Why is there only one match on Boxing Day in the Premier League this season? 

The Premier League has explained why there is just one game on Boxing Day this season. The fixtures the day after Christmas have established themselves as a tradition for fans of the English top flight, but this year, only the supporters of Manchester United and Newcastle United will have a game to follow on Boxing Day.

In a statement released to address the lack of traditional Boxing Day fixtures this year, the Premier League cited fixture congestion as the main reason why only one game will be played. Several competitions in the calendar, combined with the league's commitment to ensure no club plays within 60 hours of their last match, meant that most games were unavailable on December 26.

The football calendar has expanded, with the UEFA club competitions increasing the number of games in a tournament since last year. This has left the league with just 33 weekend competitions and 380 games to play this year, fewer than the previous season.

However, the league has promised more games next season, when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. The remaining league fixtures will take place this weekend, with 18 clubs in the division vying for points to wrap up the year.

Manchester United and Newcastle United take center stage on Premier League Boxing Day

Manchester United and Newcastle United will be the only sides playing in the English top flight on Boxing Day this year. Both sides will hope to put on a show and give their fans and neutrals a performance to remember after Christmas Day.

Both teams will be keen to give their fans something to shout about after failing to win their previous two league games. The Red Devils drew with Bournemouth and lost to Aston Villa, while the Magpies lost the Tyneside derby to Sunderland before drawing with Chelsea at home.

With just three points and four places separating the sides on the Premier League table, both sides will be keen to secure a result and confirm a top-half finish before 2025 ends.

Manchester United have not enjoyed success in their recent clashes with Newcastle United. The Red Devils have won just three of their last 10 clashes against the Magpies, drawing twice and losing the rest.

They will be without captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes in a tough fixture, where they will need a strong performance to continue their bid to return to European football next season.

Edited by Parag Jain