Why Newcastle vs West Ham is being played at unique time this weekend

West Ham’s latest match in their desperate fight for survival has been handed a very rare time this weekend.

The Hammers are taking on Newcastle at St. James’ Park in a crucial clash and the game’s kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Sunday evening.

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Usually on a Sunday, games are scheduled at 2pm or 4:30pm, with a 5:30pm start typically being a Saturday slot.

However, the Premier League schedule for Gameweek 37 has been forced to change and that includes this fixture.

And here’s why this is the case…

Why is Newcastle vs West Ham at 5:30pm on Sunday?

The Matchweek 37 tie will be played at 5:30pm on Sunday evening due to a re-shuffling of the Premier League’s games.

The FA Cup final is taking place on Saturday and that has led to a complete change in the top-flight schedule.

An agreement between the FA and the Premier League means that no top-flight fixtures can be played on the same day.

So, there are no league games on Saturday, with a full line-up of matches moved to Sunday instead.

And the clash between Newcastle and West Ham has been selected for TV coverage, so it has taken the 5:30pm slot, being moved from its originally planned 3pm kick-off.

A statement from Newcastle at the end of April read: “The Magpies had been due to face the Hammers at St. James’ Park on Sunday, 17th May, with kick-off initially set for 3pm BST.

“But that game will now kick-off 5.30pm BST on the same date, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.”

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talkSPORT will have updates of all of Sunday’s action on GameDay Live with Adrian Durham, Perry Groves and Charlie Adam.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Hammer time

It’s now or never territory for West Ham this weekend, as they continue to battle against relegation to the Championship.

The Hammers lost to Arsenal in controversial circumstances last weekend, missing the chance to leapfrog Tottenham.

But Spurs went on to miss their own chance to move four points clear of their rivals against Leeds a day later.

It means that both teams are still at major risk of dropping out of the Premier League and taking the final relegation spot.

West Ham will feel they have to beat Newcastle on Sunday to stand any chance, especially with Spurs playing two days after.

A win at St. James’ Park would pile the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi‘s side ahead of their London derby against Chelsea.

But a draw or loss for the Hammers could see their relegation confirmed on Tuesday, if Spurs were to win their game.

If both teams lose again, it would go down to the final day to decide which of the two are relegated from the top flight.