Premier League icon and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer has laid out his forecasts for the top flight's crucial pre-Christmas fixtures. The weekend's action, spanning from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd December 2025, features several pivotal clashes that could shape the festive table.
Shearer's Key Weekend Picks
Kicking off the weekend, Shearer believes his former club Newcastle United will secure a vital home victory against Chelsea at St. James' Park. He acknowledges the Magpies' need to bounce back from a poor result last weekend, while also noting the pressure on Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. Despite Chelsea's midweek Carabao Cup win with a changed side, Shearer's "heart" is ruling his head for a Newcastle win.
In Saturday's evening headline fixture, Shearer is sitting on the fence. He predicts a draw between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, suggesting a point wouldn't be a disaster for either side. He highlighted Mohamed Salah's impactful return from injury last week but noted his absence for this match, alongside other Liverpool injuries, will be keenly felt.
Title Race and Tough Tests
Shearer sees no slip-up for the champions, forecasting a straightforward Manchester City win at home to West Ham United. He believes City's form, goalscoring, and the fact they play before Arsenal will put significant pressure on their title rivals.
That rival, Arsenal, face what Shearer calls a "really tricky game" away at Everton. He praised David Moyes for making the Toffees tough to beat. However, after Arsenal's last-gasp winner against Wolves, he thinks they will have just enough to navigate a tough Goodison Park test and secure an away win.
Sunday Showpiece and Monday Finale
The weekend's marquee Sunday match sees Aston Villa host Manchester United. Shearer is backing the in-form Villans, citing the brilliant performances of players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins. He believes Villa will have too much for United at Villa Park, even with some squad absences, and predicts a home win.
Rounding off the matchweek on Monday, Shearer fancies an away win for Nottingham Forest at Fulham. He thinks Fulham will be hurting after their midweek Carabao Cup exertions against Newcastle, while Forest's result last weekend will give them the belief to go to Craven Cottage and win on the counter-attack.
Other Predictions from the England Legend
Shearer also made calls on the weekend's other fixtures:
- Bournemouth to beat Burnley at home, citing Burnley's seven consecutive losses.
- Brighton to defeat Sunderland, with the Black Cats affected by AFCON departures.
- A draw between Wolves and Brentford at Molineux.
- Crystal Palace to win away at Leeds United, backing Oliver Glasner's side to bounce back.
Shearer's predictions, made exclusively for Metro, set the stage for a dramatic and decisive Premier League weekend before the Christmas break.
