Premier League confirms December fixture changes for TV broadcast
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The gist
The Premier League rescheduled several December matches for Sky Sports and TNT Sports coverage.
The changes shift kick-off times for fans and clubs like Manchester City.
Background
The Premier League is England's top professional football division, and its 2026/27 season began on August 21, 2026, a week later than usual because of the World Cup, running 38 weeks to May 30, 2027. Broadcasters select matches for live coverage, which moves kick-off times, and the league issues fixture amendments as they are confirmed. The December changes affect clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
How it unfolded
- Aug 21, 2026The 2026/27 Premier League season kicked off, a week later than normal due to the World Cup, and will run 38 weeks to May 30, 2027.
- Oct 19, 2026Manchester City announced their December matches with Leeds United, Brentford and Chelsea were rescheduled for UK broadcast, all live on Sky Sports.
- Oct 19, 2026The Premier League announced December fixture amendments, including Coventry v Ipswich on Tuesday 1 December at 20:00 on Sky Sports.
- Oct 19, 2026Manchester United's trip to Crystal Palace was moved to 7pm on December 13 after TNT Sports selected it for live coverage, from an expected 12.30pm on Saturday, December 12.
- Oct 23, 2026Matchweek 8 opened with Ipswich Town vs. Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- Dec 2, 2026Manchester City v Leeds is listed at 19:30 on Sky Sports.
- Dec 5, 2026Brentford v Manchester City is scheduled for 20:00.
- Dec 6, 2026Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal moved to a 16:30 kick-off on Sky Sports.
- Dec 12, 2026Manchester City v Chelsea is set for 17:30, live on Sky Sports.
- Dec 13, 2026Crystal Palace v Manchester United is set for 19:00 on TNT Sports.
- Dec 19, 2026Manchester City v Hull City remains at 15:00 and will not be shown on TV in the UK.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Manchester City said all three December games will be shown live on Sky Sports, with a full international broadcast schedule confirmed in the days before each game.
- Analysts
- Yahoo Sports/Football Today reported that Crystal Palace's European commitments forced the change, giving Palace more time to recover before hosting United at Selhurst Park.
Still unverified
The Premier League notes Chelsea v Aston Villa will move to 20:00 on Saturday 19 December, dependent upon EFL Cup participation.