Aston Villa vs. Chelsea is OFF

Aston Villa will not be traveling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday. The Premier League decided today to postpone matches until at least April 3.

The Premier League chief Richard Masters stated:

In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.

Look, you probably already know this by now. It’s one of the biggest stories in the world, that the league that almost every other looks up to has suspended play. But let’s be honest here, Mr. Masters: you did not put the health and welfare of players, staff, and especially supporters (most of whom do not have the ability to be instantly tested and results returned within hours) up until now. Germany began playing behind closed doors last week, Spain announced suspension earlier this week and refused to allow players from Italy to fly in for Europa League matches . . . and the Premier League did nothing.

Until it was announced that Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had the virus, and that several Arsenal players were in “self-isolation.” Then came the news that Callum Hudson-Odoi had contracted the virus. With such big names popping up, the league finally had to do something.

Will three weeks be enough? The Premier League doesn’t know; therefore, we don’t know. The league did say that it will attempt to reschedule the displaced fixtures. However, until we have word that Euro 2020 is also canceled, it will be difficult to wedge more games in before the tournament.