Premier League Manager of the Month Betting: Mikel Arteta the Bookies Favourite
Last updated: by Leon Marshall
Premier League Manager of the Month Betting for December is now live, presenting a fresh test of skill and judgement. As the festive fixture pile-up begins, navigating the market requires a keen eye on squad depth and rotation. Even if your club is struggling, a solid run during this busy period could see your Manager picking up the coveted prize. Join me as I examine the odds for December and recommend who I suggest you consider.
An interesting aspect of the Manager of the Month betting market is that the bookmakers for football betting, in this case, bet365, are watching results in the same way as us fans are, and are adjusting the odds in real time. This makes betting on it fun but also tactical. One slip up, and you can kiss goodbye to a winning bet.
Join us as we explore the adjusted betting market after gameweek 15.
Here are the current favourites to win the December Manager of the Month award.
| Name | Odds | Recommended Betting Site | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mikel Arteta | 3/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Pep Guardiola | 4/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Ruben Amorim | 8/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Unai Emery | 10/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Oliver Glasner | 12/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
*Odds accurate at time of writing 8th December 2025
I break down the five favourites and give the pros and cons on why you should back them.
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) – 3/1
Arsenal entered December with high expectations, but their campaign for the monthly award has already hit a stumbling block.
The Gunners started the month professionally with a solid 2-0 home victory over Brentford on December 3rd. However, they suffered a setback just three days later, falling 2-1 away to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Despite the loss, the bookies have kept Arteta as the favourite, likely banking on Arsenal’s ability to bounce back in a busy month. They face Everton (Away) next, followed by home clashes against Wolves and Brighton, before a massive rematch with Aston Villa at the Emirates on December 30th.
To win the award now, Arteta likely needs a perfect record from here on out. The late-month fixture against Villa offers a perfect narrative for redemption, but 3/1 feels short for a manager with a loss already on the board.
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) – 4/1
Pep Guardiola is arguably the form pick right now, having guided Manchester City to two wins from two in December.
City kicked off the month with a chaotic but thrilling 5-4 victory away at Fulham on December 2nd, showcasing their firepower. They followed that up with a routine 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland at home on December 6th.
With maximum points so far, Guardiola’s schedule looks inviting. City travel to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, sandwiched around a home game against West Ham.
If City navigate these winnable fixtures unscathed, Guardiola will end the month with a 100% record (5 wins). At 4/1, this represents significant value compared to Arteta.
Ruben Amorim (Manchester United) – 8/1
Ruben Amorim’s start to December has been indifferent, putting his 8/1 odds into question.
Manchester United could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham on December 4th. They face Wolves tonight (December 8th), a game that feels like a must-win if Amorim is to stay in the conversation.
The road ahead is tricky. After Wolves, United host Bournemouth before travelling to Villa Park for a tough test against Aston Villa on the 21st, followed by a Boxing Day clash with Newcastle.
Already two points dropped, Amorim needs a flawless run and likely some help from rivals to claim the prize.
Unai Emery (Aston Villa) – 10/1
The surprise package of the month so far, Unai Emery has Aston Villa flying, making his 10/1 price look incredibly generous.
Villa have taken six points from six, starting with a 4-3 thriller away at Brighton and following it up with a massive 2-1 home win over favourites Arsenal on December 6th. However, the fixture list is brutal. To claim the award, Emery must navigate trips to West Ham and Chelsea, a home tie against Manchester United, and a daunting return fixture away at Arsenal on December 30th.
If Villa win out or even draw one and win the rest Emery would be undeniable. The high odds reflect the difficulty of the schedule, not the form.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) – 12/1
Oliver Glasner is quietly building a strong case at Crystal Palace, mirroring Villa’s perfect start.
The Eagles secured a professional 1-0 win away at Burnley to open the month and backed it up with a 2-0 victory over Leeds at Selhurst Park on December 7th. The real test comes next. Palace host Manchester City on December 14th a game that will likely decide Glasner’s fate in this market. Following that, they have winnable home games against Fulham and Tottenham.
If Glasner can take points off Guardiola, he becomes a serious contender. At 12/1, he is the dark horse of December.
Manager of the Month Betting – My Pick
The market seems to be pricing on reputation rather than current December form, with Arteta surprisingly short at 3/1 despite his loss to Villa. For me, the smart money is on Pep Guardiola at 4/1. He has two wins on the board, his team is scoring heavily (8 goals in 2 games), and his upcoming fixtures (Palace, West Ham, Forest) are very navigable for a squad of City’s depth.
However, if you want a value punt, look no further than Unai Emery at 10/1. He has already beaten the bookies’ favourite (Arsenal), and while his schedule is a nightmare, his team is fearless. Beating Arsenal and Brighton is no fluke, and another big scalp against United or Chelsea could seal it.
Understanding Premier League Manager of the Month Betting
How the Award Works
The Premier League Manager of the Month award honours the top-performing manager in England’s top flight for each month of the season. It was introduced in the 1993/94 campaign following the league’s breakaway from the Football League. Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson holds the record with 27 awards, making him the most decorated manager in the award’s history.
The selection process combines public voting with a panel of football experts. Each month’s shortlist typically includes four managers based on recent results and performances; the fan vote is merged with the panel’s scores to decide the winner.
It’s worth noting that the public vote only accounts for 10%, so while it can act as a tie-breaker, the panel of experts’ view has more of an impact.
What to Consider When Betting
Betting on the Manager of the Month market offers dynamic opportunities linked to on-pitch performance. Key factors to evaluate include:
Team Performance: Managers whose sides maintain undefeated or near-perfect records in a given month are strong contenders. Wins against top opposition weigh heavily in their favour.
Managerial Impact: Coaches who demonstrate tactical flexibility or transform team form; for instance, turning around a poor start or maximising player potential; often catch voters’ attention.
Fixture Difficulty: Evaluating opponents’ quality is critical. Managers who triumph despite challenging schedules are more likely to be recognised.
Momentum and Media Narrative: Public and media sentiment can influence voting, particularly when a manager’s work is seen as overachieving relative to resources.
Key Betting Strategies
Smart Manager of the Month betting involves analysing form and contextual cues:
Team Form: Managers overseeing win streaks, particularly during significant periods like December or April, are top picks.
Recent Impact Managers: Those new to a club who spark instant improvement; as Arne Slot did at Liverpool or Oliver Glasner at Palace; are attractive bets.
Avoiding Surprises: Established performers like Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) and Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) are consistently reliable candidates across multiple months.
Historical Patterns: Tracking managers who repeatedly appear on shortlists can indicate recurring value in betting markets.