TV likely to be the major consideration

Real fears are growing that behind closed doors games are becoming the inevitable outcome of the surging omicron variant.

There have been some suggestions that crowds of 10k could be allowed but West Ham do not believe that’s a practical solution with one insider telling us it’s not worth opening the stadium for such low attendances.

The Premier League sat down to discuss the position and possible outcomes at 1pm this afternoon (Mon) but there are no simple solutions.

And much will depend anyway on what the government decides at its  meeting today where a lockdown remains a real possibility according to many pundits.

Some clubs are likely to believe that they should carry on playing where possible because there is no guarantee the situation will improve if they stop, while others feel the integrity of the competition is being threatened and the next round of games should be called off.

The Premier League first and foremost will be looking ti keep broadcasting money coming in wherever possible and that will be a major consideration as the clubs make their decision.