SportPesa Jackpot Preview and Picks for 26 December 2025

This SportPesa Jackpot features a tightly contested set of fixtures across England.

Many matches feature narrow odds and evenly matched sides, which increases the importance of disciplined selection, structural awareness and identifying where draw equity is strongest. The approach below focuses on consistency, defensive reliability and value-driven decision making.

Strategy

Build a primary pick line grounded in teams with clear patterns of play and stable defensive metrics. Away wins should be selected only when tactical superiority is clear or when counterattacking profiles provide a genuine edge. In matches between compact or low-tempo teams, lean into the draw rather than forcing a side. Apply low cost cover slips only to high variance fixtures where momentum, form inconsistency or identical odds profiles increase uncertainty.

Match by match analysis and 1X2 picks

Gillingham vs Cambridge Utd

Cambridge are priced as the slight favourite and their profile suggests better control in the key phases. Gillingham can compete at home but may struggle to create enough high quality chances. Pick: 2

AFC Wimbledon vs Stevenage

Stevenage hold a narrow market edge and tend to be difficult to break down. Wimbledon have home energy, but the away side look better equipped to manage momentum swings. Pick: 2

Cheltenham vs Shrewsbury

With the away side slightly favoured, this reads like a tight matchup where discipline matters. Shrewsbury look more efficient and should have the marginal edge in decision moments. Pick: 2

Blackpool vs Doncaster

Blackpool are the home favourite and should control more territory, especially if they start strongly and sustain pressure through wide areas. Pick: 1

Burton vs Northampton

Burton are a clear favourite at home and should control the match through structured phases and set piece pressure. Northampton will need near perfect efficiency. Pick: 1

Chesterfield vs Notts County

Chesterfield are favoured at home and typically carry the cleaner chance profile in these matchups. Notts County can threaten in spells, but the home lean is justified. Pick: 1

Plymouth vs Reading

This is priced very close, but Plymouth’s home advantage and ability to manage game state gives them a small edge. Pick: 1

Portsmouth vs QPR

QPR are priced as the away favourite and should create the better openings if they control transitions. Portsmouth can be lifted at home, but the value sits with the visitors. Pick: 2

Peterborough vs Leyton Orient

Peterborough are one of the strongest favourites on the list. Their chance creation should be superior and they should control more of the final third. Pick: 1

Chippenham Town vs Bath City

Bath City are a clear away favourite and should have the edge in structure and efficiency. If they avoid slow starts, their quality should show. Pick: 2

Salisbury City vs AFC Totton

Salisbury are favoured at home and look better set to control the middle third. Totton can threaten in moments, but the home side have the steadier baseline. Pick: 1

Eastleigh vs Woking

Another tight matchup with small separation, but Eastleigh have the home edge and should be slightly more reliable in controlling territory. Pick: 1

Telford vs Chester

With no clear advantage shown here, this looks like a low margin tie where caution is justified. A draw is the most efficient position. Pick: X

Final list of the 13 selections

Gillingham vs Cambridge Utd – 2
AFC Wimbledon vs Stevenage – 2
Cheltenham vs Shrewsbury – 2
Blackpool vs Doncaster – 1
Burton vs Northampton – 1
Chesterfield vs Notts County – 1
Plymouth vs Reading – 1
Portsmouth vs QPR – 2
Peterborough vs Leyton Orient – 1
Chippenham Town vs Bath City – 2
Salisbury City vs AFC Totton – 1
Eastleigh vs Woking – 1
Telford vs Chester – X

Low cost cover suggestions

Match 2: Add 1X or X2 due to near coin flip pricing
Match 7: Add 1X because the market gap is minimal and a draw is live
Match 12: Add 1X or 12 because separation is small and late swings are common
Match 13: Add 12 if you want protection against a single decisive moment

Bankroll management

Anchor one main slip with the full set of picks. Add three or four low cost cover slips with identical small stakes rather than building too many combinations. Keep exposure fixed and avoid chasing losses. Track outcomes to understand which leagues and match types you read best. Long term consistency and controlled ticket volume are essential to protect expected value.

Important note on prediction variance

These selections are produced by a separate AI driven analytical engine that uses independent data inputs and probability modelling, which means the picks shown here may occasionally differ from the official Sportpesa Jackpot predictions displayed on the main platform.

---