Everton FC

Merseyside derby set for June 20 return

Everton will make a long-awaited return to Premier League action on June 20.

The 236th Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool on March 16 was postponed after the top flight embarked on a two-month suspension due to coronavirus.

But clubs have now agreed to resume competitive action from June 17, meaning the Blues’ meeting with their rivals will take place three days later.

Police are expected to allow the fixture to take place behind closed doors at Goodison Park but Manchester City’s match with Arsenal may change that.

The reigning champions’ game in-hand against their London counterparts has the potential to reduce the number of points Liverpool need to win the title.

If City lose to the Gunners, the Anfield club will only require three more points to end a 30-year wait for the title which risks altering the derby’s location.

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Concerns about Liverpool fans gathering outside Goodison in the event that their team could win the title mean a neutral venue may come into play.

All remaining 92 matches will be shown live in the UK through Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime and the first top flight screening by the BBC since 1987/88.

Kick-off times are set to deviate from the traditional format before the coronavirus lockdown with games being played throughout the week.

Four games will take place on Saturdays (12.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm and 8pm) and Sundays (12pm, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm) alongside Friday night games (8pm).

All midweek matches held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays will kick off at 6pm and 8pm respectively.