Peacock FAQ for Premier League fans: Answering your questions about NBC’s streaming service

We promised you a Peacock FAQ for Premier League fans, and here it is.

Peacock is the biggest development for fans of Premier League clubs since the debut of NBC Sports Gold’s Premier League Pass in 2017.

For the 2020/21 season, NBC Sports Gold is no longer streaming games. And instead of a season-long subscription like NBC Sports Gold offered in the past, you can subscribe on a month-by-month basis to Peacock Premium.

Perhaps the biggest change is that Peacock comes with more than 20,000 hours of content from movies and shows to news and other programming. More on that later!

Let’s dive into the answers to your most important questions.

 

Peacock FAQ for Premier League fans

Q: What is Peacock?

A: Peacock is a brand-new streaming service from NBC Universal that features original programming such as movies and shows as well as exclusive content including, most importantly of all, live coverage of the Premier League.

Q: Tell me about live Premier League games on Peacock Premium.

A: Peacock will have 175 exclusive matches available to soccer fans during the 2020/21 season, which will be available live in the Browse section of the Peacock apps and on PeacockTV.com throughout the season.

That means that all of the 20 clubs will be featured on Peacock Premium throughout the season, some more than others. In the past, typically the bigger Premier League clubs were exclusively on NBC Sports Gold a minimum of three times per season. But with Peacock being the number one priority for NBC Universal, it’s quite possible that more major games in the Premier League will be exclusively available on Peacock Premium than ever before.

For this season, 205 of the games will be televised live on NBCSN and NBC channels. Those games will not be available live to Peacock Premium subscribers. But you can watch them live and on-demand via other streaming services such as fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling Blue, as well as your local cable and satellite providers including Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, DISH Network and DirecTV.

Q: What replays of games will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers?

A: Replays of all 380 games for the 2020/21 season will be available to Peacock Premium subscribers. Matches will be available on replay after 9PM ET on the matchday and then for 30 days after they air.

Note that some matches that stream live on Peacock Premium may be available on-demand earlier than 9PM ET, but all matches will be available after 9PM ET.

Q: The free Peacock tier will not include replays of Premier League games, correct?

A: That’s correct. However, Peacock may offer a small number of matches from time to time as a rare free preview, similar to what NBC Sports did on July 15.

Q: So Peacock Free won’t have any Premier League programming, other than a small number of days during the season when Peacock Premium may have a free preview?

A: While Peacock Free won’t have coverage of the Premier League, Peacock Free will include highlights of Premier League games. These will appear under the Trending and Browse sections.

Q: For viewers who join Premier League games in progress on Peacock Premium, are they automatically able to choose between watching the game from the start or watching it live?

A: Currently, you will only be able to join games in progress.

World Soccer Talk understands that Peacock has the functionality requested on their roadmap, which will be addressed in the future.

Q: For live games on Peacock Premium, are player controls available to rewind or pause or fast-forward?

A: Player controls with that functionality are on the product roadmap, and not available at launch of the 2020/21 season.

Q: Will the ‘Goal Rush’ program be available live via Peacock Premium during the season?

A: Yes, the Premier League’s ‘Goal Rush’ program will be available via Peacock Premium. Plus, there’ll be a ton of other Premier League shoulder programming.

Q: Will the shows that used to appear on NBC Sports Gold be available on Peacock Premium? Shows such as the classic games, Premier League News and other programming from Premier League Productions.

A: Yes, all content presented on NBC Sports Gold’s Premier League Pass will shift exclusively to Peacock Premium with the start of the 2020-21 Premier League season.

Q: Will English-language broadcasts of Chivas de Guadalajara games be available live throughout the season on Peacock Premium?

A: There are no plans for this at this time.

Q: Are there any plans for Peacock Premium to allow side-by-side screens (i.e. split-screen or a mosaic) so a user can watch two games at once?

A: While Peacock Premium doesn’t include a side-by-side screen or a “mosaic” feature, it does allow you to have three concurrent streams, so you could have multiple screens open at once.

Q: What options are there for a viewer to ‘cast’ or ‘Airplay’ a game on Peacock Premium to their home TV?

A: Peacock is widely available across Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices including Android, Android TV devices, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs; as well as Sony PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro.

Comcast’s eligible Xfinity X1 and Flex customers, as well as eligible Cox Contour customers, enjoy Peacock Premium included with their service at no additional cost.

Q: Is Peacock available on Amazon Fire TV and Roku? If not, are there any workarounds?

A: As of publication time, a deal hasn’t been reached between Peacock and Amazon Fire TV or Roku. But you can access Peacock directly via PeacockTV.com on your browser on your phone or computer. Plus, you can cast programs from your phone/computer to your TV. If you’re a Comcast Xfinity customer, you can find the Peacock app on the screen after you turn on your cable box.

