The festive season is well and truly upon us, but there’s no rest in the world of sport. While some are resting up and enjoying the holiday break, we have brought you the best sports betting picks for the final week of the year. We’ve partnered with bookmaker Pinnacle to uncover the most lucrative betting opportunities in the world of sports as 2024 comes to a close.
Best Boxing Prediction This Week
Late December and early January are traditionally quiet months for boxing, but we do have an exciting bout to look forward to. Kazuto Ioka will seek to avenge his defeat to Fernando Martinez when the two meet at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo on December 31. Here’s our betting tip for the fight—and fair warning, it’s a bold one!
Kazuto Ioka vs. Fernando Martinez 2 – Ioka to Win @ 3.220
Ioka, a four-time world champion, has established himself as one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters. Making his professional debut at just 20 years old in 2009, he wasted no time, capturing the WBC world flyweight title less than two years later. But now, at the age of 35, the thought that his best days might be behind him may have begun to cross his mind.
In Japan, Ioka has long been the final boxing act of the year. Although Inoue Naoya has recently replaced him as the face of Japanese boxing, Ioka still holds the prestigious honour of continuing this New Year’s Eve tradition. This time, he aims to cap off the year with a statement victory, seeking redemption against a foe who has previously defeated him.
Fernando “Puma” Martinez will step into the ring holding both the IBF and WBA flyweight titles, the latter of which he claimed after a unanimous decision victory over Ioka five months ago. With 17 consecutive wins under his belt, the Argentine boxer will aim to secure back-to-back victories over the Japanese legend.
Martinez made a strong start in their last bout, landing a solid shot in the first round and taking control early on. Yet, Ioka fought back tenaciously, gradually working his way into the fight. Though Martinez managed to hold on and close out the victory, his strong finish in the final two rounds, coupled with the questionable scorecards—especially the one-sided shutout—will surely give Ioka confidence that he can reverse the result in the rematch.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The highly respected Japanese star has gone 9-1-2 since his return to the ring, defeating every opponent he has faced over the past six years bar Martinez. He avenged his points loss to Donnie Nietes and also triumphed over Joshua Franco after a majority decision draw.
Martinez is a fierce slugger who thrives on standing his ground and letting his fists fly. Even though he’s a world champion and has beaten Ioka, the Argentine fighter is driven to create a legacy similar to the one his Japanese counterpart has built. So, he will be fired up ahead of the fight as well.
The odds make Martinez the overwhelming favourite to win this bout, but we don’t think the battle will be so one-sided. Therefore, we see great value in taking up bookmaker Pinnacle’s odds of 3.220 for Ioka reclaiming his world championship status.
Best Tennis Predictions This Week
Although we’re still a few days away from 2025, the tennis season is set to kick off with the United Cup 2025, with the first matches starting on December 27. We’ve selected three matches from the competition for our weekly betting preview.
Alexander Shevchenko vs. Pablo Carreno Busta – Over 2.5 Sets @ 2.380
Alexander Shevchenko and Pablo Carreno Busta will meet four months after their 2024 Winston-Salem Open clash. Even though the Spaniard won the only head-to-head affair between the two players, he will be starting the match a whopping 116 places behind Shevchenko in ATP rankings, who is currently at 78th.
At the end of the 2022 season, Carreno Busta was ranked 13th in the world, a career-high that highlighted his consistency and strong performances on the ATP Tour. However, his ranking has plummeted to 196th, a sharp drop largely attributed to a series of injury setbacks.
These physical issues have severely hampered his ability to stay active on the Tour, leading to a paltry total of just 29 matches played across the last two seasons combined. As a result, Carreno Busta’s match fitness and rhythm have been significantly impacted, leaving his form somewhat unpredictable.
On the other hand, Shevchenko had a solid 2023, finishing the year ranked 45th in the world, but his form has been disappointing in 2024, reflected by a drop to 78th. His struggles are evident in his lack of consistency, as he managed back-to-back wins in only four of the 35 tournaments he competed in during 2024. This inconsistency could play into Carreno Busta’s favour if the 33-year-old can find any form.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The last time these two had met, Carreno Busta won both sets convincingly. We don’t think Shevchenko will win this match, since he is on a four-match losing streak. However, we do expect the Kazakhstani to put up a better fight this time around.
Carreno Busta is still struggling to operate at his peak, so Shevchenko might be able to force a third set this time. As a result, we will place a bet on over 2.5 sets at odds of 2.380, as offered by the bookmaker Pinnacle.
