The Premier League is in full flow for the traditional Boxing Day games, and Grosvenor Sport ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to break down three must-watch matchups.
Man City vs. Everton – Boxing Day 12:30
Manchester City are completely out of the title race now. Honestly, I’d be surprised if they even finish in the top four the way they’re playing right now. They’re absolutely folding. We’ve said it a million times, and nothing’s changing. The injuries and no Rodri is massive, but the bigger issue is that the team as a whole is ageing. Erling Haaland isn’t getting the chances he once had, and part of that is down to Kevin De Bruyne winding down.
Forget the title race this season. I don’t think City even make the top four unless they go and splash a load of cash in January. And even then, it depends on whether the right player becomes available. They could still do something in the cup competitions, one-off games might help them out, but the title? That’s over for them.
Now, with Everton, there’s a fresh outlook with the new ownership. Players are going to want to impress and let’s not forget, Everton are a solid side. They’re strong defensively and tough to break down. They’ve got some top players, and I’m a massive fan of Jarrod Branthwaite. In my opinion, he’s got potential to be a future England captain – that’s how highly I rate him.
Sean Dyche is exactly what Everton need right now – just focus on staying in the league and then look ahead to the new stadium next season. But with all that said, on paper, you still have to back Manchester City to win this. They’ve got too much quality. I just can’t see them losing another game.
Prediction: Man City 2-0 Everton (27/5)
Wolves vs. Man United – Boxing Day 17:30
We can’t speak about Wolves without mentioning Matheus Cunha’s form – he’s a top, top player. He’s the sort of player who could slot right into a Champions League team. Whether he leaves in January, who knows? With a new manager and him being their main man, it would be crazy for them to sell right now. But if a massive offer comes in over the summer, you can bet he’ll be gone.
Wolves are in a dogfight, no question. But they’ve just picked up a massive result against Leicester, and now they’ve got another huge game on their hands.
Manchester United for me are an absolute disgrace. They’ve brought in a new manager in Ruben Amorim but absolutely nothing’s changed – they were arguably better under Ruud van Nistelrooy!
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come in, given it large about bringing back the glory years at the club, but it seems he’s been focused on being a penny pincher and trying to save money on stewards and staff lunches. They’re Manchester United – they’re meant to be the biggest club in the world. Ratcliffe has arguably embarrassed himself and it’s set such a poor foundation for Amorim to come into.
I’ve got a feeling Wolves will beat Manchester United. At home, with the fans behind them, they’re going to be up for this one. They’ll sense an opportunity to get a scalp. United are all over the place right now. Wolves have got enough to get the job done. I fancy them to win this.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Man United (10/1)
Liverpool vs. Leicester City – Thursday 20:00
Watching Liverpool live is a completely different experience to watching them on TV. Their positioning, their organisation – it’s unbelievable. Tottenham just couldn’t find a way through, no matter how hard they tried. Mounting attacks? Forget it.
Virgil Van Dijk? He looked like he was playing Sunday league football. Didn’t even get out of first gear! And yeah, alright, Dominic Solanke got a goal, but let’s be honest, the defenders weren’t even tested. Liverpool were ridiculous – absolutely ridiculous. You can’t break them down, you can’t get on top of them. Every time you think you’ve got a sniff, they nick the ball back, they keep it, and they always find an out ball.
Liverpool are winning the league. I’m telling you now – there’s no one anywhere near their level right now. They’re the finished article as a football side. If anyone gets close to them, I’d be absolutely amazed.
As for Leicester, I think the honeymoon phase with Ruud van Nistelrooy is over. Don’t get me wrong, I like him, and I think he’ll figure it out. But at the moment, it’s down to the players to step up. That said, this game is a free hit for them. Let’s be real – I can’t see Leicester getting anything out of it. No chance!
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Leicester City (17/2)