2023-12-25 04:13:02
Once once more there is no time off for Christmas in English football. While the professionals on mainland Europe can almost without exception take a winter break, the ball will also roll on the island on December 26th. Boxing Day is an integral part of the schedule in the Premier League and the leagues below and has a long tradition.
The English name for Boxing Day (or St. Stephen’s Day) goes back to the wrapping of gifts. The origins of Boxing Day lie in the Victorian era. During this time, it was common practice for wealthy people to wrap Christmas presents for their servants and poorer people. The employees traditionally had December 26th off and received a Christmas package for themselves and their families from their employers on that day.
Until the 1950s, a full day of matches in the top English league was played on Christmas Day, December 25th. Today’s Premier League club Brentford, for example, advertised with the sexist slogan: “Men go to the game while women cook in the kitchen.” After the visit to the stadium there was traditionally a feast. For logistical reasons, Boxing Day came into play in the mid-1960s: public transport employees were given the day off on December 25th, so no buses or trains ran.
This year, five out of ten games on Matchday 19 will be played on Boxing Day. There are no real hits. After the 1-1 draw once morest Arsenal, Liverpool want to regain the top of the table, at least for the time being, with a win once morest Burnley. The struggling Manchester United welcomes Aston Villa, the surprise team of the season, who might even take first place if Liverpool slip up at Burnley.
Defending champions Manchester City, who have recently been weak in the Premier League, will play once morest Everton on Wednesday. Arsenal have to play a London derby once morest West Ham United on Thursday, while Tottenham play away at Brighton. The pay-TV provider Sky is the only provider in Austria to show all games live.
Even around the turn of the year, the football professionals on the island can hardly catch their breath. The 20th matchday will take place from December 30th to January 2nd. ManCity has a supposedly easy opponent in Sheffield United on Saturday, as does Aston Villa in Burnley. Arsenal will play their next derby at Fulham FC on New Year’s Eve followingnoon, while Tottenham will host Bournemouth. Liverpool play at home once morest struggling Newcastle United on New Year’s Day evening.
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