Created at a time when workers could only attend football games at Christmas, it is one of them Boxing Day to English football like the “fish” to the “chips”. This is how Boxing Day in English football is going this time.
Where does the name Boxing Day come from?
Boxing Day is here Premier League and the leagues below it is an integral part of the schedule and has a long tradition. In Victorian times, servants received a “box” from their employers on Boxing Day with gifts for themselves and their families. Poorer people were also taken into consideration. The term “boxing” means wrapping these gifts.
Why is football played on Boxing Day in England?
Until the 1950s, Christmas Dayi.e. on December 25th, a full day of matches was played. For logistical reasons, from the mid-1960s onwards, Boxing Day was used. The reason: Public transport employees were given the day off on December 25th, so no buses or trains ran and spectators had difficulty getting to the stadiums.
How can I watch the games in Germany?
The German pay-TV channel “Sky” is showing all Premier League games live on matchday 18, which will be played on December 26th and 27th. The sports show reports in the live ticker.
Which top games will take place on Boxing Day this year?
There are no really top games this year. On Boxing Day, struggling champions Manchester City start against Everton FC at 1.30 p.m. At 4 p.m. the runners-up, Chelsea FC, play against Fulham FC, while German national player Niclas Füllkrug has to play at Southampton FC at the same time as West Ham United.
The game between Wolverhampton and Manchester United kicks off at 6:30 p.m. In the evening (9 p.m.) leaders Liverpool FC can consolidate their lead in the table against Leicester City.
Füllkrug’s DFB colleague Kai Havertz will not play with title contenders Arsenal against Ipswich Town until December 27th (9:15 p.m.).
What happens after Christmas?
There is no respite for the football professionals in England. The league continues with the 19th matchday on December 29th. The 20th matchday starts on January 4th. On January 5th, Liverpool will host arch-rivals Manchester United in the top game.
The clubs then have a good week off from playing before another real English week with two match days. It will be exciting at the end of January: then Manchester City welcomes Chelsea FC. A week later, Pep Guardiola and his team have to play against Arsenal.