Arsenal will host West Ham United on Boxing Day while Manchester City travels to Everton as the Premier League’s traditional holiday fixture list promises to reshape the title race heading into 2024.
The December 26 schedule, released Thursday by the Premier League, features all 20 clubs in action across a packed day that has become synonymous with English football tradition. Liverpool, currently second in the table with 28 points, will welcome Leicester City to Anfield in what could prove pivotal for Jurgen Klopp’s championship ambitions.
Title Contenders Navigate Holiday Hazards
City’s trip to Goodison Park represents perhaps the most intriguing storyline of the Boxing Day slate. Pep Guardiola’s side, sitting third with 27 points after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend, cannot afford another slip-up against an Everton team fighting relegation under Sean Dyche.
The Citizens have historically struggled with the post-Christmas congestion — something that could prove decisive if they harbor any hopes of reeling in the Gunners.
“These holiday fixtures can define seasons,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher during Sky Sports’ coverage announcement. “You’re asking players to perform at the highest level when everyone else is opening presents.”
Arsenal’s clash with West Ham at the Emirates Stadium kicks off at 3 p.m. GMT, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to maintain their five-point advantage at the top. The North London club has won four consecutive Boxing Day matches, including last year’s 3-1 victory over Brighton — a streak that’s become crucial to their title ambitions.
European Race Takes Shape in Mid-Table
Brighton will host Tottenham in a match carrying significant implications for European qualification. Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls sit sixth with 22 points, while Spurs occupy fifth place on 26 points despite Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy yielding mixed results through 16 matches.
Son Heung-min has been electric recently — his hat-trick against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago was the kind of performance that silences doubters. The South Korean has scored eight goals in his last six Premier League appearances, making him Spurs’ most reliable weapon in their Champions League push.
Newcastle’s visit to Luton Town headlines the earlier kick-offs, with Eddie Howe’s side desperate to climb from their current 10th-place position. The Magpies’ European ambitions have stalled following a 4-1 humbling by Chelsea — their third loss in five league matches that exposed defensive frailties many thought had been solved.
Bottom-Half Drama Intensifies
Sheffield United hosts Brentford in what feels like a must-win for Chris Wilder’s survival hopes. The Blades remain rooted to the bottom with just seven points from 16 games — a shocking return for a side that showed such grit during their previous Premier League stint.
Thomas Frank’s Brentford has quietly climbed to 14th following consecutive victories over Crystal Palace and Wolves, proving once again why they’re masters of the Premier League’s dark arts.
Burnley travels to Fulham in another relegation six-pointer, with Vincent Kompany’s newly-promoted side occupying 19th place on 11 points. The Belgian’s possession-heavy approach looks increasingly naive at this level — a harsh reality check for one of football’s brightest coaching minds.
Marco Silva’s Fulham, comfortable in 12th with 19 points, has found their rhythm at Craven Cottage with a three-match unbeaten run that suggests they’ve learned from last season’s relegation scare.
Klopp’s Reds Eye Statement Performance
Liverpool’s encounter with Leicester represents the Merseyside club’s chance to maintain pressure on Arsenal while City potentially stumbles. Klopp’s side has rediscovered their attacking verve — Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham was vintage Anfield, the kind of end-to-end madness that makes you remember why you fell in love with this sport.
Mohamed Salah leads the league’s scoring charts with 15 goals, while Virgil van Dijk’s defensive leadership has helped the Reds concede just 16 goals through 16 matches. It’s the kind of defensive solidity that title challenges are built on.
Enzo Maresca’s Leicester, promoted from the Championship last season, arrives at Anfield sitting 15th with 16 points. The Italian has guided the Foxes to safety ahead of schedule, but faces his sternest test yet.
The Boxing Day fixtures conclude with Aston Villa hosting Wolves in the West Midlands derby — a fixture that carries extra weight given Villa’s surprise Champions League push under Unai Emery. Their 4-1 demolition of Manchester City last weekend was a statement that reverberated across the title race.
With the traditional 3 p.m. blackout lifted, every twist and turn will be broadcast live — perfect for a day that could define where the Premier League trophy ends up come May.
