When Leeds last played on Christmas Day, they beat the same team on Boxing Day 5-0
Leeds are going into Christmas full of confidence under Daniel Farke.
Leeds demolished Crystal Palace 4-1 on Saturday, sending Elland Road into delirium after another successful result at home.
The Whites sit 16th in the Premier League table, six points adrift of the relegation zone and unbeaten in four matches.
Farke was under pressure at the start of December, but Leeds’ 3-1 win over Chelsea on 3 December kick-started a run that has supporters believing they can achieve Premier League safety.
Leeds face Sunderland on 28 December, but in the past, they’ve had to play on Christmas and Boxing Day in the same season.
Leeds played Blackpool on Christmas and Boxing Day in 1956
Leeds’ last game on Christmas Day came at Bloomfield Road in 1956 when they drew 1-1 with Blackpool.
Twenty-four hours later, they won the reverse fixture 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from John Brooks and two goals from John Charles.
In 1956-97, the double-header against Blackpool was then followed swiftly by a draw to Chelsea on 29 December, before losing to Cardiff at home on 5 January.
Leeds’ 1956-57 fixtures over the Christmas break:
- Blackpool vs Leeds, 1-1 draw, 25 December
- Leeds vs Blackpool, 5-0 win, 26 December
- Chelsea vs Leeds, 1-1 draw, 29 December
- Leeds vs Cardiff, 2-1 loss, 5 January
Over 20,500 supporters were in attendance at Bloomfield Road, and Leeds fans can rest easy that they won’t have to watch their side again on Christmas Day.
Ever since then, games have been traditionally played only on Boxing Day, although this season only Man United against Newcastle will take place on 26 December, giving the majority of supporters the day off to continue enjoying the festive holidays.
Although teams will never play two games in 24 hours ever again, Leeds do have an intense fixture list that continues throughout January.
Leeds’ fixtures over the festive period are very congested
Leeds have an incredibly tough run of games coming up, and it all starts with the visit to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
A trip to Anfield on 1 January follows, before Leeds return to Elland Road to host Man United on 4 January.
Their fourth Premier League game in 10 days is a trip to Newcastle, a match which could be incredibly tiring for the Peacocks.
Thankfully for Farke and his players, Christmas Day fixtures will never return, and the players can enjoy some time off to relax before a busy period kicks off.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews