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AS coronavirus circumstances surge once more, the Premier League is going through mounting questions over the remainder of the season.
Right here, SunSport’s Martin Lipton runs by way of the primary points and supplies solutions to key questions.
The Premier League’s newest casualty was Fulham vs Spurs on Wednesday Credit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Man Metropolis counterpart Pep Guardiola are ready anxiously to see what occurs subsequent within the Premier LeagueCredit score: Kevin Quigley-The Each day Mail
Everton’s Prem conflict with Man Metropolis, scheduled for Monday was additionally postponed simply hours earlier than kick-off
WILL THE PREM SHUT DOWN?
Not if League chiefs can keep away from it, for a lot of causes. Scheduling is the primary one, however in addition they danger shedding but extra hundreds of thousands in TV firm “rebates”, on prime of the £340m the golf equipment need to pay again for LAST season.
BUT WHY ARE GAMES BEING CALLED OFF?
Prem guidelines really say that postponement requests “won’t be granted” if a membership has 14 or extra senior gamers accessible.
However the League Board can train discretion “on a case by case foundation” and each Manchester City’s trip to Everton and Tottenham’s home game with Fulham have been postponed over fears of the virus being handed on to the opposition dressing room.
THAT’S TWO GAMES. SO WHY ARE PEOPLE CONCERNED?
City and United began the season every week late, due to their Euro exertions in the summertime.
So Metropolis at the moment are two video games behind, as are Aston Villa, who have been on account of play United on the opening weekend.
Now Newcastle, Everton, Burnley, Spurs and Fulham are additionally a recreation shy of schedule.
CAN’T THEY JUST MAKE UP THE GAMES?
It’s not that straightforward. The delayed begin means the Prem season, usually unfold over 34 weekends, is definitely being performed over 32, with two additional midweek dates scheduled.
However there may be far much less wriggle room after European video games meant midweeks have been unavailable till the center of December.
Prem fixture planners have put aside three “catch-up” dates – March 2, April 20 and Might 19 – however there may be nonetheless not sufficient room if groups go deep in Europe and the home cups.
YES, BUT WHAT ABOUT EXTENDING THE SEASON?
No can do. Except there’s a Europe-wide shutdown, the Prem should end on Might 23, to provide gamers time to organize for the delayed Euro 2020 beginning in June.
The Europa League and Champions League Finals are the next week, too.
SO WHAT IF THERE IS A SERIES OF INFECTIONS?
Being unable to finish the total season is the Prem’s worst concern, particularly as golf equipment must affirm “curtailment guidelines” permitting a factors per recreation calculation.
They have been already cut up on what number of matches have to be performed for the season to be deemed official – and at the moment are LESS more likely to attain settlement.