Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits players will have to find motivation without the urgency provided by fans when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> restarts on Wednesday.

Arteta's side will feature in the second game of the Premier League relaunch when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, just hours after the opener between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.

The remaining 92 top-flight matches will all be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.

Having watched Germany's Bundesliga return without fans on television before experiencing the situation himself last week during friendlies, Arteta is aware of the challenges.

He believes it will be hard for some players to display their usual intensity because they will not have the energy of a full stadium to feed off.

"When I was at the Emirates and there was no crowd, you cannot feel that energy, push or drive," Arteta told reporters in a video press conference on Monday.

"The game is different. The intensity drops a little bit. That urgency from the crowd doesn't exist anymore, how passionate the crowds are in England. We have to adapt.

"We have to experience it. We have to find ways to motivate our players as well in moments."

Like most managers, Arteta has concerns about the fitness of his players after they were forced to work out on their own before the gradual return to organised training.

<h2>- 'Ready to compete' -</h2>

With the rest of this season being crammed into just six weeks, Arteta has told his players to forget the unusual circumstances and embrace their return to action.

"We try to make the best of it. Don't try to make any excuses, go for it and enjoy because I think we are all missing football so much," he said.

"I think we have found the right balance, and the most important thing was to provide the players with a safe environment to work where they could feel there was no risk, or a very limited risk, to develop their profession.

"I think we have managed to do that and from now on, the physical part is really good and the mental side as well has been a challenge over those three months. Now let's see how ready we are to compete."

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith said they were aware the eyes of the world would be on their match at Villa Park.

"First game back is going to be a little bit different, what we understand is the magnitude of the game, the coverage of the game," Wilder said at his pre-match video press conference on Monday.

"From our point of view we want to put on a good show and make sure we play well."

Sheffield United, who have 10 games to play, are seventh in the table, chasing Champions League football.

Villa are in the relegation places, but Smith said it was an honour to be playing the first game in the English top flight since March.

Victory over the Blades, their game in hand over their relegation rivals, would take them out of the drop zone with nine matches remaining.

"The eyes of the world will be on us and we are looking forward to it," Smith said.

"The players have been itching to get back."&nbsp;

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits players will have to find motivation without the urgency provided by fans when the Premier League restarts on Wednesday. Arteta's side will feature in the second game of the Premier League relaunch when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, just hours after the opener between Aston Villa and Sheffield United.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits players will have to find motivation without the urgency provided by fans when the Premier League restarts on Wednesday. Arteta's side will feature in the second game of the Premier League relaunch when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, just hours after the opener between Aston Villa and Sheffield United. The remaining 92 top-flight matches will all be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus. Having watched Germany's Bundesliga return without fans on television before experiencing the situation himself last week during friendlies, Arteta is aware of the challenges. He believes it will be hard for some players to display their usual intensity because they will not have the energy of a full stadium to feed off. "When I was at the Emirates and there was no crowd, you cannot feel that energy, push or drive," Arteta told reporters in a video press conference on Monday. "The game is different. The intensity drops a little bit. That urgency from the crowd doesn't exist anymore, how passionate the crowds are in England. We have to adapt. "We have to experience it. We have to find ways to motivate our players as well in moments." Like most managers, Arteta has concerns about the fitness of his players after they were forced to work out on their own before the gradual return to organised training. - 'Ready to compete' - With the rest of this season being crammed into just six weeks, Arteta has told his players to forget the unusual circumstances and embrace their return to action. "We try to make the best of it. Don't try to make any excuses, go for it and enjoy because I think we are all missing football so much," he said. "I think we have found the right balance, and the most important thing was to provide the players with a safe environment to work where they could feel there was no risk, or a very limited risk, to develop their profession. "I think we have managed to do that and from now on, the physical part is really good and the mental side as well has been a challenge over those three months. Now let's see how ready we are to compete." Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Aston Villa boss Dean Smith said they were aware the eyes of the world would be on their match at Villa Park. "First game back is going to be a little bit different, what we understand is the magnitude of the game, the coverage of the game," Wilder said at his pre-match video press conference on Monday. "From our point of view we want to put on a good show and make sure we play well." Sheffield United, who have 10 games to play, are seventh in the table, chasing Champions League football. Villa are in the relegation places, but Smith said it was an honour to be playing the first game in the English top flight since March. Victory over the Blades, their game in hand over their relegation rivals, would take them out of the drop zone with nine matches remaining. "The eyes of the world will be on us and we are looking forward to it," Smith said. "The players have been itching to get back."

Arteta ready for challenge of Premier League relaunch

After around three months of break, Pep Guardiola returned to his pre-match press conference routine albeit via video-conference. Manchester City are set to resume the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> 2019-20 campaign against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on June 17 at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola during the presser admitted that his players “are not ready” for the hectic scheduling of Premier League as the English top-flight looks to wrap up the season quickly.

With only three weeks to prepare for the resumption of the campaign, players may not achieve optimum fitness levels which could eventually lead to injuries. The Man City boss admitted that they need to rotate players given the number of matches cramped up in a short period of time. However, he accepted that it is important to finish the season so as to limit the economic damage to the clubs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-return-the-rules-306305" hreflang="en">Premier League return: the rules</a>

He said: “We are ready to play one game. Three days after and four days after that, we are not ready, not just Man City, all the teams. That is why we have to rotate.&nbsp;

<h2>We have to limit the economic damage to the clubs: Guardiola</h2>

“You can play a game after three weeks on holiday but we spent two weeks on the sofa doing nothing much. That is why the players are not fully fit.&nbsp;

“But that is why we have to finish the season. We have to limit the economic damage to the clubs. The way we are right now, I think other clubs and teams [as well], we don't know. If you ask me how the team is, I don't know,” Guardiola said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-return-the-issues-to-resolve-306203" hreflang="en">Premier League return: the issues to resolve</a>

“Tomorrow we will see the level. From there, we are going to see and suggest what we can do better. What we are worried about over the three weeks [since returning to group training] is the lack of preparation, not like in Germany or Spain where they worked five or six weeks.

