Santa's super six: holiday treats in the Premier League

EVER since Preston North End beat Aston Villa 3-2 on December 25th in 1889, football has been as much a part of Christmas as turkey and trimmings. So, there’s no guilt in planning a sofa soccerfest between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

There may not be a match on Christmas Day itself anymore (the last one was in 1965) but this year sees the return of Christmas Eve football as well as the usual St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day fixtures.

Here’s our guide to the six biggest matches to get you through the festive season…

Saturday December 23: Liverpool v Arsenal, 5.30pm

A title six-pointer at Anfield. The festive programme begins with a biggie, two teams with title aspirations going head-to-head in front of the Kop and under the lights. What could be better? Arsenal were top and Liverpool second after last weekend’s fixtures, but that would change if Aston Villa won their clash against Sheffield United last night.

Whatever happened, however, top spot will be up for grabs for both teams and that gives the fixture an extra edge. There’s something about going into Christmas top of the table that really adds to title credentials.

As for the match, this is tough one to predict. It might depend on which star players has the biggest impact — Saka for Arsenal or Salah for Liverpool. That’s a tantalising prospect — good enough to give up on the last-minute shopping and start the festivities a little early.

Sunday December 24: Wolves v Chelsea, 1pm

There hasn’t been a Premier League match on Christmas Eve in 28 years, but the scramble for television money has seen that principle overturned for 2023. Whether you see that as crazy or exciting, it does set up the prospect of some afternoon entertainment at Molineux — and a chance