We may be in the middle of the FIFA World Cup, but eyes are turning towards the Premier League regardless after next season’s fixture list was released in full.
One of the key dates in the calendar is, of course, 26th December, also known as Boxing Day in the United Kingdom.
The tradition of playing football on the day after Christmas is a cherished one in England, though it has been eroded in recent years.
Last year there was just one game on Boxing Day as fixtures were moved for broadcasting purposes, a decision that was widely criticised. Hopefully this season’s slate of matches will return to a more traditional schedule.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will host Manchester City, who are currently managerless, at St. James’ Park in the most high-profile clash on Boxing Day.
Premier League champions Arsenal will return to the scene of their trophy lift when they face Pierre Sage’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea will be reunited with Frank Lampard when travel to Coventry City for a league game for the first time in 25 years
Elsewhere, Aston Villa will entertain Leeds United at Villa Park, while Manchester United will welcome Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford.
We will also see Everton play Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Fulham versus Brighton at Craven Cottage, Hull City at Liverpool, Ipswich Town against Brentford at Portman Road, and Spurs take on Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
All matches are currently slated to kick off at 3pm on Saturday, 26th December, though they are subject to change.
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