“All&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> teams have three. We know it is not enough but it is what it is,” he added.

Man City must play 10 league matches before the end of the season on July 26 before locking horns with Newcastle United on June 28 in the quarter-finals.

After around three months of break, Pep Guardiola returned to his pre-match press conference routine albeit via video-conference. Manchester City are set to resume the Premier League 2019-20 campaign against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on June 17 at the Etihad Stadium.

After around three months of break, Pep Guardiola returned to his pre-match press conference routine albeit via video-conference. Manchester City are set to resume the Premier League 2019-20 campaign against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on June 17 at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola during the presser admitted that his players “are not ready” for the hectic scheduling of Premier League as the English top-flight looks to wrap up the season quickly. With only three weeks to prepare for the resumption of the campaign, players may not achieve optimum fitness levels which could eventually lead to injuries. The Man City boss admitted that they need to rotate players given the number of matches cramped up in a short period of time. However, he accepted that it is important to finish the season so as to limit the economic damage to the clubs. ALSO READ: Premier League return: the rules He said: “We are ready to play one game. Three days after and four days after that, we are not ready, not just Man City, all the teams. That is why we have to rotate. We have to limit the economic damage to the clubs: Guardiola “You can play a game after three weeks on holiday but we spent two weeks on the sofa doing nothing much. That is why the players are not fully fit. “But that is why we have to finish the season. We have to limit the economic damage to the clubs. The way we are right now, I think other clubs and teams [as well], we don't know. If you ask me how the team is, I don't know,” Guardiola said. ALSO READ: Premier League return: the issues to resolve “Tomorrow we will see the level. From there, we are going to see and suggest what we can do better. What we are worried about over the three weeks [since returning to group training] is the lack of preparation, not like in Germany or Spain where they worked five or six weeks. “All Premier League teams have three. We know it is not enough but it is what it is,” he added. Man City must play 10 league matches before the end of the season on July 26 before locking horns with Newcastle United on June 28 in the quarter-finals.

Pep Guardiola: Man City players not ready for hectic Premier League schedule

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will provide a summer food fund for struggling families in England, bowing to pressure from England forward Marcus Rashford and his campaign to prevent children from going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic.

British ministers originally said school food vouchers would not be available over the long summer holiday, prompting the 22-year-old Manchester United forward to take up the cause and reveal how he had relied on such support as a boy.

Before a debate in parliament, and as some lawmakers from the governing Conservative Party called for a change, Johnson’s spokesman said the government would be providing a COVID summer food fund costing around 120 million pounds ($150 million).

“Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the prime minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer. To reflect this we will be providing a COVID summer food fund,” his spokesman said.

Rashford used a column in the Times newspaper on Tuesday to argue that while he may not have the education of a lawmaker in parliament, he did have a social education.

He has already helped to raise around 20 million pounds with charity Fareshare UK to supply meals to struggling families.

“I don’t even know what to say,” he said on Twitter of the change in policy. “Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”

The move by the government was met with widespread praise for Rashford from fellow sports stars, politicians and the mayor of London. “Well played, Marcus. Well played,” said former England captain and pundit Gary Lineker on Twitter.

“Good to see Marcus Rashford keeping up his record of scoring on debut in each new competition,” one comment said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will provide a summer food fund for struggling families in England, bowing to pressure from England forward Marcus Rashford and his campaign to prevent children from going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will provide a summer food fund for struggling families in England, bowing to pressure from England forward Marcus Rashford and his campaign to prevent children from going hungry during the coronavirus pandemic. British ministers originally said school food vouchers would not be available over the long summer holiday, prompting the 22-year-old Manchester United forward to take up the cause and reveal how he had relied on such support as a boy. Before a debate in parliament, and as some lawmakers from the governing Conservative Party called for a change, Johnson’s spokesman said the government would be providing a COVID summer food fund costing around 120 million pounds ($150 million). “Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the prime minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer. To reflect this we will be providing a COVID summer food fund,” his spokesman said. Rashford used a column in the Times newspaper on Tuesday to argue that while he may not have the education of a lawmaker in parliament, he did have a social education. He has already helped to raise around 20 million pounds with charity Fareshare UK to supply meals to struggling families. “I don’t even know what to say,” he said on Twitter of the change in policy. “Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.” The move by the government was met with widespread praise for Rashford from fellow sports stars, politicians and the mayor of London. “Well played, Marcus. Well played,” said former England captain and pundit Gary Lineker on Twitter. “Good to see Marcus Rashford keeping up his record of scoring on debut in each new competition,” one comment said.

UK PM Johnson bows to footballer Marcus Rashford's pressure to provide summer food fund

No spitting and no handshakes -- the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> season resumes on Wednesday looking very different from three months ago.

Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Premier League have issued detailed guidance before the big kick-off, stating: "Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure that stadiums are as safe as possible for everybody present."

AFP Sport takes a look at the new rules in place:

<h2>Stadium safety</h2>

About 300 people will be allowed into stadiums for each of the remaining 92 matches of the season.&nbsp;

Grounds will be divided into three zones: red, amber and green.&nbsp;Each zone has unique protocols and procedures.&nbsp;

Only those who have undergone tests in the five days before a match can enter the red zone in any stadium, which includes the pitch, technical area, tunnel and dressing rooms.&nbsp;

Those individuals must have a "clinical passport" -- a bar code that shows their most recent test result is negative -– before being granted access.&nbsp;

<h2>Pre-match</h2>

Players and staff are required to undergo daily screening for the virus. Before leaving for a match, they must complete relevant checks for COVID-19 and report any symptoms.&nbsp;

Teams can travel to the stadium via car, coach, plane or train, but must do so in sterile environments and must observe social distancing.&nbsp;

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, whose team visit Aston Villa in the opening game of the relaunch on Wednesday, said: "We are going on three buses. The main guys are on the first one, so you will see the team from who gets off first."

