22 December 2025
Winter football provides us with great sporting action over the Christmas period, with Premier League games even typically played on Boxing Day. Although only one EPL fixture is to be played on Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) in 2025, the weekend features the remaining 18 sides.
The EPL has given fans some very exciting fixtures to look forward to, including derbies and rivalries that will impact positions in the league. To make it easy for you to look out for some of the biggest games over this Christmas season, we have curated a list of the must-watch games from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Newcastle | 2-0 | Chelsea |
| 2024/25 | EFL Cup | Newcastle | 2-0 | Chelsea |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Chelsea | 2-1 | Newcastle |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Chelsea | 3-2 | Newcastle |
| 2023/24 | EFL Cup | Chelsea | 1-1 (4-2 Pen) | Newcastle |
When Newcastle and Chelsea have played against each other, it has given fans some of the most exciting moments. An example being Papiss Demba Cissé’s sublime travela half-volley in the 2011/12 season, where the Magpie won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, the two clubs played against each other three times: twice in the EPL and once in the EFL Cup at St. James’ Park. Both teams won their home games, meaning Newcastle won twice and Chelsea won once, but this match on 20 December could end either way.
Newcastle’s home form has always been applauded, with St. James’ Park acting as the Magpies’ 12th player in every match, but Chelsea’s away form this season has been very impressive. In away games in the EPL alone, the Blues would sit in 2nd place, winning four out of eight, picking up 14 points.
Enzo Maresca’s side has been fairly strong so far, beating Liverpool and Barcelona, even contesting Arsenal with 10 men on the pitch, whereas Eddie Howe’s men are struggling to stay consistent, finding themselves in the bottom half of the table due to their lacklustre attack and recurring injuries. Therefore, this ties up to be an interesting match between the two sides; both aiming to prove a point.
Wolves vs Brentford Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Wolves | 1-1 | Brentford |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Brentford | 5-3 | Wolves |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Wolves | 0-2 | Brentford |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Wolves | 3-2 | Brentford |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Brentford | 1-1 | Wolves |
Wolves’ season has gone awfully so far, and the current squad is on track to go down as one of, if not the worst EPL teams ever, collecting just two points from 15 games! Vítor Pereira was sacked on 2 November 2025, replaced by Rob Edwards, who has not been able to gain a point during his four games in charge.
But for Brentford, Keith Andrews has hit the ground running impressively in what is his first-ever managerial position. Despite losing Bryan Mbeumo and Yoann Wissa in the Summer, their signing of Igor Thiago has lit up the EPL, scoring 11 goals, placing him in second place for the league’s Golden Boot. Overall, Brentford have proved critics and doubters wrong, more so Andrews, who many predicted would be the first to be sacked at the start of the season.
The reason for Wolves vs Brentford being one to watch is because of the chance for Rob Edwards to get his and Wolves’ first win in the EPL. Notably, Brentford’s form away from home has been one of the worst in the league, winning only one and losing the other seven. Of course, it isn’t worse than Wolves, but if Edwards’ side is going to collect some points, it is their best chance to do so against the Bees at Molineux Stadium and inspire chances for survival.
Tottenham vs Liverpool Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Liverpool | 5-1 | Tottenham |
| 2024/25 | EFL Cup | Liverpool | 4-0 | Tottenham |
| 2024/25 | EFL Cup | Tottenham | 1-0 | Liverpool |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Tottenham | 3-6 | Liverpool |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Liverpool | 4-2 | Tottenham |
A clash between two of the EPL’s “Big 6” is always one to look forward to, and this season is no different for Tottenham vs Liverpool. In recent years, when the two have faced each other, there have been some high-scoring matches, including a nine-goal thriller in the 2024/25 EPL season.
This season, both sides are going through tough periods, as they currently find themselves mid-table. Defensively, both sides have been exposed, especially Liverpool’s, with most of the spotlight shown on Ibrahima Konaté, who looks miles off it when compared to his performances last season.
Going forward, both sides have been scoring plenty of goals. Spurs tally 43 goals in all competitions, higher than rivals Liverpool, with 39 goals, which is still impressive. Therefore, expect this game to be full of goals, or at least a feisty attacking display with lots of shots on goal and flashy wing-play.
Everton vs Arsenal Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Everton | 1-1 | Arsenal |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Arsenal | 0-0 | Everton |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Arsenal | 2-1 | Everton |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Everton | 0-1 | Arsenal |
| 2022/23 | Premier League | Arsenal | 4-0 | Everton |
Despite Arsenal beating Everton more times in an all-time record between the two, it feels like it should be much closer. Last season, neither side managed to take all three points when playing against each other and to be frank, it is highly expected to be the case again this season.
So, this sounds like it could be a snoozefest. However, it could be an interesting tactical display of attack vs defence as Arsenal averaged 74% possession, collectively shooting 27 times at goals in last season’s ties. Yet Everton’s superb defensive and goalkeeping performance managed to split the points evenly for two draws.
Everton’s attack has improved massively this season through the loan signing of Jack Grealish, star Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but the Toffees have also joint-fourth most clean sheets in the EPL.
