Feast upon Jeff Stelling’s top festive fixtures

Highlights include Derby Day, Liverpool v Manchester United, the East Midlands showdown between rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest and, of course, the battle for the top spot, Manchester City v Liverpool.

Stelling said: “This Christmas sees a whole host of pub packing opportunities for Sky Sports customers – in fact you could almost say the fixture schedule is like the ultimate Christmas dinner – there’s certainly something to feast upon!

“There’s a Christmas cracker of a Super Sunday – a 'Derby Day' triple header.”

Ranieri's return to Chelsea

Stelling continued: “Kicking off the hat-trick of derbies, live on Sky Sports on Sunday 2 December, is Claudio Ranieri’s return to Chelsea with his new club Fulham. Arsenal then take on Tottenham in the north London derby, before Liverpool look to extend their unbeaten start to the season against Everton – never has there been a more Super Sunday!

“Next up on the menu is the one of the most watched matches in world football. Liverpool against Manchester United, Klopp against Mourinho on Sunday 16 December. This one is not to be missed!

“Sky Sports customers can also show exclusively live EFL Championship games in the run-up to Christmas. These include the East Midlands showdown between Derby and Nottingham Forest, which concludes a weekend that sees West Brom travel to Sheffield United and current Championship leaders Norwich visiting Bristol City.

“The action continues with the Carabao Cup quarter finals and the second north London derby live on Sky Sports in the space of two weeks.”

Rangers and Celtic​

The Hartlepool fan added: “As we head closer to 2019, there’s also a mouth-watering SPFL double header as Steven Gerrard's Rangers face Brendan Rodgers' Celtic in the Old Firm derby, and Hibs v Hearts in the Edinburgh derby – both on Saturday 29th December.

“Next year kicks off with a cracker at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest take on Leeds, with Marcelo Bielsa then facing Frank Lampard the weekend after as Derby travel to Elland Road.

“We wrap up the festive fixtures in style with the must-see Premier League game of the season – the champions against the challengers. Manchester City against Liverpool – the icing on the Christmas cake!

“Have a very merry Christmas and don’t forget to make sure you tune in to Soccer Saturday​ to get the analysis and action from all the best moments across the festive season.”

The full list of festive fixtures can be seen below.