Boxing Day football has become something of a sporting tradition during the festive period and this year the Premier League presents followers with an exciting six-game card. Kick-off times will be staggered between 12:30 and 20:00, a limited number of fans will be allowed into the grounds and the fixtures will be shown live on television.
Below you’ll find details on all six Premier League games set to be played on Saturday 26 December.
Leicester vs Man Utd – 12:30
The action begins at the King Power Stadium and this should be interesting as both teams are vying for a top-four finish this season and place in the Champions League next term.
Man Utd enter this match with confidence having won each of their last four against Leicester, keeping a clean sheet in the last three renewals. The Foxes haven’t beaten the Red Devils since 2014. Will that wait rumble on?
Current Odds
- Leicester odds to win – 2.944
- Manchester United odds to win – 2.35
- Draw – 3.46
- BET HERE
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – 15:00
One of only two Premier League games starting at 3.00 pm on Boxing Day and Aston Villa enjoy home advantage over London side Crystal Palace. Both sides have struggled to put a run of form together this season but will believe they are good enough to win this and that should ensure a competitive 90 minutes from Villa Park.
The team enjoying home advantage has won each of the last four renewals of this fixture. At least one team has failed to find the net in seven at the last eight. Will that trend continue in this match? It could be tight again.
Current Odds
- Aston Villa odds to win – 2.035
- Crystal Palace odds to win – 3.66
- Draw – 3.44
- Check more odds here.
Fulham vs Southampton – 15:00
We’re in Craven Cottage for the second 3.00 pm start as struggling Fulham take on high-flying Southampton. Much of the Premier League table stands between these sides. Will that show in the result of this game?
The locals were promoted via the Championship playoffs in summer, but the early signs suggest they are out of their depth at this level. These teams last met in the league at this venue more than two years ago when Fulham won 3-2. Home fans would love a repeat performance.
Current Odds
- Fulham odds to win – 3.4
- Southampton odds to win – 2.11
- Draw – 3.54
- Bet on Fulham vs Southampton
Arsenal vs Chelsea – 17:30
This London derby is sure to pull in a massive TV audience as armchair fans sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most famous Premier League fixtures around. Arsenal welcome Chelsea but the home team have made a miserable start to the season and are closer to the relegation zone than the top-four.
Chelsea have been much stronger of late and are holding their own in the title race. It’s worth noting both teams have scored in each of the last four games involving Arsenal and Chelsea as well as six of the last seven. Armchair fans hope this game lives up to the billing and provides a fair share of goals.
Current Odds
- Arsenal odds to win – 3.17
- Chelsea odds to win – 2.165
- Draw – 3.62
- Find more Arsenal vs Chelsea odds
Man City vs Newcastle – 20:00
Manchester City began this season as betting favorites to wrestle the Premier League title back from Liverpool. Pep Guardiola’s men were expected to learn from the failings of the last term and find the improvement needed to return to the top of English football. There’s still a long road ahead but things haven’t gone according to plan so far. The Cityzens are off the pace of the current leaders but do have a game in hand over most sides in the competition. They haven’t been consistent but have had no problems scoring goals.
Newcastle challenging for the top-four is unlikely, but they will want to force their way into the top-10 this season. The Magpies have blown hot and cold so far but have shown on occasion just what they are capable of when in the mood, beating Crystal Palace 2-0 in London at the end of last month. They will have to be at their best to get anything out of this away game. The aggregate score in the three games between these teams last season was Man City 9-2 Newcastle. Will this game throw up another few goals? It’s certainly possible.
Current Odds
- Man City odds to win – 1.12
- Newcastle odds to win – 19
- Draw – 9.1
- Bet on the match on this page.
Sheffield United vs Everton – 20:00
Sheffield United have struggled for reasons to cheer this season and, at present, it looks like they could spend much of the campaign fighting to avoid relegation. The Blades failed to win any of their first 12 league starts, and that poor run dragged them into the relegation zone and stuck to the bottom of the pile. Serious improvement is needed if they are to safeguard their position in the league, but a Christmas win would help warm the hearts of supporters.
Everton can be found mixing it at the opposite end of the charts to their hosts with the Toffees in the mix for a European finish. They started the season well to top the table after the first few rounds but then dropped off the pace. Everton are a team capable of putting pressure on the likes of Leicester City and Chelsea for a top-four finish this term and they boosted confidence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park, the winning goal scored by Sigurdsson. The Toffees also beat the Blades 1-0 when last at this venue, Richarlison the difference that day.
Current Odds
- Sheffield Utd odds to win – 4.08
- Everton odds to win – 1.85
- Draw – 3.72
- BET HERE
Boxing Day Football Info
Each of the top tier teams in England traditionally played on Boxing Day but this has changed over the years due to the demand and scheduled of live television. Originally, most of the games featured local rivals and derby matches so fans didn’t have to travel long distances during the festive period. Unlikely previous rounds of the 2020/21 season, fans will attend most grounds although numbers will be limited to ensure social distancing measures are followed.
