Explained: Why Arsenal v Newcastle is taking place at 8pm on a Saturday

The Gunners and the Magpies will go head-to-head on Saturday as Mikel Arteta's side attempt to continue their title push, and Eddie Howe's aim to climb back into contention for European qualification. On Saturday, there is no early kick-off, with games instead kicking off at 3pm, 5:30pm and 8pm, because Arsenal played in the Champions League in midweek, losing 1-0 to Porto.

A new rule to protect player welfare in the Premier League states that any team playing in Europe on a Wednesday night must not play at 12:30pm on a Saturday. TNT Sports has the rights to air that fixture, and will instead air Arsenal's game at 8pm. Sky Sports will air Manchester City's clash with Bournemouth at 5:30pm.

The reverse fixture saw Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 at St James' Park. Anthony Gordon scored in the 64th minute on November 4.

Arsenal go into the game sitting third and have won their last five fixtures, while Newcastle are eighth, and have not lost any of their last four games. As a result, one can expect a ding-dong battle on Saturday night.