Chris Sutton Backs Newcastle to Upset Manchester United on Boxing Day

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As the festive schedule of the Premier League unfolds, former striker and football analyst Chris Sutton has shared his expectations for several high-profile matches set to take place during the busy holiday period.

The upcoming round of fixtures, which marks Matchday 18 of the league campaign, is expected to produce intense competition as clubs aim to finish the calendar year on a strong note.

Newcastle Tipped to Edge Manchester United

One of the most anticipated matches of the round will see Manchester United F.C. host Newcastle United F.C. at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Sutton believes the visitors have the potential to frustrate the home side and could leave Manchester with all three points.

In his weekly predictions published by BBC Sport, he forecast a narrow 1–0 victory for Newcastle in what is expected to be a tightly contested encounter.

Manchester City Backed to Win Away

Another fixture drawing attention involves Nottingham Forest F.C. welcoming defending champions Manchester City F.C..

Sutton predicts that Pep Guardiola’s side will maintain their dominance and secure a comfortable 2–0 win on the road.

The match is expected to test Forest’s defensive resilience against one of the league’s most formidable attacking teams.

Liverpool and Arsenal Expected to Continue Strong Form

At Anfield, Sutton believes Liverpool F.C. will secure a straightforward victory when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C..

He predicts a 2–0 result in favour of the Reds.

Meanwhile, Arsenal F.C. are tipped to strengthen their title challenge with a similar scoreline against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. at the Emirates Stadium.

Close Encounters in Other Saturday Fixtures

Several matches are expected to produce tighter contests.

Sutton anticipates that Fulham F.C. could secure a 2–1 away victory against West Ham United F.C. at the London Stadium.

Elsewhere, he predicts a high-scoring draw between Brentford F.C. and AFC Bournemouth, suggesting the game may finish 2–2.

Chelsea Favoured at Stamford Bridge

Another fixture scheduled for Saturday evening features Chelsea F.C. facing Aston Villa F.C..

Sutton expects Chelsea to take advantage of home support and come away with a 2–1 victory.

Sunday Fixtures Round Off the Weekend

Attention will then shift to the following day’s matches.

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland A.F.C. are predicted to edge Leeds United F.C. in a closely fought contest, with Sutton suggesting a 1–0 scoreline.

Meanwhile, the London derby between Crystal Palace F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. is expected to be more cautious, with the pundit forecasting a goalless draw.

Premier League Matchday 18 Schedule

Thursday – Boxing Day (December 26)

Manchester United vs Newcastle United — 9:00 PM

Saturday – December 27

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City — 1:30 PM
West Ham United vs Fulham — 4:00 PM
Brentford vs Bournemouth — 4:00 PM
Liverpool vs Wolves — 4:00 PM
Arsenal vs Brighton — 4:00 PM
Burnley vs Everton — 6:30 PM
Chelsea vs Aston Villa — 6:30 PM

Sunday – December 28

Sunderland vs Leeds United — 3:00 PM
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur — 5:30 PM

Commentary and Analysis

The festive period in English football is traditionally one of the most demanding phases of the season.

Teams often face multiple matches within a short time frame, testing squad depth, tactical flexibility, and player fitness.

For clubs competing near the top of the table, these fixtures can significantly influence the title race, while teams lower in the standings view the period as an opportunity to climb away from relegation danger.

Chris Sutton’s predictions highlight the unpredictability that often accompanies Boxing Day football, where unexpected results frequently occur due to fatigue, rotation, and intense scheduling.

If his forecast proves accurate, Newcastle’s potential victory at Old Trafford could become one of the standout results of the holiday fixtures.