Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
The approaching cyclone has put a total of five Premier League matches in doubt.
The Liverpool first team has been out of action since beating Southampton on February 1, but now could possibly have their break extended due to the approaching Storm Dennis threat to Saturday’s clash with Norwich City.
Manchester City called off their fixture last weekend in the face of Storm Ciara due to potentially dangerous playing conditions, and five Premier League matches—those currently scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday—are in danger of the same treatment this time out.
The Met office has officially issued a yellow weather warning for Storm Dennis, saying to expect “heavy rain and widespread strong winds to many parts of the UK”. Winds of up to 50mph are expected, while in parts of Scotland predictions have up up to eight inches of snow making landfall.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Another spell of very wet and windy weather is expected for Saturday.
“Although Storm Dennis is currently not expected to be as severe as Ciara, disruption is still likely.
“Our confidence in the forecast means we have been able to issue severe weather warnings well in advance, giving people time to prepare for potential impacts of the storm.”
A potential postponement of Saturday’s fixture for Liverpool would be less than ideal, not only for fans eager to see their side again after two weeks away, but for the end of season fixture crunch a delay would cause as well as potential rustiness for next week’s crucial Champions League first leg clash with Atletico Madrid.
Mike Riley, the Managing Director of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has explained why matches may be called off.
”There are two main considerations to make when conducting a pitch inspection: player safety and the match as a spectacle,” he said.
”A referee has to consider whether the playing conditions threaten the wellbeing of the players and whether they compromise the match as a spectacle for the fans.”
Stay tuned for more info.
