#PLStories- Premier League teams agree to continue fixtures amid Covid concerns #PL

PREM Clubs today agreed to fulfil their upcoming fixtures, after discussing potential postponements to matchweeks. All 20 Premier League sides attended the meeting, althought no vote was held, despite some calls from managers to postpone matches. It had been believed that gameweek 20, starting on 28 December, would be postponed. Saints are due to host Tottenham Hotspur on 28 December, with the game to be shown live on Amazon Prime. The Premier League's deal with Amazon was believed to be a sticking point for any potential postponements. In a statement, the Premier League said: "It was confirmed at a Premier League club meeting today that while recognising a number of clubs are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and challenges, it is the League’s collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible. "The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority and the League will continue to monitor and reflect public health guidance, always proceeding with caution. "A range of issues were discussed at this afternoon’s meeting, including the adaption of the Premier League COVID-19 postponement process in response to the impact of the Omicron variant." Clubs are now being advised if they have 13 fit players, plus a goalkeeper, they will have to play games. Previously the Premier League had been operating on a case-by-case basis. The League also confirmed that 92 per cent of players and club staff have received at least one vaccination dose, with 84 per cent of players on the 'vaccination journey'. The FA have scrapped replays in the next two rounds of the FA Cup in a bid to reduce fixtures. This now means that when Saints visit Swansea in the third round, the match will be decided on the day - meaning we could see extra time and even penalties.