Q: Can subscribers use a HDMI cable to watch a game on their big screen?

A: Yes, that feature now works!

Q: Can we expect to be able to watch Peacock Premium on an external monitor for the 2020/21 Premier League season? Previously, the site prevents this from happening (for example, for people working during the games and wanting to watch a game on their external monitor while working on their main desktop/laptop device).

A: The previous issue with this functionality has been resolved, so you’re now able to watch games on an external monitor.

Q: How much is Peacock?

A: There are three pricing levels. The basic Peacock is free, but as we mentioned above, it won’t include Premier League matches. The Peacock package you’ll want for Premier League coverage is Peacock Premium, which is $4.99 per month (if you’re a Comcast Xfinity customer, it’s free).

There is a third tier, which is Peacock Premium Plus, which is $9.99 per month, includes the Premier League games like in Peacock Premium but the big difference is that it doesn’t include ads. (Comcast Xfinity customers can get it for $4.99/month).

Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus are available with a 7-day free trial.

Q: Is there an annual plan available so you can save more money?

A: Peacock Premium is $49.99 annually. Anyone can try it for free for 7 days.

Q: Do I need a cable or satellite subscription to access Peacock?

A: No. Peacock is free for everyone in the United States.

See above for pricing details for Peacock Premium.

Q: For bars/restaurants who want to broadcast games from Peacock Premium, is there a commercial version of Peacock Premium that’s available?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Will any of the games stream in 4K on Peacock Premium?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Where can I find the schedule of Premier League games on Peacock and television?

A: The most reliable source and the one that’s updated the soonest (often before news is made official) is our Premier League TV schedule at World Soccer Talk.

We researched and wrote this Peacock FAQ for Premier League fans to make it as easy as possible for you to find out how to watch games.

The 2020/21 Premier League season begins Saturday, September 12, 2020.

Q: Streaming is getting so expensive. What recommendation do you have to cut costs?

A: Cable and satellite subscriptions are increasing in cost, and you’re typically locked in to an annual contract. At the same time, you’re paying for a lot of channels you don’t watch.

With streaming, you pay for what you want and you can cancel whenever you like. While some of the costs are increasing for select streaming services, our recommendation is to check out the Soccer Mega Pack which includes the Premier League, MLS, LaLiga and Champions League for under $25 per month. Depending on which clubs you support, that may be an ideal fit for you. It’s certainly the most cost-effective option.

Q: What programming is available other than soccer?

A: While we all love soccer, Peacock’s other programming will certainly interest a lot of readers. There are too many list here, but some of the shows/movies you may enjoy include Downton Abbey, Beetlejuice, Hitmen (from Sky TV), The Capture, Swedish Dicks, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, Bourne Identity, Rush Hour, Brave New World, Friday Night Lights, America’s Got Talent, and more.

Q: What if I have a question that isn’t answered above in the Peacock FAQ for Premier League fans?

A: As long as it isn’t a question about how many frames per second the video quality is (we’re awaiting an answer from NBC Sports), fire away in the comments section below and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

 

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US midfielder McKennie swaps Schalke for Juventus

Milan (AFP) – Weston McKennie has joined Juventus on a season-long loan from Schalke and will become the first American to play for the Italian champions, the Serie A club announced on Saturday.

McKennie, 22, will move to Turin for an initial fee of 4.5 million euros (5.4 million), Juventus said in a statement. 

The deal includes an obligation for Juventus to buy the midfielder for 18.5 million euros if certain targets are met this season.

The US international spent four years in Germany and made 91 appearances for Schalke, but the Bundesliga club found itself in a perilous financial situation after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Obviously deciding to let go one of our most talented players like Weston is partly down to the financial state the club is in,” said Schalke’s head of sport Jochen Schneider.

“We would like to thank Weston for his outstanding performances and wish him all the best for his time at Juventus.”

Texas-born McKennie was one of many American sports stars to add his voice to the widespread protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed during a police arrest in Minneapolis.

McKennie wore a “Justice for George” armband in Schalke’s first game following Floyd’s death in May. He also criticised Donald Trump for his behaviour in the aftermath and accused the US president of being “racist”.

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England give first call-ups to Maitland-Niles and Coady

London (AFP) – Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Wolves defender Conor Coady received their first England call-ups on Saturday.

England manager Gareth Southgate named his squad for September’s Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark on Tuesday.

But Southgate was forced to withdraw Manchester United’s Harry Maguire from the group hours later following the defender’s guilty verdict in a Greek court case.

Maguire will appeal against the suspended prison sentence, but for now he remains out of the England squad.  

