Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers has been scheduled for Christmas Eve, the first time the division will have a match on that date since 1995.
The Premier League announced the broadcast selections for fixtures around Christmas and the new year on Thursday.
The league has taken the decision to move Wolves against Chelsea to Sunday for broadcast on television at 1pm GMT, making it the first Christmas Eve game since Manchester United’s trip to Leeds United in 1995.
Arsenal will travel to Liverpool on December 23, while Manchester United take on West Ham United at the London Stadium in the early kick-off.
Manchester United’s home clash against Aston Villa has been moved to an 8pm GMT kick-off on Boxing Day, while Nottingham Forest travel to Newcastle United for the early game.
Chelsea are then in action three days later on December 27 when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
On New Year’s Eve, Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in a London derby. Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, will host Bournemouth. Liverpool play Newcastle United at 8pm GMT on New Year’s Day.
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‘Shocking scheduling’
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust (CST) labelled the Christmas Eve scheduling decision as “totally unacceptable”.
“It is totally unacceptable that Wolves v Chelsea has been scheduled for Christmas Eve,” CST said in a statement.
“Not only could this lead to staffing issues at Molineux, but holiday transport timetables will further inconvenience supporters.”
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) said it was “shocking scheduling” by the Premier League, adding that they stood with supporters’ trusts from both clubs in opposing Christmas Eve fixtures.
It said: “The Premier League has delivered an early present which no-one actually wanted in the shape of a Christmas Eve fixture.The FSA and our supporters groups have consistently told the league this is a bad idea and they have totally ignored match-goers.”
The Wolves supporters trust had previously said the scheduling showed a “complete lack of consideration and respect for fans”.
Premier League Christmas and New Year fixture schedule (3pm kick-off unless specified)
Saturday, December 23
- West Ham vs Manchester United (TNT Sports, 12.30pm GMT)
- Fulham vs Burnley
- Luton Town vs Newcastle United
- Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
- Tottenham vs Everton
- Liverpool vs Arsenal (Sky Sports, 5.30pm GMT)
Sunday, December 24
- Wolves vs Chelsea (Sky Sports, 1pm GMT)
Tuesday, December 26
- Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest (Prime Video, 12.30pm GMT)
- Bournemouth vs Fulham (Prime Video)
- Sheffield United vs Luton Town (Prime Video)
- Burnley vs Liverpool (Prime Video, 5.30pm GMT)
- Manchester United vs Aston Villa (Prime Video, 8pm GMT)
Wednesday, December 27
Thursday, December 28
- Brighton vs Tottenham (Prime Video, 7.30pm GMT)
- Arsenal vs West Ham (Prime Video, 8.15pm GMT)
Saturday, December 30
- Luton Town vs Chelsea (TNT Sports, 12.30pm GMT)
- Aston Villa vs Burnley
- Crystal Palace vs Brentford
- Manchester City vs Sheffield United
- Wolves v Everton
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United (Sky Sports, 5.30pm GMT)
Sunday, December 31
- Fulham vs Arsenal (Sky Sports, 2pm GMT)
- Tottenham vs Bournemouth (2pm GMT)
Monday, January 1 2024
- Liverpool v Newcastle (Sky Sports, 8pm GMT)
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(Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
