Why is Crystal Palace vs Brighton on a Thursday? Many have been left confused by the unusual scheduling of this Premier League clash.
The Eagles welcome the Seagulls to Selhurst Park in what will be the latest edition of this fierce rivalry.
So, why is Crystal Palace vs Brighton on a Thursday? Let’s take a look…
Why Crystal Palace vs Brighton is being played on a Thursday
Well, this fixture was originally in a traditional 3pm Saturday slot.
However – due to the rivalry – Sky Sports opted to select this clash for television broadcast in the United Kingdom, meaning it had to be moved due to the 3pm blackout rule.
Sky Sports would usually stick a midweek fixture on a Friday, although congestion amid a busy festive period means Thursday will have to make do.
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United will take place on Sky Sports this Friday, with the broadcasting giants also showing Liverpool vs Arsenal on Saturday and Wolves vs Chelsea on Sunday – Christmas Eve.
Therefore – with more football to come after Christmas Day – Thursday was the only available slot for Sky Sports to show Crystal Palace vs Brighton, as also mentioned by talkSPORT.
Crystal Palace must show fight against Brighton
Pressure on Roy Hodgson and frustration amongst the fanbase has eased significantly after two very promising performances against Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, this Thursday’s clash is the big one, and things could become toxic all over again inside Selhurst Park if the players fail to turn up, just like they did in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.
Hopefully, we can take momentum from Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Manchester City into Thursday.
If the situation reverts back to a worrying one, Steve Cooper could soon arrive at Selhurst Park to replace Hodgson – the Welshman is just about to be sacked by Nottingham Forest.
