Boxing Day and Premier League football go together like turkey and gravy.
This year’s fixtures are set to deliver an extra helping of drama, featuring clashes that could shake up the table and delight fans worldwide.
Whether you’re cheering for your team or testing your luck on the Betway app, these are the games to watch on December 26, 2024.
Manchester City vs Everton
- Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
The defending champions, Manchester City, welcome Everton in what promises to be a fiery opening to the Boxing Day action.
Guardiola’s side is laser-focused on extending their lead at the top.
Under new ownership, Everton is looking to prove their worth against England’s best.
Everton’s £600 million takeover by Dan Friedkin has fueled expectations of a January transfer spree.
For now, they’ll need to rely on the grit and determination of their existing squad.
City, meanwhile, will unleash their usual array of attacking brilliance, with Haaland leading the charge.
What to Watch For:
- City’s Mastery: Expect City’s fluid 4-3-3 formation to dominate possession, with Haaland and Julian Alvarez lurking for goals.
- Everton’s Response: Everton may counter with a compact defensive setup, relying on quick transitions to catch City off guard.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United
- Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
- Venue: Molineux Stadium
United’s Boxing Day trip to the Wolves will test their progress under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s attacking style has injected life into the Red Devils’ play, but Wolves at home are never an easy opponent.
Wolves, known for their resilience, have made Molineux a fortress in recent seasons.
This match could be a battle of United’s firepower versus Wolves’ defensive solidity.
Key Players:
- United: Marcus Rashford remains United’s go-to for moments of magic.
- Wolves: Pedro Neto’s pace on the wings is a constant headache for defenders.
Liverpool vs Leicester City
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Anfield
Liverpool hosting Leicester rounds off the day with a tantalizing clash at Anfield.
The Reds are flying high, led by a revitalized Mo Salah and a midfield full of fresh energy.
Leicester is already punching above their weight.
It will need every ounce of Brendan Rodgers’ tactical wizardry to keep Liverpool at bay.
Liverpool’s high press and attacking overloads will aim to pin Leicester deep.
Meanwhile, the Foxes will likely sit back and look for moments of brilliance from Jamie Vardy or James Maddison to break through on the counter.
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: St. James’ Park
Newcastle’s rapid rise under Eddie Howe meets Aston Villa’s renewed ambitions under Unai Emery.
Both teams are vying for top-four finishes, making this one of the day’s most exciting fixtures.
Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in top form, and both teams boast some of the league’s most creative midfield.
Expect fireworks at St. James’ Park as these evenly matched sides battle it out.
Chelsea vs Fulham
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s London derby with Fulham may not have title implications, but the rivalry ensures sparks will fly.
Chelsea, unbeaten at Stamford Bridge this season, will look to maintain their dominance over their West London neighbours.
Fulham, however, is no pushover.
Their disciplined backline and counter-attacking prowess could cause problems if Chelsea fails to convert early chances.
The Perfect Boxing Day Lineup
With so much action packed into one day, Boxing Day 2024 promises to be unforgettable for football fans.
Whether it’s City’s tactical brilliance or the electric atmosphere at Anfield, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget to tune in and enjoy the holiday football extravaganza.
Maybe even place a cheeky wager through the Betway app if you’re feeling confident in your predictions!
Which game are you most excited to watch?
