Why is Leeds United vs Chelsea at 8.15pm? Kick-off time explained with TV and stream details
All the key information you need to know ahead of Leeds United's Premier League meeting with Chelsea this evening.
Leeds United will partake in their first midweek Premier League fixture of the season this evening when they host Chelsea at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side return home off the back of another away defeat on Saturday, this time at Manchester City. The Whites produced a spirited second-half performance to claw back a two-goal deficit and looked set for a great point on the road, but for Phil Foden’s added-time winner.
The defeat leaves Leeds in the relegation zone but a result against Chelsea would pull them to safety, with 17th-placed West Ham not in action until Thursday. And ahead of another massive Premier League clash at Elland road, this time under the lights, the YEP has all the key information including why the game kicks off at an unusual time.
When is Leeds United vs Chelsea?
The Whites welcome Chelsea to Elland Road on Wednesday, December 3, in what is the first full round of midweek Premier League action this season. Farke’s side have previously played on Monday and Friday nights but this evening presents their first Wednesday-night game.
Leeds vs Chelsea is one of six Premier League fixtures to take place this evening but unlike most midweek games, it is scheduled to kick-off at the unusual time of 8.15pm. Liverpool vs Sunderland also starts at the later time while four matches get underway at 7.30pm.
Why is Leeds United vs Chelsea an 8.15pm kick-off?
The reason behind those unusual kick-off times is due to Sky Sports, who have made slight changes to avoid schedule clashes. The main Premier League broadcaster have full rights to every midweek fixture and therefore stagger when certain ones start to retain as many viewers as possible.
In theory, football fans will watch the opening 45 minutes of a 7.30pm kick-off this evening before switching to an 8.15pm game, which is conveniently timed to start when the earlier matches go into half-time. Viewers can then decide whether to see out the entire 90 minutes of that later game or switch back to the 7.30pm fixture for the second-half.
Leeds fans watching from home will of course take the former option, sticking with their side’s game against Chelsea once it gets underway at 8.15pm. Sky sports also staggered kick-off times during Tuesday’s clashes while there is one match taking place on Thursday evening.
Is Leeds United vs Chelsea on TV?
It is indeed, as are all 10 Premier League fixtures this midweek. With no 3pm blackout, every game can be shown live and Sky Sports have rights to them all.
As one of the two 8.15pm kick-offs, Wednesday’s Elland Road clash will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. For those not wanting to catch any of the 7.30pm games, build-up starts at 6.30pm and will likely show any other goals as they go in.
Can I stream Leeds United vs Chelsea?
Sky Sports will also have every Premier League game available to stream live on their website and app, including Leeds vs Chelsea. Non-UK viewers can also watch the game via LUTV.
And for those unable to watch the game live, the YEP will of course have all your build-up plus live coverage from Elland Road. After the full-time whistle, be sure to stick around for player ratings and reaction from Farke and the players.