Elena Rybakina vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro – Under 8.5 Games in First Set @ 2.340
Elena Rybakina currently holds the sixth spot in the world rankings, following a season that was marked by fitness challenges, though she did manage to make an impact when she was able to compete. Over the course of the year, ‘Boom-Boom-Elena’ secured three title wins, triumphing in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart.
However, in the latter half of the season, Rybakina likely hoped for a stronger showing than she achieved. She reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, a testament to her skill on grass, but struggled to maintain consistency elsewhere. Notably, she had to pull out of the second round at the US Open, underscoring the hurdles she faced with her fitness.
On the other hand, Bouzas Maneiro has carved out a niche as a clay-court specialist, having clinched eight of her 12 lower-level tournament victories on that surface. Most recently, she claimed the title at the WTA 125 event in Antalya in 2024.
Maneiro’s clay expertise, however, will be of little help in a fast-paced, hard surface to take on a player of Rybakina’s calibre. Given Rybakina’s experience and quality, it may prove challenging for Bouzas Maneiro to cope with the demands of facing a player of Rybakina’s level on a surface that does not favour her game.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Even if Maneiro puts up a stronger fight in the second set, we believe Rybakina will dominate the first set with a one-sided performance. Therefore, we suggest a bet on under 8.5 games in the opening set at odds of 2.340, offered by bookmaker Pinnacle.
Zhang Zhizhen vs. Thiago Monteiro – Under 22.5 Games @ 2.000
Zhang Zhizhen hit the highest ranking of his career in 2024, reaching the 34th spot in the ATP rankings. But he couldn’t maintain that level of consistency and finished the year ranked 45th. After a strong run to the final of the Hangzhou Open in September, where he made it to his first-ever ATP final, he hit a severe slump.
What followed was a frustrating six-match losing streak, during which he won just a single set. This rough patch included a defeat to Marin Cilic in that very final, a bitter setback after such an impressive achievement.
For Monteiro, the challenge lies in his limited success on hard court surfaces. Currently ranked 109th in the world, Monteiro’s struggles on hard courts have been evident, especially in 2024. Despite competing in several Challenger events, he won only two of his nine hard court matches.
Given Monteiro’s struggles on hard courts, Zhang is in a great position to take advantage of this weakness. With his stronger performances on the surface, Zhang has a real opportunity to capitalise on Monteiro’s poor hard court record and secure a victory.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Zhang and Monteiro faced off earlier this year at ATP Masters 1000 Rome. Zhang cruised to an easy win against the Brazilian back then, and he could be even more dominating against him on a hard surface. We are backing this match to end under 22.5 games.
Best Cricket Prediction This Week
The Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes are set to lock horns in a high-octane Big Bash League 14 battle. Check out our betting analysis and tips for the match to find out how we expect this clash to unfold.
Adelaide Strikers vs. Hobart Hurricanes – Strikers to Win @ 1.763
The Adelaide Strikers will welcome the Hobart Hurricanes to the Adelaide Oval for the 13th match of the BBL 2024-25 season. With both teams eager to climb the standings, this contest promises plenty of excitement under Friday night lights.
Matthew Short and company are looking to bounce back after a tough start to the season, with just one win from their three games. Their most recent match was a nail-biter against Brisbane Heat, where they set a target of 175. Despite their efforts, the Heat clinched the win off the final delivery.
Short finished as the leading run scorer in BBL 13, but the Adelaide captain is yet to shine with the bat this time around. Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short also shoulder significant responsibility in driving the team’s batting efforts. The latter, in particular, has shown promising form, already registering a solid fifty this season.
The Hobart Hurricanes opened their campaign with a tough defeat to the Melbourne Renegades but made a resounding comeback in their next match. Facing the Perth Scorchers, the Hurricanes chased down a target of 156 with an eight wicket win, spearheaded by an extraordinary innings from opener Mitchell Owen. His unbeaten 101 off 64 balls guided them to victory with four balls to spare.
The Hurricanes will look to Ben McDermott for a match-winning contribution. After scoring 261 runs last season, McDermott has proven his ability to anchor the innings and adapt to different situations.
Shai Hope brings much-needed composure to the batting lineup and will be relied upon to keep the innings steady, while Tim David’s explosive power in the lower order could turn the game in their favour.
