Why is Fulham vs Man Utd kicking off at 7pm instead of 4.30pm on Sunday?
THE usual TNT Sports slot will be moved to Sunday evening as Manchester United travel to West London to face Fulham.
The odd kick-off time was subject to discourse when it was confirmed by the Premier League last month.
The match, like all TNT Sport televised fixtures, was meant to take place on Saturday lunchtime.
However, due to United’s involvement in the Europa League just days before, the club rejected the initial slot to allow for more recovery time after their back-and-forth win against Rangers on Thursday night.
Usually, Sundays are reserved for Sky Sports’ two Super Sunday selections.
That will still remain the same with all-London affair between Crystal Palace and Brentford on Sky Sports Main Event at 2pm, before an enticing encounter between Aston Villa and West Ham at 4:30pm.
Tottenham, who also participated in Europe on Thursday when they travelled to Hoffenheim, will be at home against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City at 2pm – the game will not be televised.
Similar circumstances have occurred this season already when Chelsea’s involvement in the Europa Conference League that saw make a long trip to Kazakhstan rescheduled their Saturday pm game against Brentford.
On that weekend, Spurs were TNT’s choice of match and had their Southampton game moved to a 7pm Sunday slot because of the tight European turnaround.
Regarding Sunday’s evening game, The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) claimed it is “really unpopular” for fans.
This is due to the limitations on transport, which can make it unsuitable for families.
It is expected that Manchester United will offer travelling fans subsidised travel to Craven Cottage.
A FSA spokesman said: “The Sunday evening kick-off slot is really unpopular with match-goers as public transport options are limited and it’s no good for families with young kids.