The Premier League on Monday is like Monday night bandy in Sweden.
A valued tradition.
But this year, many football fans will have to find something else to do. Only one match is on the program on what is called Boxing Day in England: Manchester United–Newcastle.
Most of the matches in the round will be played the following day, December 27th.
"There are now several challenges regarding the Premier League schedule due to the expanded programme in European club football - which has led to changes to our domestic programme," the league writes on its website.
The Premier League has also received criticism in recent years from players and coaches in the English clubs for the tough playing schedule around Christmas.
The Premier League writes that the league has agreed to give teams at least 60 hours of rest between matches during the three rounds played between December 26 and January 4.
The league promises improvement next year.
"The league can guarantee that there will be more matches on Boxing Day next year when it falls on a Saturday."
