Christmas Betting Guide: Sports schedule, free betting tips and where to watch

They say it's the most wonderful time of the year and Christmas tends to be an absolute cracker when it comes to sporting fun.

There's Premier League and EFL football, darts, cricket and NFL to name just four sports and our team of experts have compiled the ultimate festive acca which returns over 80-1 with Paddy Power.

NFL

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 9.30pm Christmas Day

Minnesota at New Orleans prediction

One of these teams won't be getting what they want on Christmas Day as the Saints can't afford a third successive loss in the race for NFC playoff seedings while Minnesota's playoff hopes will be over if they lose in Louisiana.

The Saints have quarterback Drew Brees back after a serious chest injury and there was no disgrace in their 32-29 defeat by champions Kansas City but the Vikings are unlikely to roll over and look worthy of support with a big handicap start.

Best bet

Minnesota +7.5
4-5

Cricket

Where to watch

BT Sport 2, 11.30pm Christmas Day

Australia v India prediction

Australia's fast bowlers blew away India in the first Test in Adelaide and without talismanic skipper Virat Kohli to offer some resistance, the same could happen in the traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Pat Cummins took seven wickets in Adelaide and claimed 9-99 when the Indians last played in Melbourne two years ago. He could once again prove too hot to handle.

Best bet

P Cummins top Australia first-innings wicket-taker
9-4

Football

Where to watch

BBC1, 3pm Boxing Day

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace prediction

On a line of form through Liverpool there should only be one winner in this clash although that is not the only reason to back Aston Villa.

While Villa smacked seven past the champions, Palace lost 7-0 to Liverpool only last week as the Eagles went 13 matches without a Premier League clean sheet in spectacular style.

Villa have not conceded in three and it may take just one moment of magic from Jack Grealish to seal the victory.

Best bet

Aston Villa
10-11

Football

Where to watch

iFollow, 3pm Boxing Day

Carlisle v Bolton prediction

Carlisle boast the best home record in League Two and can maintain the lofty standards they have set by beating a hit-and-miss Bolton.

The Cumbrians, who are within two points of the League Two summit, have won eight of their nine games at Brunton Park this season, which includes victories over early pace-setters Newport and playoff occupants Morecambe and Salford.

Bolton, on the other hand, have suffered three defeats in four games and were brushed aside 3-0 at home to Tranmere last time out.

Best bet

Carlisle
4-7

NFL

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL, 9.30pm Boxing Day

San Francisco at Arizona prediction

Arizona are in the thick of the hunt for playoff places in the NFC and they can secure another valuable victory against San Francisco, who are out of contention.

The 49ers are in familiar surroundings after they had to play their last two home games in Arizona's stadium but injuries have ruined their season and they have lost six of their last seven games to fall to a 5-9 record. The 8-6 Cardinals should be in high spirits after winning their last two contests.

Best bet

Arizona -3.5
8-11

Darts

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, from midday Sunday December 27

Ryan Searle v Kim Huybrechts prediction

Ryan 'Heavy Metal' Searle can send Kim Huybrechts down the highway to hell and tumbling out of the William Hill World Championship.

Rock-steady Searle made it a black sabbath for 23rd seed Jeffrey de Zwaan, defying a 180 barrage from the Dutchman on Sunday to win in straight sets.

Huybrechts has twice hit ton-plus averages and was every bit as good in ousting Ian White, but the Belgian is so inconsistent these days that he can rarely string good performances together.

Best bet

Ryan Searle
4-5

Football

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 7.15pm Sunday December 27

Wolves v Tottenham prediction

Tottenham's title charge has hit the buffers with defeats to Leicester and Liverpool and dropped points at Crystal Palace.

Things may not get any better against a Wolves side who despite missing injured talisman Raul Jimenez still beat Chelsea in their last home encounter.

Wolves will also be fresher given Tottenham are in EFL Cup action in midweek and Wanderers are worth backing to avoid defeat.

Best bet

Wolves or draw double chance
4-6

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