Okay, we know it’s not called Boxing Day because there is actual pugilism involved, but forgive us the tenuous reference as we look at five key battles to watch in the Premier League action taking place on 26 December.
Erling Haaland v James Tarkowski
Thursday 26 December, 14:30, Manchester City v Everton – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Manchester City’s Boxing Day assignment is Everton at the Etihad Stadium in the early afternoon, and Toffees defender James Tarkowski will need to make sure he didn’t overindulge at Christmas lunch, as he’ll have a violent Viking charging at him in the shape of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian will be looking to fire the Citizens back to peak form after their recent struggles.
Enzo Maresca v Marco Silva
Thursday 26 December, 17:00, Chelsea v Fulham – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Two managers who have turned their teams into superbly organised outfits are Enzo Maresca and Marco Silva at Chelsea and Fulham respectively. The West London clubs will have a derby clash at Stamford Bridge in the late afternoon, providing a perfect opportunity for each tactician to flex their wits and creativity – and potentially lead their team to a win which will have fans toasting their names right up to New Year’s eve.
Anthony Gordon v Lucas Digne
Thursday 26 December, 17:00, Newcastle United v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3 (TBC)
A classic winger v fullback battle, Anthony Gordon will hope his aggression and physicality win out over the composed and classy Lucas Digne when Newcastle United welcome Aston Villa to St James Park. The Magpies will back themselves to make the most of home advantage, but Unai Emery’s Villans are always full of surprises.
Matheus Cunha v Manuel Ugarte
Thursday 26 December, 19:30, Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
We’re early in the Ruben Amorim era at Manchester United, but it’s a safe bet to assume that Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte will play a key role in midfield for the Portuguese tactician – having starred for the young coach at Sporting CP in recent years. However, Ugarte will need to be at his hard-charging best to tie down Wolverhampton Wanderer’s Brazilian genius Matheus Cunha, who has drawn comparisons to Premier League legend Dennis Bergkamp with his recent showings.
Dominik Szoboszlai v Wilfred Ndidi
Thursday 26 December, 22:00, Liverpool v Leicester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Leicester City face a metaphorical mountain to climb when they head to Anfield to face title-chasing Liverpool. The Reds have been inspired by the form of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, but Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the driving forces behind their excellent form. Tracking his runs from deep in midfield and protecting the Foxes’ defence will be the task assigned to Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi – a tougher one than Santa’s to deliver all those presents the day prior, but the Super Eagles star is amongst the best in his position.
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