3 weeks ago
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The Premier League has at last confirmed which matches will be broadcast in September and issued an apology for the fortnight-long delay, with two Liverpool fixtures moved for TV coverage.
Supporters had been assured they would learn the precise dates and kick-off times for matchweeks four, five and six by July 9. However, top-flight officials have only now managed to finalize the schedule with the new season a matter of weeks away from starting.
The Premier League maintains that their belated announcement still adheres to their pledge of providing fans with a minimum of six weeks' notice regarding fixture alterations before January, enabling supporters to arrange their plans accordingly.
In a statement, the league declared: "While the Premier League's fixture announcement dates advised that September's fixtures would be released on July 9, delays in local approvals for fixtures unfortunately meant only August fixtures were announced on this date.
"The Premier League would like to apologise for not being able to confirm these fixtures until now. However, today's announcement is in line with our commitment to give at least six weeks' notice for fixture announcements before January."
It has been confirmed that Liverpool's trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on September 14 has been moved and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK. That kick-off time has been shifted to 2pm BST (9am ET).
The Merseyside Derby at Anfield is set to kick off at 12:30pm BST (7:30am ET) on Saturday September 20, and will be broadcasted on TNT Sports.
However, if Liverpool is due to play an away match in the Champions League the preceding Wednesday, the derby will be rescheduled to 12pm (7am ET) on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Manchester Derby takes center stage amongst September's fixture list. United's journey to City will now take place at 4:30pm BST (11:30am ET) on September 14.
Arsenal has also experienced a fixture alteration that weekend. The Gunners are set to welcome Nottingham Forest on Saturday September 13.
Tottenham's home game against Wolves, scheduled for 2pm BST (9am ET) on September 28, may also be moved if Spurs are drawn to play in the Champions League the following Tuesday.
Liverpool steps up its pre-season preparations against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday, with new signing Hugo Ekitike linking up with his teammates in the Far East.
That is followed by an encounter against J. League side Yokohama FM before a double-header against Athletic Club ahead of the Community Shield on August 10.
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