We answer the big questions ahead of a busy schedule of Premier League and Sky Bet Championship action
By Virgin TV Edit
Ready to fill your boots with more live football than is healthy for you? Good, because this week marks the epic return of the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.
There are 14 matches across Sky Sports, BT Sport, Sky Pick and the BBC between now and Sunday night, with the title race, relegation battle and promotion all in the spotlight. But what do you need to know before it all kicks off?
We take a closer look at some of the biggest games below, plus head to the bottom of the page to get bang up to speed with everything that’s on this week.
Can José prove his ex wrong?
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United, Friday 19 June, 8pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that José Mourinho will be licking his lips at the thought of getting one over former employers Manchester United. But there’s much more than just personal satisfaction at stake for Mourinho in this one. With their top-four hopes fading faster than you can say “Average One”, Spurs desperately need the three points if they want to keep in touch with the UEFA Champions League spots.
Will Leicester keep pace?
Watford v Leicester City, Saturday 20 June, 12pm, BT Sport 1 HD (CH 527)
The Foxes are currently third in the table and look good value to book a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. But they’ll need to perform a lot better than they did pre-lockdown if they want to make it a reality. Brendan Rodgers’ side dropped 16 points from a possible 24 before the Premier League was suspended, and a trip to an unpredictable Watford might not help matters.
Are Bournemouth ready for the great escape?
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Saturday 20 June, 7.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
This season’s title race might effectively be over, but the relegation battle is far from cooked. While Bournemouth remain mired in trouble, Eddie Howe and his players will be looking at their clash against Crystal Palace as winnable. Written off earlier in the season, victory here could be the start of a push up the table. It’s not as if that would be the strangest thing to have happened in 2020 now, would it?
Will Leeds edge closer to the big time?
Cardiff City v Leeds United, Sunday 21 June, 11.30am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)
Oh, the Sky Bet Championship. What twists and turns will you have in store for us now you’re back? Leeds United are currently top of the table, while West Bromwich Albion sit in second. Both teams have a relatively comfortable gap ahead of the sides in the playoff spots, but don’t think for a second this is how the standings will finish. The most unpredictable league in the world always has a trick up its sleeve.
Will Everton finally beat Liverpool?
Everton v Liverpool, Sunday 21 June, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502) + Sky Pick (CH 165)
For the Toffees, their record against local rivals Liverpool is hard to swallow. They haven’t beaten their arch rivals in 21 matches. In fact, the last time the blue half of Merseyside bagged a win over the Reds was in October 2010. It’s time Everton reminded Liverpool what they’re all about – and wouldn’t they just love to postpone their neighbours’ title celebrations that little bit longer…
Live football on TV this week
Aston Villa v Sheffield United
Wednesday 17 June, 4.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
Manchester City v Arsenal
Wednesday 17 June, 8pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
Norwich City v Southampton
Friday 19 June, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502) + Sky Pick (CH 165)
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
Friday 19 June, 8pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
Watford v Leicester City
Saturday 20 June, 12pm, BT Sport 1 HD (CH 527)
Fulham v Brentford
Saturday 20 June, 12pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)
Brighton v Arsenal
Saturday 20 June, 2.45pm, BT Sport 1 HD (CH 527)
West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City
Saturday 20 June, 2.45pm, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)
West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday 20 June, 5pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Saturday 20 June, 7.15pm, BBC One HD (CH 101)
Cardiff City v Leeds United
Sunday 21 June, 11.30am, Sky Sports Football/HD (CH 513/503)
Newcastle United v Sheffield United
Sunday 21 June, 1pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502) + Sky Pick (CH 165)
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Sunday 21 June, 4pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)
Everton v Liverpool
Sunday 21 June, 6.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502) + Sky Pick (CH 165)
Watch on the go
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Upgrade to Sky Sports now
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You can upgrade to our Virgin TV Full House package online via your My Virgin Media account here and get all 4 BT Sport channels in HD. If you’ve not registered for My Virgin Media or have forgotten your sign in details just head over to myvirginmedia.com.
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