Why there is no early Premier League game today as unusual Arsenal kick-off time explained | OneFootball

Arsenal can open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, albeit potentially only temporarily, with victory at the Stadium of Light

For the first time this season, there is no offering of an early kick-off from the Premier League today.

Regular watchers of English football’s top-flight have become accustomed to a 12.30pm kick-off on a Saturday for many seasons now, with TNT Sports usually the live television broadcaster.

The early games this season has been Manchester United's shock loss to newly-promoted Hull, Liverpool's 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest and an entertaining draw between Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Instead, Premier League champions Arsenal will face Sunderland, with the match at the Stadium of Light kicking off at 8pm.

The reason for the unusual kick-off time is because Premier League rules stipulate that teams cannot play in the early slot on a Saturday if they have played Champions League football just three days previously as teams will never be asked to play twice within 60 hours.

Under the lights: Arsenal round off today’s Premier League action at the Stadium of Light

AFP/Getty

Arsenal were in action on Wednesday night against Napoli in their first Champions League fixture of the season, winning 1-0 thanks to Martin Odegaard’s late goal.

The showdown in Southern Italy kicked off at 8pm, meaning the late kick-off against Sunderland will allow Mikel Arteta’s side extra recovery time which would not have been the case for a 12.30pm kick-off.

As planned, Sunderland vs Arsenal will be televised live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting at 6.30pm on TNT Sports 1.

The Black Cats have won both home games this season, without conceding, and held the Gunners to a draw in the corresponding fixture last season as Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic late equaliser.