Despite their unmistakable supremacy this season, Liverpool could yet see their wait for a first top flight title in over 30 years extended, should 14 teams in the Premier League join forces to void the campaign which has been troubled by the global outbreak of corona virus, it has been revealed.
Prized 9/4 to scoop the crown come the end of the season, The online edition of The Sun citing the Evening Standard has unravelled how a majority decision formed by 14 from the rest of the 19 clubs in the division can determine whether this season will be over ruled, and consequently cancelled.
As preposterous as that reads, the factors surrounding this is not all doom and gloom for The Reds, and while it is sure to receive varying views, it could be one(s) already in consideration.
Firstly, one of the muted options would be to end the season as it already stands – an option that will most certainly have Liverpool’s support. Jurgen Klopp’s side are after all, an astonishing 25 points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table after 29 round of games.
In the Covid-19 virus enforced meeting scheduled to hold on Thursday 19th, the Premier League supremos will meet, and are expected to deliberate on plans for the season’s run-in, and prominent amongst it will be whether the season will be ended abruptly.
The second of the options would be to host a play-off competition, while the other would be to declare the whole season null and void, one which SunSport columnist Karren Brady clearly explained thus.
But then, how will the rest of the division play a part in this? Here’s how.
For instance, Manchester United would most definitely vote to keep
the league running, as they are just one spot off the top four. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s team are just three points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots. Should the season continue in its current wind, they will more than fancy their chances of finishing in the top four after going eleven games unbeaten.
Wolves and Sheffield United would also prefer to crack on with the season as they both stand chances of making it into the top four, and ultimately qualifying for Europe’s grand competition.
Leicester City will also veto the move to have the season run the course of its schedule, as voiding it will mean they miss out of the Champions League, a berth which they are on the path to securing with five points separating them from Chelsea.
And then, it is at the other end of the table that things gets even more interesting.
Understandably, most of the teams in the lower half of the standings would actually prefer to end it now so as to ensure their top-flight status for another season. The likes of Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are all languishing in the drop zones, so would jump at the chance to wipe the slate clean, with Watford and West Ham still hanging on for their lives.
It will be no surprise that Chelsea will join the bandwagon of the teams that will want the campaign to end now. The Blues are sat in fourth after 14 wins from 29 games, so…
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will no doubt, be eagerly anticipated and is one that could prove pivotal in deciding Liverpool’s fate in one of the most breathtaking, dramatic campaigns we’ve had in recent memory.
