Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with one of the team's star forwards, Mohamed Salah, following a friendly game against SSC Napoli at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Aug. 4, 2018. INPHO/TOMMY DICKSON
The EPL re-starts Wednesday evening with two re-arranged games, Aston Villa against Sheffield United at 6 p.m. and Manchester City vs. Arsenal at 8 p.m. If City were to lose to Arsenal, then Liverpool could clinch the EPL for the first time in the competition's 28-year history against local rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday next.
Five substitutes will be allowed and VAR is optional. If City lose to night Merseyside Police have appealed to Liverpool and Everton fans not to congregate outside Goodison Park on Sunday, but to stay at home and watch the game free of charge on television.
Meanwhile former Irish international Mark Kennedy, who was appointed manager of Macclesfield earlier this year, could see the club relegated from the Football League in England as officials there confirmed how the season will finish in the bottom two tiers. An EFL decision last week to end the season as it stands sees Coventry City and Rotherham United promoted to the Championship. Irish players Glenn Whelan and Paddy Madden will play a part for Fleetwood Town as they battle with Oxford United, Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers for one promotion slot via the playoffs. Bolton Wanderers, Southend United and Tranmere Rovers are relegated to League Two. Swindon Town, Crewe and Plymouth go up to League One with Exeter City, Colchester United, Cheltenham Town or Northampton Town aiming to go up through the playoffs. Stevenage were due to be relegated to the Conference, but the EFL are considering another points deduction for Macclesfield over the non-payment of player wages and, if implemented, that would see Macclesfield relegated. Kennedy has been in charge of Macclesfield since January, his first managerial post after coaching roles with Wolves and Ipswich.
