REVEALED: Premier League ‘make a call on the game primed to be played on Christmas Eve’ for the first time since 1995… with clubs and TV broadcasters set to decide the festive fixtures today
- Clubs and broadcasters will determine the festive schedule on Friday
- A match is expected to be played on Christmas Eve for the first time since 1995
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all begins!’
Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Wolves will reportedly take place on Christmas Eve, in what would be the first match played on that date in the top flight in almost three decades.
The Molineux match is currently scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, December 23, but could be rescheduled due to TV requirements.
In the current match weeks in the Premier League, the matches are spread over the Saturday and Sunday of the week, while matches often also take place on Monday evening and Friday evening.
And according to the Express and starFootball looks set to return to the top level for the first time since 1995 on Christmas Eve with the Blues’ visit to Molineux.
On that day 28 years ago, Leeds defeated Manchester United 3-1 thanks to goals from Brian Deane, Tony Yeboah and Gary McAllister.
Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Wolves will take place on Christmas Eve
The 1995 match between Man United and Leeds was the last top-flight match to be played on Boxing Day
During the holidays there are usually competitions on the weekend before Christmas and around Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
This year, however, this is complicated because Christmas Day falls on a Monday, putting pressure on the schedule.
And news that Chelsea could face Wolves has angered supporters who once again feel they are not being taken into account.
Mark Meehan, chairman of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said Mailsport: ‘There has not been a Premier League match played on Christmas Eve for 27 years and these reports are deeply worrying.
“This decision would be completely unacceptable and a spit in the face of loyal supporters.
‘At a time when we should be helping supporters travel to away games, it is shameful that yet another obstacle is being placed in their way.’
Other concerned fans shared these sentiments, with one saying: ‘Local media in Wolverhampton are suggesting Wolves vs Chelsea on Christmas Eve is a real possibility. I hope this doesn’t happen. Not fair to the fans, especially the away players. Let people be with their families at Christmas.”
Meanwhile, another angry supporter added: ‘Of course it is. Joke’, before another said: ‘If it happens… we’re going to have to rise up. There is no way this will be possible.”
Wolves won the equivalent match at Molineux last year 1-0 thanks to Matheus Nunes’ goal
Supporters were quick to respond to the messages, highlighting the impact this would have on fans
A fourth fan highlighted the dilemma fans will face around the holidays, adding: ‘Now it’s all about money football. Where is the attention for fans? People want to spend Christmas with their families!! Joke!’
The Premier League said they hope to confirm the entire festive calendar early next week, with the first round of fixtures in December confirmed today.
The rest of the relevant dates and times of the festive fixtures will be decided by the top flight later on Friday.
Wolves are currently in 14th place after making positive progress under Gary O’Neil in recent weeks, while Chelsea are languishing in 11th despite having won two games in a row.
Wolves won the equivalent match 1-0 at Molineux last season, with Matheus Nunes’ stunner ensuring Frank Lampard suffered defeat in his first game since returning as Chelsea interim manager.
