Newcastle United 2-1 Fulham: Joe Buck match reaction
Newcastle United latest news: Chelsea are next up for Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.
Both clubs secured their spot in the final four of the Carabao Cup in midweek, although they left it late to secure their place. Chelsea headed into the final ten minutes of normal time level with League One side Cardiff City before goals from Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho secured a 3-1 win.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, left it even later and required a stoppage time goal from Lewis Miley to overcome the challenge of Fulham at St James’ Park. That win ensured that the holders’ grasp on the trophy will prolong until at least February as they face a two-legged tie against Manchester City in the semi-finals.
But before that tie, the Magpies have some crucial Premier League matches to get their teeth stuck into - and that begins on Tyneside this weekend. Chelsea, who currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League, are their visitors in a match that could have a major impact on both sides’ hopes of qualifying for European football this season.
Newcastle United v Chelsea kick-off time explained
Newcastle United’s clash with Chelsea has been placed in the Saturday lunchtime slot - meaning the Magpies have just a touch over 60 hours to rest and recover following their win over Fulham. Chelsea, meanwhile, were granted an extra 24 hours than their hosts to prepare for Saturday’s game.
Whilst lunchtime kick-offs in the Premier League have been a regular feature for a number of years now, a Premier League rule, introduced just two seasons ago, allowed clubs competing in Europe on a Wednesday night to have their Saturday game moved to 8pm if initially picked for broadcast in that lunchtime slot.
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Newcastle United have seen a number of games over the last couple of seasons moved to 8pm because of that rule and will again in February if either themselves or Manchester City play a Champions League game on the Wednesday prior to their Premier League meeting at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 21 February.
However, that rule will not apply this weekend, despite Newcastle United playing on Wednesday night. Domestic matches do not have to be moved to a later kick-off time and there has already been precedent for this quirk to the rules this season.
Aston Villa were forced to host Arsenal at 12:30pm on Saturday 6 December, just three days after they had beaten Brighton in the Premier League. The Gunners also had just three days preparation for that game, unlike Chelsea who will get an extra day more to prepare than their hosts.
Eddie Howe’s side have won four-straight home matches against the Blues in a run stretching back to October 2021. Graeme Jones was in temporary charge of the Magpies that day following Steve Bruce’s departure as head coach in the penultimate outing before Howe’s appointment as permanent manager.
Saturday’s game will be shown live on TV in the United Kingdom by TNT Sports and can be streamed online on Discovery+.
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