Two of this season’s new additions to the Saudi top flight lock horns on Christmas Day, with 13 points separating the pair after nine games. Al Najma have picked up just one point from a possible 27, while Neom have lost only three of their outings and can call upon Said Benrahma and Alexandre Lacazette. They won both meetings with the visitors in the second tier last season and can make it three in a row here.

Al Hazem have been better on their travels with eight of their nine points coming in away games. They have just one defeat in five trips and can claim at least a point at Al Fayha, who have won just one of their last five overall and have failed to win 75% of their home league games.

Backing both teams to score looks the best angle here. There have been goals at both ends in each of Al Riyadh’s last three games and in four consecutive Al-Ettifaq fixtures.

Newport have suffered five defeats in seven games, while they have been beaten in eight of their first 10 home matches this term. Barnet have gone off the boil of late, but they’ve picked up four victories on their travels ahead of this visit to the league’s bottom side. Both teams have scored in four of Barnet’s last five and in three of Newport’s previous four, so back the visitors to win and concede.

Lincoln passed a major test last weekend by winning 2-1 at home to Cardiff and they can defeat promotion rivals Stockport at Edgeley Park. The Imps have taken ten points from their last four fixtures and are going through a better spell than Stockport, who haven’t won a home game since October.

Fleetwood moved up to ninth after back-to-back victories and can claim another maximum when taking on Tranmere at Prenton Park. The Cod Army have grown into the season and seem to be heading in the oppositive direction to 16th-placed Tranmere, who have lost two on the bounce.

Bristol Rovers picked up a 1-1 draw at Crewe in their first match under Steve Evans, but they remain in a perilous position and may struggle to cope with promotion-chasing Bromley. The Pirates may find themselves out-muscled by Andy Woodman’s Bromley, who have won three on the spin.

Middlesbrough are more prolific in front of goal than their opponents, and they look the best bet when they host Blackburn at the Riverside Stadium on Friday.

Northampton moved into the top half after last Friday’s 3-1 victory at home to AFC Wimbledon and they look likely winners against Burton at the Pirelli Stadium. The Cobblers are doing their best work on home soil but they have every chance against Albion, who are winless in four league games.

Manchester United have been fairly strong at home but their form has dipped of late. The hosts are scoring on average just under two goals per-game and Newcastle have hit 10 goals across their last five league games so an entertaining clash should be in store following United’s 4-4 draw in their last home outing.

The visitors have won six of their last seven league games, while they’ve picked up four wins on their travels this term. The third-placed side should wrap up another three points when they visit a Standard outfit who have lost all four encounters with the top four.

Notts County have won on their last three League Two road trips and they have a decent chance of defeating Chesterfield at SMH Group Stadium. The Magpies won the shot count 13 to one in the 0-0 draw at home to leaders Walsall and they can see off the Spireites, who are three points beneath them.

Blackpool won 2-0 at Wigan last time out and should be able to follow that up by beating out-of-form Doncaster. Rovers have lost their last three games and have struggled on the road all season, losing six of their 10 League One trips.

Anderlecht have the second-best home record in Belgium’s top flight, winning seven of their first 10 games. Charleroi have scored nine times across their nine trips. They meet an Anderlecht side who concede chances, even at home, so back the visitors to score in another defeat.

Hull should be backed to beat an out-of-form Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday. They are fourth in the Championship, having won 11, drawn four and lost seven of their 21 games this season, while Sheffield Wednesday are propping up the table with just one win so far.

Ian: No Championship team has collected more points in their last eight away matches than Derby side, and they have won on four of the last five occasions they have been on their travels. The Rams can get something in Birmingham. 

James: Six defeats in their last eight games has derailed Stoke City’s promotion push and they could be in for further disappointment when they host in-form Preston North End.

Tom: Manchester United have only kept one clean sheet in their 17 Premier League outings this season, while Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have conceded in 10 consecutive matches in all competitions. Neither side has shown they can defend with any conviction and this should be an end-to-end battle with goals at both ends. 

