- Man United and Man City play at the Etihad on March 3 at 3.30pm
- The decision was made after discussions between police, clubs and broadcasters
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The kick-off for the Manchester derby on the first weekend of March has been brought forward following discussions between police and broadcasters.
City’s home match against their arch-rivals in the city starts at 3.30pm on March 3, an hour earlier than the traditional Sunday 4.30pm.
Mail Sport understands the decision was made in discussions with the police, the two clubs and Sky Sports, who sources say have no problem with the 3.30pm kick-off despite having made the 4.30pm time their own in recent years.
It will be the second consecutive Manchester derby to start at an unusual time this season, following the match at Old Trafford in October, which Pep Guardiola’s side won 3-0.
Burnley’s home match against Bournemouth has been moved to a 1pm kick-off from 2pm to ensure there is no overlap with the match at the Etihad.
March’s Manchester Derby has been brought forward an hour following discussions between police and broadcasters
The clash at the Etihad will be the second straight derby to be played at 3.30pm
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Police have been involved in moving a number of matches forward in recent seasons, including last season’s FA Cup final, which started at 3pm.
It was initially scheduled for 5:30 p.m. before being moved on police advice, amid fears of all-day drinking leading to violence involving United and City fans.
Mail Sport revealed on Thursday that the Met want the Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Liverpool and Chelsea to start no later than 3pm, as the EFL had scheduled it for 4.30pm.
The Premier League has also confirmed that Arsenal’s trip to Sheffield United will take place on Monday, March 4 at 8pm, a decision likely to infuriate Gunners fans.
Arsenal supporters traveling to the match at Bramall Lane face a race against time to catch the last train to London, which leaves Sheffield less than half an hour after the match is expected to end.
Aston Villa’s visit to Luton is scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday, March 2.
The Premier League will announce the remaining broadcast matches for March next week.
