F.A. Premier League (F.A.P.L.) and English Football League (EFL) professional football is back, and we now have some fixtures agreed and announced. The first 2 F.A.P.L. games on Wednesday 17 June were not Premier London derbies (PLDs) but had bearings on the top 6 (or will it be top 7) and bottom 3, with Manchester City beating Arsenal 3-0, and Aston Villa getting a point from Sheffield United courtesy of a “Hawkeye” mistake. Dates and times of 5 of the remaining 8 PLDs matches together with broadcasters and kick-off times are:
Match. Date and time. Broadcaster.
Tottenham v West Ham Tuesday 23 June at 8.15 pm Sky Sport PL
West Ham v Chelsea Wednesday 1 July at 8.15 pm Sky Sport PL
Chelsea v Watford Saturday 4 July (time and channel to be confirmed).
Crystal Palace v Chelsea Wednesday 8 July (time and channel to be confirmed).
Tottenham v Arsenal Sunday 12 July at 4.30 pm Sky Sports PL
So Spurs versus the Hammers will be the first PLD on 23 June, almost 3 months later than it was due to be played on 23 March 2020 which seems a long time ago in this timeless world. Earlier in this season, and early in Jose Mourinho’s reign, the visitors won at the London Stadium, but over the last 3 seasons honours have been even at Tottenham’s home ground: 3-2 in 2016-17; 1-1 in 2017-18; and 0-1 in 2018-19. Both sides need the 3 points now for different reasons.
Before this PLD there is an important EFL Championship London derby between Fulham and Brentford on Saturday 20 June. Important because both teams are currently in the play-off positions, want to stay there, and could potentially meet again in the play-off semi-finals or final. The psychological boost of a win could be as important as the points.
Finally congratulations to Barrow F.C. who have been promoted from the National League whose members voted to finish the season in all three divisions with promotion on a points-per-game basis and no relegation. Welcome back to the (EFL) League after 48 years in exile!
Until next time “stay alert”, and if you are an essential worker “thank you”, Andrew at PLDs.