3pm eternal

West Ham are once again set to be involved in the only Premier League fixture to kick off at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon.

The Hammers made history last month when their away fixture at Aston Villa was the only game to kick-off in the traditional Saturday afternoon slot - the first time it had ever happened.

And due to the continued involvement of several teams in European competition, West Ham's visit to Derby next Saturday will again be the only top flight game starting at 3pm.

Of the two other matches being played that day, the North East derby between Sunderland and Newcastle is scheduled to start at 12.45pm whilst Fulham's trip to Liverpool kicks-off at 5.15pm.

On the Sunday (11th November), there are six further Premier league fixtures with another on Monday night.

Supporters have continually bemoaned the fact that one of football's great traditions has been steadily eroded since Sky TV were given carte blanche to decide when Premier League fixtures should take place.

A number of Hammers fans were left seriously out of pocket five years ago when the away match against Newcastle was moved from the Saturday to Monday night at late notice, meaning that those who had purchased flights for the weekend fixture were left hundreds of pounds down after Sky refused to accept responsibility.