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Setanta Ireland Select Their 3PM Saturday Matches: Possible Hint Of What May Come To America?

To go along with the announcement of the first wave of Premier League matches for TV in the UK, Setanta has also announced the schedule for its channel in Ireland.  This is noteworthy becuase Setanta in Ireland, like North America, airs live matches from the UK blackout time of 3PM GMT Saturday.  While Setanta North America is not obligated to do so, in the past, a high number of matches shown on Setanta Ireland were also aired by Setanta in America, either live or on same day delay.  So, while this is speculation, it could provide a look at what to expect in the months ahead.

Setanta Ireland’s schedule for 3PM Saturday matches:
August 16- Aston Villa v Manchester City
August 23- Liverpool v Middlesbrough
August 30- None chosen
September 13- Blackburn v Arsenal
September 20- Liverpool v Stoke City
September 27- Manchester United v Bolton
October 4- Manchester City v Liverpool
October 18- Liverpool v Wigan
October 25- Everton v Manchester United (note: according to the Premier League, this match has been moved to 12PM GMT, so it would be on delay if it aired at 3PM.)
November 1- Manchester United v Hull City
November 8- Manchester City v Tottenham
November 15- Arsenal v Aston Villa
November 22- Liverpool v Fulham
November 29- Tottenham v Everton

Liverpool seems to be a favorite with Setanta Ireland, with five matches selected inside this time slot.  Manchester United and Manchester City were each picked three times; Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham appear twice.  Interestingly, none of Chelsea’s matches were selected.  To be fair, Chelsea’s lineup of 3PM Saturday matches is not the strongest.  But to think that such a broadcast slate could leave a member of the big four out entirely is rather surprising.

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