Chelsea fans denied tradition as Premier League fixtures for December announced
Chelsea fans may be disappointed to see the full December schedule confirmed, with televised kick-off changes threatening to disrupt one of the most cherished traditions of English football: the festive matchday routine.
Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures for December 2026 have now been confirmed, with four additional games selected for live television coverage as the Blues prepare for a busy end to the year.
With Boxing Day falling on a Saturday this year, supporters may have hoped to see Chelsea in action on 26 December. Instead, the Blues will have to wait until the following day to return to Premier League action, missing out on the traditional festive football experience.
Xabi Alonso and co. will travel to Super Frank Lampard’s Coventry City for a 2pm kick-off on Sunday, 27 December, as they look to pick up three points during the busy Christmas period.
It increasingly feels as though match-going fans have become an afterthought, with television broadcasters and the international market taking priority over the supporters who make English football what it is.
| Fixture | Date |
|---|---|
| Chelsea vs Crystal Palace | Wednesday, 2 December, 7.30pm |
| Chelsea vs Liverpool | Saturday, 5 December, 12.30pm |
| Manchester City vs Chelsea | Saturday, 12 December, 5.30pm |
| Chelsea vs Aston Villa | Monday, 21 December, 8pm |
| Coventry City vs Chelsea | Sunday, 27 December, 2pm |
| Ipswich Town vs Chelsea | Wednesday, 30 December, 8.15pm |
The month begins with a home fixture against Crystal Palace on 2 December, with Sky Sports showing the game. A double home game as Liverpool will visit West London with the competitive clash brought forward to a 12:30 kick-off.
The Blues then face a revisit with two Enzos with Chelsea facing old friends in Maresca and Fernandez on Saturday, 12 December. The fixture against Manchester City is scheduled to kick off at 5.30pm, with Sky Sports providing live coverage.
Chelsea’s final match before Christmas will see Aston Villa visit Stamford Bridge. The game has been moved to Monday, 21 December, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm. However, the fixture remains subject to a possible change to Saturday, 19 December, at 8pm, depending on Carabao Cup participation.
The demanding Christmas schedule will see another trip to a promoted side, Ipswich Town, on Wednesday, 30 December.
December could prove to be a significant period in Chelsea’s campaign. The confirmed schedule also gives supporters a clearer picture of the festive period, with the disappointment of not going to the pub for pre-match beers on Boxing Day or sing off the Christmas turkey.
