Such is the tradition in English football across Christmas, Leeds United will be in action on Boxing Day evening when The Whites take on Stoke City away from home.
As European clubs put their feet up for the next few weeks and enjoy a mid-season break, Leeds will be doing no such thing. Daniel Farke takes his side to Stoke on Thursday, and then Derby County on Sunday.
A few days later, Leeds host Blackburn – which sees Farke take on his nemesis John Eustace. Leeds boss Farke has lost all three games to Blackburn boss Eustace since taking over at Elland Road in June 2023.
Stoke is first up, though. A chance for Leeds to rid themselves of a worrying trend that The Whites are not as good away from home, having won three from 10 on the road compared to 10 wins from 12 at home.
Daniel Farke’s record against Stoke City is not that convincing
The German has faced Boxing Day opponents Stoke six times throughout his career, four times with old side Norwich and then twice more with Leeds. Last season, Leeds lost 1-0 away but beat Stoke at home.
At Norwich, he won two of his four games but lost and drew the other two. An average of 1.67 points for Farke over his six matches, with an equal split of one win, one draw and one loss when going to Stoke.
Last season, Patrick Bamford missed a penalty before Stoke went up the other end and scored – but at Elland Road, Dan James lashed home a winner for The Whites to secure a 1-0 win and he should start.
Leeds have a real chance to go ahead first over Christmas
Leeds’ next five games sees them take on Stoke, Derby, Blackburn, Hull and then Sheffield Wednesday. It is a run of games that Leeds will be favourites to win, and could conceivably secure 15 points from them.
Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland all face the other two sides twice in the next five. Sheffield United have to face West Brom and Watford as well as Sunderland and Burnley in the next three weeks.
Burnley go up against Middlesbrough and Blackburn, as well as Sunderland and Chris Wilder’s men while Sunderland have it slightly easier but still have to contend with facing the current first and third place.
