Police and broadcasters agree to stage March’s Manchester Derby one hour EARLIER than planned… with the Premier League clash now set to kick off at 3.30pm at the Etihad

The kick-off time for the Manchester derby on the first weekend of March has been brought forward following talks between police and broadcasters.

City’s home clash with their arch cross-city rivals will start at 3:30pm on March 3, an hour earlier than the traditional Sunday 4:30pm slot.

Mail Sport understands the decision was reached in talks involving the police, the two clubs and Sky Sports, who sources say have no issue with the 3:30pm kick-off despite making the 4:30 slot their own in recent years.

It will be the second consecutive Manchester derby to began at the unusual time this season following the game at Old Trafford in October, which Pep Guardiola’s side won 3-0.

Burnley‘s home match against Bournemouth has been moved to a 1pm kick-off from 2pm to ensure there is no overlap with the fixture at the Etihad.

October’s clash between the two sides also kicked off one hour earlier than initially scheduled

Police have been involved in bringing forward a number of games in recent seasons, including last season’s FA Cup final, which started at 3pm.

It was initially scheduled for 5:30pm before being moved on police advice, amidst fears of all-day drinking sparking violence involving United and City fans.

Mail Sport revealed on Thursday that the Met want the Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Liverpool and Chelsea to start no later than 3pm having been planned for 4:30pm by the EFL.

The Premier League has also confirmed title-chasing Arsenal’s trip to Sheffield United will be played on Monday March 4 at 8pm, a decision which is likely to infuriate Gunners fans.

Burnley’s clash with Bournemouth on the same day will also take place an hour earlier to avoid any overlap

Arsenal supporters travelling to the match at Bramall Lane face a race against time to make the last train to London, which leaves Sheffield less than half an hour after the game will likely finish.

Aston Villa’s visit to Luton has been placed in the 5:30pm slot on Saturday March 2.

The Premier League is due to release the remaining broadcast fixtures for March next week.