Eddie Howe and Enzo Maresca have both expressed their shared concerns regarding the early kick-off time for the upcoming Premier League fixture between Newcastle United and Chelsea.

The two sides are set to clash at St James’ Park in a potentially decisive encounter for Champions League qualification. With identical points and goal difference, only goals scored separate the Magpies, currently fourth, from fifth-placed Chelsea, with just three matches remaining in the season.

Despite the high stakes, the fixture is scheduled for a 12:00pm start — a timing neither manager favours. Both Howe and Maresca voiced their thoughts on the matter during their pre-match press conferences.

Managers United on Midday Start

Speaking ahead of the match, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted the early kick-off is far from ideal.

“I don’t think it’s the kick-off time we would have chosen given the option, but it is what it is,” Howe said. “We’ve had some decent results in these slots, but they do present unique challenges. You wake up and it’s all a bit unusual for the players — they need to adapt, and so do the fans. Everyone has to be ready and in full voice from the start.”

Chelsea, meanwhile, will travel to Tyneside less than 72 hours after securing a spot in the Europa Conference League final, having defeated Swedish side Djurgårdens IF 5–1 on aggregate.

The Blues entered the second leg at Stamford Bridge with a 4–1 advantage, allowing Maresca to rotate heavily, making ten changes. However, he is expected to revert to the starting line-up that beat reigning champions Liverpool the previous weekend.

“It’s a 12pm kick-off and we played on Thursday night — it’s not the ideal situation,” said Maresca. “But we need to adapt quickly, prepare properly, and continue our positive momentum. We have today and Saturday to get ready. For us, it must feel like a final — give everything, and see where we are at full-time.”

‘Biggest Game of the Season’

While Newcastle celebrated a memorable Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool earlier in the campaign, Howe insists that the focus is now firmly on the league.

“Every game from now until the end of the season probably qualifies as our biggest,” Howe stated. “The cup final is in the past — we’re concentrating on finishing as high as possible in the Premier League.

“There’s every chance this will go down to the final matchday, but for now, we’re focused solely on Chelsea. We’ve faced them twice already this season and are well aware of their strengths. The match at Stamford Bridge was one of the toughest we’ve had.”