The Premier League is set to restart on 17 June with Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal, subject to government approval.
A full round of fixtures would then be played on the weekend of 19-21 June. There are 92 matches still to play, and the first to take place will be those the four teams involved have in hand.
Safety guidelines are yet to be issued by the government and decisions will remain subject to the continuing fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
It is also understood that finishing the season would require six weekends and three-midweek rounds.
Liverpool sits 25 points clear at the top of the table while Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich City are in the relegation places.
The Reds, chasing a first league title in 30 years, could clinch it with victory in their first game back should second-placed Manchester City lose to Arsenal.
“The Premier League and our clubs are proud to have incredibly passionate and loyal supporters,” Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.
“It is important to ensure as many people as possible can watch the matches at home.”
Masters added that the resumption date would not be confirmed: “until we have met all the safety requirements needed”.
However, if the games are not played, the full sum will be due in July.
Meanwhile, on Friday morning, the Football Association will announce proposed dates for the FA Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
And in terms of European competition, the last 16 second-leg matches in the Champions League and Europa League are set to be played between 6 and 8 August. Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Rangers and Wolves are all still involved. Uefa will discuss the plans at an executive committee meeting in June before a decision is made.
The Premier League was suspended on 13 March because of the pandemic and it will be 100 days after Leicester City’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on 9 March that competition will – prospectively – resume.
Source: BBC
