Overview
- Manchester United will host Newcastle United at Old Trafford at 8pm on December 26, the only Premier League game on Boxing Day.
- Seven fixtures move to Saturday, December 27, with two on Sunday, December 28, and further live games on December 30 and January 1 with no matches on New Year’s Eve.
- The Premier League points to European competition expansion, FA Cup weekend exclusivity and a requirement to deliver 33 weekend rounds as the reason for the reduced Boxing Day slate.
- Rest periods across rounds 18–20 have been extended, with the league saying no club will play within 60 hours of another match.
- Supporters’ groups criticised the 8pm kick-off for travel and fan welfare reasons, while the league says a fuller Boxing Day programme should return next season when December 26 falls on a Saturday.