Aaron A: Norwich would have been frustrated to have conceded an injury-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Preston last time out but they have won back-to-back home league games against QPR and Southampton and can overcome the challenge of Charlton.

Gareth: Blackpool won 2-0 at Wigan last time out and should be able to follow that up by beating out-of-form Doncaster. Rovers have lost their last three games and have struggled on the road all season, losing six of their 10 League One trips.  

Aaron R: Anderlecht have the second-best home record in Belgium’s top flight, winning seven of their first 10 games. Charleroi have scored nine times across their nine trips. They meet an Anderlecht side who concede chances, even at home, so back the visitors to score in another defeat.

The Cavs have returned to form, but they’ve recorded consecutive high-scoring victories. They’ve beaten the Pelicans 141-118 and the Hornets 139-132. The Knicks should have Jalen Brunson back for their annual Christmas Day game, having beaten a low-scoring Miami Heat side 132-125 in their last game at MSG.

The Spurs have won both meetings with the champions this season, but Tuesday’s 130-110 win has pushed this line a little too high. The NBA Cup clash was edged 111-109 by the Spurs, and this is set to be a more intense affair as the main event of the Christmas schedule. Victor Wembanyama should make his return to the starting lineup, improving the Spurs’ defence.

The Mavericks won a tight contest with the Denver Nuggets in their last game, so they should be able to keep things close against a Golden State side which is 14-16 against the spread this season.

These two sides have each lost their previous two, but those defeats for the Rockets came after a statement victory over the Nuggets. Houston should play spoiler in LA, with Luka Doncic a doubt for the Lakers.

The Nuggets have seen 8 of their last 10 games combine for over 240 points. Considering that they are the most efficient 3-point shooting team over that stretch of games while also allowing opponents to make 40.3% of their shots from deep, we could be set for another high scoring encounter here. One of the 2 meetings between these sides this season has already cleared this line.

The Spurs have won both meetings with the champions this season, but Tuesday’s 130-110 win has pushed this line a little too high. The NBA Cup clash was edged 111-109 by the Spurs, and this is set to be a more intense affair as the main event of the Christmas schedule. Victor Wembanyama should make his return to the starting lineup, improving the Spurs’ defence.

The Mavericks won a tight contest with the Denver Nuggets in their last game, so they should be able to keep things close against a Golden State side which is 14-16 against the spread this season.

The Nuggets have seen 8 of their last 10 games combine for over 240 points. Considering that they are the most efficient 3-point shooting team over that stretch of games while also allowing opponents to make 40.3% of their shots from deep, we could be set for another high scoring encounter here. One of the 2 meetings between these sides this season has already cleared this line.

Dallas may be out of the playoff race, but Dak Prescott should thrive against a Commanders defense allowing an NFL-worst 8.3 yards per pass attempt, especially after torching Washington for three touchdowns in their last meeting. Washington is likely starting Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota injured, and while Dallas’ defense is vulnerable through the air, it’s hard to trust an offense that has struggled most of the season. With the Cowboys’ offense continuing to move the ball efficiently, Dallas should be in control and win this one comfortably. 

The Lions head to Minnesota on Christmas Day needing a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive after a rough loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday. However, asking Detroit to cover 6 points against a competitive Vikings team feels like a stretch. Minnesota QB JJ McCarthy should start after a minor hand injury against the Giants, and if he plays, the Vikings should be live to keep this tight against a Lions squad that’s gone 4-6 over its last 10 games. Given Detroit’s recent struggles and the fact Minnesota actually beat the Lions at Ford Field earlier this season, the Vikings should at least stay within a touchdown here.

The Chiefs look finished after a lifeless Week 16, that saw backup QB Gardner Minshew also tear his ACL after Patrick Mahomes did the same the week prior. Chris Oladokun should be overseeing the offense in this one, which produced just 133 total yards against the Titans. Kansas City showed no fight on either side of the ball, a shocking drop-off for a team that’s been to three straight Super Bowls. Denver also stumbled last week, but with the Broncos still playing for postseason seeding and boasting a vicious defense that should have its way with Oladokun, expect a comfortable win for Denver.

