Overview
- Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford in the day’s only top-flight game, scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.
- Matchweek 18 has been spread across three days rather than concentrated on Dec. 26 to keep the round active without leaving the weekend empty.
- The league cites expanded European competitions and FA Cup changes that left only 33 weekends for domestic play.
- Festive-period arrangements increase recovery time so no club plays within 60 hours between rounds 18, 19 and 20.
- Supporters still have a full EFL and National League program on Dec. 26, and the Premier League says more Boxing Day fixtures return in 2026 when the date falls on a Saturday.