Crucial top of the table clashes across the Sky Bet EFL have been selected to appear live on Sky Sports in March 2017 as promotion races across all three divisions enter the final stages.
A series of six-pointers will ensure the promotion battles taking place are firmly in the spotlight, with important matches from the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two all being broadcast live.It’s a double-header for Huddersfield Town as they host Newcastle United on Saturday 4th March, with a 5.30pm kick-off at the John Smith’s Stadium, before appearing again in front of the Sky Sports cameras with their clash against Bristol City now due to take place at 7.45pm on Friday 17th March.
The final weekend of March sees the focus shift to Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two with a double-header on Sunday 26th March.
Scunthorpe United will host Bradford City in a 12.30pm kick-off, before Plymouth Argyle make the trip north for their head-to-head against current Sky Bet League Two leaders Doncaster Rovers at 2.45pm.
In addition, the local derby between Norwich City and Ipswich Town has been selected to appear live on Sky Sports on Sunday 26th February, although this selection does not involve a change to the fixture’s scheduled date and kick-off time.
The fixtures are being announced in line with the EFL’s joint commitment with broadcast partner Sky to ensure all clubs and supporters are given a minimum of five weeks’ notice ahead of any matches being rescheduled for live television coverage. The advanced notice is designed to provide supporters with as much time as possible to allow for any alterations to travel plans that may be required.
The confirmed list of games selected for live coverage are as follows:
Sun 26th Feb: Norwich City v Ipswich Town (12pm - fixture’s kick-off time and date hasn’t changed)
Sat 4th Mar: Huddersfield Town v Newcastle United (5.30pm)
Fri 17th Mar: Bristol City v Huddersfield Town (7.45pm)
Sun 26th Mar: Scunthorpe United v Bradford City (12.30pm)
Sun 26th Mar: Doncaster Rovers v Plymouth Argyle (2.45pm)
NB. Further matches may be selected for live coverage throughout March. Some fixtures to be selected are dependent on results in the FA Cup 4th Round (taking place on weekend of 28/29th January).
Remaining TV Selection Dates 2016/17 (Illustrative but subject to a five-week minimum notice commitment)
- From 1 February 2017, a five-week rolling selection commences for matches up to and including the penultimate weekend
- Selections for the final day of the season will be made following the completion of the penultimate round of matches.