Gameweek 18
First Goalscorer Picks and Form Notes for Premier League Gameweek 18
Picks for first goalscorer across Gameweek 18: key forwards, form notes and Boxing Day context. 2025
Gameweek 18 is the penultimate round of fixtures in the first half of the 2025/26 Premier League and also the division’s traditional Boxing Day slate. Below are the first goalscorer selections and the form context that informs them for each matchday pick.
After his brace against Chelsea at the weekend, Manchester United’s leaky backline had better watch out for Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade. The towering German combines physical presence with finishing that can unsettle defences.
Two more last time out mean that Erling Haaland has now scored an even higher proportion of Manchester City’s Premier League goals this season than before gameweek 17.
Viktor Gyökeres returned to the scoresheet from the penalty spot as Arsenal beat Everton, breaking the deadlock with what turned out to be the only goal of that game.
It’s been four Premier League games without a goal for Brentford striker Igor Thiago. However, playing the percentages suggest that he’s due after scoring 11 in his first 13 appearances of the season.
Goals have been harder to come by for Everton since the November international window, with strikes frequently arriving in the second half. By that stage, Beto is usually off the bench and could capitalise against a Burnley side likely to be ground down.
The injury to Alexander Isak has only strengthened the grip that Hugo Ekitiké has on Liverpool’s starting No. 9 position. The Frenchman opened the scoring for the third game running when the Reds beat Spurs on Saturday.
Jarrod Bowen has hit form in recent games, netting in two out of his last three outings after not previously scoring in the Premier League since September. As a team, West Ham will fancy their chances in this East vs. West London derby.
Cole Palmer is regaining fitness and that makes him dangerous. The Chelsea talisman managed 78 minutes against Newcastle at the weekend, his most in a single game since September. When he’s on it, the Englishman can score a goal out of nothing.
Into the first of Sunday, December 28’s kick offs, Wilson Isiodor is the one to watch as Sunderland host Leeds United in a fixture that was last played in the Premier League in 2002.
Gameweek 18
Gameweek 18: Premier League predictions and key notes for the holiday fixtures
Gameweek 18 predictions: fixtures, form and score forecasts for the Premier League holiday programme
The holiday schedule returns with a compact Gameweek 18 that will stretch squad resources and test form. Below are concise match previews and score predictions for each fixture.
Man Utd vs Newcastle (Prediction: 2–2). Manchester United have drawn their last two home games and could be pushed to a third stalemate. Their attacking output has been strong at times but defensive issues remain, compounded by injuries to Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire and the absence of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui on international duty. Newcastle have been inconsistent away, having won just once in the league this season.
Nottingham Forest vs Man City (Prediction: 1–3). Manchester City arrive in excellent form, with seven successive victories and three consecutive clean sheets. They have also progressed to the Carabao Cup semis and moved up in the Champions League table. Erling Haaland continues in prolific goalscoring form. Forest won this fixture last season 1–0 but are likely to find this visit tougher.
Arsenal vs Brighton (Prediction: 2–0). Arsenal have regrouped after defeat in early December and have secured narrow but vital wins. They will be slightly more fatigued after their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace but are favoured. Brighton have not won in four matches and lost to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.
Brentford vs Bournemouth (Prediction: 2–1). Bournemouth are eight matches without victory and have slipped down the table. Brentford ended a four-game winless run by beating bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and have a strong home record.
Burnley vs Everton (Prediction: 0–1). Burnley halted a seven-game losing streak with a late draw at Bournemouth but remain in deep trouble. Injuries and Africa Cup of Nations absentees will complicate Everton’s festive period under David Moyes, but Everton are favoured to take three points.
Liverpool vs Wolves (Prediction: 2–0). Liverpool have shown defensive vulnerability even in recent wins but arrive on the back of three straight victories and an unbeaten run of six matches, despite the blow of a devastating injury to Alexander Isak.
West Ham vs Fulham (Prediction: 2–2). West Ham are without a win in six and Nuno Espírito Santo is under pressure. Fulham have consecutive league wins but have managed only two away victories and are missing key Nigerian players due to AFCON.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa (Prediction: 1–1). Villa beat Manchester United last Sunday and are three points behind the leaders. Chelsea showed resilience in a comeback draw at Newcastle; a draw looks the likeliest outcome.
Sunderland vs Leeds (Prediction: 1–0). Promoted Sunderland and Leeds have each taken eight points from their last five matches. Sunderland’s home form of five wins and three draws from eight makes them favourites and they remain sixth in the table.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham (Prediction: 1–1). Both sides are out of form. Tottenham slipped to 14th after a heavy defeat to Liverpool and have just one win in their last eight league games. Palace have struggled for intensity with a congested schedule.
Predicted results recap: Man Utd 2–2 Newcastle; Nottingham Forest 1–3 Man City; Arsenal 2–0 Brighton; Brentford 2–1 Bournemouth; Burnley 0–1 Everton; Liverpool 2–0 Wolves; West Ham 2–2 Fulham; Chelsea 1–1 Aston Villa; Sunderland 1–0 Leeds; Crystal Palace 1–1 Tottenham.