The Chiefs look finished after a lifeless Week 16, that saw backup QB Gardner Minshew also tear his ACL after Patrick Mahomes did the same the week prior. Chris Oladokun should be overseeing the offense in this one, which produced just 133 total yards against the Titans. Kansas City showed no fight on either side of the ball, a shocking drop-off for a team that’s been to three straight Super Bowls. Denver also stumbled last week, but with the Broncos still playing for postseason seeding and boasting a vicious defense that should have its way with Oladokun, expect a comfortable win for Denver.

Backing both teams to score looks the best angle here. There have been goals at both ends in each of Al Riyadh’s last three games and in four consecutive Al-Ettifaq fixtures.

Genk have won once in their last six matches, while they’ve lost both home encounters with the sides above them in the standings. Cub Brugge won this fixture 2-1 at home, while the visitors are in impressive form having beaten Gent and Dender in their previous two, scoring seven times.

Cercle Brugge are bottom of the form table in the Belgian top-flight, while they’ve won only once in 10 home matches. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 70% of their home matches, while league leaders USG have scored a league-high 35 goals and they’re set to add to that on Friday.

The visitors have won six of their last seven league games, while they’ve picked up four wins on their travels this term. The third-placed side should wrap up another three points when they visit a Standard outfit who have lost all four encounters with the top four.

Genk have won once in their last six matches, while they’ve lost both home encounters with the sides above them in the standings. Cub Brugge won this fixture 2-1 at home, while the visitors are in impressive form having beaten Gent and Dender in their previous two, scoring seven times.

Birmingham’s home form has been holding up but they have been unable to make a strong impression back in the Championship and look vulnerable against Derby, who have been excellent on the road recently.

Ipswich are the best bet to beat Millwall at The Den on Friday. Ipswich kept up their recent winning trend with a 3-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. They have won seven of the 12 matches in which they have been odds-on this season.

Angola were unlucky losers in their first match against South Africa. They should fair better against a weaker side in Zimbabwe.

Leyton Orient have lost by three goals on three occasions in League One this term and they meet an in-form side this week. Posh have won three on the spin and they’ve won by three and five goals within their last four at home.

Five of Barnet’s seven wins this term have come by two goals or more, while bottom side Newport have lost by two goals in eight of their 14 defeats.

Bromley are in fine form and over half of their 11 victories have come by a two-goal margin. They head to a Bristol Rovers side who have suffered six home defeats, have of which have come by at least two goals.

Hull should be backed to beat an out-of-form Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday. They are fourth in the Championship, having won 11, drawn four and lost seven of their 21 games this season, while Sheffield Wednesday are propping up the table with just one win so far.

Sheffield United have hit form, winning five of their last seven matches in the Championship. Wrexham have suffered two defeats in their last three matches, but they’ve netted in all of their 11 home games this term. The Blades have only kept clean sheets away at the bottom three, so back them to win a high-scoring encounter.

Wycombe went through a bit of a wobble in early December but they claimed a 2-1 victory at home to Bolton last weekend and can follow by defeating Luton at Kenilworth Road. The Chairboys are progressing nicely under Michael Duff and look tough opposition for the Hatters, who are winless in four.

Plymouth have climbed out of the relegation zone with three straight wins and their surge can continue with a victory over Reading at Home Park. Argyle triumphed 5-1 at Doncaster last Saturday and are playing well enough to cope with the Royals, who have won just once on their league travels.

Grimsby haven’t won a league game in eight attempts and look opposable against Oldham, who have moved above them in the table. Oldham were impressive 3-1 winners at home to Tranmere last Saturday and they can dig out at least a point at Blundell Park.

