Newcastle face Chelsea at St James' Park in May
Newcastle face Chelsea at St James' Park in May
Newcastle United's Premier League 'six-pointer' with Champions League rival Chelsea has been moved for live TV broadcast - but could yet move again.
The game has been switched to a 12.30pm kick-off in its originally scheduled date of Saturday, May 10, with TNT Sports showing the match live. Both sides are in the hunt for a top-five Premier League finish and, depending on results before then, the game could have huge impact on who qualifies for next season Champions League.
However, the fixture will switch to Sunday, May 11 with a 12pm kick-off should Chelsea progress in the Europa Conference League. If they overcome Legia Warsaw in the two-legged quarter-final of the competition then they will set up a semi-final against either Rapid Vienna or Djurgardens, with the second leg taking place on Thursday, May 8.
This would mean the game at St James' Park moves to the Sunday to allow Chelsea enough time to recupperate. Enzo Maresca's side are strong favourites to win the tournament, and are expected to beat Polish side Legia and make it through the final four. They are 8/15 favourites to lift the trophy, well ahead of Real Betis (5/1) and Fiorentina (6/1).
Newcastle lost the Premier League game between the two sides at Stamford Bridge 2-1, but did beat Chelsea 2-0 at St James' en route to their Carabao Cup success in October. In fact, the Magpies have won each game against the Blues on home soil since Eddie Howe took over.
United will feature on Sky Sports when they play Leicester City on Monday night, while their matches at home to Manchester United and Crystal Palace, and away to Aston Villa and Brighton, will all be shown by the broadcaster.
As things stand, the home match against Ipswich Town and the final two games at Arsenal and at home to Everton have not been selected for TV coverage, although the final broadcast schedule is yet to be confirmed.