Why ‘very unusual’ Newcastle United vs Chelsea is kicking off at 12pm as free drink details for fans confirmed

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Newcastle United meet Chelsea for what could be a Champions League showdown on Sunday. 

The two are locked on points in the Premier League as up to five teams look to battle for the three remaining Champions League spots, assuming Arsenal will join Liverpool in next year’s competition.  

Newcastle United have largely been excellent at home this season and will need the full support of their fans at St James’ Park. Chelsea, after a rough patch, appear to have turned a corner of late and managed to beat Liverpool last week.  

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Man CityManchester City	36	19	8	9	67	43	24	65
4	NewcastleNewcastle	35	19	6	10	66	45	21	63
5	ChelseaChelsea	35	18	9	8	62	41	21	63

The Premier League table is congested and with Aston Villa winning on Saturday, neither Newcastle nor Chelsea can afford to slip-up.  

So then, Sunday’s kick-off time does not help either side. 

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Why Newcastle United vs Chelsea is set for a 12pm kick-off time

It’s not too often fans see a 12pm kick-off time on a Sunday.

However, Newcastle United vs Chelsea has been moved to 12pm BST because of Chelsea playing in the Conference League semi-finals on Thursday. 

The game had originally been scheduled for 12.30pm BST on Saturday 10 May 2025 but had to be moved due to the Blues playing in Europe. 

Given the game had been selected for broadcast by TNT Sports, they have opted to use their alternative kick-off time of 12pm BST on Sunday 11 May 2025.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Howe admitted: “I think I’ve said before this week, sometimes with the early kickoffs they can just surprise you a little bit. You wake up and it’s just very unusual for the players, and they have to adapt.”

Newcastle United confirm free drink for fans

Such is the magnitude of the game on Sunday, the club have taken steps to try and ensure there’s a raucous atmosphere inside St James’.

On Friday, Newcastle confirmed all fans attending Sunday’s game with a match ticket would get a free drink. Entry is between 10am BST and 11am BST.  

A club statement read: “The gesture has been organised by the club to thank fans for their support – which has seen St. James’ Park sell out throughout the season – while ensuring that the crowd is in full voice for the early kick-off as the Magpies battle for UEFA Champions League qualification.

“Fans should claim their complimentary drinks token when passing through the turnstiles between 10am-11am on Sunday, with the voucher remaining valid until 11:30am.

“Tokens can then be redeemed for a free pint/bottle of beer or cider, or a bottled soft drink – available across the concourse, Platinum Club and Bar 1892.”

How to watch Newcastle United vs Chelsea

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 11am BST ahead of a 12pm kick-off time.  

Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ website or app.