Mikel Arteta’s side was expected to beat Chelsea’s defensive record for the least amount of goals conceded in a single season, but with injuries to key defenders, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, the Gunners look slightly vulnerable at the back, giving Everton the chance to look dangerous on the counter, ultimately ruining Arsenal’s title chances.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Man United | 2-0 | Aston Villa |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 0-0 | Man United |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 1-2 | Man United |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Man United | 3-2 | Aston Villa |
| 2022/23 | Premier League | Man United | 1-0 | Aston Villa |
Since 2010, Aston Villa has only beaten Manchester United twice, losing 20 times, which is surprising. Of course, Villa has improved massively under the newish owners and Unai Emery, who did beat the Red Devils on his managerial debut for the Villans on 6 November 2022, but has drawn once and lost every other game since then.
Currently, Emery’s side is third in the EPL on 30 points, five clear of Man United, who sit in sixth, finally finding form under Ruben Amorim. This is a must-watch, as this is a huge game for both teams: a chance for Emery to prove why his side should be viewed as title contenders and an opportunity for United to fight their way back into the holy top four spot.
Manchester United vs Newcastle Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Newcastle | 4-1 | Man United |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Man United | 0-2 | Newcastle |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Man United | 3-2 | Newcastle |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Newcastle | 1-0 | Man United |
| 2023/24 | EFL Cup | Man United | 0-3 | Newcastle |
Every year, EPL fans love Boxing Day football, as in the past, the majority of games are played the day after Christmas Day. However, this year, only one game is to be played on Boxing Day because of expanded European tournaments, causing calendar congestion, which has many fans feeling disappointed about this festive footballing tradition.
Nevertheless, the EPL have given fans a great northern fixture in Manchester United vs Newcastle United. Tyneside will be travelling to Old Trafford feeling very confident because of recent games in which the Magpies have beaten United four times in the last five.
What makes this fixture a truly magnificent one is the atmosphere. Two of the greatest and most loyal fan bases are going head-to-head to win their teams over, in what is always a great match.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 2-1 | Chelsea |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Chelsea | 3-0 | Aston Villa |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 2-2 | Chelsea |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Aston Villa | 1-3 | Chelsea |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Chelsea | 1-1 | Aston Villa |
Chelsea is in for a highly congested Winter period of football, with 13 games to be played from now to 31 January 2026, which could massively impact their EPL form and fight for the top four. As highlighted above, Chelsea’s home form has not been the best, collecting 11 from a possible 24 points at the Bridge, so Emery should be feeling optimistic about this one.
Most importantly, this game is massive for both teams in an early hint at who is worthy of that top four spot. Come the end of the season, things can change, but it is as important for both sides to maintain consistency, especially due to the wide competition surrounding them.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 2-1 | Arsenal |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Arsenal | 2-2 | Aston Villa |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 0-2 | Arsenal |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Arsenal | 0-2 | Aston Villa |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Aston Villa | 1-0 | Arsenal |
On the eve of New Year’s Eve, Arsenal will frostily welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium after the recent 2-1 win for Emery’s side at Villa Park, which angered and humbled the Gunners. Without Gabriel or Saliba, Arsenal really looked weaker at the back, which could give other teams like Everton and Villa to gain points.
Arteta cannot afford to drop points, as Man City and Villa themselves are catching up to Arsenal, and as we have seen in previous years, the Gunners have missed out on the EPL trophy by fine margins because they cannot collect all three points when it matters most.
Leeds vs Manchester United Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | Premier League | Leeds | 0-2 | Man United |
| 2022/23 | Premier League | Man United | 2-2 | Leeds |
| 2021/22 | Premier League | Leeds | 2-4 | Man United |
| 2021/22 | Premier League | Man United | 5-1 | Leeds |
| 2020/21 | Premier League | Leeds | 0-0 | Man United |
Leeds being back in the EPL is a wonderful sight to see, as they are one of the greatest clubs in English football history and have some huge rivalries against other clubs. Their main rivals are Manchester United, stemming from centuries of historical conflict between Yorkshire and Lancashire (War of the Roses), which has ultimately fallen into the beautiful game.
Amped up by “Judas” player transfers and the peak rivalry during the 1990s and early 2000s, this is never forgotten by their fans, embedded in both sides' history. Whilst the gap is quite distant now, due to the mass success of Manchester United and the fall of Leeds United, the feistiness is back in the EPL, with both teams looking to ruin the other’s start of the new year.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games In All Competitions):
| Season | Competition | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Man City | 3-1 | Chelsea |
| 2024/25 | Premier League | Chelsea | 0-2 | Man City |
| 2023/24 | FA Cup | Man City | 1-0 | Chelsea |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Man City | 1-1 | Chelsea |
| 2023/24 | Premier League | Chelsea | 4-4 | Man City |
Ending this article is one of the rising rivalries in recent years between Man City against Chelsea. The last time Chelsea beat Man City was in the UEFA Champions League Final, where the Blues took home their second UCL title in Portugal, but since then, Man City have won every game apart from the two draws in the 2023/24 season.
Maresca will be looking to end Man City's unbeaten streak against Chelsea to prove his side is more than a top-four contender, but also a potential title contender. But Guardiola’s men are in fine form at the moment, scoring 36 goals in the EPL, but are subject to conceding goals, as seen in their recent 3-2 home win over Leeds and 5-4 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Therefore, this will be an interesting one as two strong attacks go head-to-head against two exposed backlines.
If you need tickets to see one of these must-watch EPL games or simply want to see your team in action over the festive period and in the new year, then view our tickets at 1BoxOffice, the best place to find tickets to see your favourite club.
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