Christmas Eve fixtures avoided as Sky and BT reveal Premier League picks

Both Sky and the Premier League were facing a backlash after reports there were plans to broadcast matches on Christmas Eve, which this year falls on a Sunday.

Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal was one such mooted fixture to feature on December 24, but that will now take place on Friday, December 22 at 7.45pm.

Sky will show Everton v Chelsea (12.30pm) and Leicester v Manchester United (7.45pm) on December 23, with Burnley v Tottenham (5.30pm) also being shown on BT Sport that day.

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore praised the “flexibility” of both Sky and BT following “complex” discussions.

‘’We appreciate this is the peak time for supporters attending and watching the Premier League,” Scudamore said.

“With matches scheduled on Christmas weekend for the first time in 11 years, the process of selecting games for live broadcast has been a more complex one than usual and I would like to thank our broadcast partners and clubs for their co-operation and flexibility.

“Sky Sports and BT Sport do a fantastic job and their investment in our game has transformed football on and off the pitch at all levels.

“When selecting matches, the broadcasters are using the rights that we the Premier League and the clubs have sold them, and they should therefore not be criticised for doing so.

“We can now announce we have a fantastic selection of 24 live televised matches for supporters to enjoy in December whether in the stadiums or at home.”

19:45 Arsenal v Liverpool (Sky Sports)

12:30 Everton v Chelsea (Sky Sports)

17:30 Burnley v Spurs (BT Sport)

19:45 Leicester City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)

12:30 Spurs v Southampton (Sky Sports)

17:30 Liverpool v Swansea (Sky Sports)

19:45 Newcastle United v Man City (Sky Sports)

20:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)