Players and staff will be given a sterile route from their vehicles to the dressing rooms, which must have enough space to allow for suitable social distancing. &nbsp;

Teams will be encouraged to stagger their use of changing rooms. Showers can be used, as long as individuals remain socially distanced.

Sheffield United will not use the away dressing room at Villa Park and have instead been allocated a press room and players' lounge to change in.

"We are changing in a big media room at Villa Park, not in the changing rooms and our players have to stay two metres apart when there is a break in play," Wilder said.

At some stadiums, teams will use different tunnels. Where there is one tunnel, players and match officials will stagger their journeys to and from the pitch.

<h2>Hygiene</h2>

Widespread disinfection will take place including of changing facilities, dugouts, matchballs, goalposts, corner flags and substitution boards.&nbsp;

People other than players and coaching staff on team benches must wear face coverings.

<h2>No handshakes</h2>

When teams line up for the Premier League anthem, players will now stand in a staggered formation.

The traditional handshakes between the two teams will no longer happen and there will also be no handshakes at the coin toss.&nbsp;

Trainers' benches will be expanded to enable social distancing during matches.

<h2>Spitting ban</h2>

Players have been told to maintain distancing during goal celebrations. No spitting or nose-clearing is allowed and players will use their own water bottles.

In the Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin defender Dedryck Boyata found himself in hot water last month after grabbing the face of team-mate Marko Grujic.

Boyata apologised, saying players had to "adapt" to the new rules.

Premier League players have also been told to avoid mass confrontations with opponents or match officials and to try to restrict interaction with opponents after the match.

No spitting and no handshakes -- the Premier League season resumes on Wednesday looking very different from three months ago. Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Premier League have issued detailed guidance before the big kick-off, stating: "Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure that stadiums are as safe as possible for everybody present.

No spitting and no handshakes -- the Premier League season resumes on Wednesday looking very different from three months ago. Amid the coronavirus crisis, the Premier League have issued detailed guidance before the big kick-off, stating: "Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure that stadiums are as safe as possible for everybody present." AFP Sport takes a look at the new rules in place: Stadium safety About 300 people will be allowed into stadiums for each of the remaining 92 matches of the season. Grounds will be divided into three zones: red, amber and green. Each zone has unique protocols and procedures. Only those who have undergone tests in the five days before a match can enter the red zone in any stadium, which includes the pitch, technical area, tunnel and dressing rooms. Those individuals must have a "clinical passport" -- a bar code that shows their most recent test result is negative -– before being granted access. Pre-match Players and staff are required to undergo daily screening for the virus. Before leaving for a match, they must complete relevant checks for COVID-19 and report any symptoms. Teams can travel to the stadium via car, coach, plane or train, but must do so in sterile environments and must observe social distancing. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, whose team visit Aston Villa in the opening game of the relaunch on Wednesday, said: "We are going on three buses. The main guys are on the first one, so you will see the team from who gets off first." Players and staff will be given a sterile route from their vehicles to the dressing rooms, which must have enough space to allow for suitable social distancing. Teams will be encouraged to stagger their use of changing rooms. Showers can be used, as long as individuals remain socially distanced. Sheffield United will not use the away dressing room at Villa Park and have instead been allocated a press room and players' lounge to change in. "We are changing in a big media room at Villa Park, not in the changing rooms and our players have to stay two metres apart when there is a break in play," Wilder said. At some stadiums, teams will use different tunnels. Where there is one tunnel, players and match officials will stagger their journeys to and from the pitch. Hygiene Widespread disinfection will take place including of changing facilities, dugouts, matchballs, goalposts, corner flags and substitution boards. People other than players and coaching staff on team benches must wear face coverings. No handshakes When teams line up for the Premier League anthem, players will now stand in a staggered formation. The traditional handshakes between the two teams will no longer happen and there will also be no handshakes at the coin toss. Trainers' benches will be expanded to enable social distancing during matches. Spitting ban Players have been told to maintain distancing during goal celebrations. No spitting or nose-clearing is allowed and players will use their own water bottles. In the Bundesliga, Hertha Berlin defender Dedryck Boyata found himself in hot water last month after grabbing the face of team-mate Marko Grujic. Boyata apologised, saying players had to "adapt" to the new rules. Premier League players have also been told to avoid mass confrontations with opponents or match officials and to try to restrict interaction with opponents after the match.

Premier League return: the rules

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is of the view that Virat Kohli has managed to have a successful T20 career due to his ultimate fitness levels despite not having Chris Gayle’s ‘strength’ or AB de Villiers’ ‘ability’.&nbsp;

Kohli, who has impeccable records in Tests and ODIs, has also left a lasting impact in the shortest format of the game while accumulating 2,794 runs off 82 games at an average of 50.8.

"He (Kohli) was always a very smart cricketer, but then he turned his entire T20 career into a very successful one, just by being supremely fit," Gambhir said on Star Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-identifies-september-26-to-november-8-for-ipl-2020-report-306243" hreflang="en">BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report</a>

"Probably because he does not have the strength of Chris Gayle, he doesn't have the ability of AB de Villiers, he probably does not have the ability of Jacques Kallis or Brian Lara," he observed.

The cricketer-turned-politician, Gambhir, further said that the Indian captain heaped praise on Kohli by lauding his fitness levels and the way he runs between the wickets. Kohli has also bagged 5,412 runs in 177 games in IPL, making him one of the most successful batsmen in the league.

