Home of football statistics and historyThe Premier League’s plan to resume the 2019/20 season in mid-June sets up the intriguing prospect of a seven-week extravaganza of summer football.
The ultimate aim is to get all the fixtures completed by the end of July to allow UEFA the opportunity to finish the Champions League and Europa League.
All the games would be played behind closed doors, with fans able to watch the action via live streaming services or through the usual broadcast channels.
Read on as we assess when football may return and look at some of the key talking points surrounding the revised schedule.
Liverpool desperate for season to resume
Liverpool need just six points from their remaining nine matches to secure their first ever Premier League title.
They were due to play Everton (A) and Crystal Palace (H) before play was suspended and punters will be eager to back them for the win when the action resumes.
The Reds have dropped just five points this term and it would be a major shock if they failed complete the job.
Liverpool’s failure to retain the Champions League has left them with just the Premier League to play for and they are understandably desperate for the campaign to get underway again.
Top stars in line to return to action
The break in play has allowed some of the Premier League’s top stars additional time to recover from their respective injuries.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is amongst the players who should be fit to return after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered on New Years’ Day.
Kane had scored 11 league goals prior to his injury and will be crucial to Spurs’ hopes of forcing their way back into the top four this term.
Marcus Rashford is also likely to be in contention for Manchester United following his recuperation from a double stress fracture in his back.
FIFA gives green light for contract extensions
World governing body FIFA has said it will allow clubs to agree temporary contracts with any players whose current deals expire at the end of June.
Clubs at both ends of the table have key players who fall into this category, potentially creating an unwelcome headache at an important part of the season.
Chelsea are amongst the clubs who could be hardest hit, with forwards Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud all out of contract this summer.
Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster is another player in this situation and the Hornets will be keen to ensure he sticks around as they try and avoid relegation to the Championship.
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