English football doesn’t stop, and while other European leagues take a break, England speeds up with intense matchdays marked by the tradition of Boxing Day. Among thrilling games, Liverpool, under Arne Slot, shines as the leader, leaving the Jürgen Klopp era behind with an outstanding performance in both the Premier League and the Champions League. In contrast, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faces an unprecedented crisis, with nine losses in twelve matches, falling far from the European qualification zone.

What is Boxing Day? A Traditional Day of Football in England

Matchday 18 kicks off with City hosting Everton at the Etihad. Despite injuries and inconsistent form, Guardiola defends Erling Haaland, who has only scored twice in recent games. The ‘Toffees’, historically underdogs, arrive with slight improvement after drawing against Chelsea and will aim to capitalize on the situation to gain crucial points.

Rivalries, Surprises, and Challenges for Spanish Coaches
Chelsea, which missed the chance to close the gap with Liverpool, hosts Fulham after their draw with Everton. Meanwhile, Spanish coaches like Andoni Iraola and Unai Emery stand out with their respective teams. Iraola, with Bournemouth, fights for European spots, while Emery, after defeating City, looks to secure his place in the European zone as they face Newcastle. In contrast, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United continues to struggle, with questions surrounding Marcus Rashford and a key match against Wolverhampton.

Amorim: 'I Don't Care About Christmas,' Fully Focused on Boxing Day Win

Boxing Day wraps up with notable games such as Nottingham Forest against Tottenham and Southampton versus West Ham. England is experiencing a vibrant football week that promises excitement through the year’s end.