Why Arsenal vs Newcastle United is kicking off at 8pm as Premier League rule explained

Arsenal take on Newcastle United tonight — thanks to a new rule that helps avoid quick turnarounds from European games. Saturday's schedule is a bit different, with no lunchtime kick-off and three different start times.

Four matches will begin at 3pm, followed by Manchester City vs Bournemouth at 5.30pm. The day then ends with Arsenal taking on Eddie Howe's side at the Emirates.

The Gunners had a tough game against Porto on Wednesday night, as a 1-0 defeat at the Estadio do Dragao left their Champions League hopes in doubt. And to help teams manage their time between European and domestic games, a new rule has been introduced.

This rule says that any team that plays in a European competition on Wednesday night, like Arsenal did, won't have to play at the usual 12:30pm slot on a Saturday. Instead, they'll play at 8pm, which means that TNT Sports, which usually broadcasts at this time, can still choose their favourite match every weekend.

Without this rule, broadcasters would face restrictions on which matches they could show because of UEFA's scheduling, which often includes the biggest teams in the league. So, this new rule helps avoid any unnecessary issues.

Newcastle have previously played a pair of games at 8pm on Saturday earlier this term, for the big matches against Manchester City in August and Manchester United at St James' Park in December.

Jurgen Klopp launches fierce response to Liverpool celebration criticism as Arsenal point made

Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle as Jorginho starts and Gabriel Martinelli decision made

Arsenal players will be keen to hit back after they suffered their first defeat of the season at St James' Park a few months ago. Anthony Gordon scored the only goal in the second half of the game,