In the bowling department, Riley Meredith has already made an impact, picking up four wickets at an economy of 8.25. Together with Nathan Ellis, Meredith will carry the bulk of the bowling responsibilities, especially with the rest of the attack lacking experience at this level.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Adelaide Strikers have dominated the Hobart Hurricanes in recent years, losing just once in their last five encounters. This record gives them a significant confidence boost heading into this match-up.
Despite a rocky start to the season, the Strikers have a well-rounded lineup and the advantage of playing at home. While the Hurricanes have the firepower to pull off an upset, the Strikers’ history of success and their solid roster suggest they have the upper hand in this clash. Knowing this, we will play it safe and root for the home side here.
Best American Football Predictions This Week
The NFL has not slowed down for the holiday season. With round 17 just around the corner, NFL fans are gearing up for another thrilling slate of match-ups. As the action intensifies, here are our top betting recommendations to help you navigate the week ahead.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears – Seahawks to Cover -5.0 Spread @ 2.100
The Seattle Seahawks are walking a tightrope in their playoff pursuit. A single victory by the Washington Commanders would spell the end of that path. However, the NFC West title remains within reach for the Seahawks and mathematical possibilities of a play-off run still prevails. So for the Seahawks, each game now carries the weight of a must-win scenario.
Their next challenge comes against the Chicago Bears, a team that entered the season with high expectations but has struggled to deliver. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has struggled to live up to the lofty standards set for a number one overall pick. Despite occasional flashes of promise, the Bears have repeatedly faltered when it mattered most, leaving their season mired in disappointment.
The Bears’ woes are clear when you look at the numbers. They rank 31st in the league for both opponents’ yards per play allowed and offensive yards gained per play. Even more alarming, they allow the highest percentage of sacks per play in the NFL. For Chicago, this has been a season to forget and getting the next head coach hire right is crucial for the franchise’s future.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The Chicago Bears are currently in complete turmoil, with the ongoing coaching debacle only adding to their troubles. While the Seattle Seahawks have faced their own challenges this season, they are undoubtedly in a much stronger position than their upcoming opponents. We’re backing them to cover the -5.0 spread set by bookmaker Pinnacle at odds of 2.100.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots – Justin Herbert Over 230.5 Passing Yards @ 1.877
While the Chargers hold their playoff destiny in their hands, they face a crucial road game against the Patriots on Saturday afternoon, their second-to-last game of the season. Jim Harbaugh has made the Chargers look great throughout the season, but he still needs to put up more points to ensure he delivers a playoff berth to the fans in his first campaign.
While the Patriots have some solid building blocks for the future, they’ve largely failed to exceed the low expectations set for them this season. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has looked strong, but there’s plenty of room for improvement elsewhere.
Still, New England appears to have found their quarterback of the future. Too early to say the next Tom Brady is here, but the Patriots fans have every right to feel excited about better days ahead.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Justin Herbert has been the driving force behind the Chargers’ resurgence under Harbaugh, throwing for 3,243 yards with 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Despite a largely unremarkable group of skill position players, Herbert has excelled, guiding the Chargers to the brink of a postseason spot.
We feel confident in the over 230.5 passing yards market because Herbert has consistently demonstrated his ability to carry the offence. Given his current form and the Chargers’ need to keep their playoff hopes alive, it’s likely he’ll continue to rack up the yards.
Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Over 49 @ 1.884
The Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos had vastly different expectations before the season began. However, as we approach the end of the regular season, both teams find themselves in positions most NFL followers didn’t anticipate. With just a slim chance of making the playoffs, Joe Burrow’s men will leave it all on the field until they are mathematically eliminated.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are just one victory away from clinching their spot in the AFC’s upper tier. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has proven his doubters wrong, making the Broncos’ controversial decision to select him 12th overall seem like a stroke of genius.
The Bengals were staring down the end of their season at 4-8 after a week 13 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But they’ve responded with three straight wins, keeping their playoff hopes flickering, even though it appears to be too little too late.
However, the Denver Broncos present a much tougher challenge than the recent teams the Bengals have faced. Denver had been on a four-game winning streak until last week, when the Los Angeles Chargers ended it with a 34-27 victory.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
Both teams have been putting up impressive scores in recent weeks. The Bengals have scored at least 24 points in each of their last seven games, while the Broncos have averaged 33.2 points over the past five weeks. Given their offensive form, there’s no reason to hesitate in backing the over market for this match-up.
