Mariah Carey's classic Christmas wish might need a football remix this year, as a host of Premier League stars are just one booking away from receiving an unwanted gift: a suspension over the festive period.
The Rule That Could Ruin Christmas
Premier League regulations state that any player who accumulates five yellow cards in the first 19 matches of the season must serve an automatic one-match ban. With a packed schedule of games between December 26th and 28th, the timing could see key figures forced to watch from the stands instead of battling on the pitch.
While a suspended player would typically continue training, the image of them in pyjamas on the sofa is a far more festive, if unlikely, scenario. The reality is that their absence could significantly impact their team's crucial holiday results.
Title Challengers Walking a Tightrope
The stakes are particularly high for clubs at the top of the table. Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi is treading carefully, as is Manchester City's duo of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and playmaker Bernardo Silva. Their presence could be vital in what is often a pivotal point in the title race.
Aston Villa, another side with lofty ambitions, could be without defender Matty Cash and midfielder Boubacar Kamara if either picks up a fifth caution. The suspension threat also looms for key players in the top-four chase, with Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu and Tottenham's Pedro Porro both on four yellows.
Risks Across the League
The danger is not confined to the upper echelons. Liverpool would be dealt a major blow if their standout performer, Dominik Szoboszlai, were to be banned. Meanwhile, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is also one mistimed tackle from a suspension.
Further down the league, several other notable names are at risk. The list includes:
- Sunderland's Granit Xhaka and Everton's James Garner.
- Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu and Mats Wieffer.
- Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Alex Jimenez.
- Leeds United's Jayden Bogle and Ethan Ampadu.
- Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams and Morato.
- Wolves' Matt Doherty and Andre.
- Brentford captain Nathan Collins.
Of course, no one would suggest a professional footballer might deliberately engineer a booking to secure a Christmas break. However, history offers a curious precedent. Former West Ham captain Kevin Nolan was suspended for five consecutive Decembers, a streak that began after a deliberate stamp on Liverpool's Jordan Henderson in 2013.
Nolan strongly denied orchestrating a holiday, insisting at the time, "I'm going to be working hard on the training ground. I won't be getting away with it. I'll be in on Wednesday when the other lads are off." For the 22 players currently on four yellows, the message is clear: tread carefully or your Christmas plans may be decided by the referee's notebook.
