Fans prefer Boxing Day football to other footballing events (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have clinched the title of having the most Boxing Day triumphs of any club. Over 32 years worth of fixtures on December 26th have revealed that the Red Devils lead with an impressive tally of 21 wins and a hefty goal count of 76.
On the flip side, Newcastle United have endured the hardest knocks during Boxing Day fixtures, suffering 15 losses and conceding up to 45 goals.
Other heavyweights including , Everton, Chelsea, and Aston Villa also grace the top ranks of both victories and defeats accumulated over the festive period.
This insight emerges following research involving 2,000 football enthusiasts that discovered nearly 40% of respondents cherish Boxing Day games above all other football events like transfer deadline day (13%) and the Carabao Cup final (10%).
Can you match the predictions for this year’s matches?
Die-hard fans generally indulge in a marathon viewing session, catching as many as five live matches, totaling upwards of 10 hours of action-packed soccer.
In comments from Lottoland Sportsbook, who spearheaded the study, a spokesperson reflected: “There’s just so much to love about it, and the Boxing Day fixtures are among the first people will look out for when they are released.”
Additionally, the survey found that a quarter of fans have little sympathy for stars who lace up their boots on Boxing Day.
Other reasons Brits enjoy watching football on Boxing Day include the company of friends or family to watch games with (22%) and finally bidding farewell to ‘Christmassy’ TV and films (17%). An additional 13% utilise it as a chance to take a break from family responsibilities.
The research indicates that 34% are particularly excited for this year’s December 26 fixtures due to the unpredictability of the title race. However, three in 10 confess that if their favourite team loses on Boxing Day, it can spoil their entire festive season.
A spokesperson for Lottoland Sportsbook commented: “Of course, watching loads of football is lots more fun if your team happens to be winning. Losing two or three games in quick succession is nobody’s idea of a good time.
“But for the neutrals who don’t have a particular horse in the race, the endless supply of action can only be a good thing.”
TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST WINS ON BOXING DAY:
- Manchester United – 21 Wins
- Liverpool – 17 Wins
- Arsenal – 16 Wins
- Chelsea – 13 Wins
- Tottenham Hotspur – 13 Wins
- Everton – 11 Wins
- Manchester City – 11 Wins
- Blackburn Rovers – 7 Wins
- West Ham United – 7 Wins
- Aston Villa – 5 Wins
TOP 10 TEAMS WITH THE MOST LOSSES ON BOXING DAY:
- Newcastle United – 15 losses
- Aston Villa – 14 losses
- Leicester City – 11 losses
- Everton – 10 losses
- Middlesbrough – 9 losses
- Manchester City – 7 losses
- Sunderland – 7 losses
- Norwich City – 7 losses
- West Bromwich Albion – 7 losses
- Chelsea – 6 losses