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Premier League consider Christmas Eve matches in latest round of TV scheduling

Christmas could be coming early for some fans with Premier League matches live on TV a possibility this season.

A match hasn't been played on the day before Christmas in England's top flight since 1995, however, it's claimed that could change 28 years on.

Football at Christmas time makes the Premier League unique... but not on the night before
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Football at Christmas time makes the Premier League unique... but not on the night beforeCredit: Getty

The Daily Telegraph reports that proposals to move the first match to December 24 were raised this week.

The report adds that TV scheduling discussions will be finalised on Friday.

TV scheduling plans and kick-off times are frequently amended due to demands from broadcasters, local authorities and other competition commitments.

However, the prospect of moving a match to Christmas Eve has always been contentious, bearing in mind the struggles away fans could encounter.

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Plans to show December 25 matches were previously discussed in 2017 but were subsequently shelved amid concerns from MPs and fan groups over potential travel chaos.

The Telegraph also says that at least one December 23 fixture could be moved to December 24, which this year falls on a Sunday.

But one match believed to not be in contention for a change Liverpool vs Arsenal, the headline clash for that gameweek.

Some matches on December 30 could be moved to New Year's Eve, meanwhile.

“Nothing is final until final,” an insider is reported to have said. “Not all changes are just for broadcast – some are for local authority and some might be for other competitions.”

The last time a Premier League match was played on Christmas Eve saw Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1.