Premier League: Only one game on St Stephen's Day due to UEFA competitions expansion

By PA Sport Staff

The Premier League says the expansion of European competitions has led to just one match being scheduled on St Stephen's Day this year.

Manchester United’s home game against Newcastle is the only top-flight fixture which will take place, kicking off at 8pm, on what is traditionally a bumper day of matches.

“The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season – impacting an important tradition in English football,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions – which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.

“This ultimately left the Premier League as a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons, despite being a 380-match competition since 1995.”

The fact that Boxing Day falls on a Friday has also impacted the fixture list, with the remaining matches spread over the weekend; seven on Saturday and two on Sunday.

“With fewer weekends to work with, the League is bound by how the calendar falls,” the statement continued.

Special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period

“The League can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday.

“As with previous years – and in keeping with our commitment to clubs – special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period.

“This will allow greater time for players to recover, with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19 and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match.”