Why Brighton vs Chelsea is not on TV in rearranged Premier League fixture

Chelsea take on Brighton in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season on Wednesday night.

The Blues travel to the Amex Stadium to face the Seagulls as their quest to qualify for Europe continues. Mauricio Pochettino's side are seventh in the Premier League table and could climb into the top six should results go their way.

Wednesday night also sees Manchester United host Newcastle at Old Trafford. That game will have major ramifications for Chelsea's chances of qualifying for Europe and is being televised by Sky Sports in the UK.

However, fans in the UK will not be able to watch Chelsea's match against Brighton. This is due to a broadcast rule centred around the fixture's original kick-off time.

The game between Chelsea and Brighton is a rearranged fixture from last month. The game was moved due to the Blues facing Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.

The original kick-off time was 3pm on Saturday, April 20. Due to the game not being originally picked by either Sky Sports, TNT Sports or Amazon Prime, the game cannot be televised in the UK despite the rearrangement.

READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino drops Chelsea sack hint before Brighton with huge future admission

READ MORE: Moises Caicedo can dispel Chelsea transfer criticism with Brighton display to cement reputation

Chelsea are battling to qualify for the Europa League in their final two league fixtures. The Blues are level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle and only behind on goal difference.

Fifth place in the Premier League is the only position that guarantees Europa League football. Should Chelsea finish sixth, they would rely on Manchester City beating Man United in the FA Cup final to see themselves qualify for the Europa League, while seventh would be enough to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

Should United win the FA Cup, only fifth would be enough to qualify for the Europa League through league position. Sixth would then go to the Europa Conference League.