The Premier League released its full fixture list for the 2026/27 season on Friday, and while much of the soccer world is glued to the World Cup, the Boxing Day slate already has people talking. That’s December 26 for anyone not tuned into British holiday traditions.
Last year’s schedule was a bit of a mess — just one game on Boxing Day thanks to TV reshuffling, which drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike. This time around, the league seems to have heard the noise. A full slate of matches is set for that Saturday, all currently scheduled for 3 p.m. local time (though broadcast changes are always possible).
The headliner? Newcastle United hosting Manchester City at St. James’ Park. City are currently without a manager (the team has not confirmed a permanent replacement yet), which adds a layer of unpredictability to what’s already a high-stakes matchup. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side has been climbing steadily, and this could be a statement game for them.
Reigning champions Arsenal head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, managed by Pierre Sage. That’s the same stadium where the Gunners lifted the trophy last season, so expect the home crowd to remind them of it. Probably loudly.
Chelsea’s trip to Coventry City is interesting for a different reason — it’ll be their first league meeting there in 25 years, and it doubles as a reunion with Frank Lampard, now in charge at Coventry. According to reports, Lampard has the team playing with more discipline than they’ve shown in years. It’s the kind of storyline that writes itself.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa welcome Leeds United to Villa Park, Manchester United host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, and Everton take on Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. That last one has relegation-fight written all over it, but we’ll see how the first half of the season shakes out.
A packed afternoon elsewhere
Fulham versus Brighton at Craven Cottage should be a good test for both sides. Hull City travel to Liverpool, which could get ugly if Liverpool’s attack is clicking. Ipswich Town face Brentford at Portman Road, and Spurs host Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. No word yet on whether Ange Postecoglou will still be in charge by then, but that’s a story for another day.
All kickoffs are set for 3 p.m. on December 26 but remain subject to change based on TV picks. The league typically announces broadcast selections a few weeks out. Fans online are already hoping the schedule stays as-is — or at least closer to tradition than last year’s disaster.
One thing’s for sure: this Boxing Day lineup has enough storylines to keep the arguments going well into January.
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