EXACTLY 100 days since the last ball was kicked, the Premier League is back with officials putting in the final touches ahead of Wednesday’s restart.
Sheffield United travel to Aston Villa for a 6pm kick-off before Manchester City host Arsenal – but the games will be far from normal.
City have covered their empty seats ahead of the Arsenal game
Only verified team members and staff will be able to enter the ‘Red Zone’Credit: PA:Press Association
There will be no fans inside any stadiums this season due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
However every game will be televised to allow supporters to watch on from home.
Extra camera positions, potential roving reporters around the stands and virtual crowd noises are all set to be part of the new TV package.
A rigorous testing programme has been in place, showing only a handful of virus cases among the players and staff. Yet maximum precautions are being taken.
Those inside and around the ground will wear facemasks and undertake social distancing measures where possible, with substitutes being placed two metres apart.
Each visitor must also undergo a temperature check to ensure they are not suffering from any Covid-19 symptoms.
A staff member checks entrants to Villa Park before tonight’s matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Villa Park hosts the first game back this eveningCredit: AP:Associated Press
The club have asked fans not to congregate around the groundCredit: AP:Associated Press
Each team is to arrive on a number of buses, to ensure players and staff are appropriately spread out.
And the usual sight of seeing the two teams line up alongside each other in the tunnel is no more, with the sides walking onto the pitch separately.
In the game itself, social distancing and other precautions are advised if appropriate – but not to the detriment of the game.
Jostling for position at corners and rough tackles will remain the order of the day, although celebrations may be more muted and players have been told not to surround referees to protest decisions.
Stewards don protective gear ahead of City’s game with ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Entrances into stadiums are being closely monitoredCredit: Reuters
After three months away and only a short pre-return training period, cooling breaks and five substitutes will be allowed for each team.
Pleasantries such as the pre-match handshake are also a thing of the past but the coin toss will take place with the added presence of microphones to better hear the captains and officials.
The first batch of matches will also see every player’s name replaced by the ‘Black Lives Matter’ moniker, in solidarity with the anti-racism movement, and the NHS logo will also feature on shirts.
Premier League TV fixtures announced as Man Utd visit Tottenham and Man City host Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
