Enforced break has brought benefits and drawbacks
THE Premier League finally returns this week after the coronavirus pandemic caused a three-month shutdown.
Here, we look at each of the top 10 clubs’ state of play upon the resumption.
Liverpool (1st)
The Reds have been robbed of winning a first title in 30 years in front of a crowd but at least they will be able to complete the job on the pitch. Despite something of a wobble before the break, Jurgen Klopp’s men could claim glory in their first game back.
Manchester City (2nd)
City will be dethroned as champions but they are the best bet to finish second, despite some patchy form before coronavirus struck. Leroy Sane is back in the fold after recovering fully from a knee injury but their mood may well be impacted by the ruling of the CAS appeal on their European ban. They are still in the FA Cup and will have a Champions League campaign to finish when the domestic scene is settled.
Leicester (3rd)
Another crack at Champions League football is within touching distance for Leicester, who will not have been too disappointed with a break. Their form in 2020 was disappointing, but a reset should give them the opportunity to nail down a top-four spot, while they are still challenging for the FA Cup.
Chelsea (4th)
Frank Lampard was on course to deliver a top-four finish in his first season of Premier League management at Chelsea, despite their inconsistent form. The chance for Lampard to work with his young players for an extended period can only help them finish the job. They are also in the FA Cup and have the formality of a Champions League second leg tie against Bayern Munich, having lost the first 3-0.
Manchester United (5th)
United would have been disappointed the season ground to a halt as they were in fine form, on an unbeaten run in all competitions going back to
January and looking like they were going to make a Champions League spot their own. The return of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba could be key.
Wolves (6th)
Wolves were having their best season in recent memory and were firm contenders for the top four and Europa League when the shutdown came. They had been playing to a gruelling schedule due to their European exertions so the rest will have benefited them hugely, along with the league finishing before European ties resume.
Sheffield United (7th)
The Blades could have done without a break as they were flying and challenging for the European places. Along with an aggressive style of play, they were helped by being a group who had won two promotions in three seasons, so it will be fascinating to see if a hiatus will affect that.
Tottenham (8th)
Arguably no team has benefited more from a threemonth break than Tottenham, whose manager, Jose Mourinho, was repeatedly saying he wished he could fast-forward to July 1 before the suspension. Break has allowed Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko to regain their fitness.
Arsenal (9th)
It was Mikel Arteta’s contraction of coronavirus that brought the season to a halt in March and it came at a time when Arsenal were on a roll under the Spaniard. They had hauled themselves back into European contention so must regain that momentum.
Burnley (10th)
Clarets were on a four-game unbeaten run when the season halted that put them four points off Sheffield United in seventh and with an outside chance of reaching the European places. They will be eyeing a late dash to qualify.