"The biggest strength he's got is now his fitness and he's turned that into his game as well, that's why he has become so successful, so you got to give it to the guy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-it-is-unrealistic-cricket-australia-chairman-earl-eddings-on-t20-world-cup-2020-306213" hreflang="en">'I think it is unrealistic' - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on T20 World Cup 2020</a>

"The most important thing is that he runs really well between the wickets, not many people do it," added Gambhir, who was part of both 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning Indian teams.

"There are very few cricketers in world cricket at this time who can rotate of every ball and that is what Virat Kohli does really well and that's why he's different from the rest," said Gambhir.

The southpaw added that Kohli’s running between the sticks makes him stand out in front of Rohit Sharma or cricketers like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers as he said that is the reason why the Indian captain averages 50 in the shortest format of the game.

"You see Rohit Sharma, probably Rohit Sharma doesn't have that quality which Virat Kohli has to rotate the strike," he said.

"Chris Gayle or AB de Villiers don't have that ability to rotate the strike, especially against spin bowling, but Virat Kohli has that, that's why he averages 50," Gambhir signed off. 
&nbsp;

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is of the view that Virat Kohli has managed to have a successful T20 career due to his ultimate fitness levels despite not having Chris Gayle’s ‘strength’ or AB de Villiers’ ‘ability’.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir is of the view that Virat Kohli has managed to have a successful T20 career due to his ultimate fitness levels despite not having Chris Gayle’s ‘strength’ or AB de Villiers’ ‘ability’. Kohli, who has impeccable records in Tests and ODIs, has also left a lasting impact in the shortest format of the game while accumulating 2,794 runs off 82 games at an average of 50.8. "He (Kohli) was always a very smart cricketer, but then he turned his entire T20 career into a very successful one, just by being supremely fit," Gambhir said on Star Sports. ALSO READ: BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report "Probably because he does not have the strength of Chris Gayle, he doesn't have the ability of AB de Villiers, he probably does not have the ability of Jacques Kallis or Brian Lara," he observed. The cricketer-turned-politician, Gambhir, further said that the Indian captain heaped praise on Kohli by lauding his fitness levels and the way he runs between the wickets. Kohli has also bagged 5,412 runs in 177 games in IPL, making him one of the most successful batsmen in the league. "The biggest strength he's got is now his fitness and he's turned that into his game as well, that's why he has become so successful, so you got to give it to the guy. ALSO READ: 'I think it is unrealistic' - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on T20 World Cup 2020 "The most important thing is that he runs really well between the wickets, not many people do it," added Gambhir, who was part of both 2007 and 2011 World Cup-winning Indian teams. "There are very few cricketers in world cricket at this time who can rotate of every ball and that is what Virat Kohli does really well and that's why he's different from the rest," said Gambhir. The southpaw added that Kohli’s running between the sticks makes him stand out in front of Rohit Sharma or cricketers like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers as he said that is the reason why the Indian captain averages 50 in the shortest format of the game. "You see Rohit Sharma, probably Rohit Sharma doesn't have that quality which Virat Kohli has to rotate the strike," he said. "Chris Gayle or AB de Villiers don't have that ability to rotate the strike, especially against spin bowling, but Virat Kohli has that, that's why he averages 50," Gambhir signed off.

Gautam Gambhir points out what makes Virat Kohli successful in T20s

With the action continuing in ECS T10 League, Indiska CC (IND) will take on Stockholm Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ninth match of the tournament at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm. The 10-over encounter will be played on Tuesday with a nail-biting contest expected between the two sides.

Sweden continues to be centre of the ECS T10 League with as many as seven teams participating in the tournament. Alby Zalmi CC, Indiska CC, Kista CC, Pakistanska Föreningen, Sigtuna CC, Stockholm CC, Stockholm Mumbai Indians – are vying for the trophy with the final scheduled to be played on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-identifies-september-26-to-november-8-for-ipl-2020-report-306243" hreflang="en">BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report</a>

<h2>IND vs SMI My Dream11 Team: Indiska CC vs Stockholm Mumbai Indians – ECS T10 League</h2>

Darshan Lakhani (captain), Dipanjan Dey (vice-captain), Suhas Murali, Avinash Donagre, Pratik Sankhe, Imran Khan, Gurvinder Singh, Chandrakant Shelar, Swapnil Kale, Sanjay Kumar Sareen, Sachin Hiremath

<h2>IND vs SMI: Indiska CC squad</h2>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/banallchineseproducts-harbhajan-singh-lashes-out-at-china-after-violent-face-off-with-indian-army-at-lac-306259" hreflang="en">'#BanAllChineseProducts' - Harbhajan Singh lashes out at China after violent face-off with Indian Army at LAC</a>

Dipanjan Dey, Arijit Ghosh, Suhas Murali, Imran Khan, Abhishek Kaul, Sanjay Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Bhargav Kumar (WK), Lalljeet Maan, Sachin Sharma, Nirmal Iyer, Ribhu Yadav, Harish Rishi, Rajesh Kumar, Chirinjeevi Vattiri, Apoorv Gupta, Viney Dhar, Rahul Yadav, Shaukat, Sanjay Kumar Sareen, Keyur Patel, Srikant Parmeshwar, Gurvinder Singh, Murlidhar Tikyani.

<h2>IND vs SMI: Stockholm Mumbai Indians squad</h2>

Hemant Parab, Pratik Sankhe, Ajey Mohatkar, Ankur Kakroo, Darshan Lakhani, Kaushik Majumder, Mansing Bhor, Mrunal Pawar, Nikhil Pandya, Prasad Tengali, Ruturaj Dhage, Sanjay Mahajan, Sunil Kaklij, Sushant Kadam, Swapnil Kale, Tabish Hussain, Rohit SVS, Chandrakant Shelar. 
&nbsp;

With the action continuing in ECS T10 League, Indiska CC (IND) will take on Stockholm Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ninth match of the tournament at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm.

