Boxing Day Shock: Only ONE Premier League Game – Man Utd vs Newcastle Takes Centre Stage!
By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
For the first time in decades, the Premier League will play just one match on Boxing Day this year.
Manchester United will host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Friday, 26 December 2025. It’s the only top-flight game on the day – a big change from the usual full round of fixtures fans look forward to every year.
The other nine games in that match round will be played over the weekend:
- Seven on Saturday 27 December
- Two on Sunday 28 December
Here’s the full list of games for that week:
Friday 26 December
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Saturday 27 December
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Brentford vs Bournemouth
Burnley vs Tottenham
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Fulham vs West Ham
Liverpool vs Wolves
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Sunderland vs Leeds United
Sunday 28 December
Everton vs Brighton
Why Only One Game?
The Premier League says it had no choice. Here’s why:
- Boxing Day is on a Friday this year. Fridays only have one TV slot for live games.
- The league must give Sky Sports and TNT Sports 33 weekend rounds and 5 midweek rounds. Moving more games to Friday would break that deal.
- The new-look Champions League and other European competitions have taken up more dates.
- The FA Cup now has protected weekends for later rounds – no Premier League games on those days.
- Players must have at least 48 hours rest between matches. The tight schedule made a full Boxing Day impossible.
The Premier League said:
“We know this affects an important tradition in English football. We’re sorry about that.”
They promised a full Boxing Day programme next season (2026-27), when 26 December falls on a Saturday.
Fans React
Many supporters are disappointed. One wrote on X:
“No proper Boxing Day in the Premier League? That’s a disgrace.”
Others see the bright side:
“At least the lower leagues still have full games – good for them.”
Lower Leagues Carry the Torch
While the Premier League scales back, the Championship, League One, League Two and National League will all have full Boxing Day schedules. That means most towns will still have local football to enjoy.
What Happens Next?
Kick-off times for all games will be confirmed later, once TV picks its matches. But one thing is certain: Manchester United vs Newcastle will be the only Premier League game on Boxing Day 2025.
A tradition isn’t gone – just paused for a year.
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