Originally Posted by Mark.:
“I think it's a given that Chelsea and Newcastle will kick off at 6pm and be on ITV and ESPN respectively. Spurs will be 8.05pm, ITV.”
Is it really a cast-iron guarantee that Steaua v Chelsea will be selected over Anji v Newcastle United as ITV's second pick?
I think Anji are a bigger draw than Steaua (Anji have Eto'o, Diarra and Zhirkov in their team - how many current Steaua players can you name?), so are Chelsea really that much of a bigger draw than Newcastle? I'm sure someone will be able to clarify with regards comparable television ratings of their respective games. Fair enough if Chelsea rate considerably better and that is why you have reached that conclusion.
The other benefit of going with Anji v Newcastle would be, as Karl mentions, the 5pm kick-off time, which would provide ITV with a longer build-up to the Tottenham game. A less important thing I know and not one that would likely contribute to this decision but something that I dare say ITV welcome in the instances when they've had 5pm matches as part of their Europa League double headers.