The Premier League has unveiled a significant reshuffle of its fixture calendar for February and early March, with several high-profile matches moved to accommodate live television broadcasts and European commitments.
TV Broadcasters Drive Schedule Changes
The latest adjustments, confirmed by the league, are a direct result of selections made by domestic broadcast partners Sky Sports and TNT Sports. This has seen numerous matches shifted from the traditional Saturday 3pm slot to various evening and weekend time slots to maximise audience reach.
Among the most notable changes is the North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, which has been officially set for Sunday, February 22. This crucial clash will be shown live on Sky Sports as part of a televised double-header.
European Commitments and Contingency Planning
The revised schedule also aims to assist clubs involved in the knockout phases of European competitions, helping to manage player workload. Several fixtures have been moved to create a more balanced calendar for those teams.
A full round of midweek matches is scheduled for February 10-12, with every game being televised. Kick-off times will be staggered across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings to offer fans maximum viewing options.
However, some dates remain provisional. The Brentford vs Arsenal match on February 12 is subject to further change depending on FA Cup fourth-round results. These contingency plans account for potential clashes with Champions League fixtures.
Key Dates for Your Diary
Other major fixtures now have confirmed slots. The weekend of February 7-8 will feature two marquee matches: Manchester United vs Tottenham (TNT Sports) and Liverpool vs Manchester City (Sky Sports).
Further flexibility is shown with the Wolves vs Aston Villa fixture, currently set for February 27. This could be moved to March 1 if Villa progresses in the Europa League, highlighting the need for adaptable scheduling.
The schedule update concludes with another London derby, as Arsenal vs Chelsea is confirmed for a late afternoon kick-off on Sunday, March 1, rounding off the weekend's televised action.