Southgate has strengthened his options by bringing in Coady and Maitland-Niles for the first time.

Wolves captain Coady has been a mainstay during their impressive two years back in the Premier League, helping the side to back-to-back seventh-placed finishes.

Maitland-Niles’ call-up made it a 23rd birthday to remember after he was voted man of the match in Arsenal’s Community Shield win against Liverpool at Wembley earlier in the day.

The pair will join the England squad at their St George’s Park training camp on Monday, but there could yet be further changes.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is believed to be suffering with an ankle issue, while there are reports that the coronavirus is impacting a number of England’s players.

England face Iceland in Reykjavik on September 5 before playing Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.

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Sandilands saves two penalties, Lakay scores hat-trick

Johannesburg (AFP) – Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands and Cape Town City forward Fagrie Lakay starred when helping their clubs to victories Saturday in the South African Premiership.  

Sandilands, who turned 37 this month, saved two penalties within nine minutes as Pirates edged SuperSport United 2-1 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.  

Later, Lakay scored a hat-trick as City trounced Golden Arrows 4-1 at the same ground in a league which restarted this month after being suspended during March due to the coronavirus.

Pirates’ victory kept them in contention for third place and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.

Cape Town have been the most impressive team since football switched to a ‘bio bubble’ in the Gauteng province, winning four of five matches under Dutch coach Jan Olde Riekerink.

Sandilands and Lakay won the man-of-the match awards for their outstanding performances at a stadium football is temporarily sharing with the Golden Lions Super Rugby franchise.

“We are super happy to come away with three points after four matches in the ‘bubble’ without a victory,” said Sandilands.

“The vibe in the team bus is going to be much better — it is not much fun when you are drawing or losing.

“As for the penalty saves, sometimes lady luck is on your side and today she was my best friend.”

Former South Africa goalkeeper Sandilands blocked spot-kicks from Bradley Grobler and former Pirate Thamsanqa Gabuza soon after substitute Zakhele Lepasa scored the match-winner.

– Unstoppable shot –

An unstoppable shot from Vincent Pule gave Pirates a lead that was cancelled when Luke Fleurs nodded into the net following a corner before half-time.

SuperSport remained third, one point above Pirates and Bidvest Wits, despite suffering their first loss since the richest championship in Africa resumed. 

Lakay scored twice within 12 minutes of the kick-off and again deep in stoppage time from a penalty to complete the first hat-trick since the August 11 restart.

“I am more used to creating chances for our leading scorer Kermit (Erasmus) and it was nice to see my shots finding the net today,” he said.

“The fact that we are doing so well since the resumption of the league is down to teamwork and great coaching. No one minds who scores as long as we keep winning.”

Cape Town lie eighth with 39 points, three places above Arrows, after being on the fringe of the relegation fight entering August.

In the danger zone, AmaZulu edged Black Leopards 1-0 in Pretoria through an early Bongi Ntuli goal to rise two places to 13th while the losers fell one position to 14th.

The club finishing 16th is automatically relegated and the second-last team goes into play-offs with two second division sides for one Premiership slot.

Meanwhile, it came as no surprise that a mid-table clash between Highlands Park and Maritzburg United ended 1-1 in Soweto.

Highlands have drawn all four matches in the ‘bubble’ while Maritzburg shared the points in three of four outings.

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Brighton boss hails return of fans to stadium after test event

Brighton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Brighton manager Graham Potter hailed the return of fans as a “fantastic” step forward after his team drew 1-1 with Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Spectators were allowed into a Premier League ground for the first time in almost six months, with about 2,500 watching the match at the Amex Stadium on England’s south coast.

The game was one of a number of trial events announced by the government for a phased return of spectators following the ban on mass gatherings in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Premier League resumed behind closed doors in June.

“I thought it was a fantastic day — a small step to getting back to normal as soon as we can safely do so,” said Potter.

“It was so nice to see fans here because as we know it brings a completely different dynamic to the stadium and I thought they made a lot of noise and really got involved in the game. Hopefully they enjoyed the performance as well.”

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea, who have a number of players in quarantine after returning from their summer break, took an early lead through new signing Timo Werner but Pascal Gross levelled for Brighton with a late penalty.

Strict social-distancing measures were in place around the ground and for seating in the sparsely populated stands.

There were hand sanitisation points on the approaches to the ground, while face coverings were also required for fans — many sporting the Seagulls’ blue and white colours — while they were queueing to get in, although not while seated.

A digital match ticket was scanned for entry into the stadium, with cashless transactions at kiosks and there was signage reminding fans of the need to regularly wash hands.

Events that will welcome a limited number of fans cover football, rugby union, horse racing, cricket, basketball and speedway.

The new Premier League season starts behind closed doors on September 12.

