Once a Loon, always in action: special holiday viewing guide for Dec. 25-26 

A Christmas Day clash in Riyadh

  • Match: Al Riyadh vs. Al-Ettifaq
  • Date and time: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. CT
  • Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Former Loons: Francisco Calvo
  • How to watch in Minnesota: In the United States, Saudi Pro League matches are primarily broadcast on FOX Soccer Plus. You can stream this via Fubo or the FOX Sports app.

While most of the footballing world takes a breather on Christmas Day, the Saudi Pro League continues at full speed. Francisco Calvo has been a cornerstone of the Al-Ettifaq defense since arriving in the summer, and his veteran leadership is exactly what manager Steven Gerrard needs to stabilize a backline that has faced heavy pressure in recent weeks. Al Riyadh is a disciplined side that relies on counter-attacks, so Calvo’s positioning and ability to read the game will be under the microscope as Al-Ettifaq looks to climb back into the top half of the table.

Miller and Bolton headline a Boxing Day tradition

  • Match: Bolton Wanderers vs. Rotherham United
  • Date and time: Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton, England
  • Former Loons: Tyler Miller
  • How to watch in Minnesota: This League One fixture is expected to be available on Paramount+ as part of the EFL’s international broadcast package. Fans can also follow along via WanderersTV, the club’s official streaming service.

Boxing Day is one of the most iconic dates on the English football calendar, and for Tyler Miller, it represents a chance to reclaim his spot in a high-stakes promotion race. Bolton Wanderers are currently firmly in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot, and a home win against Rotherham is vital to keeping pace with the league leaders.

While Miller has been a reliable presence for Bolton since his arrival, he has recently faced stiff competition for the starting role from Chelsea loanee Teddy Sharman-Lowe. After a string of high-save performances earlier in the season, Miller has seen fewer starts in recent weeks. However, with the heavy fixture congestion of the festive period, manager Steven Schumacher is likely to rotate his squad. Facing a Rotherham side that traditionally favors a physical, set-piece-heavy attacking style, Miller’s experience and shot-stopping ability could be exactly what Bolton needs to secure three points and maintain their momentum toward the Championship.

Bristow and Fleetwood head to Prenton Park

  • Match: Tranmere Rovers vs. Fleetwood Town
  • Date and time: Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Prenton Park, Birkenhead, England
  • Former Loons: Ethan Bristow
  • How to watch in Minnesota: You can stream this League Two match via iFollow Fleetwood or iFollow Tranmere. While not often on national television, the EFL’s streaming service allows fans to purchase a single-game pass to follow the action live.

Fleetwood Town is currently in the mix for the League Two playoff spots, and this trip to the Wirral represents a significant hurdle in their holiday schedule. Ethan Bristow has made the left-back spot his own, providing consistent defensive coverage and an attacking outlet with his overlapping runs. Against a Tranmere side that is famously difficult to break down at home, Bristow’s delivery into the box will be essential. This match is a test of Fleetwood’s consistency as they navigate the grueling winter period.

Note on Sam Nicholson: Sam Nicholson is currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury and is not expected to be in the squad for Motherwell this year. He likely won’t return to full training until early 2026, so we have omitted that match from this preview.