Cheltenham are making incredible progress under Steve Cotterill and their surge away from the lower end of the table can continue with a home victory over Shrewsbury. Cotterill’s side have collected 20 points from the last 11 matches and they look the likelier winners against fifth-bottom Shrews.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in six of Cardiff’s last seven league games, while visitors Exeter have lost eight of their 10 away trips this term. Exeter have lost 2-1 in two of their last three on the road, while Cardiff have scored three or more goals in their previous three home League One outings.

Cercle Brugge are bottom of the form table in the Belgian top-flight, while they’ve won only once in 10 home matches. Over 2.5 goals has landed in 70% of their home matches, while league leaders USG have scored a league-high 35 goals and they’re set to add to that on Friday.

There have been at least three goals scored in nine of Newcastle’s last 10 games across all competitions and in eight of Manchester United’s last 10. Both sides have been better going forward than they have at the back in recent weeks and that suggests they can combine for at least three goals.

Both teams saw over 2.5 goals in their frist match and with plenty of world class attacking talent on the pitch, this match should see over 2.5 goals.

Newport have suffered five defeats in seven games, while they have been beaten in eight of their first 10 home matches this term. Barnet have gone off the boil of late, but they’ve picked up four victories on their travels ahead of this visit to the league’s bottom side. Both teams have scored in four of Barnet’s last five and in three of Newport’s previous four, so back the visitors to win and concede.

Sheffield United have hit form, winning five of their last seven matches in the Championship. Wrexham have suffered two defeats in their last three matches, but they’ve netted in all of their 11 home games this term. The Blades have only kept clean sheets away at the bottom three, so back them to win a high-scoring encounter.

Anderlecht have the second-best home record in Belgium’s top flight, winning seven of their first 10 games. Charleroi have scored nine times across their nine trips. They meet an Anderlecht side who concede chances, even at home, so back the visitors to score in another defeat.

Peterborough had a miserable start to the season but they have played with confidence in recent weeks and can contribute to an entertaining encounter with Leyton Orient at London Road. Orient have scored and conceded in six of their last seven league games and the high-scoring trend may continue.

Both teams have scored in seven of Middlesbrough’s last eight league games, and Boro have conceded in each of their last 11. The visitors have seen both teams score in four of their last five in the league, while they head to a Boro side who have only failed to score once at home this term.

Preston’s last nine league games have seen both teams score, with the visitors netting in their last eight games on their travels. Stoke have hit a dreadful run of form, but they’ve scored in eight of their 10 home matches this season.

Both teams have scored in each of Wigan’s last eight away games, while they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet on their travels this term. Bradford have only failed to score once at home this term, netting 17 goals in 10 home matches.

QPR have struggled at the back this season and both teams to score is the best bet for Friday’s Championship clash between Portsmouth and QPR at Fratton Park.

Southampton can take the away win and add to Oxford’s recent woes when they visit the Kassam Stadium on Friday. The hosts have been poor at home, with just two wins in 10 matches, while the visitors have won three of their 11 games on the road.

Coventry have won each of the last six times they have been odds-on at home, and Frank Lampard’s side look set to get the better of Swansea on Friday.

Bristol Rovers picked up a 1-1 draw at Crewe in their first match under Steve Evans, but they remain in a perilous position and may struggle to cope with promotion-chasing Bromley. The Pirates may find themselves out-muscled by Andy Woodman’s Bromley, who have won three on the spin.

Cardiff’s title charge was disrupted last Saturday with a 2-1 reverse at Lincoln but a return to winning ways looks likely when the Bluebirds take on Exeter in the Welsh capital. A trip to the leaders looks a tough gig for the Grecians, who have lost on eight of their ten third-tier road trips.

The Blades have been full of goals in recent Championship matches and can return from Wales having secured a 3-2 success.

Manchester United have been fairly strong at home but their form has dipped of late and they may have to settle for a third consecutive home draw against a Newcastle side who have just one defeat in their last seven. The hosts are scoring on average just under two goals per-game and Newcastle have hit 10 goals across their last five league games so an entertaining 2-2 draw has a chance.