With the action continuing in ECS T10 League, Indiska CC (IND) will take on Stockholm Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ninth match of the tournament at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm. The 10-over encounter will be played on Tuesday with a nail-biting contest expected between the two sides. Sweden continues to be centre of the ECS T10 League with as many as seven teams participating in the tournament. Alby Zalmi CC, Indiska CC, Kista CC, Pakistanska Föreningen, Sigtuna CC, Stockholm CC, Stockholm Mumbai Indians – are vying for the trophy with the final scheduled to be played on Friday. ALSO READ: BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report IND vs SMI My Dream11 Team: Indiska CC vs Stockholm Mumbai Indians – ECS T10 League Darshan Lakhani (captain), Dipanjan Dey (vice-captain), Suhas Murali, Avinash Donagre, Pratik Sankhe, Imran Khan, Gurvinder Singh, Chandrakant Shelar, Swapnil Kale, Sanjay Kumar Sareen, Sachin Hiremath IND vs SMI: Indiska CC squad ALSO READ: '#BanAllChineseProducts' - Harbhajan Singh lashes out at China after violent face-off with Indian Army at LAC Dipanjan Dey, Arijit Ghosh, Suhas Murali, Imran Khan, Abhishek Kaul, Sanjay Kumar, Amandeep Singh, Bhargav Kumar (WK), Lalljeet Maan, Sachin Sharma, Nirmal Iyer, Ribhu Yadav, Harish Rishi, Rajesh Kumar, Chirinjeevi Vattiri, Apoorv Gupta, Viney Dhar, Rahul Yadav, Shaukat, Sanjay Kumar Sareen, Keyur Patel, Srikant Parmeshwar, Gurvinder Singh, Murlidhar Tikyani. IND vs SMI: Stockholm Mumbai Indians squad Hemant Parab, Pratik Sankhe, Ajey Mohatkar, Ankur Kakroo, Darshan Lakhani, Kaushik Majumder, Mansing Bhor, Mrunal Pawar, Nikhil Pandya, Prasad Tengali, Ruturaj Dhage, Sanjay Mahajan, Sunil Kaklij, Sushant Kadam, Swapnil Kale, Tabish Hussain, Rohit SVS, Chandrakant Shelar.

IND vs SMI, Dream11 Prediction, ECS T10 League: Best picks, fantasy cricket tips for Indiska CC vs Stockholm Mumbai Indians

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.&nbsp;Three Indian Army personnel, one officer and two soldiers, were martyred in the violent standoff that occurred on Monday night between the Indian and Chinese troops.&nbsp;

"During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place on Monday night with casualties. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers," the Army said in a statement.

Whereas Harbhajan Singh, taking to social media platform Twitter, wrote: “Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-identifies-september-26-to-november-8-for-ipl-2020-report-306243" hreflang="en">BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ban all Chinese products <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottChineseProducts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottChineseProducts</a> <a href="https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE">https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1272809783360249856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A divisional Commander Level meeting is going on at the Eastern Ladakh Sector to defuse the border situation in China.&nbsp;

The Indian Army further said that “casualties suffered on both sides” in violent face-off during the de-escalation process.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-indian-soldiers-martyred-in-clash-with-chinese-troops-along-lac-306224" hreflang="en">3 Indian soldiers martyred in clash with Chinese troops along LAC</a>

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry when asked about Indian Army reporting casualties during the clash with its troops accused Indian troops of crossing the border and "attacking Chinese personnel", AFP added.

China's Global Times quoting the foreign minister said that "Indian troops on Monday seriously violated consensus of the two sides by illegally crossing the border twice and carrying out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers, resulting in serious physical clashes"

"China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side and urged it to strictly restrain its frontline troops from crossing the border or taking any unilateral action that may complicate the border situation," the Global Times quoted the foreign minister as saying.

"China and India agreed to resolve the bilateral issues through dialogue to ease the border situation and maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas," the Global Times quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.

Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday called for a complete ban on Chinese products following a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley, Ladakh. Three Indian Army personnel, one officer and two soldiers, were martyred in the violent standoff that occurred on Monday night between the Indian and Chinese troops. "During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place on Monday night with casualties. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers," the Army said in a statement. Whereas Harbhajan Singh, taking to social media platform Twitter, wrote: “Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts” ALSO READ: BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts https://t.co/nzaNc3DyoE — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 16, 2020 × A divisional Commander Level meeting is going on at the Eastern Ladakh Sector to defuse the border situation in China. The Indian Army further said that “casualties suffered on both sides” in violent face-off during the de-escalation process. ALSO READ: 3 Indian soldiers martyred in clash with Chinese troops along LAC Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry when asked about Indian Army reporting casualties during the clash with its troops accused Indian troops of crossing the border and "attacking Chinese personnel", AFP added. China's Global Times quoting the foreign minister said that "Indian troops on Monday seriously violated consensus of the two sides by illegally crossing the border twice and carrying out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers, resulting in serious physical clashes" "China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side and urged it to strictly restrain its frontline troops from crossing the border or taking any unilateral action that may complicate the border situation," the Global Times quoted the foreign minister as saying. "China and India agreed to resolve the bilateral issues through dialogue to ease the border situation and maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas," the Global Times quoted the Chinese foreign minister as saying.

