Premier League: No Burnley vs Watford following COVID outbreak
Burnley vs Watford is the latest Premier League fixture to be postponed until further notice due to a COVID outbreak; the game got called off at the last minute.
On the eve of the second day of Matchday 17 events in the Premier League, the fourth fixture gets cancelled due to a COVID outbreak — the second game involving Sean Dyche’s Burnley (vs. Spurs the first) and the second of Matchday 14 — the other being Brentford vs. Manchester United.
"It is with regret the Premier League Board has postponed Burnley FC’s home fixture against Watford FC, due to be played this evening (Wednesday 15 December) at 7.30pm.The decision was taken following guidance from medical advisers due to an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within Watford’s squad. As a result, the club has an insufficient number of First Team players available to fulfil the match. (Via: burnleyfootballclub.com)"
Expecting to be a lot more postponements?
Yes, there is bound to be other games called off due to COVID outbreaks. It became a theme since the restart of football during the start of the pandemic and will presumably continue to be an issue.
Premier League catchup games to be played at a later date
Brentford vs Manchester United
Brighton vs Tottenham
Brighton vs Chelsea
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Burnley vs Tottenham
Burnley vs Watford
Chelsea’s two games against Brighton and Arsenal will be rescheduled due to their involvement in the Club World Cup in February.
"Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Arsenal in February have been postponed due to our involvement in the Club World Cup, with the draw for that having taken place. (Via: chelseafc.com)"
The rest of the games, however, are victims of the consistent COVID problem we are still learning to adapt and live with.
Before the Burnley vs Watford encounter
The Clarets were on a dry run trying to improve on their position in the league standings (18th place on 11 points) that sees them struggling and fighting to survive relegation.
Watford, under Claudio Ranieri, have barely enhanced their performances and are just above Burnley in 17th place and on 13 points.
They, despite sitting one spot afloat of a relegation place, only have a 4-1 win over Manchester United to boast about in their last five EPL outings — they have lost all their matches since then.
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This Matchday 17 clash would have been a direct battle for Premier League survival and has certainly thrown a spanner in the works.