There have been at least three goals scored in nine of Newcastle’s last 10 games across all competitions and in eight of Manchester United’s last 10. Both sides have been better going forward than they have at the back in recent weeks and that suggests they can combine for at least three goals.

Morocco have not lost in over a year, and they head into the competition as favourites to lift the trophy. They won 2-0 in their opener, their 13th victory in 14 matches.

Anderlecht have the second-best home record in Belgium’s top flight, winning seven of their first 10 games. Charleroi have scored nine times across their nine trips. They meet an Anderlecht side who concede chances, even at home, so back the visitors to score in another defeat.

Wrexham are unbeaten in their last eight league games at the Racecourse Ground, but Sheffield United have got their act together after a dismal start and can come out on top of this one.

Nick Woltemade has tended to impress in bursts this season as he scored in four successive games for Newcastle through September and October, while he followed up a goal against Everton at the end of November with an assist against Spurs. Woltemade scored twice against Chelsea at the weekend looks a contender to get on the scoresheet in Manchester.

Anderlecht have the second-best home record in Belgium’s top flight, winning seven of their first 10 games. Charleroi have scored nine times across their nine trips. They meet an Anderlecht side who concede chances, even at home, so back the visitors to score in another defeat.

Tom: Hugo Ekitike has 11 goals to his name this season and five of those have come in his last four outings. The Frenchman has registered the most shots in Liverpool’s squad this season and against the worst team in the league, he should be able to add at least one goal to his tally for the campaign.

Ian: Hearts made it four wins from four Scottish Premiership matches against the Old Firm when they beat Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle on Sunday and the leaders look unlikely to slow down when they head across Edinburgh to take on Hibernian.

James: Motherwell have gone 10 games without defeat in the league, winning six and drawing four, while they have tasted success twice and shared the spoils three times across their last five away fixtures.

Aaron A: Torino have battled their way to successive 1-0 victories over Cremonese and Sassuolo in Serie A and they can make it three wins on the spin when they welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Olimpico di Torino.

Aaron R: Pisa have lost three of their last four league games to nil, while they’ve failed to score in home defeats by Roma, Inter Milan, Udinese, and Parma this season. Back the Old Lady to join that list at odds-against, with the visitors conceding the second-fewest Expected Goals in Italy’s top-flight.

Gareth: Lazio have lost four of their eight Serie A trips and have only scored four goals across those games. Udinese have a mixed home record but have won three of their last five games at this venue, including wins over Napoli and Atalanta, and as big price underdogs they look worth the risk against this inconsistent Lazio outfit.

Amoura has six Bundesliga goals for Wolfsburg, netting in his final two appearances before the tournament. He was the top scorer across all of African World Cup qualifying, while he’s found the net in six of his last seven starts for his country, scoring 11 times in total.

Hearts striker Pierre Kabore has scored hat-tricks in each of his last two appearances for Burkina Faso, he can open his AFCON account at the first opportunity with an anytime effort against Equatorial Guinea.

Amoura has six Bundesliga goals for Wolfsburg, netting in his final two appearances before the tournament. He was the top scorer across all of African World Cup qualifying, while he’s found the net in six of his last seven starts for his country, scoring 11 times in total.

Diomande scored a hat-trick for Leipzig earlier this month, taking his tally to six goals in the Bundesliga this term. The young winger has scored in both of his competitive appearances for the Ivory Coast and he can add to that on Wednesday.

Lemina has scored in his previous two games for Gabon, netting in their key World Cup playoff with Nigeria. The experienced midfielder has six international goals and he can impress for a Gabon side who are expected to set the tone against a disorganised Cameroon team.

Hearts striker Pierre Kabore has scored hat-tricks in each of his last two appearances for Burkina Faso, he can open his AFCON account at the first opportunity with an anytime effort against Equatorial Guinea.

