The holiday seasn brings a flurry of Premier League football matches that is both a gift and a burden for players and fans alike. This year, the usual packed December calendar has delivered an exceptionally rare treat – a Christmas Eve match for just the second time in the Premier League era.
However, this gift comes wrapped in strings, as clubs, supporters and families must sacrifice rest and holiday gatherings at the altar of sporting entertainment.
The Premier League has announced the schedule for this year’s festive fixtures, including the rare occurrence of a match on Christmas Eve. It’s the most wonderful but exhausting time of the year for the players and fans.
READ ALSO: Man United’s Wan-Bissaka could play for Congo in 2023 Africa Cup
Christmas Eve Return After 28 Years
On December 24th at 13:00 GMT, Wolves will host Chelsea at Molineux Stadium. This will be only the second Christmas Eve fixture in Premier League history and the first since Leeds beat Manchester United in 1995.
The decision came after Chelsea’s original December 23rd match was moved. The Premier League cited the need for sufficient rest between games as reasoning for the congested holiday calendar.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Clubs
Fan groups expressed dissatisfaction with the Christmas Eve match as it intrudes on family time. Chelsea and Wolves supporter trusts requested the Premier League reverse course and consult fans on scheduling.
When Arsenal and Liverpool were previously considered for a 2017 Christmas Eve match, backlash led to scrapping it. Television demands, however, continue to shape the calendar.
READ ALSO: Osimhen makes final shortlist for 2023 CAF Player Of The Year (Full List)
Who Has the Most and Least Rest?
Chelsea faces the quickest turnaround in the holiday fixtures. They have only 143.5 hours between their December 21 and 28 matches.
Brighton enjoys the most rest, with 287.5 hours between games, exactly double Chelsea’s. Ultimately, some teams gain an advantage depending on schedule compactness.
Round 1: December 21-24
The first festive round begins December 21-24, with Crystal Palace vs Brighton and Aston Villa vs Sheffield United starting off. Six matches follow on December 23rd before Chelsea take on Wolves in the Christmas Eve spotlight match.
Round 2: December 26-28
After Christmas Day, festive football rolls on with nine matches between December 26-28. Game times are staggered from December 26-28 to allow sufficient recovery periods.
Round 3: December 30-January 2
The holiday fixtures conclude on December 30-January 2, with the remaining seven games. Teams typically play twice between December 30-January 1 followed by a January 2 nightcap.
Sports or Family Time?
Players will sacrifice family holidays to entertain fans over Christmas. Supporters groups voiced concerns over the impact on attending matches. Ultimately, the fans lose out during this most wonderful time of the year.
Fatigue could take its toll for clubs like Chelsea with the fewest rest days. But for ultra-fit footballers, priorities may lie with delivering results amid the hectic holiday schedule.
