English Premier League Picks and Predictions (1/4): Sunday’s EPL

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Sat Jan 03, 2026, 12:40 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Back the under in Sunderland's final match of the EPL season - EPL Picks

EPL

I understand that Saturday's EPL slate wasn't as exciting as it normally is, although we have to applaud the Wolverhampton Wanderers for finally winning a match in league play. However, on Sunday we have six matches across England, starting at 7:30 a.m. eastern with Leeds United hosting Manchester United. Things continue with four matches at 10:00 a.m. eastern, and the EPL Match of the Week ending things in the early afternoon, as Manchester City hosts Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. Let's get into these matches and find our favorite EPL picks to close out our weekend.

Sunday's EPL best bets are below. Keep reading for the analysis.

Head over to our EPL Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

English Premier League: Sunday's Predictions January 4

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland EPL Picks

Can Sunderland find a way to earn a point against Tottenham on the road? EPL Picks

Can Sunderland find a way to earn a point against Tottenham on the road?

Best Bet: Sunderland +0.5 (+103) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Here I go again backing the Black Cats against an "elite" EPL opponent. Sure, Tottenham Hotspur have not played up to their standard, but they are still a household name when discussing English soccer. Sunderland have been impressive all year since moving up to the Premier League, and they currently sit at No. 7 on the EPL table, just one point behind Chelsea and Manchester United for fifth place. On the road, earning a point is crucial, and the visitors would probably even consider it a win in this situation.

We are backing the double chance for plus money, as a win or a draw will cash our ticket.

Sunderland will be conservative and cautious on the road, making sure their back line leads them to more points. The Black Cats' defense ranks third in the EPL in goals allowed, and have shutout three of their last four opponents, including Manchester City. The Spurs have had offensive troubles all year long, netting just two goals in their last four overall. Tottenham have also been shutout by Chelsea and scored just once against Arsenal, who are comparable defenses to Sunderland's.

Even on the road, I think the visitors hold on to earn a point and cash our double chance wager.

Prediction: 0-0 Draw (+750)

Manchester City vs. Chelsea EPL Picks

Phil Foden and Manchester City need to keep up with Aston Villa and Arsenal on the EPL table - EPL Picks

Phil Foden and Manchester City need to keep up with Aston Villa and Arsenal on the EPL table

Best Bet: Manchester City ML/Under 4.5 (+127) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

The clear Match of the Week in the EPL features the No. 3 and No. 5 teams in the league. Manchester City, who sit one point behind Aston Villa and four behind Arsenal, host Chelsea. There is a bit of separation from the top three teams and beyond, as Arsenal leads with 45 points, Villa with 42 and City with 41, plus the Gunners and City have a match in hand. After City, Liverpool rank No. 4 with just 33 points, followed by Chelsea and Manchester United with 30. The hosts will certainly want to earn three at home, but it won't come easy.

Manchester City have stayed under this number in seven straight matches, winning six of those contests, which would've cashed this bet. They also have three straight shutout wins at home, staying under this number in each match. At the Etihad this year, this plus money wager would've cashed 8/13 times, and I trust Chelsea not to let this get out of hand. Remember, a 3-1 City victory is still a win for us, and at plus money.

Manchester City are going to flex their muscle and do whatever it takes to win this match at home and stay on Arsenal's tail. They are the second best defense in goals allowed this year, while Chelsea rank No. 5 in that category. However, I don't have much faith in Chelsea to put up more than one in this game, leading me to believe we see a fairly low scoring Manchester City victory. You could take this same game parlay at under 3.5 for +190, but I'll take the extra cushion.

Prediction: Manchester City Wins 2-1 (+725)

Still Want More Soccer Content?

Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets, as well as sweat out games on Playback! Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well. Be sure to follow my personal X account as well, @Shaggy_Bets for my full daily card.

Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly

Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER

Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.