The decision to restore the Boxing Day tradition follows last season's controversy, when the league only scheduled one match for the special date. The league has listened to fan requests and will now feature four matches on December 26, including Aston Villa vs. Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth, Hull City vs. Liverpool, and Newcastle United vs. Manchester City.
The matches will be followed by three more on December 27, with Coventry City vs. Chelsea, Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal. The league has announced this schedule with two and a half months' notice, allowing fans to plan their travel and accommodations in advance.