'#BanAllChineseProducts' - Harbhajan Singh lashes out at China after violent face-off with Indian Army at LAC

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed on September 26 to November 8 as the tentative schedule for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> 2020. The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, in a letter to member state associations, has made his intent clear to host the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;

The BCCI is going all out in its bid to host <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> and has finalised the dates for the tournament. The tentative schedule is although subject to the postponement of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-it-is-unrealistic-cricket-australia-chairman-earl-eddings-on-t20-world-cup-2020-306213" hreflang="en">'I think it is unrealistic' - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on T20 World Cup 2020</a>

<h2>September 26-November 8, tentative dates for IPL 2020</h2>

As per reports, the BCCI has spoken to all the franchises, media partners and other stakeholders of IPL and came up as September 26 to November 8 as the window to host the lucrative cricket league.

The ICC, on June 10, had deferred decision on the T20 World Cup following the Board meeting to the month of July. As per a report, the BCCI was not ready to wait that long and Ganguly mailed the letter to member associations.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-chief-roberts-resigns-amid-leadership-criticism-306221" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism</a>

“We can’t keep our plans on hold. ICC has to decide on the T20 World Cup way forward and we have to decide on our plans. That is the reason tentative window has been zeroed down and we will start preparing as per this window for IPL”, an unnamed BCCI member was quoted as saying by InsideSport.&nbsp;

However, the BCCI is yet to take a call on the venue for IPL 2020 with cases continue to rise in India rapidly. So far, the UAE and Sri Lankan cricket board have offered to host IPL and that could be an option for the BCCI.&nbsp;

IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel had earlier said: “the IPL 2020 can be hosted closed doors, can be limited to fewer venues, can be taken overseas, can be even played without international players”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed on September 26 to November 8 as the tentative schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, in a letter to member state associations, has made his intent clear to host the cash-rich tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zeroed on September 26 to November 8 as the tentative schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, in a letter to member state associations, has made his intent clear to host the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI is going all out in its bid to host IPL 2020 and has finalised the dates for the tournament. The tentative schedule is although subject to the postponement of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November. ALSO READ: 'I think it is unrealistic' - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on T20 World Cup 2020 September 26-November 8, tentative dates for IPL 2020 As per reports, the BCCI has spoken to all the franchises, media partners and other stakeholders of IPL and came up as September 26 to November 8 as the window to host the lucrative cricket league. The ICC, on June 10, had deferred decision on the T20 World Cup following the Board meeting to the month of July. As per a report, the BCCI was not ready to wait that long and Ganguly mailed the letter to member associations. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism “We can’t keep our plans on hold. ICC has to decide on the T20 World Cup way forward and we have to decide on our plans. That is the reason tentative window has been zeroed down and we will start preparing as per this window for IPL”, an unnamed BCCI member was quoted as saying by InsideSport. However, the BCCI is yet to take a call on the venue for IPL 2020 with cases continue to rise in India rapidly. So far, the UAE and Sri Lankan cricket board have offered to host IPL and that could be an option for the BCCI. IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel had earlier said: “the IPL 2020 can be hosted closed doors, can be limited to fewer venues, can be taken overseas, can be even played without international players”

BCCI identifies September 26 to November 8 for IPL 2020: Report

Pakistanska Foreningen (PF) is set to take on Stockholm CC (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Tuesday at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm. With ECS T10 League producing nail-biting matches on Monday, the matches on Tuesday promises to be cracking affair with PF and STO facing off.&nbsp;

Sweden will be looking forward to showcasing their cricketing skills in the sport-hungry world. As many as seven teams are participating the ECS T10 League - Alby Zalmi CC, Indiska CC, Kista CC, Pakistanska Föreningen, Sigtuna CC, Stockholm CC, Stockholm Mumbai Indians – with the final scheduled to be played on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-chief-roberts-resigns-amid-leadership-criticism-306221" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism</a>

<h2>PF vs STO, (Pakistanska Foreningen&nbsp; vs Stockholm CC) My Dream11 Team:</h2>

Sameer Ali Khan (C), Umesh Bharti (VC), Choudry Share Ali, Abhishek Mathur, Himanshu Patel, Tajammal Hussain, Vaince Waqqas, Kaushik Vats, Tasaduq Hussain, Suman Mokhamatam, Muhammad Bilal

<h2>PF vs STO squads</h2>

ECS T10 League - Pakistanska Foreningen: Choudry Share Ali, Imam Din, Sameer Ali Khan, Azeem Amin, Muhammad Usama Chaudhry, Tajammal Hussain, Waqar Hassan, Kamran Zia, Mohammad Vajjih Ali, Tasaduq Hussain, Zubair Aslam, Umar Khan, Muhammad Bilal, Vaince Muhammad Waqqas, Khalil Jalali.

ECS T10 League - Stockholm CC squad: Viswanadha Bazawada, Abhishek Mathur, Feroz Patel, Rakesh Kumar, Umesh Bharti, Avinash Upadhyaya, Prem Krishna, Akash Jha, Suman Mokhamatam, Akanshu Mahajan, Harsha Vardahana Singaraju, Himanshu Patel, Ashok Ganesan Ramalingam, Rajesh Lal Raveendran, Kaushik Vats, Sampat Manju Lyengar, Santosh Yadlapalli, Vinod Chalindra, Shrikant Sakpal. 
&nbsp;

Pakistanska Foreningen (PF) is set to take on Stockholm CC (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Tuesday at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm. With ECS T10 League producing nail-biting matches on Monday, the matches on Tuesday promises to be cracking affair with PF and STO facing off.

