10 reason why you must tune into sport this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for sports fans. Yes, the football action has been thick and fast this season but the coverage ramps up a notch this Christmas.

But it’s not just a bumper schedule of football avid supporters can look forward to this holiday season.

Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the 10 reasons why you must tune into sport over the festive period.

Sportsmail takes a look at the 10 reasons why you must tune into sport this festive season

1. Premier League crackers

Boxing Day is one of the best days for football fans anyway, but this year the jam-packed Premier League schedule following Christmas Day is a salivating prospect. 

There are 20 Premier League matches over five days from Saturday, December 26 to Wednesday, December 30 and for the first time they will all be televised. That’s 1,800 minutes of action from the best league in the world in the space of 120 hours. Broadcasters have shown all top-flight matches on TV so far this season with the majority of fans shut out of stadiums. 

A mouth-watering clash between Leicester and Manchester United will kick things off at lunchtime on Boxing Day and reigning champions Liverpool conclude the five-day extravaganza with a trip to Newcastle. You will be able to follow all the action as it happens with Sportsmail.

A mouth-watering clash between Leicester and Man United will kick things off on Boxing Day

2. Rivals lock horns in London

The pick of the Boxing Day ties sees Arsenal welcome London rivals Chelsea. The Gunners have been nothing short of dreadful this campaign, while the Blues have stuttered in recent weeks.

Frank Lampard’s side will be looking to get revenge for their FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal in August when they suffered a 2-1 loss.

Brazilian winger Willian, who swapped west London for north London earlier this year, will be keen to make his mark. The 32-year-old spent a successful seven years at Stamford Bridge but has been subdued in an Arsenal shirt.  

As ever, Sportsmail will provide live coverage of the clash, with kick-off at 5.30pm. 

Chelsea will be looking to get revenge over Arsenal on December 26 after losing FA Cup final

3. Sir Alex Ferguson back on top this Christmas?

It’s been quite some time since Manchester United were sitting pretty at the top of the tree at Christmas but their legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be back there this year.

His eight-year-old gelding Clan Des Obeaux, trained by Paul Nicholls, is joint-favorite to land the grade one King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. 

The showpiece event usually attracts thousands of punters but last week was forced to go behind closed doors following the Government’s update to the regional tier system. The feature race gets underway at 3pm.

Sir Alex Ferguson (L) could have day to remember if horse Clan Des Obeaux wins King George

4. Old Firm feast

The New Year begins in style with the Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard’s side…