Liverpool's 30-year wait for a Premier League title could end on home turf at Anfield after fixture details for football's big return were announced on the same day that rugby union set a date for its own resumption.
The Reds need six points to seal their first championship since 1990, and Merseyside Police have given the go-ahead for what could be the crucial game against Crystal Palace on June 24 to be played at home.
Liverpool's Premier League matches against Everton and Manchester City, both due to be away fixtures, are the only ones which might have to be played at neutral venues with police forces and local authorities giving approval for the rest of the initial 32 confirmed fixtures to remain as scheduled.
The #PL will restart behind closed doors on 17 June if all safety requirements are in place The Premier League today confirmed the fixtures for the first three match rounds of the resumed 2019/20 season All 92 matches will be broadcast live in the UK ➡ https://t.co/MhXpFrg2nu pic.twitter.com/5cYPDij53a — Premier League (@premierleague) June 5, 2020
The league's 100-day shutdown will end on June 17, starting with a double header to be broadcast on Sky Sports – Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United at 6pm before Manchester City welcome Arsenal at 8.15pm.
The first ever live Premier League fixture on BBC television will be Bournemouth versus Crystal Palace on Saturday, June 20, while BT Sport will feature a first of its own by screening Brighton's match against Arsenal at 3pm on the same day – typically a ring-fenced 'blackout' window for domestic broadcasters.
BT has confirmed viewers will have the option to include simulated crowd noise as they watch.
Premiership Rugby's restart will be just over two months behind but confirmation that the competition is aiming to get going from August 15 represents positive news for the sport.
Play was indefinitely suspended on April 8 but after an agreement was reached over the resumption of contact training, the date was fixed at a board meeting.
Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs said: "Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday 15 August.
"We won't take risks with people's health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to Stage 1, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return."
The Blues have been crowned 2019/20 Women's Super League winners! 🏆 #ChelseaChampions pic.twitter.com/JLHqLtwlQM — Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) June 5, 2020
There is no such prospect in the Women's Super League, where Chelsea have been confirmed as 2019-20 champions following last month's decision to abandon the campaign.
The Football Association board reached the majority decision to settle the table on an unweighted points-per-game system, handing the trophy to Emma Hayes' side and seeing Manchester City into the Women's Champions League in second place.
Liverpool have been relegated to the Championship and will be replaced by Aston Villa, who were awarded the second tier title via a similar equation.
England international Jadon Sancho, already back in action with Borussia Dortmund, has been fined by the German league for breaching the country's coronavirus restrictions to have a haircut.
The 20-year-old and team-mate Manuel Akanji were fined after photos emerged of them having a trim in their own respective homes, with neither the players nor the hairdresser wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
"The players from Borussia Dortmund had obviously violated general hygiene and infection protection standards at home hairdressing appointments and in particular the medical-organisational concept of the DFL task force," said the DFL.
With the PDC Home Tour drawing to a close, the organisation has confirmed the BetFred World Matchplay tournament will take place from July 18-26. A decision on the admittance of fans at Blackpool's Winter Gardens will be made at the start of the month.
There was also a minor step forward for recreational cricket in England as club players were given the go ahead to train in groups of up to six, including a coach.
The move brings sport into line with more general Government advice at a time when furloughed county professionals remain unable to practise under the terms of the arrangement.
