SUPPORTERS are used to switching their TVs on at lunchtime on Saturday for the opening Premier League game of the weekend.
But no fixture is in the slot on November 1.
There is no 12:30 game this weekend in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
There are still ten matches taking place over the weekend, with in-form heading to Nottingham Forest and a fiery London derby between Tottenham and .
explain why no match will be played at 12:30pm.
Why is there no 12:30pm kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday?
have the TV rights to the 12:30pm kick-off slot and their pick of the games this weekend is Liverpool vs Aston Villa.
But that will instead be broadcast live at 8pm.
This is partly because Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is hosting England’s rugby league clash with Australia at 14:30pm not far from Anfield – but also .
Arne Slot’s side have incredibly lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, with their most recent defeat coming in midweek in the Carabao Cup fourth round to .
Due to that game on Wednesday night, are not able to play at 12:30pm.
This is because Fifa struck a deal with the player unions over the summer that guarantees teams at least 72 hours rest between kick-offs.
Therefore, if Liverpool played on 12:30pm this would be in breach of the rules.
They kicked-off against Palace on Wednesday night at 7:45pm, so an 8pm start on Saturday against is allowed.
Instead at 12:30pm, fans could watch Championship action with Leicester vs Blackburn one of the games available.
What are this weekend’s Premier League fixtures?
Saturday, November 1 (3pm unless stated):
- Crystal Palace vs Brentford
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
- Burnley vs Arsenal
- Brighton vs Leeds
- Tottenham vs Chelsea (5:30pm, Sky Sports)
- Liverpool vs Aston Villa (8pm, TNT Sports)
Sunday, November 2:
- West Ham vs Newcastle (2pm, Sky Sports)
- Manchester City vs Bournemouth (4:30pm, Sky Sports)
Monday, November 3:
- Sunderland vs Everton (8pm, Sky Sports)
