The Premier League is set to return at the end of the month following the completion of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The quadrennial tournament has taken centre stage over the past two weeks, with domestic action in the top divisions across England and Europe being put on pause for a month as a result. However, the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will return to the playing field before the month is out.
Ahead of the upcoming return of the Premier League, Mirror Football takes a look at when the 20 top flight clubs are back in action, who plays first and what the first round of fixtures will be.
When does the Premier League resume?
The Premier League is currently in the middle of a month-long break for the 2022 World Cup, but the competition will resume on Boxing Day, December 26, 2022.
This comes just eight days after the World Cup final takes place on Sunday, December 18.
The last round of Premier League fixtures took place one week before the start of the World Cup, with the final round of games being played across the weekend of November 12-13.
Which game are you most looking forward to when the Premier League returns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
What are the first round of Premier League fixtures after the World Cup?
The first round of Premier League fixtures after the World Cup will take place between December 26-28, with all 20 top flight clubs in action.
Matchday 18 will see seven games held on the traditional date of Boxing Day. Two games will then take place on Tuesday, December 27, with the final fixture taking place on Wednesday, December 28.
The traditional round of Premier League fixtures that takes place between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day has been scrapped this season, meaning the next round of matches have been scheduled for December 30 and January 1.
Fixture list in full
Matchday 18 (Monday, December 26 - Wednesday, December 28)
Brentford vs Tottenham - Dec 26 (12:30pm)
Crystal Palace vs Fulham - Dec 26 (3pm)
Everton vs Wolves - Dec 26 (3pm)
Leicester vs Newcastle - Dec 26 (3pm)
Southampton vs Brighton - Dec 26 (3pm)
Aston Villa vs Liverpool - Dec 26 (5:30pm)
Arsenal vs West Ham - Dec 26 (8pm)
Chelsea vs Bournemouth - Dec 27 (5:30pm)
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest - Dec 27 (8pm)
Leeds vs Manchester City - Dec 28 (8pm)
