Boxing Day has become synonymous with Premier League football, showcasing some of the most anticipated matches of the season. This December 26, 2023, fans will witness eight thrilling fixtures, with the first match kicking off at 12:30 GMT. The rich tradition of post-Christmas football dates back to the 19th century, and this year, it promises to be no less exciting.
The opening game features Manchester City taking on Everton, with Pep Guardiola's team currently ensnared in what can best be described as an unprecedented crisis. They sit seventh on the Premier League table, having suffered two losses and one draw in their last three outings. "Pep Guardiola's team faces unprecedented crisis, currently sitting seventh," reported by HQ Football. The stakes are high for City as they aim to recover from this slump and keep their title hopes alive.
At 15:00 GMT, five matches will follow back-to-back, offering football enthusiasts a buffet of action. These early contests set the tone for the more prominent fixtures later, including the anticipated face-off between Liverpool and Leicester City at 20:00 GMT. This packed schedule caters to football lovers, but it also poses significant challenges, particularly for managers participating in Fantasy Premier League.
With the Boxing Day fixtures are just around the corner, Fantasy managers are grappling with the absence of key players. One of the most significant losses is Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who, according to reports, is sidelined for at least eight weeks. "Saka is out for at least eight weeks, impacting over one-quarter of managers," noted analysts from the Fantasy Premier League. His injury not only affects Arsenal's performance but also forces managers to make tough decisions about replacements.
When considering substitutes, Bruno Fernandes emerges as a prime candidate. Known for his pivotal role at Manchester United, Fernandes contributes significantly to his team’s offensive plays. He has been directly involved in all aspects of United's offense, managing 7.5 points per match over his last eight appearances. "Fernandes has been involved in everything happening at United," as indicated by Fantasy Premier League analysts. He manages penalties, free kicks, and corners, making him indispensable for those managing Fantasy teams.
Anthony Gordon from Newcastle is another option worth considering. Gordon has shown promising stats, averaging over three shots per game across his last four matches. While this figure suggests he could deliver impressive results, Newcastle's upcoming tough schedule raises concerns about his potential output. Complementing this, many managers may already have Alexander Isak, which could create additional dependency on Newcastle's consistency.
Returning from injury, Diogo Jota stands out as perhaps the most compelling replacement for Saka. Despite his recent absence, Jota’s expected goals (xG) have kept him high on the radar of Fantasy managers. "Jota's non-penalty goal expectancy is staggering at 0.55, the best figure among midfielders," highlighted reports from the Fantasy Premier League team. His impressive form indicates he is likely to become Liverpool's top attacking choice as he regains fitness.
Though selecting Jota is enticing, potential rotation due to Liverpool's crowded attack poses risks. He started nine out of eleven available matches when fit, particularly shining before his injury. With Darwin Núñez's inconsistent performances, Jota's role could be pivotal as Liverpool chases league points over the festive period.
Fantasy managers gearing up for Game Week 18 are poised for significant changes. The editorial team has resolved to replace Saka with Jota, granting the captaincy to Mohamed Salah this week. With £3.4 million left to optimize their team, they might strengthen their squad with moves like acquiring Gabriel or adding depth to midfield to replace Harry Winks. The festive fixtures carry heavy weight; not only do they determine accretive league standings, but they also significantly influence Fantasy football rankings.
Fans can expect thrilling encounters and nail-biting moments, making Boxing Day one of the most delightful days of the football calendar. This year’s matches, particularly those involving Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool, and Leicester, will be pivotal not merely for league standings, but for thousands of Fantasy managers hoping to capitalize on their strategic choices. The decisions made over the next couple of weeks could very well shape the rest of their season.
