Sunderland face a gruelling four-match run this festive season.
The Premier League has confirmed its latest winter broadcast schedule. Seven top-flight games will take place on Boxing Day this year. This follows heavy backlash after just one fixture was played on that date last season.
Régis Le Bris takes his squad to Goodison Park to face Everton on December 26. They then travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on December 30. Sunderland return to Wearside to host Hull City on January 2. The Black Cats recently defeated the Tigers when securing Carabao Cup progression. Liverpool then visit the Stadium of Light on January 6.
Congested Winter Fixture List
Every top-flight club is guaranteed at least 60 hours of rest between games. Le Bris must manage significant travel demands and implement smart rotation strategies. The head coach will rely on his squad depth throughout this intense period. Key figures like Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey and Chris Rigg will be crucial.
Defensive discipline is also essential. Centre-back Daniel Ballard recently saw how strict Premier League VAR rules can impact tight domestic encounters.
The governing body announced the TV schedule three months early. Outlining the decision in the Daily Mirror, the Premier League stated: “This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested festive schedule – in the context of an expanding European and international fixture calendar. Broadcast selections for match rounds in November are due to be announced by week commencing 21 September 2026 and match rounds in December will be announced by week commencing 19 October 2026.”
A spokesperson also told Sky Sports this early release “gives supporters notice to plan and make travel arrangements for a particularly busy time of the year”.
Sunderland now turn their attention to Arsenal this Saturday.
