EFL Preview: Boxing Day Fixtures

On December 26, former England team-mates Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are scheduled to face each other for the first time in their managerial careers. For those seeking to shake off the lingering effects of Christmas Day on December 26, festive football offers an ideal diversion. The EFL will provide this, with matches commencing at 13:00 GMT, promising significant excitement. Sheffield United has maintained an unbeaten record in their last 11 Championship matches, securing nine victories and two draws. The EFL has arranged for four of the top six Championship teams to compete against each other the day after Christmas. The leading four clubs appear to be establishing a significant gap from the rest, particularly Sheffield United, who are exhibiting signs of ‘inevitable promotion’ despite an initial two-point deduction. Sheffield United, known as the Blades, remain undefeated at Bramall Lane this season, achieving nine consecutive clean sheets. However, their record will be tested by a visit from third-placed Burnley. Burnley, under manager Scott Parker, is currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak and holds the division’s second-best away record, with Sheffield United leading that particular statistic. Blackburn Rovers last competed in the Premier League 13 seasons ago, while Sunderland’s last appearance was eight seasons ago. Both clubs have since navigated their way out of League One, and a return to the top flight remains a possibility for either as they prepare to face each other at Ewood Park. John Eustace had guided Blackburn Rovers, known as Rovers, to a six-game winning streak before their defeat by Millwall last Saturday. Despite this, they maintain fifth position. Fourth-placed Sunderland is unbeaten in their last four matches, securing three wins, and remains within contention for a top-two spot. Leeds United occupies second place, though November losses against Millwall and Blackburn may have hindered their progress in distancing themselves from pursuing teams. Manager Daniel Farke will lead his team to face Stoke City, who have accumulated only one point from a possible 15 and are now just four points above the relegation zone. Plymouth, managed by Wayne Rooney, has not secured an away victory this season. The history of football includes numerous instances of exceptional players, such as England’s Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton, who struggled to transition their playing talent into successful management careers, discovering that reputation holds little weight without victories. Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, two prominent English players of recent times, are currently navigating the challenges of head coaching, and are set to meet as managers for the first time. Lampard commented this week, stating: “I have known Wayne well for many years now, have full respect for him, and I look forward to seeing him. It was an absolute pleasure to play with him for England – and to play against him. He was a Premier League and England great, and his numbers and performances should never be understated. The level of player he was, was incredible.” Lampard’s 11-month hiatus from management ended last month when he assumed the role at Coventry City, succeeding the popular Mark Robins. He has since accumulated seven points from his initial five matches. Rooney’s return to management occurred sooner than that of his former England colleague, as his challenging tenure at Birmingham City did not prevent Plymouth Argyle from appointing him in May. A streak of seven games without a victory has drawn significant media attention to the former Manchester United forward. While a 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough did not prevent Plymouth Argyle from being at the bottom of the Championship on Christmas Day, it may offer fans some optimism for a turnaround. Regardless of the match outcome, the press box at the Coventry Building Society Arena is anticipated to be busier than usual. In contrast to Plymouth, both Oxford United and Cardiff City have appointed new managers this season. They are scheduled to play each other on Thursday, with both teams currently occupying relegation positions. Oxford United, known as the U’s, unexpectedly parted ways with Des Buckingham, despite him being a lifelong Oxford supporter who had guided them back to the second tier after a 25-year absence. His successor is Gary Rowett, an experienced Championship manager, whose task was highlighted by a 4-0 defeat at Leeds last weekend, resulting in Oxford earning only one point from their last seven matches. Rowett’s inaugural match against Cardiff carries significant importance, as Cardiff, known as the Bluebirds, are positioned above Oxford United, the U’s, solely on goal difference and have not secured a victory in their last nine games. Hull City exited the relegation zone following a late win against Swansea on Saturday. They are set to face Preston North End, who have recorded only one victory in their last 12 league matches. Meanwhile, Portsmouth, who defeated Coventry City 4-1 last weekend, will aim to conclude Watford’s unbeaten home record. Louie Barry has played in two FA Cup matches for Aston Villa. Despite the financial resources and high-profile ownership present in League One, Stockport County currently boasts the division’s leading scorer, at least for the upcoming three games. Louie Barry’s 14 goals have been instrumental in elevating County, last season’s League Two champions, to fifth place in the third tier. The Aston Villa forward, currently on loan, has netted 24 goals in 44 appearances for Dave Challinor’s team since his loan move in the summer of 2023. He is scheduled to return to Villa for an assessment by head coach Unai Emery, but he has three remaining matches, beginning with fourth-placed Huddersfield Town, to create further positive memories for Stockport supporters. Huddersfield Town, known as the Terriers, leads the division’s form table over the last six games and is now competing for automatic promotion. Birmingham City ascended to the top of League One on Monday, following Jay Stansfield’s 11th league goal of the season scored at Crawley. They are expected to perform well in their home fixture against struggling Burton Albion. Second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, considered the season’s surprise team, have remained undefeated in away league matches since the opening day. They are scheduled to visit Stevenage. A rematch of one of last season’s play-off semi-finals will take place in the north west, with Bolton hosting Barnsley. Bolton, known as Wanderers, emerged victorious last season, but both teams are currently outside the top six, positioned eighth and ninth respectively. Barnsley, referred to as the Tykes, has secured only one win in their last seven league matches. Nathan Lowe has scored 13 goals across all competitions for Walsall this season. In League Two, two fixtures stand out due to their potential impact on both ends of the table. The match between Walsall and Doncaster Rovers pits the top team against the third. Walsall, known as the Saddlers, is on an 11-game unbeaten league run, including four consecutive victories, indicating their strong form. Nathan Lowe’s 10 league goals have attracted considerable attention towards the on-loan Stoke forward, causing concern for Walsall supporters. Given the current performance of his parent club, it would not be unexpected if Lowe were recalled in January to participate in a Championship relegation struggle. Doncaster faltered in the play-offs last season, despite a record-breaking run to qualify for the post-season. Tipped for promotion this year, they have largely met expectations, although they have shown recent inconsistency with only two wins from their last seven games. Christmas Day is unlikely to be restful for those associated with Carlisle United and Morecambe, as the EFL’s two bottom teams prepare to face each other in a critical match to avoid relegation to the National League. While managers typically downplay the importance of individual matches, Carlisle boss Mike Williamson has emphasized the significance of this fixture. “I don’t need to quantify this game, it’s huge,” Williamson stated to BBC Radio Cumbria. Carlisle United, referred to as the Cumbrians, experienced relegation from the EFL in 2004. Morecambe is currently in their 18th season, having achieved promotion via the play-offs in 2007. Festive cheer may be scarce for the losing team at Brunton Park. Comprehensive EFL coverage, including dedicated live text services for the Championship and Leagues One and Two, will be available on the BBC Sport website on Boxing Day.