English Premier League Will Make A Statement In Next Week’s Return

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – There is just over a week until the English Premier League is back on our screens again.

Covid-19 tests were done this week, and from 1,213 tests on players and staff, one positive result came back. Standard protocols have been implemented, and one person is now self-isolating for two weeks.

With soccer returning in Europe, the four top leagues in Germany, Spain, England and Italy are now restarting games and completing their respective 2019/2020 campaigns.

👀 @premierleague?

😂🏆 https://t.co/hVIpnTjlpF

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) June 12, 2020

In other EPL news, the first full round of matches to kick off next Friday will be Norwich City v. Southampton, and a colossal matchup between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Obviously the midweek games will allow the full round of fixtures to kick off with every team having played the same amount of games. The reason I bring up the first full round of games is that they will start every match with a minutes silence, to pay their respects to, not only the people who have lost their lives to COVID-19, but also the frontline workers and brave National Health Service workers who have done a magnificent job in caring for the nation.

Another, and arguably, bigger statement is the news that for at least the first weekend of matches, there will be no players’ names on the shirts. The names will be replaced with ”Black Lives Matter”. Getting the messaging out to EPL fans is huge, however, in the grand scheme of things it is a tiny gesture, but one that I hope will continue to bring awareness and create a domino effect for real change.

Well played @eintracht_eng pic.twitter.com/PB6ufucz6e

— Spencer Warne (@Spenno_77) June 10, 2020

La Liga

La Liga kicking off this week saw Sevilla take on city rivals Real Betis. The Seville derby didn’t disappoint at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium, with the hosts Sevilla getting one over their neighbors, 2-0. You can catch La Liga on the Bein Sports network.

On Friday you’ll be able to catch the Derby del Turia, Valencia v. Levante. Sure, it’s probably not as volatile as the Seville or Madrid derby, but it will certainly be a massive occasion. Valencia is chasing European football for next season, and Levante, whilst above the relegation zone are nowhere near safe yet. Throw in the city bragging rights for the fans, even though it’s behind closed doors doesn’t make it any less important. Plus you’ll get a good look at one of the more iconic stadiums in Spain, The Mestalla.

Sunday will see another really great matchup with Athletic Club v. Atletico Madrid. I expect contrasting styles for the most part, and maybe a little bit lower position-wise than pre-season expectations. These two teams will once again showcase huge talent that makes for a potential cracking game.

Two days left. #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/bC8wCWxtg9

— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) June 12, 2020

Bilbao’s Inaki Williams, if fit, will be one to look out for. The versatile forward will be a focal point for Athletic Club’s attack and marked for special treatment by Athletico’s defense. On the other side, you’ll want to keep an eye out for Portuguese young talent Joao Felix. He is such an exciting talent and under the guidance of Diego Simeone (even though a typically defensive coach) can help him reach another level.

As EPL teams start to ramp up their pre-season activities, they will play teams from the Championship to warm up, helping both leagues sharpen up before resuming the season. The fact promotion and relegation is still in play, makes for a really enthralling six weeks in England. Loans that had been previously agreed to for the season are frantically being negotiated and extended to see the season out. Other players’ contracts that were about to expire and looking at being free agents are also being extended by a couple of months to ensure they’re available for the fixtures in July.

Until next week…