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Why there is only one Premier League game this Sunday with Man United in sole fixture

Premier League fans are going to be treated to a bumper Saturday of action this weekend, but the fun comes at a cost...

The busy Saturday, which will include eight games, is going to be followed by a Sunday that only has one fixture scheduled.

Casemiro and Man United celebrate goal

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Man United are playing in the only game scheduled for SundayCredit: Getty

Typically, Sundays see two Premier League matches played, with one kicking off at 2pm and the other at 4:30pm.

A lot of the time, there are even multiple games played at 2pm, just like last weekend, when four fixtures took place in that slot.

But it's going from one extreme to the other for Premier League supporters, as there is a real lack of action this Sunday...

Why is there only one Premier League game this Sunday?

Aston Villa vs Manchester United is the only game scheduled for Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:30pm.

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It means there is no 2pm top-flight match at all this weekend.

And this has occurred due to a special request made by Arsenal amid the chaotic domestic and European schedule.

The Gunners' clash against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium was originally planned to take place in the 2pm slot, along with Crystal Palace's trip to face Leeds United.

However, due to the Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Palace being switched, both clubs asked for their games this weekend to be moved a day earlier so they can have the required rest time.

Everton confirmed the switch to the Arsenal game in November, writing in their statement: "Everton's pre-Christmas clash at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal has been moved to Saturday 20 December, and will now kick off at 8pm (GMT).

"The fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which will remain live on Sky Sports, was initially pencilled in for Sunday 21 December at 2pm (GMT) but has been brought forward at the Gunners' request due to their participation in the Carabao Cup fifth round on Tuesday 23 December."

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner

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Palace have also had their game moved alongside ArsenalCredit: AFP

As mentioned in the statement, Sky Sports, who usually show the Sunday fixtures on TV, will still broadcast the 8pm start on Saturday.

Arsenal's Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace is being played a week later than other ties due to further scheduling chaos.

As Palace are playing in the Conference League this week, it meant they could not also play in the Carabao Cup and that has had a knock-on effect on their and the Gunners' overall fixtures.

Arsenal's statement

After the requested change was eventually made to the fixture schedule, Arsenal made a statement on the situation.

It read: "Playing two matches within a 48-hour period contravenes FIFA recommendations, which have established a consensus for a minimum of 72 hours' rest between games.

"This recommendation is in place to protect player health and fitness. Recovery time between matches is especially important during busy periods of the season, such as December."

Arsenal stand in a huddle on the pitch

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Arsenal weren't pleased with the original scheduling, so they requested a changeCredit: Getty

This weekend's Premier League schedule

The changes mean the Premier League schedule for this weekend looks rather unusual. Here's the full fixture list:

Saturday, December 20

Newcastle vs Chelsea - 12:30pm - live on talkSPORT

Bournemouth vs Burnley - 3pm

Brighton vs Sunderland - 3pm

Manchester City vs West Ham - 3pm

Wolves vs Brentford - 3pm

Tottenham vs Liverpool - 5:30pm

Everton vs Arsenal - 8pm - live on talkSPORT

Leeds vs Crystal Palace - 8pm - live on talkSPORT 2

Sunday, December 21

Aston Villa vs Manchester United - 4:30pm

Read More on talkSPORT

Monday, December 22

Fulham vs Nottingham Forest - 8pm - live on talkSPORT

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