force last-minute changes to line-ups.

Key player fitness updates and squad doubts

Official club reports and late Friday team sheets are the most reliable sources for fitness information, and any absence of a regular starter should influence market choice. Consider the impact of missing defensive anchors or a focal striker when weighing both-team and clean-sheet markets.

Statistical trends and previous head-to-head records

Head-to-head history can highlight stylistic match-ups that persist despite managerial changes, such as compact defensive setups that frustrate free-scoring sides. Combine recent form with historical trends rather than treating one data point as definitive.

Betting markets to consider and sensible staking

Markets such as match result, both teams to score, over/under goals and first goalscorer typically offer good variety for Premier League fixtures and can be chosen to reflect confidence levels. Use small, consistent stakes for speculative picks and larger, proportional stakes for selections you view as higher conviction.

How to approach betting markets for these matches

Start by assessing which markets suit the individual fixture; for example, Arsenal matches often have value in goal markets while Wolves games can favour cautious clean-sheet options. Always convert your view into an appropriate market rather than forcing a bet into a misaligned market.

Avoid accumulating larger-risk selections into big multiples unless you accept the high variance; singles and small doubles are better for managing downside. Keep track of available odds across firms so you can back the same selection at the best price without overexposure.

Responsible betting and age restrictions to remember

Betting is available to adults aged 18 and over only and should be approached as a form of paid entertainment rather than a way to generate income. If you feel betting is becoming a problem, seek independent help and use the tools offered by licensed operators to limit deposits and time spent.

If you are in the UK and need support, organisations such as GamCare provide guidance and resources for safer gambling practices. Always set budgets in advance, never chase losses, and check operator limits before placing bets.

How to use bookmaker comparisons and offers safely

Comparing bookmaker prices and promotions is a sensible way to find value but avoid signing up to multiple offers purely for bonuses without checking terms and wagering requirements. Read the small print and use comparison tools to find licensed, regulated firms that match your responsible gambling preferences.

Promotional offers can add value when used wisely, but should never justify staking more than you planned, and affiliate links should be treated transparently as part of editorial reviews. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.

Practical match-by-match notes for punters and fans

Wolves v Manchester United: expect tactical caution from Wolves early on and an emphasis on counter-attacks, so look at late goals or United to win to nil if you prefer lower-risk outcomes. Injuries in either midfield could affect United’s control of tempo and the number of chances created.

Brighton v Arsenal: this fixture favours open play and chances down the wings, increasing the likelihood of both teams scoring and goal markets performing well. Monitor any late team news on Arsenal’s striking options which may alter expected finishing quality.

Tottenham v Aston Villa: with Spurs’ defensive frailties and Villa’s unpredictability, a draw or narrow scoreline is plausible, so markets like draw no bet or both teams to score may reflect balanced value. Consider half-time/full-time or goal timeframe markets if you expect a cautious start followed by late drama.

How to act on this information as a reader

Use the analysis here to refine your own view rather than follow tips blindly, and always cross-check odds and availability with regulated bookmakers before staking. Decide your stake sizes in advance and keep a simple record of bets to track performance and behaviour over time.

Never use betting as a way to solve financial problems and avoid stakes that place you under pressure; if you feel uncomfortable about a bet, do not place it. Seek support if gambling causes stress or financial difficulty, and use operator limits where available.

You can explore our recommended bookmaker deals and current free bets to compare odds and promotions on upcoming matches at BestOfBets free bets to help find licensed firms and competitive offers. Our casino bonus page lists partner casino welcome offers and responsible play information if you are interested in casino promotions rather than sports betting, available at BestOfBets casino bonus.

Frequently asked questions about New Year Premier League previews

Are these preview predictions guaranteed outcomes?

No. Predictions are informed views based on form and statistics and are not guaranteed outcomes; treat them as guidance only. Always be aware of the risks of sports betting and never stake more than you can afford to lose.

How should I manage my bankroll when betting?

Set a strict budget for entertainment and divide it into small, consistent stakes to avoid large variance. Stick to your limits and use bookmaker tools to set deposit or time controls if needed.

What odds markets are sensible for these matches?

Common sensible markets include match result, both teams to score and over/under goals, chosen to reflect your confidence level. Consider smaller stakes on higher-variance markets and larger stakes on selections you regard as higher conviction.

Where can I compare bookmaker free bet offers?

Use regulated comparison pages to check free bet promotions, terms and qualifying requirements before signing up. Always read the T&Cs and prefer licensed UK operators with clear responsible gambling tools.

Is betting on football suitable for all players?

No. Betting is for adults aged 18+ only and is not suitable for everyone, particularly those vulnerable to gambling-related harm. If betting ever causes stress or financial difficulty, seek independent support.

How do injuries and rotations affect betting choices?

Injuries to key players or expected rotation can materially change a team’s strength and therefore the value of markets. Check late team news and adjust your market selection to reflect confirmed absences.

Can I use the predictions for accumulator selections?

You can include preview selections in accumulators, but remember accumulators amplify risk and the chance of losing increases with each selection added. Keep accumulator stakes small and consider alternatives like singles or doubles for a more measured approach.

Where can I find more Premier League betting analysis?

BestOfBets publishes regular match previews, form guides and market commentary to help readers build informed views. Use those analyses alongside bookmaker comparisons and responsible gambling tools to make considered choices.