Premier League and EFL clubs have chosen to fulfil festive fixtures despite ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19 cases.

The Premier League’s 20 clubs met on Monday to discuss the fixture list after six weekend games were postponed.
The postponement of a round of games over Christmas was a possibility.

No vote took place and so two rounds of fixtures are in place across five days from 26 December, while the EFL will play games “where it is safe to do so”.

It had been expected that the Premier League’s gameweek 20, starting on 28 December, would be postponed in order to ease the pressure on Premier League squads.

Instead, clubs have been advised if they have 13 fit players, plus a goalkeeper, they should fulfil their games.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the league will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution,” the Premier League said.

FA Cup replays in rounds three and four have however been scrapped and talks are ongoing on whether to reduce EFL Cup semi-final ties to one-leg matches.

On Monday, Premier League figures showed 77% players have had two vaccination jabs, a rise from 68% in October.
Some players and staff have received three vaccinations but 92% have had at least one.

The Premier League said Monday’s meeting saw “a range of issues discussed” including adapting the Covid-19 postponement process. Saturday’s fixture between Aston Villa and Burnley was called off at two hours’ notice.

(BBC Sport)