EFL

EFL matches to resume but fans await Premier League outcome

By Sports Desk September 12, 2022

English Football League matches will resume on Tuesday and the FA has announced fixtures will go ahead this weekend – though fans are still awaiting an outcome on the Premier League.

Football across the United Kingdom was postponed at the weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday at the age of 96.

The situation is still impacting the football schedule, with Rangers' Champions League clash against Napoli moved from Tuesday to Wednesday and Arsenal's Europa League clash against PSV postponed.

EFL matches will go ahead throughout the week and over the course of next weekend, including fixtures being played at clubs in and around London in the days before the state funeral on Monday September 19.

Queens Park Rangers and Watford have both confirmed their matches against Stoke City and Sunderland will go ahead, while Millwall and Luton Town are also scheduled to be at home on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the FA has confirmed that fixtures in their competitions will go ahead, including those in the Women's Super League, the National League and in the FA Cup qualifying rounds.

The FA encouraged clubs to conduct a minute's silence ahead of kick-off and black armbands should be worn, while confirming no games would be played on the day of the funeral.

Football in Scotland's professional leagues is also scheduled to return this week.

But final decisions on the Premier League matches in England are yet to be announced. Those matches require more policing, with forces set to be stretched amid ongoing events during a period of national mourning.

Fixtures in London are widely considered to be most at risk, with Tottenham hosting Leicester City on Saturday, while Sunday is scheduled to see Chelsea clash with Liverpool and Arsenal travel to Brentford.

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    It is all change for Spain following the 2022 World Cup, with previous skipper Sergio Busquets retiring and De la Fuente replacing Luis Enrique as boss.

    Morata is left as the most experienced player in the former Spain Under-21 coach's first squad and was confirmed as captain ahead of their first Euro 2024 qualifier against Norway on Saturday.

    "It's a pride and a joy," Morata said in a news conference. "I'm looking forward to things going well and winning. I'm here to help the younger ones."

    The Atletico Madrid striker has been enthused by what he has seen from De la Fuente so far – and he believes he is not alone in that sense.

    "I have been with different coaches and I see everyone very excited," Morata added. "He likes to give affection to his players and work hard.

    "We all have to win from playing and competing. The ticket for a European Championship and a World Cup is not easy, and we are all clear about what is important for us and that we have to always be at these tournaments."

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    "Any project has to start well," the coach said. "It's not all about getting off to a good start, but I'd like to.

    "It would give us more security and confidence. We are sure of that."

    Spain's hopes of that first win have been boosted by the absence of Norway's superstar striker Erling Haaland, out with a groin injury.

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