Arsenal vs Liverpool postponement update with Storm Goretti set to hit England on Thursday
Arsenal’s key Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday is at risk of postponement amid the arrival of Storm Goretti.
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 on Saturday to strengthen their position at the top of the table, with Manchester City‘s failure to beat Chelsea seeing the gap extended to six points.
The Gunners have been here before, but will hope this is finally the year that they can get over the line and lift the title in May.
Liverpool drew 2-2 with Fulham on Sunday, and look to have fallen back towards crisis despite winning four consecutive games in December.
Hugo Ekitike was ruled out of the Fulham game through injury, but Arne Slot confirmed that the Reds hope to have him back for Thursday’s trip to Arsenal.
Storm Goretti set to land in hours before Arsenal vs Liverpool
Premier League and Championship games up and down the country are at risk of postponement this week, with officials in need of constant eyes on worsening conditions.
Several League One and Championship games were called off on Sunday, and many more may face delays due to frozen pitches and unsafe surroundings over the coming days.
The Met Office have issued a yellow warning for ice on Wednesday, covering almost the entirety of the UK.
Eight Premier League games are set to take place in the evening, with the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa set to face nervous waits on their fixtures.
Postponements could hand Arsenal a chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table, although their own game is also at risk.
The Met Office have released a yellow warning for snow on Thursday, with Storm Goretti expected to land with heavy snow from around 18:00 GMT.
The area of effect is expected to fall just outside of London, although this could change rapidly in the coming hours.
How Premier League matches are surveyed amid postponement risk
There is a specific procedure in place for clubs to follow in the event of a potential postponement.
Clubs are expected to notify the match referee at least 48 hours before kick-off if there is an inkling that weather may play a negative effect.
An early pitch inspection is then conducted on matchday in an attempt to avert, as much as possible, inconvenience to travelling supporters.
The referee must consider player safety and the quality of the spectacle for fans when assessing a pitch, with the benefit of the doubt usually awarded on the side that will see the match go ahead, given the rarity of Premier League postponements.