For football fanatics across the United Kingdom, it doesn’t get much better than Boxing Day.
In fact, there’s no need to even move from your sofa on December 26, as there are five enticing fixtures on the cards — ensuring that it will be a day filled with drama, excitement and potential upsets.
That said, we’re going to take a look at each of the Boxing Day games and see how they could pan out.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest – St James’ Park
The Boxing Day action kicks off with a 12:30 clash between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle are currently lower than they would wish to be at this stage of the season, with their nine wins, two draws and six defeats leaving Eddie Howe’s men in sixth.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest find themselves in 17th place with three wins, five draws and nine defeats.
The Magpies are the favourites for this tie in the Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest odds, and this encounter should set the tone for an action-packed day.
Sheffield United vs Luton Town – Bramall Lane
One of two 15:00 kick-offs, a revitalised Sheffield United under Chris Wilder will host Luton Town at Bramall Lane in a clash that could prove pivotal in the relegation fight.
Sheffield United, currently languishing at the bottom of the table, recently secured a 1-0 victory over Brentford in Wilder’s first game back.
Luton, positioned 18th, will look to capitalise on their opponent’s managerial change and claim another crucial three points in a bid for safety.
So, expect a tense battle for survival and a display of newfound optimism in this fixture.
Bournemouth vs Fulham – Vitality Stadium
Bournemouth welcome Fulham to the Vitality Stadium in a midtable clash that could significantly impact both teams’ aspirations.
Bournemouth, currently 14th, will aim to improve their standing with five wins, four draws and seven defeats.
Fulham, sitting comfortably in 11th, boast six wins, three draws and eight defeats.
Their respective records and the closeness between the two sides in the table make this an enticing fixture if you have any betting offers.
Burnley vs Liverpool – Turf Moor
Moving onto the 17:30 kick-off, strugglers Burnley host second-place Liverpool at Turf Moor.
Vincent Kompany’s men, positioned 19th, find themselves below the bar of expectation with two wins, two draws and 13 defeats.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are living up to their pre-season expectations and sit second with 11 wins, five draws and just one defeat.
Given Burnley’s struggles and the Reds’ dominance, this fixture offers the potential for an upset or a reaffirmation of Liverpool’s dominance.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa – Old Trafford
The Boxing Day football feast concludes with a clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford at 20:00.
Manchester United, currently seventh, have grappled with inconsistency throughout the season, winning nine, drawing one and losing seven.
In contrast, Aston Villa sit in an impressive third place, just one point behind leaders Arsenal, with 12 wins, two draws and three defeats.
This fixture will either see Man United rejoin the race for top four and Champions League, or Aston Villa prove that they are genuine title contenders.
