The long layoff is finally over! It is time to preview the festive fixtures, as Premier League action returns on Boxing Day. Hard to think of a fan base that would be more excited for the return of the league competition than Arsenal.
The North Londoners are five points clear at the top of the table, their biggest lead while sitting in the penthouse since 2013. They’re not just winning, they’re winning with style and panache, and up next is a London derby against West Ham United.
Boxing Day Fixtures FYIs
Competition: Premier League regular season
Kickoff: Mon Dec 26, 8pm GMT, The Emirates, London, UK
Team News: Arsenal West Ham
Starting XI Predictions: Arsenal West Ham
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Arsenal Team News
William Saliba made some eyebrow raising comments about Brazil during the World Cup, just before Gabriel Jesus suffered a serious knee injury at the tournament. It could be awkward when these two reunite at the club. Jesus is on the shelf for a few months while Saliba might come straight back in after France lost the WC Final in penalty shootout.,
Meanwhile Emile Smith Rowe is working his “way back to you babe, with a burning love inside.” (apologies to the Detroit Spinners, that was a little joke).
ESR is working towards full match fitness, meanwhile fullback Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the 2-0 club friendly defeat to Juventus for an unspecified issue. Both are slight doubts for this one.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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