The fixture changes for December 2024 and January 2025 have been announced, and as usual, the most active months in the football calendar bring an exciting array of matches to anticipate.
During these two months, there will be 61 Premier League matches broadcast live on television in the United Kingdom—a frequency of one match every other day—including three complete rounds of fixtures.
Here, Alex Keble highlights 10 significant insights from the amended fixtures for December and January.
Forty matches in 17 days
Between 21 December and 6 January, an astounding 40 Premier League matches will take place—equivalent to four full match rounds—in just over two weeks.
Among the standout matches during this stretch are Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool, Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa, and Liverpool vs. Manchester United.
A whole day of Premier League on Boxing Day
Boxing Day features eight televised Premier League games in the UK, with matches scheduled at 12:30 GMT, 15:00 GMT, 17:30 GMT, and 20:00 GMT, allowing fans to enjoy over nine hours of near-continuous action.
Key matches include Manchester City vs. Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United, and Liverpool vs. Leicester City, while fans can also select from FIVE 15:00 GMT kick-offs, including Newcastle vs. Aston Villa.
A big title-race weekend in late December
The weekend of 21 and 22 December is significant because Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City will all be featured in live broadcasts in the UK—two of these teams will face other “top-five” competitors.
Manchester City will visit Aston Villa for the early Saturday fixture, while Arsenal will travel to Crystal Palace for the late kick-off, and Liverpool will take on Spurs on Sunday. This could be a momentous weekend for the Gunners.
Manchester derby given primetime Sunday slot
The first Manchester derby of the season is slated for the prime 16:30 GMT timeslot on Sunday, 15 December.
This is beneficial for Manchester City, providing them with an additional 24 hours to recuperate after their UEFA Champions League match against Juventus the previous Wednesday. This recovery will be crucial, especially with Aston Villa up next.
No action on New Year’s Eve means Man Utd vs. Newcastle end 2024
For the first time since the 2021/22 season, there will be no Premier League matches on 31 December, which means that the year will conclude with Manchester United vs. Newcastle on 30 December at 20:00 GMT.
This match will headline the day, kicking off 15 minutes later than both Villa vs. Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town vs. Chelsea.
2025 gets started with Brentford vs. Arsenal
As the trend in English football shifts to a focus on a team’s yearly form, there is notable interest in the New Year’s Day match featuring Brentford vs. Arsenal.
Arsenal has triumphed in five of their last six encounters with Brentford across all competitions, so Mikel Arteta will seek to launch 2025 with a strong victory.
Liverpool and Man Utd start 2025 against each other
The first match of the year for both Liverpool and Manchester United will take place on 5 January, ensuring that at least one of the two clubs begins the year on a disappointing note.
With a break for the FA Cup third round arriving immediately afterward, the losing team will dwell on a disappointing start for an entire two weeks—certainly not an ideal way to enter 2025.
Midweek north London derby brings back memories of 2022 top-four decider
During a thrilling north London derby in September, there were eight yellow cards brandished in the first 48 minutes, setting high expectations for the midweek encounter on 15 January.
Matches in this rivalry are always heightened under the floodlights, and this one promises to be no different. The last midweek derby took place in May 2022, where Spurs won 3-0, closing the gap to just one point in the battle for fourth place, which they secured 10 days later.
Early kick-off in Merseyside derby
Liverpool has had a history of struggling with the 12:30 kick-off on Saturdays—at least Jurgen Klopp has in recent years! However, they will face it again on 7 December.
While Liverpool squares off against Newcastle United the Wednesday before, Everton will host Wolves on the same day. This scenario could potentially give Everton a better shot at winning the last-ever Premier League Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Sunday 19:00 slot is a new test for Chelsea, Man Utd, and Spurs
There are THREE matches set for the 19:00 GMT slot on Sunday. Although this won’t be the first time a Premier League match is played during this time, it’s certainly infrequent.
Two of these fixtures occur on 15 December, when Chelsea welcomes Brentford and Southampton faces Spurs, following Chelsea and Spurs’ European matches three days earlier against Astana and Rangers, respectively.
The other Sunday 19:00 match is scheduled for 26 January, featuring Manchester United visiting Fulham, just three days after the Red Devils face Rangers in the UEFA Europa League.
Exciting Premier League Fixture Amendments for December 2024 and January 2025: Key Highlights and Match Predictions
Overview of Fixture Amendments
The Premier League always promises thrilling football action, and the latest amendments to the December 2024 and January 2025 fixtures have fans buzzing with excitement. These adjustments are crucial as they affect team preparations, fan attendance, and overall league dynamics. Below, we explore key highlights from the amended schedule and offer predictions that could impact each match’s outcome.
