While most European top-flight leagues give a break in fixtures during the festive period, England stands in complete contrast. As per tradition, it hosts one of the year’s most special matchdays just after Christmas, known as Boxing Day.
What is Boxing Day, and why is it special?
Boxing Day, which is the day right after Christmas, is often known as a “second Christmas.” Its roots date back almost to the 19th Century when it was decided that if Christmas falls on a Sunday, workers could enjoy an extra day of rest and spend time with family and loved ones. Over time, Boxing Day has become one of the most loved and celebrated holidays in the British calendar, and football plays a major part in it as fans are treated to a whole day of action-packed football.
It is said that the first Boxing Day match was played between Sheffield and Hallam in 1860, but it was not before the 1888-89 season that the tradition began to take shape with a game between Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
As the Premier League gears up for yet another Boxing Day, here are the following matches on December 26 in English top-flight football for the 2024-25 season.
Full list of matches on Boxing Day
Manchester City vs. Everton – 6 PM
Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace – 8:30 PM
Chelsea vs. Fulham – 8:30 PM
Newcastle vs. Aston Villa – 8:30 PM
Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham – 8:30 PM
Southampton vs. West Ham – 8:30 PM
Wolverhampton vs. Manchester United – 11:30 PM
Liverpool vs. Leicester – 1:30 AM (December 27 in Indian time)
**all timings are according to the Indian Standard Time
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com