Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League facing up to fixture chaos as seven matches are postponed
Premier League officials will meet this week in a bid to solve what is looking like a major fixture congestion crisis. [LNB]The freezing conditions meant that seven matches were postponed this weekend and more snow is forecast for later this week, particularly in the North-West. [LNB] Enlarge Snow-go zone: Stamford Bridge appears clear of danger in this picture taken at 2pm om Sunday - two hours before the game was due to start[LNB]This season has already presented itself with some difficult fixture challenges because of the Champions League. The last 16 games are again being staged over four weeks but there is the added complication this year of having the final at Wembley. [LNB]Because UEFA insist on nobody using the pitch for two weeks before the match, the FA Cup final will take place on May 14 with the final Barclays Premier League matches being held the following weekend. [LNB] Game off: Arsenal's Premier League clash with Stoke was postponed on Saturday [LNB]League officials are already concerned about Blackpool, because Ian Holloway's side have now had two games with Champions League clubs - Manchester United and Tottenham - postponed.[LNB] If those clubs continue to progress in Europe it could pose a real problem, as could runs in the domestic cup competitions for the top-flight teams. [LNB]Last night a Premier League spokesman suggested that a solution could be found. He said: 'Our department will already have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the clubs to get new dates agreed as quickly as possible.'[LNB] No joy: the statue of Bill Shankly is graced with snow as Liverpool's game with Fulham is postponed [LNB] More severe weather could present more headaches, and again force the Premier League to clash with UEFA by staging some of their matches on European nights, even though there is an agreement that that should not happen if possible. [LNB]That leaves just a couple of midweek dates in early January, one in April and one in May for called-off matches to be played.[LNB]DATES ARE RUNNING OUT Due to internationals, FA Cup replays and an agreement that Premier League games cannot take place in midweek when there are Champions League ties, dates are fast running out. The only clear ones available are: [LNB]Tues/Weds Jan 11-12 (but Carling Cup semi-final, 1st legs take place).Tues/Weds Jan 24-25 (Carling Cup semi-final, 2nd legs).Tues/Weds April 19-20. Tues/Weds May 17-18. These dates could disappear as FA Cup replays would probably take priority. That could lead to a ridiculous pile-up if English teams progress in the Champions League. If any of them reached the Champions League and FA Cup finals, they would play 15 games in the final two months of the season. [LNB] The main roads were clear, the Tube was running, and the pitch perfect... so why was Chelsea's game with United postponed? Snow joke: Why was Chelsea v Manchester United called off... but Ipswich managed to beat the freezing conditions?Snow decimates sporting weekend: Just TWO Premier League ties playedSport 0 Snow 1: Picture special on how the weekend programme was decimated [LNB] Explore more:People: Ian Holloway Places: Europe
