Chelsea’s trip to face Aston Villa has again left their fans in disarray after another crucial away trip was moved to a strange kick-off time.
The Blues are in the middle of a crunch week in their race to secure European football next season with two successive away days.
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Chelsea were embarrassed against rivals Arsenal in Tuesday night’s London derbyCredit: Rex
The Stamford Bridge outfit were hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.
But in their first clash of the week, they were humiliated against London rivals Arsenal, losing 5-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side now must bounce back when they travel to the West Midlands, live on talkSPORT, at a revamped kick-off time of 8pm tonight at Villa Park.
Why is Villa vs Chelsea at 8pm?
Villa’s clash with the Blues was moved to an evening kick-off tonight after being picked for live coverage by TNT Sports.
Under the Premier League’s current broadcast deal, TNT Sports occupies the 12:30pm Saturday slot with Package A.
Liverpool’s trip to West Ham will already be screened during this slot.
The 3pm blackout rule prevents Chelsea being broadcast in the afternoon, with Sky Sports occupying the 5:30pm window.
Sky will be showing Everton’s clash with Brentford in the early evening, with TNT instead taking the 8pm slot to avoid competition.
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The Blues have lost back-to-back games in the last few daysCredit: Getty
It is the time TNT have moved some live fixtures to if clubs involved have played an away Champions League game earlier that week.
However, Chelsea fans have a right to be peeved at yet another difficult away trip for supporters this season.
The club saw their 2-2 draw to Sheffield United earlier this month moved to 5:30pm on a Sunday back from 1.30pm.
Chelsea’s FA Cup meeting with Leicester was also given an unusual time, with Pochettino’s team also involved in the only Christmas Eve fixture.
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Aston Villa vs Chelsea: talkSPORT coverage
This Premier League clash will take place on Saturday, April 27.
talkSPORT will have live and exclusive coverage from Villa Park presented by Faye Carruthers.
Commentary comes from Joe Shennan and former England defender Micky Gray.
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