Boxing Day is a special time of year in the Premier League, with a full schedule of matches taking place across the 26th and then one scheduled for the 27th.
Provided that all of these fixtures go ahead without too many COVID-related hiccups, here are key facts & figures to prep you for the action. For example, did you know that Emmanuel Dennis has been directly involved in nine goals in his last seven Premier League matches for Watford (five goals, four assists), having a hand in 64% of the goals the Hornets have scored in these fixtures (9/14)?
Here goes.
Liverpool vs Leeds
Raphinha has been directly involved in 50% of Leeds’ 18 Premier League goals this season (eight goals, one assist). In the competition’s history, no player has been involved in a higher share for the club over the course of a single season than the Brazilian. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also managed 50% in 1998-99).
Wolves vs Watford
Wolves duo Trincao and Adama Traore have had more shots without scoring than any other player in the Premier League this season, with 21 each.
Burnley vs Everton
Only Sir Alex Ferguson, with 84%, has a higher win rate on Boxing Day than Rafael Benitez’s 75%, among managers with six or more such matches.
Man City vs Leicester
Jamie Vardy has scored eight goals and two hat-tricks against Manchester City but is looking for his first-ever Boxing Day goal in the Premier League.
Norwich vs Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe has scored the same number of Premier League goals this season (7) as Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Emi Buendia combined.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
If Harry Kane scores he will match Robbie Fowler’s Premier League record of nine Boxing Day goals (9). Kane has scored in all five of his Boxing Day EPL appearances, the longest such scoring streak in the competition’s history. He also holds the record for the best minutes-per-goal ratio on 26 December, 54 minutes (minimum four matches).
West Ham vs Southampton
Armando Broja has scored four goals in six Premier League starts, making him Southampton’s top league goalscorer this season. All four of the Albanian’s goals have given Saints the lead, and have been worth five points overal
Brighton vs Brentford
Two of Brentford’s five Premier League victories this season have been courtesy of 90th-minute winners, including their win against Watford last time out. The only side to have had more wins thanks to 90th-minute goals in their maiden campaign in the competition is Wigan Athletic (3 in 2005-06).
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Chelsea’s last two Premier League matches have finished level, with the Blues last drawing three consecutive league fixtures back in February 2012. They have never gone three league matches without a win under Thomas Tuchel.
Newcastle vs Man United
Only against Aston Villa (8) has Cristiano Ronaldo scored more Premier League goals than he has against Newcastle (7). His seven goals have come in his last four league appearances against them, including a brace on his return to Man Utd in the reverse fixture this season.
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