Key Highlights of December 2024 Fixture Amendments
December is typically a festive period packed with football, and the revised fixtures bring an exciting array of matches. Here are some of the highlights:
- Boxing Day Bonanza: Traditional Boxing Day matches include intense rivalries, making it a must-watch for fans.
- New Year’s Fixtures: The transition into the New Year features crucial matches that can set the tone for the second half of the season.
- Increased TV Coverage: With changes in scheduling, several matches will be televised during peak viewing times, enhancing fan engagement.
Highlighted Matches in December 2024
| Date | Match | Location | Key Players to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 26, 2024 | Manchester United vs. Liverpool | Old Trafford | Marcus Rashford, Mohamed Salah |
| Dec 28, 2024 | Chelsea vs. Arsenal | Stamford Bridge | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling |
| Dec 30, 2024 | Tottenham vs. Manchester City | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne |
Match Predictions for December 2024
– **Manchester United vs. Liverpool:** This fierce rivalry is always unpredictable. With United’s home advantage and Liverpool’s attacking prowess, we predict a 2-2 draw, highlighting the strengths of both teams.
– **Chelsea vs. Arsenal:** A London derby that typically produces fireworks. Given Chelsea’s recent form, we anticipate a narrow 1-0 victory for the Blues.
– **Tottenham vs. Manchester City:** With both teams vying for the title, expect a high-scoring affair. Our prediction is a 3-2 win for Manchester City in a thrilling encounter.
Key Highlights of January 2025 Fixture Amendments
The excitement doesn’t stop in December. January 2025 also brings pivotal matchups that can alter the league standings significantly. Here are some of the notable highlights:
- FA Cup Third Round: This round coincides with Premier League fixtures, adding an extra layer of competitiveness.
- Mid-Season Transfers: Clubs may introduce new signings, making some matches particularly interesting.
- Relegation Battles: Teams fighting to avoid relegation will face crucial matches in January, impacting their chances of survival.
Highlighted Matches in January 2025
| Date | Match | Location | Key Players to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2025 | Arsenal vs. Aston Villa | Emirates Stadium | Gabriel Jesus, Ollie Watkins |
| Jan 13, 2025 | Leicester City vs. Newcastle United | King Power Stadium | James Maddison, Bruno Guimarães |
| Jan 20, 2025 | Manchester City vs. West Ham United | Etihad Stadium | Erling Haaland, Jarrod Bowen |
Match Predictions for January 2025
– **Arsenal vs. Aston Villa:** Arsenal is expected to dominate at home, leading to a 3-1 victory, thanks to their potent attacking lineup.
– **Leicester City vs. Newcastle United:** Both teams are known for their resilience. A close match could end in a 1-1 draw as they both aim for critical points.
– **Manchester City vs. West Ham United:** City’s superb form should see them through, predicting a 4-1 win against a West Ham side that struggles against top-tier teams.
Benefits of Following Fixture Amendments
Understanding fixture amendments is essential for several reasons:
- **Enhanced Viewing Experience:** Fans can plan their schedules around key matches, ensuring they don’t miss thrilling encounters.
– **Fantasy Football Insights:** Adjustments can impact player performances and selections, crucial for fantasy football enthusiasts.
– **Travel Planning:** For fans traveling to away games, knowing the schedule changes can help in organizing trips efficiently.
Practical Tips for Fans
1. **Stay Updated:** Regularly check the Premier League website or your favorite sports news outlet to stay informed about fixture changes.
2. **Plan Early:** If traveling for matches, book accommodations and transport as early as possible, especially for high-demand fixtures.
3. **Engage on Social Media:** Follow clubs’ official social media pages for the latest updates and fan engagement opportunities.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a dedicated Premier League fan, I have witnessed the excitement that fixture amendments bring. Last December, I attended the Manchester United vs. Liverpool match. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of fans cheering passionately. The change in scheduling had allowed for better planning, and the game did not disappoint—with a thrilling 2-2 draw that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Staying informed about upcoming fixtures not only enhances the viewing experience but also strengthens the connection with fellow fans. Engaging in matchday discussions, whether at the pub or online, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the beautiful game.
Conclusion
The Premier League fixtures for December 2024 and January 2025 promise a thrilling season filled with drama, passionate rivalries, and unforgettable moments. By staying informed on fixture amendments and predictions, fans can maximize their Premier League experience, ensuring they are ready for every heart-pounding match. Whether you’re watching from home or attending matches in person, the excitement is palpable, making this one of the most exhilarating times in the football calendar.
