Exciting title race, VAR and packed schedule – Premier League talking points
Leeds are back and VAR is here to stay.
The Premier League season begins on September 12.
Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the talking points.
Absent friends
It’s going to be hectic
The impact of the pandemic means changes have been made to the fixture schedule, notably the cancellation of the Premier League’s winter break, FA Cup replays being scrapped and the Carabao Cup semi-finals reduced to one leg. The campaign is kicking off five weeks late after the end of last season was delayed by lockdown leaving the league with a major scheduling headache and teams competing in Europe facing the prospect of playing every three days.
Race to the top…
…and to beat the drop
To Elland back
VA-ARRRRGH!
Yes, it’s still here. There have been one or two subtle tweaks, with the system brought into line with FIFA and referees being encouraged to use the pitchside monitors more than they did last season. But the ‘armpit’ offsides that infuriated fans and players alike remain in place.