As the festive season approaches, the Premier League is reaching its midway point, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The first few months have indicated that the 2024-25 season is one to remember, with plenty of special goals, fantastic performances and unpredictable results that have shocked Premier League betting at both ends of the table.
Defending champions Manchester City are on a relentless quest for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title, while newly promoted sides Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton continue their fight to avoid relegation.
With so much on the line, the festive fixtures take on a unique significance, offering teams a chance to redefine their seasons.
Among these matches, the Boxing Day fixtures hold a special place in the hearts of football fans. Steeped in tradition and packed with drama, the Christmas period showcases why England’s top flight is one of the most revered divisions in world football.
In this article, we take a look at what makes the Boxing Day games so special, as well as the key matches to watch this year.
The history of Boxing Day football
Boxing Day football is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century, when local clubs played matches to bring communities together after the Christmas celebrations.
Initially, the games were friendly affairs designed to share goodwill, but as football developed into a competitive sport, Boxing Day fixtures took on greater significance.
This long-standing tradition has remained a key feature of the English game, even as football modernised. However, in recent years, there have been slight adjustments to the festive schedule.
The Premier League introduced a winter break in 2019 to ease the burden on players, leading to Boxing Day fixtures being spread over several days instead of the traditional full slate on December 26th.
Only two Christmas Eve matches have taken place in Premier League history. The first came in 1995, when Manchester United dropped vital points in a heated clash against Leeds United at Elland Road. The second occurred last season, with Chelsea facing Wolves, a fixture met with widespread fan criticism for disrupting festive traditions.
Following the backlash, no Christmas Eve matches are scheduled this season.
The unique aspect of Boxing Day in the Premier League
For fans and players alike, Boxing Day football is more than just another round of fixtures; it’s an integral part of the holiday season. Families often make a day of it, braving the cold to cheer on their teams or gathering at home to watch the matches together.
The energy in the stadiums is electric, with fans eager to shake off the post-Christmas slump and revel in the high-paced action. Players, too, feed off this energy, often delivering thrilling performances. Boxing Day also levels the playing field, with underdogs frequently rising to the occasion and delivering unexpected results.
Memorable Boxing Day matches
Boxing Day fixtures have produced countless unforgettable moments in Premier League history. From high-scoring thrillers to title-defining statements, the day is a showcase for the league’s unpredictable nature.
One iconic clash came in 2002, when Bolton Wanderers defeated Newcastle United 4-3 at the Reebok Stadium.
Bolton, managed by Sam Allardyce, soared to a 4-1 lead, much to the delight of the home crowd. But Newcastle, led by Sir Bobby Robson, launched a thrilling fightback, showing their resilience and ensuring the travelling Geordie fans had plenty to talk about on their long journey home.
In 2019, Liverpool delivered a Boxing Day masterclass, thrashing Leicester City 4-0 at the King Power Stadium. Jurgen Klopp’s side, fresh from their Club World Cup triumph, dismantled their nearest title challengers with an awe-inspiring performance. It was a result that all but sealed Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years, underlining the festive period’s importance in defining a season.
This year’s fixtures
This year’s Boxing Day fixtures promise plenty of drama. Unlike leagues in other countries that pause for a winter break, the English leagues embraced the holiday season as an opportunity to bring people together through football.
The highlight of the game’s this year are City taking on relegation-threatened Everton in the early kick-off and Wolves hosting Manchester United in what will be new manager Ruben Amorim’s first taste of festive football in England since taking over as Red Devils’ boss.
