The Premier League and broadcasting rights holders have published dates by which time they aim to announce kick-off changes for television for forthcoming months.

Premier League matches selected for live coverage

Premier League fixtures Approximate date of announcement

Oct/Nov 7 Aug 2018

Dec/Jan 12 Oct 2018

Feb 12 Dec 2018

Mar 25 Jan 2019

Apr 22 Feb 2019

May 5 Apr 2019

Final day After penultimate matches



Europa League fixtures are always on a Thursday, with a kick-off time of either 5.55pm or 7pm. As a result, Chelsea matches immediately following European midweeks will be switched to either to Sunday or Monday.

The first to be changed was the second capital clash of the season at West Ham’s London Stadium. It was always going to be moved, but the lunchtime kick-off time reduces the Blues’ post-European rest and preparation time to the bare minimum.

The Hammers trip is one of four immediately following Europa League action that will be played away from Stamford Bridge. The others are Southampton, Burnley, and Brighton.

Premier League matches after Europa League

Europa League night Premier League fixture affected

20 Sep 2018 West Ham A 23 Sep

4 Oct 2018 Southampton A 6 Oct

25 Oct 2018 Burnley A 27 Oct

8 Nov 2018 Everton H 10 Nov

29 Nov 2018 Fulham H 1 Dec

13 Dec 2018 Brighton A 15 Dec



In case anyone is wondering, the much-publicised additional live streaming packages sold to BT Sport and newcomer Amazon Prime do not kick in until next season: 2019/2020.

CUP COMPETITIONS

Chelsea’s first opportunity of a reunion with all-time leading goalscorer Frank Lampard, now head coach at Championship side Derby County where another former Blue, Jody Morris, is his assistant, comes in the Carabao Cup round three draw.

Key cup dates

Europa League group stage draw - Fri 31 Aug 2018

Carabao Cup round three draw - Thu 30 Aug 2018 tbc

FA Cup round three draw - Sun 2 Dec 2018 tbc

Carabao Cup final - Sun 24 Feb 2019 Wembley Stadium

FA Cup final - Sat 18 May 2019 Wembley Stadium

Europa League final - Wed 29 May 2019 Olympic Stadium, Baku

Surely many will decide to keep a weather eye on the former Chelsea regime at Pride Park, as well as the promising young Blues on loan there and at other clubs.