Best Football Predictions This Week
We will round up our betting tips for the week with predictions for two post-Christmas Premier League fixtures.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Brentford – Draw and Over 2.5 @ 10.440
Brighton & Hove Albion will host Brentford at the Amex in one of the two Premier League fixtures taking place after Boxing Day. Once contenders for European spots after impressive beginnings, both teams are now in poor form, with only a single win between them in their last five games.
Under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton made a strong start that had fans dreaming of European football again after just one season out. Unfortunately, things have taken a downturn, and the Seagulls are now on a five-game win-less run, capped off by a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace.
Brighton are still within reach of the top four, trailing by just six points, and only two behind Manchester City in the last European spot, a result of their strong start to the campaign. The 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace was their first at the Amex after seven unbeaten games, but they now face a team they’ve never lost to at home in their previous three Premier League meetings.
Brentford are 12th in the table ahead of this match, but they have scored more goals than seven of the top 10 teams in the pre-Boxing Day table. However, they failed to find the back of the net last weekend, suffering a 2-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. It was their first Premier League loss at home this season without scoring.
Brentford’s only other goal-less outings this season came away at Liverpool and Everton, the latter of which saw them play with 10 men for over half the match. This lack of goals has been a key factor in their slump, with four defeats in the last five matches. If their home form falters, Thomas Frank’s side will have little to rely on, as their away record has been disappointing.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
The stark contrast between Brentford’s excellent home record and poor away performances has been one of the season’s biggest enigmas. Still, with the quality within their squad, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to get a result in this game.
Brighton haven’t been in great form lately either, but they should be capable of earning a point against the visitors. This could turn into a high-scoring draw, so we’re backing a draw with over 2.5 goals, targeting an appealing 10x return on bookmaker Pinnacle.
Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town – Over 3.5 @ 1.990
The Premier League’s holiday fixtures come to an end at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, where Arsenal, eyeing the title, take on struggling Ipswich Town. Arsenal were riding high after their 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, while Ipswich endured a disappointing 4-0 loss on home soil.
The 5-1 demolition of Palace was the sixth time the Gunners had scored at least five goals in enemy territory this year; a feat that no other team in the English top-flight had ever achieved in a calendar year before. This dominant display has brought Mikel Arteta’s team right back into the hunt, closing the gap to second-placed Chelsea, who dropped points at Everton.
Chasing down Liverpool’s commanding lead at the top will be no easy task in 2025, but Arsenal seem to have regained their flair for scoring in open play, having struggled against Fulham and Everton. Mikel Arteta’s side is now on a 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
On the flip side, Ipswich were handed a heavy defeat by Newcastle United, with Alexander The Tractor Boys now find themselves in unwanted company, becoming only the sixth team in Premier League history to remain win-less in their first nine home matches, a fate that led to relegation for four of the previous five teams.
Kieran McKenna’s side currently sit 19th in the Premier League, though they are just two points adrift of Leicester City, who occupy the safer 17th spot.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 25th, 12:00 AM (GMT)
True to his philosophy, McKenna has consistently fielded an attacking side, no matter the opposition, so it’s unlikely he’ll opt for an extra defender against Arsenal. Ipswich have also shown a penchant for scoring on the road.
That said, Arsenal should have no trouble breaking down Ipswich, and it’s hard to imagine anything other than a comfortable win for the Gunners, with a strong chance of scoring four or more goals against their Friday evening visitors.
The Best Bets to Make This Week
Sweeten up your holidays with our expert sports betting tips of the week. Just to make sure you did not miss any, here are the ones we are putting out this time:
- Kazuto Ioka vs. Fernando Martinez 2 – Ioka to win @ 3.220
- Alexander Shevchenko vs. Pablo Carreno-Busta – over 2.5 sets @ 2.380
- Elena Rybakina vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro – under 8.5 games in first set @ 2.340
- Zhang Zhizhen vs. Thiago Monteiro – under 22.5 games @ 2.000
- Adelaide Strikers vs. Hobart Hurricanes – Strikers to win @ 1.763
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears – Seahawks to cover -5.0 spread @ 2.100
- Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots – Justin Herbert over 230.5 passing yards @ 1.877
- Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals – over 49 @ 1.884
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Brentford – draw and over 2.5 @ 10.440
- Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town – over 3.5 @ 1.990
Our Brighton-Brentford pick may seem audacious, but when you examine the underlying defensive and attacking stats of both teams, a high-scoring draw seems quite plausible. This is arguably the least risky scenario you can hope for in a 10x payout.
