Why is there no 12:30pm kick-off in the Premier League this Saturday? Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Newcastle rearranged

Premier League football is continuing to come thick and fast which is why it may surprise fans to notice there is no early kick-off this weekend.

The usual opening slot for top-flight action at the weekend is 12:30pm but there has been no fixture scheduled for that time. 

The Carabao Cup final is taking place on Sunday between Chelsea and Liverpool meaning their respective Premier League games have been rescheduled.

The Blues' clash with Tottenham has been postponed, while the Reds' meeting with Luton was moved forward to Wednesday.

However, there is a different reason as to why the typical television coverage has been tweaked for Gameweek 26.

There will be two late kick-offs on Saturday evening, with Bournemouth hosting Manchester City at 5:30pm and Arsenal taking on Newcastle at 8pm — live on talkSPORT.

The reason there is no early kick-off for Gameweek 26 is due to Arsenal playing away in the Champions League in midweek.

TNT Sports made the decision last summer that any team involved in away European fixtures would not have to take part in Saturday morning showdowns to help player welfare.

The Gunners face a trip to Porto for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday night — live on talkSPORT 2.

Arsenal's match with Newcastle had already been chosen for live TV coverage by TNT, which meant finding a new slot.

In order to avoid competition with Sky Sports, who are screening Man City at Bournemouth after the 3pm blackout, 8pm was settled on.

Mikel Arteta's side are currently on a run of five consecutive Premier League wins and are just two points adrift of Liverpool in first.

Newcastle are languishing in eighth after an indifferent campaign but will be buoyed by a 1-0 win over Arsenal in November.

talkS