Manchester United’s Fernandes blow & player discipline at Christmas

Katie Smith is joined by former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and Brighton midfielder Fran Kirby to look ahead to the busy festive football period.

They discuss what it’s like to be a footballer at Christmas time and whether it’s possible to enjoy the holidays while also getting ready for matches.

Boxing Day’s only Premier League match this year sees Manchester United host Newcastle, the panel discuss how much Ruben Amorim’s side will miss Bruno Fernandes during his spell out injured.

Coventry City look to take another step towards promotion to the top flight when they host Swansea on Boxing Day and Sky Blues fan Katie Stafford discusses what life is like at the moment.

The panel also chat about West Ham’s struggles and the WSL headlines going into the winter break.

1:00 – Nigel and Fran’s Christmas traditions 2:30 – Player management at Christmas 4:10 – Nigel on players being weighed after Christmas Day 7:30 – Festive training plans 11:00 – How much will Man Utd miss Bruno Fernandes? 17:30 – Opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo 19:30 – Newcastle focus 24:00 – Coventry City fan Katie Stafford 30:30 – Fran Kirby on WSL 35:00 – Nigel on West Ham 37:40 – Nigel and Fran’s Christmas wishes