Why Arsenal vs Everton and Chelsea vs Newcastle kick off at the same time Saturday, explained

It is no longer unusual for only two Premier League games to be played at the “traditional” time of Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. (normally 10 a.m. ET, but 11 a.m. ET at the moment), as is the case this weekend.

What is unusual, however, is that two games are scheduled this Saturday in the early evening slot (5:30 p.m. UK time, normally 12:30 p.m. ET but currently 1:30 p.m. ET).

Two games, one kickoff time

Premier League fans have long been used to games being played at that time on a Saturday, although there is normally only one fixture scheduled in that slot on a matchday.

This weekend, though, both Arsenal vs Everton and Chelsea vs Newcastle United will kick off at exactly the same time.

Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle was originally selected to be broadcast in the United Kingdom in Saturday’s early evening slot, while Arsenal’s meeting with Everton was initially scheduled for Sunday. However, the Premier League was forced to change its plans because of the UEFA Champions League.

Champions League scheduling causes reshuffle

Both Arsenal and neighbors Tottenham Hotspur have home games in Europe’s elite club competition this coming midweek. The proximity of the clubs’ two stadiums means they cannot both play at home on the same day.

The Champions League schedule has Mikel Arteta’s team set to face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, with struggling Spurs hosting Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.

But a Sunday-Tuesday turnaround would not comply with the Premier League’s aim of ensuring all teams have at least a 72-hour gap between kickoff times to protect player welfare.

Why Arsenal’s game moved to Saturday

As a result, Arsenal vs Everton was moved forward to Saturday. And because of the significance of the game, with Arsenal leading the title race ahead of Manchester City, it was also selected by UK broadcasters.

That meant it could not be played at 3 p.m. UK time, when English soccer’s long-standing television blackout prevents live broadcasts.

A victory for Arsenal would move them 10 points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side would still have two games in hand.

Everton, meanwhile, are only five points off fifth place, which could be enough to secure Champions League qualification next season.

Top-five race tightening

Chelsea currently occupies fifth spot and will be looking to cement its place in the top five between now and the end of the season.

With both matches kicking off simultaneously, Saturday evening could have major implications for the title race and the battle for Champions League qualification.

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