What day is it? It is the day when social media is packed with that famous graphic regarding the 1963 Boxing Day goal festival in the English top division. As many as 66 goals scored in ten games will probably stay in collective memory forever.However, despite so many world-class players in the contemporary English Premier League, it’s surreal to expect anything similar in 2024. Still, today’s EPL Boxing Day menu offers so much for true football lovers, with all top teams except Arsenal playing their games this Thursday.Boxing Day doesn’t start until you have seen a post about the 1963 football results. pic.twitter.com/ZCDrLGdMaV— They Think Kits All Over (@TheyThinkKits) December 26, 2024 The programme that will start today at 3.30pm Nairobi time and end the next day around 1.30am promises a whole lot of spectacular action, with four matches attracting special attention.The first game of the day will see Manchester City facing Sean Dyche’s Everton, in what is literally do-or-die for Pep Guardiola’s side due to a horrible crisis they’ve been here for weeks. A single win in the last 12 games is just unnacceptable for the defending champions, that are desperately looking for the exit doors of this horror.On the other hand, Dyche’s team will surely put all their effort in order to clinch a goalless draw, which has been the Toffees’ trademark since the start of the season, especially against those big clubs.Boxing Day Premier League football 😍#FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/mbJ7f8DkbL— Premier League (@premierleague) December 26, 2024 The other Manchester-based lot, that is also going through tough times, will take on Wolves at Moulineux. Ruben Amorim and his players are facing a serious challenge that will make them sweat following a painful 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth. Wolverhampton are definitely not the best option if you want to make amends, and the Red Devils’ fans are worried of what could happen in the West Midlands on Thursday night.London will witness a neighbouring, history-rich clash between Chelsea and Fulham, with the Blues aiming for another win to reduce the gap to table toppers Liverpool after a disappointing 0-0 at Everton last week.Can you believe ALL of these great goals were scored on Boxing Day? 😤 pic.twitter.com/cwstAV5Sbw— Premier League (@premierleague) December 26, 2024 A highly entertaining match in prospect is the one at St James’ Park, where the Magpies await dazzling Aston Villa in what could turn into a proper goal festival like that one from 1963. Both teams are known for their attacking style, both scoring and conceding a lot.Last but not least, the Boxing Day menu offers a dessert at Anfield, where Arne Slot’s mean machine is about to steamroll over Leicester City. It’s really difficult to imagine anything but a routine home win that would put a charming end to Liverpool’s splendid 2024, which promises a couple of trophy parades in late May 2025.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 18Thursday 15.30: (1.35) Man.City (5.30) Everton (8.00)18.00: (2.05) Bournemouth (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.60)18.00: (1.48) Chelsea (4.40) Fulham (6.75)18.00: (2.05) Newcastle (3.60) Aston Villa (3.80)18.00: (2.35) Nott.Forest (3.60) Tottenham (2.85)18.00: (3.00) Southampton (3.50) West Ham (2.30)20.30: (4.10) Wolverhampton (3.50) Man.Utd. (1.90)23.00: (1.07) Liverpool (13.0) Leicester (25.0)Friday 22.30: (1.70) Brighton (3.90) Brentford (4.90)23.15: (1.13) Arsenal (8.50) Ipswich (19.0)***odds are subject to change***