Pakistanska Foreningen (PF) is set to take on Stockholm CC (STO) in the ECS T10 League on Tuesday at the Marsta Cricket Club in Stockholm. With ECS T10 League producing nail-biting matches on Monday, the matches on Tuesday promises to be cracking affair with PF and STO facing off. Sweden will be looking forward to showcasing their cricketing skills in the sport-hungry world. As many as seven teams are participating the ECS T10 League - Alby Zalmi CC, Indiska CC, Kista CC, Pakistanska Föreningen, Sigtuna CC, Stockholm CC, Stockholm Mumbai Indians – with the final scheduled to be played on Friday. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism PF vs STO, (Pakistanska Foreningen vs Stockholm CC) My Dream11 Team: Sameer Ali Khan (C), Umesh Bharti (VC), Choudry Share Ali, Abhishek Mathur, Himanshu Patel, Tajammal Hussain, Vaince Waqqas, Kaushik Vats, Tasaduq Hussain, Suman Mokhamatam, Muhammad Bilal PF vs STO squads ECS T10 League - Pakistanska Foreningen: Choudry Share Ali, Imam Din, Sameer Ali Khan, Azeem Amin, Muhammad Usama Chaudhry, Tajammal Hussain, Waqar Hassan, Kamran Zia, Mohammad Vajjih Ali, Tasaduq Hussain, Zubair Aslam, Umar Khan, Muhammad Bilal, Vaince Muhammad Waqqas, Khalil Jalali. ECS T10 League - Stockholm CC squad: Viswanadha Bazawada, Abhishek Mathur, Feroz Patel, Rakesh Kumar, Umesh Bharti, Avinash Upadhyaya, Prem Krishna, Akash Jha, Suman Mokhamatam, Akanshu Mahajan, Harsha Vardahana Singaraju, Himanshu Patel, Ashok Ganesan Ramalingam, Rajesh Lal Raveendran, Kaushik Vats, Sampat Manju Lyengar, Santosh Yadlapalli, Vinod Chalindra, Shrikant Sakpal.

PF vs STO, Dream11, ECS T10 League: Fantasy cricket tips for Pakistanska Foreningen vs Stockholm CC

The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

As per multiple reports, the USTA will announce this week that the US Open will be held between August 31 to September 13 in New York with support of ATP and WTA.

The reports further suggested that the men’s and women’s tours are “happening or almost there” with the USTA waiting for a green light from local and state health officials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-breaks-down-in-tears-after-hosting-belgrade-charity-exhibition-305947" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition</a>

“We’re following each step in the procedure that we need to with the great hope that we can announce that the 2020 U.S. Open will be played in its regularly scheduled date,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in an email to Reuters.

“We hope to make an announcement regarding the status of the 2020 U.S. Open in the very near future.”

Tennis has been on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown will extend until August. While the Wimbledon was cancelled, the French Open was moved to September and is scheduled to start one week after the US Open men’s final. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have expressed concerns about attending the tournament whereas Nick Kyrgios has slammed the organisers for being “selfish”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-star-marcelo-takes-a-knee-to-show-solidarity-to-black-lives-matter-campaign-305901" hreflang="en">Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign</a>

Meanwhile, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was turned into a temporary hospital to help the country combat the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The US Open 2018 drew an all-time attendance record of nearly 740,000 fans.

The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus.

The United States Tennis Association is set to host the US Open this year, behind closed doors, amid the COVID-19, despite some of the elite players expressing concerns surrounding the tournament due to the dreaded virus. As per multiple reports, the USTA will announce this week that the US Open will be held between August 31 to September 13 in New York with support of ATP and WTA. The reports further suggested that the men’s and women’s tours are “happening or almost there” with the USTA waiting for a green light from local and state health officials. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after hosting Belgrade charity exhibition “We’re following each step in the procedure that we need to with the great hope that we can announce that the 2020 U.S. Open will be played in its regularly scheduled date,” USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said in an email to Reuters. “We hope to make an announcement regarding the status of the 2020 U.S. Open in the very near future.” Tennis has been on hold since March due to COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown will extend until August. While the Wimbledon was cancelled, the French Open was moved to September and is scheduled to start one week after the US Open men’s final. The likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have expressed concerns about attending the tournament whereas Nick Kyrgios has slammed the organisers for being “selfish”. ALSO READ: Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign Meanwhile, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was turned into a temporary hospital to help the country combat the deadly virus. The US Open 2018 drew an all-time attendance record of nearly 740,000 fans.

US Open to go ahead behind closed doors amid COVID-19: Reports

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures.

CA chairman Earl Eddings confirmed on Tuesday that Roberts had been replaced by interim CEO Nick Hockley, the chief executive of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, and the board would begin the search for a long-term replacement.

While Eddings cast Roberts’ departure as a mutual decision, he also said CA wanted a “new leadership style” and the permanent successor would need strong communication skills.

“Kevin and I and the board have worked out over the last three-four months that things do need to change,” Eddings told reporters in a video call.

“Kevin tendered his resignation and we agreed. Now we move on.”

Roberts, who succeeded James Sutherland in October 2018 and had 18 months left on his contract, becomes the third CEO of a major Australian sport to depart following National Rugby League boss Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle.

Prior to taking the top job at CA, Roberts played a leading role in the board’s unsuccessful attempt to get players to abandon a long-held revenue-sharing agreement in 2017.

Since then he has often spoke of restoring harmony to player relations but things unravelled after CA’s shock decision to furlough 80% of staff in April, citing the need to “proactively” manage the financial impact of COVID-19.

State associations pushed back against proposals to cut their grants while players rejected forward estimates of revenue which underpins their pay two weeks ago.

With coronavirus infections dwindling in Australia, and India having all but confirmed their tour in the home summer — which stands to be CA’s biggest revenue earner in years — Roberts’ doomsday warnings began to look premature.

However, Eddings said domestic cricket was “not out of the woods” and that hosting the 16-team Twenty20 World Cup in October as scheduled was “unrealistic” due to travel restrictions.

He also confirmed CA would announce redundancies as part of a restructure on Wednesday.

