Manchester UnitedTomorrow evening I’ll be heading to Everton. Premier LeagueIt is at 7:45 BST, which is an unusual hour.
Some fans were unhappy about the incongruous TV slot at Goodison Park.
Here, The Athletic explains why the kick-off time has been chosen…
So, what are the ‘traditional’ weekend kick-off times?
The EvertonThe United vs. Premier League match is different from the regular kick-off times in the Premier League for the past few seasons. On Saturdays, games are usually at 12.30pm, 3pm, and 5.30pm; Sundays at 2pm and 4.30pm; Fridays and Mondays at 8pm.
BT Sport customarily broadcasts the Saturday 12.30pm match, while Sky Sports shows all the others, bar the Saturday 3pms — which are protected by the English football blackout law.
What’s the reason behind the 7pm kick-off time then?
BT Sport selected the Everton vs United fixture to be their match of the week.
However, Erik ten Hag’s United side are due to play a Europa LeagueOn Thursday, Omonia Nicosia will play in the group stage against Omonia. It would take less than 48 hours to complete the match against Everton if it was scheduled for the usual BT slot.
BT has agreed to use the 7pm Sunday time slot this season if one of the teams is playing in Europe on the Wednesday night or Thursday night before.
Is the 12.30pm slot an issue?
The 12.
