Football fans are set for a fiery Premier League clash this weekend as Leeds United prepare to host their historic rivals, Manchester United. The match at Elland Road marks the Red Devils' first visit to the ground in almost three years, promising a highly charged atmosphere.
Unusual Kick-Off Time and TV Slot
The derby is scheduled for a 12.30pm kick-off on Sunday, January 4, a departure from the usual scheduling. This specific timing is the result of several key factors. Firstly, fixtures between these two clubs are officially categorised as 'high risk' due to the intense historical rivalry. Local police often request early kick-offs to help manage crowd safety, even on a Sunday.
Furthermore, both teams were in action on New Year's Day. To comply with the Premier League's mandatory 60-hour recovery period for players between matches, the game could not be scheduled for Saturday. The broadcasters have adapted to this: while the 12.30pm slot is traditionally a Saturday fixture for TNT Sports, they have moved their lunchtime pick to Sunday to accommodate the schedule. This clever move allows them to broadcast the match live without clashing with Sky Sports' usual Sunday 3pm game.
How to Watch: TV, Stream and Radio
For those watching from home, the match will be televised exclusively in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Their pre-match coverage begins at 11am, an hour and a half before the first whistle.
Subscribers can also stream the action live via the Discovery+ app on a range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and smart TVs. If you're on the move, live radio commentary will be provided by talkSPORT, with regular updates also available on BBC Five Live.
Missed the Game? Catch the Highlights
If you can't watch the match live, you won't have to wait long to catch the key moments. Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports YouTube channel later on Sunday evening. For more in-depth analysis, the BBC's flagship programme Match of the Day will show extended highlights and expert discussion from 10.30pm on BBC One.
This fixture is always a highlight of the football calendar, and the unique scheduling and broadcast arrangements ensure fans have multiple ways to follow every tackle, pass, and goal in this fiercely contested rivalry.