“We will still need to reshape the cost base for Australian cricket to be able to prepare us for the future,” he said.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has resigned after months of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus shutdown, having alienated players and state associations over cost-cutting measures. CA chairman Earl Eddings confirmed on Tuesday that Roberts had been replaced by interim CEO Nick Hockley, the chief executive of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, and the board would begin the search for a long-term replacement. While Eddings cast Roberts’ departure as a mutual decision, he also said CA wanted a “new leadership style” and the permanent successor would need strong communication skills. “Kevin and I and the board have worked out over the last three-four months that things do need to change,” Eddings told reporters in a video call. “Kevin tendered his resignation and we agreed. Now we move on.” Roberts, who succeeded James Sutherland in October 2018 and had 18 months left on his contract, becomes the third CEO of a major Australian sport to depart following National Rugby League boss Todd Greenberg and Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle. Prior to taking the top job at CA, Roberts played a leading role in the board’s unsuccessful attempt to get players to abandon a long-held revenue-sharing agreement in 2017. Since then he has often spoke of restoring harmony to player relations but things unravelled after CA’s shock decision to furlough 80% of staff in April, citing the need to “proactively” manage the financial impact of COVID-19. State associations pushed back against proposals to cut their grants while players rejected forward estimates of revenue which underpins their pay two weeks ago. With coronavirus infections dwindling in Australia, and India having all but confirmed their tour in the home summer — which stands to be CA’s biggest revenue earner in years — Roberts’ doomsday warnings began to look premature. However, Eddings said domestic cricket was “not out of the woods” and that hosting the 16-team Twenty20 World Cup in October as scheduled was “unrealistic” due to travel restrictions. He also confirmed CA would announce redundancies as part of a restructure on Wednesday. “We will still need to reshape the cost base for Australian cricket to be able to prepare us for the future,” he said.

Cricket Australia chief Roberts resigns amid leadership criticism

In ordinary circumstances Manchester City would have long since relinquished their Premier League crown to Liverpool.&nbsp;

Yet on Wednesday, days before the summer solstice, Pep Guardiola’s side will step out at the Etihad Stadium hoping to delay Liverpool’s inevitable coronation a while longer.

Three months after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Britain and left Liverpool agonisingly close to sealing the title, action resumes as City host Arsenal and Aston Villa welcome Sheffield United — the first of the 92 Premier League fixtures crammed into the next five weeks.

It will be a poignant evening, with both games played inside empty stadiums and marked before kickoff by a minute’s silence for the more than 40,000 people to die of the virus in the UK.

Both managers suffered personally during the tragic weeks that put soccer matches into perspective. Guardiola’s mother died from COVID-19 while Mikel Arteta, who left his post as Guardiola’s assistant in December to manage Arsenal, caught the virus in March but recovered.

Once the whistle blows, however, the competitive juices will kick in and their focus will be only on the next 90 minutes.

In many ways Wednesday’s clash is more crucial to Arsenal.

While City are 25 points adrift of runaway leaders Liverpool, who need two wins to secure their first title since 1990, Arsenal’s burst of form before the shutdown means they have pushed themselves into contention for a top-five finish.

As if this Premier League season was not strange enough, City’s European ban for breaching UEFA financial rules means that instead of needing to finish in the top-four to claim a Champions League spot, fifth is likely to suffice.

Arteta had revived Arsenal before the shutdown, the Gunners unbeaten in eight league games, winning three in a row.

They may be ninth, but are only five points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, having played one game fewer. Even though that game in hand is at City, keeper Bernd Leno thinks the circumstances favour the Gunners.

“We can surprise City because nobody has the rhythm. I’m sure we can have a good start,” he said. “Mikel (Arteta) knows every player and he knows the manager better than anyone.”

In ordinary circumstances Manchester City would have long since relinquished their Premier League crown to Liverpool. Yet on Wednesday, days before the summer solstice, Pep Guardiola’s side will step out at the Etihad Stadium hoping to delay Liverpool’s inevitable coronation a while longer.

In ordinary circumstances Manchester City would have long since relinquished their Premier League crown to Liverpool. Yet on Wednesday, days before the summer solstice, Pep Guardiola’s side will step out at the Etihad Stadium hoping to delay Liverpool’s inevitable coronation a while longer. Three months after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Britain and left Liverpool agonisingly close to sealing the title, action resumes as City host Arsenal and Aston Villa welcome Sheffield United — the first of the 92 Premier League fixtures crammed into the next five weeks. It will be a poignant evening, with both games played inside empty stadiums and marked before kickoff by a minute’s silence for the more than 40,000 people to die of the virus in the UK. Both managers suffered personally during the tragic weeks that put soccer matches into perspective. Guardiola’s mother died from COVID-19 while Mikel Arteta, who left his post as Guardiola’s assistant in December to manage Arsenal, caught the virus in March but recovered. Once the whistle blows, however, the competitive juices will kick in and their focus will be only on the next 90 minutes. In many ways Wednesday’s clash is more crucial to Arsenal. While City are 25 points adrift of runaway leaders Liverpool, who need two wins to secure their first title since 1990, Arsenal’s burst of form before the shutdown means they have pushed themselves into contention for a top-five finish. As if this Premier League season was not strange enough, City’s European ban for breaching UEFA financial rules means that instead of needing to finish in the top-four to claim a Champions League spot, fifth is likely to suffice. Arteta had revived Arsenal before the shutdown, the Gunners unbeaten in eight league games, winning three in a row. They may be ninth, but are only five points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, having played one game fewer. Even though that game in hand is at City, keeper Bernd Leno thinks the circumstances favour the Gunners. “We can surprise City because nobody has the rhythm. I’m sure we can have a good start,” he said. “Mikel (Arteta) knows every player and he knows the manager better than anyone.”

Man City face futile pursuit, Villa seek survival as season resumes

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