You would think that the iconic grudge match between Manchester United and Leeds United would be primed for TV selection but, strangely, Wednesday's game at Old Trafford will not be shown live on television in the UK or Ireland.
The reason behind the game's broadcast blackout is an unusual one, and goes back to the raft of postponements that followed the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
When is Manchester United v Leeds?
Manchester United face Leeds United at Old Trafford on Wednesday 8th February, with kick-off at 8pm.
Why is Manchester United v Leeds not live on TV?
Strangely, this famous rivalry will not be broadcast live for fans in the UK or Ireland this week. The reason for this goes back to the original fixture date on September 18.
The game was originally set for a Sunday afternoon, with a 2pm kick-off at Old Trafford, as Manchester United were playing a Europa League game the preceding Thursday evening. Despite its time slot, the game was not chosen by Sky Sports for live broadcast - an unusual choice, given the game's pedigree.
The Premier League were forced to reschedule the game after a police shortage threatened the security of the game, with Queen Elizabeth's funeral taking place the day after the game's original date.
Premier League rules dictate that if a game is not chosen for broadcast on an original date, it will be ineligible to be chosen for broadcast if the date is changed. The rule seems unusual, particularly when one considers that Manchester United v Leeds is primed for TV this week, as the only midweek Premier League game taking place.
As the original game was not scheduled for 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, it was not eligible for selection by Irish broadcaster Premier Sports, and so could not be picked up as part of their deal with the Premier League when rescheduled.
Can I watch highlights of the game on TV?
Sky Sports Premier League will show a half-hour highlights package from the game at 10:30pm on Wednesday night, while Manchester United's official club channel MUTV will show a full re-run of the game at midnight. As it is the only midweek fixture, there is no Match of the Day highlights programme available
Form guide and head-to-head
Manchester United are the form team in the Premier League, with Erik Ten Hag's side picking up 16 points since returning from the mid-season World Cup break. They ground out a 2-1 home win against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and sit in 3rd place in the table.
⏩️ From back to front.
A beautifully crafted move for @MarcusRashford's finish 👏#MUFC || #MUNCRY— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 4, 2023
Leeds, on the other hand, have sacked manager Jesse Marsch, after a dire run of results. They have not won a Premier League game since November 5, and sit perilously close to the relegation zone - only staying ahead of 18th placed Everton on goal difference.
#LUFC can confirm head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 6, 2023
Since Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2020, their meetings with Manchester United have not progressed as they may have hoped. Four games, three losses, one draw, with 15 goals conceded and just five scored, is an indicator of what their interim management will be up against on Wednesday night. Last season's games saw Manchester United run out 5-1 and 4-2 winners.
Will Sunday's return game be on TV?
In a quirk of the footballing calendar, the return fixture takes place just four days later at Elland Road.
Leeds will host Manchester United at 2pm on Sunday 12th February, and the game will be broadcast live on TV. The match from Leeds will be shown on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 1pm.
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