2023/24 Premier League Festive Fixtures
The festive season is synonymous with food, family, and—most importantly for football fans—a packed schedule of Premier League action. The 2023/24 fixture list for Christmas and New Year has been released, and it promises to be an intense and exciting period for players and fans alike. With multiple matches on offer every few days, this period often proves pivotal in shaping the remainder of the season, as title challengers look to solidify their campaigns while teams battling relegation scrap for every point.
Key Matches and Schedule
This year's schedule includes thrilling matchups, fierce rivalries, and plenty of opportunities for fans to indulge in a non-stop football extravaganza from December 21 through January 2, 2024. Clubs will face a grueling three-match schedule over 12 days, testing squad depth and management strategies as they battle through the traditionally congested period.
December 21–23: Festivities Begin with a Bang
The action begins on Friday, December 22, with a marquee matchup at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal host Liverpool. Both clubs are expected to be vying for top-four finishes, and this game could significantly influence the momentum of both teams heading into the new year. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have emerged as serious contenders in recent seasons, while Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are rebuilding after a transitional phase. This Friday night fixture will be live on Sky Sports and is sure to capture the imagination of football lovers across the world.
Saturday, December 23, features a host of matches, including Everton vs Chelsea at 12:30 PM GMT, another intriguing fixture between two clubs that have faced challenges this season. Everton, trying to avoid a relegation scrap, will look to secure a crucial home victory, while Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, will be desperate to remain in contention for a European spot.
Among other notable matches on December 23 is Manchester City vs Bournemouth, where the reigning champions are expected to comfortably assert their dominance.
December 26: Boxing Day Bonanza
Boxing Day, December 26, is a highlight of the English football calendar, traditionally packed with high-energy encounters. This year’s Boxing Day will be no different, with a London derby kicking off the action at 12:30 PM when Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United. Both clubs are expected to be in fierce competition for European qualification, adding extra spice to this festive fixture.
Other Boxing Day highlights include Liverpool vs Leicester City, with the Reds hoping to continue their push for a top-four spot. Meanwhile, Manchester United will host Burnley at Old Trafford in another must-watch fixture.
December 30–31: Year-End Showdowns
As the year draws to a close, December 30 and 31 will see some key encounters. Liverpool vs Leicester City on December 30 is set to be a crucial match for Jurgen Klopp's side as they continue their battle for Champions League qualification.
On New Year’s Eve, another exciting clash awaits as Brighton hosts Arsenal. Brighton, known for their high-tempo football and tactical discipline, could pose a tough challenge for an Arsenal side looking to close the year with a victory.
January 1–2: Welcoming the New Year with Football
The New Year kicks off in spectacular fashion, with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Aston Villa on January 1. Aston Villa has been one of the most improved teams in the league under Unai Emery, and this match could be a showdown between two sides vying for European places.
On January 2, Manchester City will travel to Leeds United, a fixture that City will likely approach with confidence, given their form and squad depth.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Title Race Heating Up: With Manchester City and Arsenal both in strong form, their respective holiday fixtures will be critical in shaping the title race.
- European Aspirations: Clubs like Tottenham, Chelsea, and Aston Villa will be pushing hard for European qualification.
- Relegation Battle: The bottom of the table is always highly competitive, and the Christmas fixtures often provide a clearer picture of which teams will be battling relegation.
The Christmas and New Year football period is set to deliver some of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, with teams fighting on all fronts—whether it’s for the title, European spots, or simply survival in the Premier League. Fans can expect wall-to-wall coverage of all the action during this special time of year.