THERE’s a slightly different schedule to normal in the Premier League this weekend.
You may have noticed that there are only three matches scheduled in England’s top-flight, with none being held at the traditional time of Saturday at 3pm.
Boss Jose Mourinho is happy to sacrifice Tottenham’s winter break if they can progress in the FA CupCredit: PA:Press Association
Why are there only three Premier League matches this weekend?
THIS weekend heralds the start of a new era in football scheduling in this country.
For the first time ever, the Premier League is undertaking a winter break.
Bowing to pressure from managers and players, the league voted the changes through in June 2018.
With fixture congestion one of the main issues plaguing modern managers, the break is designed to ease the pressure.
Liverpool stars, including Roberto Firmino, are on their winter breakCredit: Instagram / @roberto_firmino
On the first weekend – February 8-9 – just six Premier League teams will be in action with the rest officially on a rest period.
There were initially set to be four matches, before the cancellation of Man City vs West Ham today.
Next weekend, the teams on rest will return while the clubs playing this week will jet off on their holidays.
It was also agreed that every Premier League game during this period would be broadcast live on TV – hence why there are no games at 3pm.
The matches this weekend are:
- Everton vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, February 8 at 12.30pm)
- Brighton vs Watford (Saturday, February 8 at 5.30pm)
- Sheffield United vs Bournemouth (Sunday, February 9 at 2pm)
- Man City vs West Ham POSTPONED
When will Man City vs West Ham be played now?
It is not yet known when the two teams will meet, but there are very few available dates for the rematch.
Most available midweek slots are currently filled by Uefa matches, while the FA Cup fifth round takes place on March 4.
The week commencing April 21 and May 8 are available, but Man City also need to arrange a new date for their match against Arsenal, which was postponed due to the League Cup final.
There may also be the possibility of the sides eating into the winter break and re-arranging the match for sometime over the next two weeks.
What games are on next weekend?
- Wolves vs Leicester (Friday, February 14 at 8pm)
- Southampton vs Burnley (Saturday, February 15 at 12.30pm)
- Norwich vs Liverpool (Saturday, February 15 at 5.30pm)
- Aston Villa vs Tottenham (Sunday, February 16 at 2pm)
- Arsenal vs Newcastle (Sunday, February 16 at 4.30pm)
- Chelsea vs Man Utd (Monday, February 17 at 8pm)
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
