Why is there no 12.30pm kick-off in Premier League today? TV decisions explained – The Mirror
Premier League fans will not be able to taste any early action on Saturday as there is no 12:30pm kick-off, despite Arsenal’s match against Wolves being selected for TV by TNT Sports
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face Wolves on Saturday on TNT Sports, but at 8pm instead of 12.30pm(Image: Getty)
Everything you need to know as to why the Premier League does not have a 12:30pm kick-off this Saturday…
- The absence of the 12:30pm kick-off is down to Arsenal’s midweek Champions League commitments. The Gunners beat Club Brugge 3-0 on Wednesday and the turnaround was too quick to deem a 12:30pm Premier League start viable.
- The slot, which is allocated to TNT Sports, is therefore left vacant because Arsenal, the chosen team for the broadcaster’s Saturday coverage, could not play at that time. A different team that could play at 12:30pm was not selected for TV coverage.
- This decision reflects the Premier League’s priority to accommodate teams involved in a heavy schedule, including those in European competitions like the Champions League or Europa League. Player safety and performance considerations must always factor into the final fixture arrangement.
- Arsenal will play at 8:00pm instead when they face Wolves in a match that was selected by TNT Sports for live coverage. The Premier League mandates a minimum rest period between games, usually a full 48 to 72 hours.
- The Gunners also played in an early 12:30pm kick-off on TNT Sports just last week when they faced Aston Villa. This match ended in a dramatic 2-1 defeat after Emi Buendia’s added-time winner.
- Instead of an early game, Saturday’s Premier League action starts with the 3:00pm kick-offs, such as the matches between Chelsea vs Everton and Liverpool vs Brighton. This shift concentrates the afternoon’s football into a tighter window.
- Looking ahead to Sunday 14th December, there is a large number of fixtures scheduled for television viewing. This day is packed with five Premier League games, including the 4:30pm match between Brentford and Leeds United.
- Other Sunday matches include Crystal Palace vs Man City, and West Ham vs Aston Villa, all kicking off earlier at 2:00pm. The packed Sunday schedule serves to redistribute the televised content that would usually be spread across the entire weekend.
- READ MORE AHEAD OF ARSENAL’S CLASH WITH WOLVES: Arsenal could be without eight players for Wolves clash after Declan Rice update
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