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Arsenal could be set for a festive thumper against Liverpool
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FESTIVE THUMPER

Arsenal and Liverpool set to play Premier League Sky Sports ‘Super Sunday’ on Christmas Eve despite Reds’ objections

ARSENAL and Liverpool could be in for a festive bang with the two sides set to face each other on CHRISTMAS EVE.

Sky Sports are due to announce next month that at least one match will be held on December 24.

 Arsenal could be set for a festive thumper against Liverpool
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Arsenal could be set for a festive thumper against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
 Sky Sports is due to pick the clash for their 'Super Sunday'
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Sky Sports is due to pick the clash for their 'Super Sunday'Credit: Action Images - Reuters

And the Daily Telegraph claim the Gunners versus the Reds is the most likely to be chosen.

Should the television company opt to fill their "Super Sunday" slot, it will become the first time in 22 years that a top-flight game has been played on that day.

Sky are likely to want the best fixture of the weekend for their flagship show.

And Liverpool's visit to Arsenal is the stand-out clash from that week's programme of matches.

The only other Premier League game to take place on Christmas Eve occurred in 1995 when Leeds welcomed Manchester United to Elland Road - which was also on a Sunday.

December 24 has only fallen on a Sunday twice since then.

 That means Liverpool could be playing in North London on Christmas Eve
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That means Liverpool could be playing in North London on Christmas EveCredit: PA:Press Association
 But the last train from Euston to Liverpool is not until 9.21pm
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But the last train from Euston to Liverpool is not until 9.21pmCredit: Alamy Live News

But TV bosses decided against switching a Saturday match in both 2000 and 2006 for live broadcast.

Sky hold the rights to show three live matches each weekend, one on a Saturday and two on a Sunday.

Any Sky clash on Christmas Eve would take place at 4pm - unlike the midday start for Leeds and United.

 Sky Sports are likely to choose a 4pm kick-off slot
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Sky Sports are likely to choose a 4pm kick-off slotCredit: PA:Press Association
 Meaning Liverpool fans have plenty of time to get home after the match
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Meaning Liverpool fans have plenty of time to get home after the matchCredit: Getty Images - Getty

That would still give away supporters plenty of time to get back to Merseyside with the last train from Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street departing at 9.21pm.

Due to time differences, any Xmas Eve clash will kick-off on Christmas Day itself in the Far East.

But Liverpool are understood to be strongly against the proposals.

The club have registered strong opposition from fans, with the Liverpool Supporters' Union speaking out.

A statement from the Spirit of Shankly group read: “[We] have been made aware that Liverpool’s away fixture against Arsenal, scheduled for 23 December, is being considered for a move to Christmas Eve.

“It is our understanding that Arsenal have been asked if they can staff such a fixture and the Metropolitan police have been approached for their view.

"Changing the date to Christmas Eve would have untold impact on staff and supporters, particularly away fans.

"Depending on kick-off time, and depleted public transport links, the majority of travelling Liverpool supporters would not get home until the early hours of Christmas morning.

“SOS are contacting relevant personnel to put forward our case that it is completely unacceptable to expect fans to travel for a match at this time.

"The suggestion of such a change again shows zero regard for supporters – much like the corresponding fixture where Euston station was closed over Bank Holiday weekend.”


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