- Clubs and broadcasters are set to decide the festive fixture schedule on Friday
- A game is expected to be played on Christmas Eve for the first time since 1995
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Chelsea‘s Premier League clash with Wolves is reportedly being earmarked to take place on Christmas Eve in what would be the first game played in the top flight on that date in almost 30 years.
The fixture at Molineux is currently scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday December 23, but could be moved due to TV requirements.
Current Premier League gameweeks see the fixtures spread out across the Saturday and Sunday of the week, while games often also take place on Monday night and Friday night.
And, according to the Express and Star, Christmas Eve football looks set to return to the top flight for the first time since 1995 with the Blues’ trip to Molineux.
On that day occasion 28 years ago, Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 thanks to goals from Brian Deane, Tony Yeboah and Gary McAllister.
Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Wolves is being earmarked to take place on Christmas Eve
Man United’s clash with Leeds in 1995 was the last top flight game to be played on Boxing Day
During the festive period, there are usually games on the the weekend before Christmas and around Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
However, this is complicated this year given Christmas Day falls on a Monday, meaning the schedule is under pressure.
And news that Chelsea could face Wolves has attracted the ire of supporters who yet again feel as if they are not being taken into consideration.
Mark Meehan, Chairman of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, told Mail Sport: ‘No Premier League fixture has been played on Christmas Eve for 27 years and these reports are deeply worrying.
‘This decision would be totally unacceptable and a spit in the face of loyal supporters.
‘During a time when we ought to be helping supporters travel to away fixtures, it’s is outrageous that another hurdle could be placed in their way.’
Other concerned fans shared these sentiments as one said: ‘Local media in Wolverhampton are suggesting Wolves vs Chelsea on Christmas Eve is a real possibility. I hope this doesn’t happen. Not fair on the fans, especially the away ones. Let people be with their family at Christmas.’
Meanwhile, another angry supporter added: ‘Of course it is. Joke’, before another said: ‘If it happens… we’ll have to riot. No way will this be possible.’
Wolves won the equivalent game at Molineux 1-0 last year thanks to Matheus Nunes’ strike
Supporters were quick to hit out at the reports, highlighting the impact it would have on fans
A fourth fan highlighted the dilemma that fans will face around the festive period as they added: ‘All about money football now. Where is the consideration for fans? People want to spend Christmas with their families!! Joke!’
The Premier League said they hope to confirm the whole festive calendar by early next week, with the first round of fixtures in December set to be confirmed today.
The rest of relevant dates and timings of the festive fixtures are set to be decided by the top flight later on Friday.
Wolves currently sit 14th after making positive progress under Gary O’Neil in recent weeks, while Chelsea are languishing in 11th, although they have won two games in a row.
Wolves won the equivalent fixture 1-0 at Molineux last season with Matheus Nunes’ stunner ensuring Frank Lampard suffered defeat in his first game since returning as Chelsea’s interim manager.
