Which Premier League Matches Can You Actually Watch Live in the UK This Weekend of January 3–4?
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| Which Premier League matches are live UK |
For Premier League fans in the UK, knowing which matches are actually available to watch live is often harder than it should be. The weekend of January 3–4, 2026 highlights the issue perfectly: while several attractive fixtures are scheduled, only a small number can legally be shown live in the UK.
Below is a clear, match-by-match guide explaining what you can watch live, what you cannot, and why.
Read more: How to Watch Premier League Live Without Cable in 2026: Country-by-Country Streaming Guide
The Rule That Shapes Every UK Weekend: The 3pm Blackout
The biggest factor remains the long-standing Saturday 3:00 p.m. blackout rule.
Under UK broadcasting regulations, football matches kicking off between 2:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays cannot be broadcast live on TV or streaming platforms. This policy is designed to protect attendance at lower-league matches.
Official Premier League fixtures and kickoff times can be checked here:
https://www.premierleague.com/fixtures
Read more: Can’t Watch Premier League Matches Live This Weekend? Here’s the Best Way to Follow Them in the UK
Premier League Matches You Can Watch Live in the UK
These matches fall outside restricted time slots and have been selected by broadcasters.
Saturday, January 3
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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (12:30 p.m.)
Live on TNT Sports
TNT Sports traditionally holds the Saturday lunchtime slot.
https://www.tntsports.co.uk/ -
AFC Bournemouth vs Arsenal (5:30 p.m.)
Live on Sky Sports
The Saturday evening fixture avoids the blackout window.
https://www.skysports.com/premier-league
Sunday, January 4
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Leeds United vs Manchester United (12:30 p.m.)
Live on TNT Sports
A high-profile Sunday lunchtime match shown nationwide. -
Manchester City vs Chelsea (5:30 p.m.)
Live on Sky Sports
One of the season’s marquee fixtures, shown in Sky’s prime Sunday slot.
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| Your UK Live Guide This Weekend |
Premier League Matches You Cannot Watch Live in the UK
The following matches will not be broadcast live on UK TV or streaming services this weekend:
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Brighton vs Burnley
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Wolves vs West Ham
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Everton vs Brentford (Sunday, 3:00 p.m.)
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Fulham vs Liverpool (Sunday, 3:00 p.m.)
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Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 3:00 p.m.)
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland (Sunday, 3:00 p.m.)
These games were not selected by broadcasters and are unavailable live despite strong fan interest.
Read more: Saturday 3PM Blackout Explained: Why You Can’t Watch Some Premier League Matches Live in the UK
Are Any Matches Free to Watch?
No Premier League matches are shown live for free in the UK.
However, highlights are available via BBC through Match of the Day, airing Saturday and Sunday nights.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
How to Check Live Availability Each Weekend
To avoid last-minute frustration:
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Check official fixtures: https://www.premierleague.com/fixtures
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Review broadcaster schedules:
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Sky Sports TV guide: https://www.skysports.com/watch
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TNT Sports listings: https://www.tntsports.co.uk/schedule
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If a match kicks off at Saturday 3:00 p.m., it will not be live — guaranteed
The Bottom Line
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Four Premier League matches are available live in the UK this weekend
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Several high-profile fixtures cannot be watched live at all
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Live access depends entirely on kickoff times and broadcaster selection
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No free live Premier League matches exist in the UK
For UK fans, the most important question every weekend isn’t who is playing, but whether the match is even possible to watch live.