Algeria topped their World Cup qualifying pool in style, scoring 24 times in 10 games. They meet a Sudan side that lost four of their final five World Cup qualifiers, failing to score in all five games. With Algeria among the favourites and desperate to end a poor run at AFCON, back them for a routine victory.

The Ivory Coast scored 25 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers and their high-scoring form should continue against Mozambique. The Mambas have scored in five of their last six games but they prepared for the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Angola and a 2-2 draw with Chad. Mozambique have suffered some heavy defeats in 2025, so back goals as the Ivory Coast look to bring more attacking verve to their title defence.

Cameroon have suffered defeats to Cape Verde and Congo across their last four games, with their only win coming against Mauritius. Gabon have won six of their nine games in 2025, while their impressive scoring record suggests they can outgun the Indomitable Lions.

Equatorial Guinea have three defeats in their last five games and have won just two of their last nine. Burkina Faso arrive in form as they seek to extend a four-game winning run and they look capable of opening their AFCON bid with a win on Wednesday.

Equatorial Guinea have three defeats in their last five games and have won just two of their last nine. Burkina Faso arrive in form as they seek to extend a four-game winning run and they look capable of opening their AFCON bid with a win on Wednesday. Burkina Faso have conceded just three goals across their last six games, keeping four clean sheets, while Equatorial Guinea have scored just two goals across their last five games and have conceded at least twice in three of their last six fixtures. As such, a 2-0 win for the Stallions has a chance.  

With a free-scoring forward and a midfield packed with quality, Algeria are genuine threats at this tournament and they should start it with a strong showing. Sudan shipped three goals to Nigeria during their last AFCON appearance and they’ve failed to score on nine occasions in 2025 so a 3-0 Algeria win has a chance.

Amoura has six Bundesliga goals for Wolfsburg, netting in his final two appearances before the tournament. He was the top scorer across all of African World Cup qualifying, while he’s found the net in six of his last seven starts for his country, scoring 11 times in total.

The Ivory Coast scored 25 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers and their high-scoring form should continue against Mozambique. The Mambas have scored in five of their last six games but they prepared for the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Angola and a 2-2 draw with Chad. Mozambique have suffered some heavy defeats in 2025, so back goals as the Ivory Coast look to bring more attacking verve to their title defence.

Gabon’s return of 21 goals in nine games this year suggests they’ll trouble Cameroon. The favourites have off-field issues to deal with, while their return of one win in three suggests that the high-scoring Panthers can set the tone. Gabon have lost 4-3 to Niger and beaten Gambia by the same scoreline since June, while they drew 1-1 with Nigeria in November before losing in extra-time.

Algeria topped their World Cup qualifying pool in style, scoring 24 times in 10 games. They meet a Sudan side that lost four of their final five World Cup qualifiers, failing to score in all five games. With Algeria among the favourites and desperate to end a poor run at AFCON, back them for a routine victory.

The Ivory Coast scored 25 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers and their high-scoring form should continue against Mozambique. The Mambas have scored in five of their last six games but they prepared for the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Angola and a 2-2 draw with Chad. Mozambique have suffered some heavy defeats in 2025, so back goals as the Ivory Coast look to bring more attacking verve to their title defence.

Mozambique have conceded three or more goals in clashes with Angola, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Algeria this year. They’re likely to struggle against the champions’ strong forward line, but the Mambas have scored in five of their last six and can strike in defeat against the holders.

Cameroon have suffered defeats to Cape Verde and Congo across their last four games, with their only win coming against Mauritius. Gabon have won six of their nine games in 2025, while their impressive scoring record suggests they can outgun the Indomitable Lions but a clean sheet appears unlikely.

Gabon’s return of 21 goals in nine games this year suggests they’ll trouble Cameroon. The favourites have off-field issues to deal with, while their return of one win in three suggests that the high-scoring Panthers can set the tone. Gabon have lost 4-3 to Niger and beaten Gambia by the same scoreline since June, while they drew 1-1 with Nigeria in November before losing in extra-time.