With Christmas just around the corner, it is time to remember some of our fondest traditions; relaxing with your family, sharing gifts and eating entirely too much food. There is another tradition that goes back a lot longer than many would think – live sports on Boxing Day. With ten live football matches kicking off on boxing day this year, including the biggest names in the game like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, this Boxing Day hopes to offer up even more gifts than Christmas Day usually does.
The history of live sports on Boxing Day, by the way, dates all the way back to 1860 at Sandygate Road in Sheffield. On this particular Boxing Day, the world’s two oldest football clubs – Sheffield FC and Hallam FC – took part in the first inter-club game. Just like that, a tradition began that has continued for over 150 years.
Live Football Games to Watch on Boxing Day – December 2017
Below is a list of the upcoming Boxing Day Premier League fixtures. To find tickets for any of these popular matches, get the best deals by comparing ticket prices here.
Bournemouth v West Ham United – December 26, 2017
Bournemouth take on West Ham at their home turf of Dean Court in a Boxing Day showdown. The Cherries took the cake when these two last met, beating West Ham 3-2 in a thrilling game that could have went either way. Will West Ham get the better of Bournemouth this Boxing Day, or will the Cherries pop West Ham’s bubble once more.
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion – December 26, 2017
Brighton and Hove Albion haven’t beaten Chelsea in a football match since 1933, but Christmas is a well known time for miracles. Chelsea will be playing at home, which does the Blues an advantage over Brighton, who were only recently promoted into the Premier League. Although it looks as though Chelsea might have an easy game, you never can tell, especially on Boxing Day.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal – December 28, 2017
Arsenal will be hosting another London-based team this Boxing Day, with Crystal Palace looking to take three points from the Gunners in a festive face off, and they might just do it. When these two last played against one another, Crystal Palace caused a huge upset by dominating Arsenal in a 3-0 drubbing. Arsene Wenger and his squad will no doubt be looking for redemption, which should make for a fantastic match.
Huddersfield Town v Stoke City – December 26, 2017
Huddersfield Town will host Stoke City this Boxing Day, in what promises to be a hard match for both teams. The past two encounters with one another have ended in draws, so it will be interesting to see who will break the stalemate.
Liverpool v Swansea City – December 26, 2017
Liverpool will be hosting Swansea City at Anfield this Boxing Day, which should be a very entertaining match. Although the Swans have a poor track record against Liverpool, they caused major upset in their last encounter with a 3-2 victory. The Reds will be looking to clinch a vital three points, and Swansea might just want to cause another upset.
Manchester United v Burnley –
Manchester United are up against Burnley at Old Trafford this year, in what will be their 125th match against one another. Burnley haven’t beaten the Red Devils since 2009, so an upset might be long overdue. With that said, Manchester United are in incredible form at the moment, which makes Burnley’s challenge all the more difficult.
Newcastle United v Manchester City – December 27, 2017
With 175 matches against one another, Newcastle and Manchester City are very well-acquainted. This Boxing Day battle at St. James’ Park should be a real Christmas cracker, with Man City looking to clinch a vital three points. Newcastle will definitely be putting up a fight, though, with their last match against City ending in a draw.
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton – December 26, 2017
This Boxing Day will be the 190th time that Spurs take on Southampton, so hopefully there will be a glut of goals for the occasion. Tottenham Hotspur have seen a lot of success in the past few encounters against Southampton, but the Saints won’t be beaten too easily.
Watford v Leicester City – December 26, 2017
Watford will be hosting Leicester City at Vicarage Road this Boxing Day in what should be a highly entertaining encounter. Although Leicester have the upper hand, Watford have been known to change the tides of a game in an instant.
West Bromwich Albion v Everton – December 26, 2017
West Bromwich Albion will look to fend off Everton at the Hawthorns this Boxing Day, which might be easier said than done. Everton have beaten West Brom in their past two encounters, and with an in-form Wayne Rooney back in the squad, West Brom definitely have their work cut out.
