The Football Association has agreed for matches to return on June 17th, starting with Manchester City playing Arsenal. Mikel Arteta will lock heads against his former mentor before taking the Arsenal job in December. Sheffield United also will play against an Aston Villa side in a relegation battle. All remaining fixtures will return on June 20th, with Liverpool having the opportunity to win the league should Manchester City lose to Arsenal.
The Premier League will return on June 17th, but all 20 clubs will be in action only from the 20th of June.
Serie A has also been given the green light to return, after a three-month pause. Italy was one of the worst-hit countries during the COVID 19 pandemic but sporting minister Vincenzo Spadafora has said that ‘they intend to resume the remaining Serie A fixtures’.
The Coppa Italia has been said to take place the week before, although no exact date was given. However, it is confirmed that the final will be played behind closed doors on June 17th. Inter Milan host Napoli, who are winning 1-0 on aggregate while Juventus host AC Milan after a 1-1 draw at the San Siro during the first leg.
The Serie A can resume from June 20, with the Coppa Italia final will be played on June 17.
During these unprecedented times, please stay homeand stay safe.
Matchday 27 of the EPL contained tasty fixtures Saturday. Here is the breakdown.
Chelsea Dominate Tottenham despite late goal
Chelsea took the lead when Jorginho released the run of Giroud and the Frenchman created room for a low strike, but was stopped by the leg of Lloris. The rebound falls to Ross Barkley, but he hits the bar. The second rebound would fall back to Giroud, who scored a half-volley from 10 yards. Chelsea dominated throughly still, but were caught off-guard when Alderwield released the run of Tanganga, who took a heavy touch. The ball went out and Chelsea escaped from that chance.
Marcus Alonso doubled the home side’s advantage three minutes after the second half kicked-off. Barkley found and unmarked Alonso, who netted home a low drive from 20 yards. VAR then stole the limelight after Lo Celso escaped a booking after dangerous challenge on Azpilicueta, it should have been a red card. Tottenham started the be more of an attacking threat in the last 10 minutes, and Lamela’s shot deflected of Rudiger to gove a nervy ending at Stamford Bridge.
City claim first back-to-back cleen sheet since October after Jesus goal
Leicester had a huge chance in the first half when Tielemans found Vardy, and hit the bar with just Ederson to beat. City dominated in possession and were wasteful with their chances, Gundogan missing the best of the bunch. Leicester should have gotten a penalty when Ederson crashed into Iheanacho. Aguero had a goal disallowed of a offside (rightly) and missed a penalty after a handball. The Argentinian also missed an effor from close range a few minutes after that. Mahrez finally found Jesus who scored his 10th EPL goal.
Villa Outclassed at St. Mary’s
I chose this match just to praise Southampton. An amazing turnaround, especially after that 0-9 loss to Leicester. They beat the same team 2-1 away, gave Liverpool a lot of struggles and overall, more than a mid-table team as of now. Southampton should have won by 4 or 5, had it not been Pepe Reina’s night. Shane Long tapped in from a cross and Ings missed 2 chances. With their 28 shots, it seemed inevitable that they would just win by 1. Pepe Reina went forward in an attempt to equalize, but it goes all wrong. Southampton counter attack and Stuart Armstrong scored into an open net from 25 yards. Good job, Southampton.
The EPL is back and here’s what in store for us football fans.
Game of the week
Spurs vs Liverpool
Tottenham are in poor form as of late. A loss at St. Mary’s as well as a draw at Championship side Middlesbrough. Harry Kane’s injury just rubs salt to the wound for Spurs. Liverpool’s Joel Matip has returned from injury but Mourinho should still give Liverpool a tough time.
Score Prediction: TOT 1-2 LIV
Easiest 3 points
Man Utd vs Norwich
Even though United were humilliated by their noisy neighbours 1-3, Norwich have only 1 away win and although Daniel Farke plays an attractive style of football, Norwich are rock-bottom of the table. United will easily win in the fortress of Old Trafford.
FootballFanatic 