The Premier League has announced that all fixtures this weekend have been postponed as the nation mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.The monarch passed away peacefully on Thursday and, as a result, games have been suspended as a mark of respect.The Premier League confirmed the news on Friday morning, with the entire round of fixtures now needing to be rearranged before the end of the season.It means that the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool will all see their games rearranged; they were due to play Crystal Palace, Everton, and Wolves respectively, while the headline match was perhaps Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Manchester City.The suspension comes in an inopportune season, given that the fixture list has been heavily congested already because of the World Cup taking place in November.
When will the postponed Premier League games take place?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates with the Premier League Trophy as Manchester City are presented with the Trophy as they win the league following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on May 23, 2021 in Manchester, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Given the World Cup is taking place in November, it is very unlikely that the fixtures will be rearranged before the end of the year, as the top-flight restarts on Boxing Day after the tournament.
Richard Buxton, a journalist who covers the Premier League, reports that the next available dates for any deferred matches are January 17th and January 18th.
That is a midweek slot, with games set to take place the Saturday and Sunday before, and the Saturday and Sunday after.
For Spurs, for example, they are scheduled to play Arsenal at home on the 14th, and would then play Manchester City in midweek.
Buxton also makes it clear that Premier League games are likely to be suspended next weekend, too, as the Queen’s state funeral will be taking place.
That means there will likely have to be a second round of fixtures rearranged, with the headline meeting being Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
It raises the prospect of the Premier League potentially being extended by a further week to ensure that 38 games can be played before the start of the 2023/24 season.
As it stands, the next Premier League game may be the north London derby on October 1st, which is an early kick-off.
We’ll keep you updated when we receive any more news about fixture rearrangements.
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