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Aubameyang underlines value as Arsenal win Community Shield

London (AFP) – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang underlined his value to Arsenal with a superb goal and the winning spot-kick as the Gunners beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield on Saturday.

Aubameyang put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead in the first half at Wembley with a typically eye-catching strike.

Japan’s Takumi Minamino equalised with his first goal for Liverpool late in the second half of the annual pre-season friendly between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners.

In the shoot-out, Liverpool’s young striker Rhian Brewster was the only player to miss, hitting the bar with their third penalty before Aubameyang calmly dispatched the decisive spot-kick.

As if Arteta needed any reminding, it was another sign of the influence wielded by his captain Aubameyang, who is yet to commit his long-term future to the club as he enters the final year of his contract.

Gabon forward Aubameyang has kept Arsenal waiting nervously during protracted talks and he demurred when asked in a post-match interview if he was ready to sign the club’s contract offer.

Arteta has remained confident publicly that the 31-year-old will stay, but he must hope his talisman’s status is resolved before the Premier League season starts on September 12.

For Liverpool, it was the second successive season they have lost the Community Shield on penalties after being beaten by Manchester City last term.

That is unlikely to concern coach Jurgen Klopp too much given the champions’ lack of rest and preparation since winning the title for the first time in 30 years.

The Community Shield traditionally serves as the curtain raiser to the new English season.

But Liverpool and Arsenal were back in action just 34 days after the end of the coronavirus delayed Premier League campaign and only six days after the Champions League final concluded the entire 2019-20 season.

– Tactically astute –

After only one week of pre-season training, it was a more encouraging result for Arteta, whose team emulated their FA Cup final win over Chelsea with another determined, tactically astute display.

Liverpool were without the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and the naivety of his teenage replacement Neco Williams was exposed by Aubameyang in the 12th minute.

Cutting in from the left to reach Bukayo Saka’s pass, Aubameyang was given too much time and space by Williams.

Aubameyang made him pay with a superb curler into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area, celebrating the goal by crossing his arms in tribute to Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who has died aged 43.

It was Aubameyang’s fifth goal for Arsenal at Wembley, making him the club’s joint highest scorer at the national stadium with Alexis Sanchez.

He scored a brace in each of his previous two Wembley appearances against Manchester City and Chelsea.

Liverpool had lacked their usual intensity and sharpness in the first half, but they were better after the break and Roberto Firmino curled just wide from 20 yards.

Emiliano Martinez justified Arteta’s decision to keep fit-again Bernd Leno on the bench as the Arsenal keeper raced off his line to make a fine save from Sadio Mane.

That was Liverpool’s first shot on target, but they were improving and drew level in the 73rd minute.

Mohamed Salah and Cedric Soares challenged for the ball in the Arsenal area and it ran to Minamino, who slotted home from close-range for his first Reds goal in the his 15th appearance since his January move from RB Salzburg.

Martinez saved well from Mane’s close-range effort before Aubameyang stole the spotlight in the shoot-out.

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Camavinga on the mark as Rennes collect first win

Paris (AFP) – Rennes teenager Eduardo Camavinga celebrated his first France call-up with a terrific solo goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at home to Montpellier in Ligue 1. 

Camavinga, 17, was included this week in Didier Deschamps’ squad for Nations League games against Sweden and Croatia next month as a replacement for Paul Pogba who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Julien Stephan’s side will compete in the Champions League for the first time this season, and Angolan-born Camavinga has reiterated his commitment to the club despite reported interest from Real Madrid.

Damien Le Tallec inadvertently gave the Breton the lead when he flicked Raphinha’s cross into his own net on 22 minutes, with the visitors reduced to 10 men before half-time as Florent Mollet was dismissed after catching the head of Faitout Maouassa with his studs.

Rennes hit the woodwork three times at Roazhon Park, twice through Adrien Hunou and again when Raphinha crashed a curling free-kick against the bar on the hour, with Montpellier’s Arnaud Souquet hitting the upright at the other end.

The hosts saw Martin Terrier sent off with 15 minutes left for a late tackle on Gaetan Laborde but Camavinga soon added a second, gliding into the area and shaking free of his defender with a wonderful shimmy before driving low into the far corner.

The masked Laborde, sporting protective headgear after breaking his nose in midweek, grabbed a consolation in stoppage time with a superb diving header but it could not deny Rennes a first win of the season.

Lyon beat Dijon 4-1 in their first game of the campaign on Friday, while Marseille are due to visit Brest on Sunday after their planned opener against Saint-Etienne last week was postponed after several players tested positive for coronavirus.

Title holders Paris Saint-Germain’s scheduled game at Lens on Saturday has been pushed back to September 10 following their run to Champions League final in Lisbon.

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