Premier League:
Newcastle United
Manchester United
Liverpool
Championship:
Middlesbrough
League One:
Peterborough
Belgian Pro League:
Genk
OH Leuven
Gent
Club Brugge
PREVIEW:
Newcastle
England’s Premier League Boxing Day kicks off with Newcastle United hosting Nottingham Forest. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Luton Town, Newcastle aims to bounce back. Magpies have a solid home record, winning their last seven league games at St James’ Park. Nottingham Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth. Forest struggles away, with just one win in their last 19 PL road fixtures. Can they break the streak at St James’ Park?
Players to Watch:
- Newcastle: Callum Wilson
- Forest: Anthony Elanga
Hot Stat: Forest has won only one of their last seven Boxing Day fixtures.
Manchester United
Manchester United faces serious pressure after a 2-0 defeat by West Ham. With four successive matches without scoring, they need improvement. Aston Villa, despite a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, is unbeaten in ten matches. United dominates H2Hs, but Villa, led by Unai Emery, poses a challenge. Marcus Rashford’s return could boost United’s attack.
Players to Watch:
- Manchester United: Marcus Rashford
- Aston Villa: Moussa Diaby
Hot Stat: Man Utd’s 13 losses this season are their highest at Christmas since 1930/31.
Liverpool
Liverpool faces Burnley, seeking redemption after consecutive draws. Burnley’s recent 2-0 win at Fulham hints at a turnaround. Liverpool, with a historic Boxing Day winning streak, aims to regain momentum. Burnley’s home struggles and Liverpool’s scoring prowess make for an intriguing clash.
Players to Watch:
- Burnley: Wilson Odobert
- Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai
Hot Stat: Liverpool has scored a league-high 14 goals from the 76th minute onwards this season.
Middlesbrough
Rotherham, rooted at the Championship’s foot, aims to climb the table. Unbeaten in their last four home Boxing Day fixtures, they face Middlesbrough, riding a three-game win streak. Boro struggles against Yorkshire sides, but recent form makes them formidable opponents.
Players to Watch:
- Rotherham: Jordan Hugill
- Middlesbrough: Morgan Rogers
Hot Stat: Boro has kept only one clean sheet from their 11 away league games this season.
Peterborough
In League One, Peterborough faces Reading in a crucial encounter. Peterborough sits second, boasting a potent attack. Reading, in the 21st position, struggles away. Peterborough’s offensive prowess and defensive solidity could pose problems for Reading.
Key Players:
- Peterborough: Harrison Burrows, Hector Kyprianou
- Reading: Harvey Knibbs, Lewis Wing
H2H Stats: Peterborough won two, Reading won two, and one match ended in a draw in their last five League One meetings.
Stat Attack: Peterborough’s offense shines with 43 goals, while Reading’s defense has conceded 35 goals.
