Why Newcastle United vs Chelsea Kicks Off at 12pm on Sunday
Daniel Hepburn
17 – 22 minutes
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Despite Liverpool wrapping up the 2024/25 Premier League title already, the Champions League spots are still up for grabs – and this weekend’s encounter between Chelsea and Newcastle United is hotly anticipated for that reason. But why is it, unusually, being played at 12pm on a Sunday?
The Blues, who are currently sat fifth in the Premier League standings after being mooted as early contenders for a title race, travel to St James’ Park on Sunday and a win for Enzo Maresca’s side would see them leapfrog their opponents into the top four.
Elsewhere, victory for the hosts could solidify their potential status as Champions League contenders for next season. It’s all to play for as two heavyweights of the English game do battle, but what’s the reasoning behind its atypical kick-off time?
Chelsea vs Newcastle Obscure Sunday Kick-Off Time Explained
The original time, set by the Premier League, was 12:30pm on Saturday
As things stand, with three games until the end of the campaign, the two clubs sit on 63 points but the Magpies, led by the much-beloved Eddie Howe, are ahead as they have scored more goals this term (66 compared to Chelsea’s tally of 62).
Plenty of the Stamford Bridge faithful will be making the trip up north but, ahead of time, extra planning would have been needed to ensure they get to St James’ Park – widely regarded as one of the best stadiums in Premier League history – on time. That’s because they are playing bang on midday on Sunday.
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That’s because of the west Londoners’ involvement in the Europa Conference League semi-finals. On Thursday, they’ll play host to Swedish outfit Djurgarden in the second leg of their semi-final and, as a result, are unable to compete on the following Saturday.
Initially, when the fixtures were first released, the two were set to lock horns on Saturday 10 May at 3pm – but the fixture change was confirmed in April following Chelsea’s progression in Europe. An official Newcastle United statement read:
“The Magpies will face the Blues at St. James’ Park in a game that was initially scheduled for 12:30pm BST on Saturday, 10th May. But due to Chelsea’s participation in the Europa Conference League the preceding Thursday, that game on Tyneside will now be played on Sunday, 11th May, with the kick-off set for 12pm BST. The match will still be broadcast live on TNT Sports.”
TNT Sports, on a usual weekend of Premier League action, have the rights to show the 12:30 kick-off on a Saturday but, on this occasion, they are making use of their alternate kick-off slot: the 12pm on a Sunday when Chelsea and Newcastle will clash.
Looking beyond this weekend’s blockbuster, Chelsea will face Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final two games. For Newcastle, they will be preparing for the small matter of Arsenal before hosting Everton on the final day of the season.
Chelsea and Newcastle Utd – Remaining Premier League Fixtures
Gameweek
Chelsea
Newcastle Utd
36
Newcastle Utd (A)
Chelsea (H)
37
Manchester United (H)
Arsenal (A)
38
Nottingham Fore
st (A)
Everton (H)
