The Most Exciting Boxing Day Matches 2024 to Watch

Boxing Day is a big day in the calendar for football fans in the UK, as most will often be able to see their team in action. It has become a tradition for many families around the country to spend the day together and watch the action that unfolds.

Some will brave the wintery elements that are usually experienced during the festive period and go to the match if they can get a ticket. Others will sit at home in front of the fire or on the couch with their loved ones and watch the matches that have been scheduled to be shown on the day.

2023/24 Premier League Boxing Day Fixtures

There is not a full schedule of Premier League games this Boxing Day, although fans may forgive the league as there are games on most days throughout the week between Christmas and New Year.

Fans who are looking forward to watching the games that take place on the day will have the ability to fill their boots. There are a total of five games scheduled to take place on the day, with kick-offs spread out over the course of four different times. This means there will be three games that will be watchable without clashing, while two matches will be played at the same time as the other.

The fixtures to be played are:

• Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest - K.O at 12:30 GMT
• Bournemouth vs Fulham - K.O. at 15:00 GMT
• Sheffield United vs Luton - K.O. at 15:00 GMT
• Burnley vs Liverpool - K.O. at 17:30 GMT
• Manchester United vs Aston Villa - K.O. at 20:00 GMT

These matches should each offer fans something to cheer about or to become invested in, although there may be some that are more eagerly anticipated than others.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa the biggest game of Boxing Day 23/24?

It might be possible to argue that the best of the viewing has been left until the final match of the schedule this Boxing Day. It is a game that features two of the biggest clubs in English football history, with both experiencing contrasting fortunes.

The match between Manchester United and Aston Villa may even attract betting eyes due to the differences between the two teams this season. The odds have already been released on the 32 Red Sports website, with the Red Devils just edging ahead as the early favourites. United are valued at 29/20 currently, with The Villains priced at 9/5.

Of course, the current Premier League table reflects something differently, with the Birmingham-based side flying high toward the top of the ladder, so there may be some value in the current betting odds.

What other games are essential viewing on Boxing Day?

Football fans around the world will be stating that every match is essential viewing when it comes to the Premier League, with every game able to provide plenty of entertainment.

However, for those who are looking to find the best games to watch, they may want to consider the games between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, as well as the match between Burnley and Liverpool.

Forest have just sacked manager Steve Cooper after one win in 13 matches, and Nuno Espirito Santo is widely expected to take over. This could provide a “new manager bounce” for the Tricky Trees, while Newcastle will be looking to get back to displaying consistent form in the league.

Liverpool will want to continue with their pursuit of the Premier League title as they remain toward the top of the table. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been able to get over the line in some games where some might argue they have been fortunate, but as long as they get the three points, the club and its fans are hardly going to moan.

That is not to say that either of the 15:00 GMT kick-offs are worth watching. Bournemouth and Fulham have both been playing well over the winter period and appear to be hitting the ground at the right time. The game between Sheffield United and Luton might be a repeat of a game that was seen in the Championship twice last season. Still, it has bigger connotations this time around, as it could be the difference come the end of the season of remaining in England’s top-flight or going back to the second tier at the first time of asking.