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

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.

However, there will NOT be a 12.30pm BST Premier League kick-off this afternoon.

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

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.