Premier League. Photo: Skysports

Premier League completion 'probably not realistic', says Dutch FA president

The president of the Dutch football association, the KNVB, has cast doubt on the feasibility of the Premier League playing matches behind closed doors in June, even as the British government suggested it might be possible for some sports to resume within a few weeks.

Senior government officials including chief medical officers will meet with medical directors of the major sports over the next few days to discuss the challenges each face in returning to action, in the belief that televised events would provide a boost to national morale. The move was a “quickening of the pace” and aimed to restore sporting competition “within weeks”, according to the BBC.

The Premier League is talking to its UK live rights holders, Sky and BT Sport, over how many games might be televised in June and on what payment basis, though Just Spee, who made the difficult decision to declare the season in the Netherlands null and void on Friday, believes it might be overoptimistic to imagine the English season could be played to a satisfactory conclusion, as The Guardian cited.

The KNVB president said: “The UK will hold on to a sliver of hope as long as it is there, but in reality the chances of completing the Premier League season are slim. The English season will need a number of weeks to complete and I doubt there will be enough time. Seeing what is happening with things getting postponed week by week it is probably not realistic.”

The Dutch FA may still face legal action from certain clubs adversely affected by the decision to scrap the season with no champions, promotion or relegation. That consideration is at the forefront of minds in England as the various interested parties try to find a way forward through the lockdown.

Athletic and Valencia set for an entertaining clash

Photo: AS English - Diario AS

Athletic Club currently sit 11th place in the Spanish top-flight table, but a victory could catapult the Basque into the top half of the table and the role of outsiders for the European spots.

The team’s performances have been much improved since the arrival of Marcelino as head coach. However, Athletic have still struggled for consistency of late in La Liga, as they head into this clash on the back of just three wins in 11 top-flight outings. Last time out in the league, they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Barcelona.

Athletic’s recent form at San Mames has mirrored their inconsistent overall form in La Liga, as they have won five and lost three of their last eight league games on home soil.

Barcelona to continue good form versus Real Betis

Barcelona are improving under Ronald Koeman. They are on a five-match winning streak in La Liga heading into the weekend. They will visit Real Betis in Seville with the hope of inching closer to first-placed Atletico Madrid.

Ten points separate Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. With the way that Diego Simeone’s team have played, it will be very difficult for Barcelona to close that gap.

Real Betis are also on a good run of form ahead of the weekend. They are unbeaten in five games and just two points off of Real Sociedad and the top six.

Barcelona thrashed Real Betis earlier this season 5-2 at Camp Nou. Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring in the first half but the goal was cancelled out by Antonio Sanarbia.

Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi (twice) then tallied goals before a strike from Lorenzo Moron. Barcelona’s Pedri then killed off the game in the 90th minute with a penalty.

Barcelona took 16 points from their last 18 on offer in La Liga. They scored 13 goals while conceding four times. Their form improvement is coinciding with the return of the Champions League later this month.

Real Betis took 11 points from 18 possible. They outscored opponents 11-8 during that six-game timeframe.

Los Verdiblancos manager Manuel Pellegrini has four players on his injury list. Midfielder Diego Lainz is out due to a positive COVID-19 test. Claudio Bravo, Dani Martin, and Marc Bartra are all in line to make a return to the team this weekend.

Koeman has four names on his injury list. Three of those names are long-term absentees. Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati, and Gerard Pique are all three hurt and out of action. Fati and Coutinho could return soon as they are both recovering nicely.

Barcelona are on a great run of form that should continue away from home versus Real Betis. Although Los Verdiblancos have been good in recent weeks, the Blaugrana are a step above. The club are also coming off of a midweek Copa del Rey win over Granada, 5-3, according to Forebet.

Here’s a look at the latest Premier League table and standings, which we will update throughout the 2020-21 season:

Photo: Besoccer

Photo: Besoccer

Photo: Besoccer

For more information about Premier League Matchday, Fixtures, Preview, follow KnowInsiders regularly!

Totteham vs West Brom Preview: H2H, Betting Odds - Premier League Tottenham and West Brom face each other in London on Sunday in the Premier League round 23. Check out this article to know all the ...

Liverpool vs Mancity Preview: H2H, Betting Odds - Premier League Liverpool will be looking to make amends for a shocking loss to Brighton when they host Manchester City at their Anfield on Matchday 23. Check ...

Tottenham vs Chelsea Preview: H2H, Betting Odds - Premier League Tottenham and Chelsea Betting Odds: Two teams will meet in a London derby part of Premier League’s 22nd round on Thursday. Check out this article ...