The Premier League is set to return this weekend after the previous round of fixtures were postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Teams will line up for the last time before the September international break.
However, not all games are scheduled to take place over the weekend as Crystal Palace’s fixture against rivals Brighton has been called off. Chelsea’s major clash against Liverpool that was scheduled for Sunday has also been postponed.
Arsenal are also set to take on Brentford on the same day as Chelsea’s fixture, but this match is going ahead. This has caused confusion as both matches are set to take place in the capital, but one is going ahead while the other has been cancelled.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp vindicates Edu's bold Arsenal decision as Liverpool rues Brazilian transfer signing
The reason why Chelsea’s fixture against Liverpool has been called off is due to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, which takes place on Monday, September 19. With the funeral taking place less than 24 hours after the two games were played, the concerns over a lack of police resources available for Sunday’s fixtures was the main reason for the postponements.
In a statement released on Monday, the Premier League explained that "following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures".
However, Arsenal’s game against Brentford goes ahead because it is not anticipated that a police presence as large as the other two fixtures will be needed for this game, with there being no rivalry between the two sides.
Despite the game not being cancelled, the timing of the match was still altered as the original kick-off time was 2pm but this has been changed to an earlier start at 12pm. This has been done to increase the safety of the proceedings.
READ NEXT:
Ben White injury boost confirmed as Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal team news statement for Brentford
Arsenal’s 3 options to replace Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko for Brentford amid injury fear
Zinchenko, Partey, Smith Rowe - Arsenal injury news and expected return dates before Brentford
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal vs Tottenham and Palace vs Chelsea fixtures could be postponed as rail strikes announced
