Premier league on Thursday announced that the campaign for 2020-2021 will start on September 12th, 2020 and the closing date is schedule on May 23, 2021. A statement on the official Twitter page of premier league read: “Premier League Shareholders today agreed to start the 2020-21 Premier League season on 12th September 2020”. The Premier League will continue to consult The FA and EFL regarding the scheduling of all domestic competitions.
This announcement suggests that the Premier League games will be held behind the closed-doors until October 1st because of the social-distancing measures following the outbreak of the virus. The British Government has notified the fans not to attend any event venues until the end of September. The 2019-2020 season discontinued on March 12, after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta succumbed to coronavirus and resumed exactly after 100 days under strict restrictions. The government then suspended all the country’s sporting events to prevent the virus from spreading.
With the fixtures out for the season 2020-2021, the opening day fixtures will see the defending champions Liverpool hosting the newly promoted side, Leeds united. Meanwhile, Manchester city, Manchester united, Burnley and Aston villa are the teams that would miss out 1st Gameweek. The newly promoted teams include: Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham after missing the top flight of sixteen, one and two years respectively. The teams they will supplant are: Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich city. The two other newly promoted sides Fulham and West Bromwich Albion will each host Arsenal and Leicester City in craven cottage and The Hawthorns.
The upcoming season promises yet again another string of thriller, with Liverpool in the driving seat retaining their crown after having a longer break than rivals around them. Manchester City is still seen as their greatest hurdle and in the title chase for 2020/21, the city will be undoubtedly be keeping up more of a fight. Manchester United and Chelsea are indeed heavy favorites for title hunt if they can add some extra top notch dashes to their healthy and thriving young squads.
