Liverpool, Chelsea & Arsenal could be forced to play games at neutral grounds
by Coral BarryLiverpool do not expect to be forced to play any of their remaining Premier League games at neutral grounds despite ongoing discussions about moving several matches to different stadiums.
The Premier League are weighing up the proposal due to concerns about fans gathering outside Anfield, with London derbies also under threat.
Premier League action has been suspended since early March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Liverpool need just two more wins to be confirmed Premier League champions and are set to kick off their restart against Everton in the first round of fixtures.
The Times claims 12 ‘high risk’ matches have been identified including London derbies involving Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham and the games in which Liverpool can win the title.
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Liverpool have to play defending champions Manchester City and Frank Lampard’s Chelsea and those games are also considered high risk.
Anfield is in a residential area, but the Reds are optimistic the Merseyside police chiefs and the Safety Advisory Group will green light their return to Anfield, according to the Evening Standard.
Championship sides Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion may also be forced to play at neutral grounds with both clubs poised to win promotion into the top flight.
The Premier League is scheduled to resume on 17 June, pending government approval, and club chiefs want the 2019/20 season completed by 16 July.
Manchester City vs Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United have been pencilled in as the two games to be played on the first Wednesday back.
Premier League chief Richard Masters released a statement confirming the clubs had come to an agreement on a restart date.
He said: ‘We have provisionally agreed to resume the Premier League on Wednesday, June 17.
‘But this date cannot be confirmed until we have met all the safety requirements needed, as the health and welfare of all participants and supporters is our priority.
High risk games
Everton vs Liverpool
Tottenham vs West Ham
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
West Ham vs Chelsea
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Liverpool vs Burnley
Tottenham vs Arsenal
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
‘Sadly, matches will have to take place without fans in stadiums, so we are pleased to have come up with a positive solution for supporters to be able to watch all the remaining 92 matches.
‘The Premier League and our clubs are proud to have incredibly passionate and loyal supporters.
‘It is important to ensure as many people as possible can watch the matches at home.’
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