...And remember, this is what’s new in the Premier League…

1. FIVE SUBSTITUTIONS

EACH team will now be able to make five substitutions during a match instead of three. They can also put nine substitutes on the bench, rather than the usual seven. However, managers will only have three opportunities to make those five subs during the game to minimise disruption.

2. DRINKS BREAKS

WITH matches taking place in warmer temperatures, there will be a mandatory one-minute drinks break in each half. When these occur will be at the discretion of the referee. Each player will have his own designated water bottle in order to minimise virus transmission risk.

3. ARTIFICIAL CROWD NOISE FOR ATMOSPHERE

PREMIER LEAGUE broadcasters will offer viewers an artificial atmosphere. Television coverage will be enhanced using chants, songs and crowd noise recorded for the FIFA video game, and the sounds will correspond to what happens on the pitch. For example, boos and jeers from the ‘home fans’ can be expected if a penalty appeal by their side is turned down by the referee.

4. PITCHSIDE SOCIAL DISTANCING

SUBSTITUTES will be kept apart in the stands, while technical areas will be adapted to allow coaching staff to spread out. These staff must remain seated in matches. Managers will be reminded not to leave their technical area. As ballboys will be absent, balls will be placed on cones around the pitch for when a clearance goes into the stands. These balls will be sterilised using a spray.

5. PRE-MATCH RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS

THE pre-match handshake has been axed, though the Premier League anthem will still be played. If a ground has two tunnels, the teams will use one each. If it has just one, they will emerge one after the other. Players must not mingle in the tunnel beforehand. The coin toss will remain. Celebrations of goals will look different. There will be a designated celebration TV camera and hugging is discouraged.