Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham warned neutral venues could still be used this season

Premier League fixtures could still be played at neutral venues should fans ignore calls not to congregate outside grounds, the Government has said.

The top flight returns on Wednesday following its three-month hiatus, with Aston Villa taking on Sheffield United and Manchester City facing Arsenal in the first fixtures back.

All 92 remaining games will be played behind closed doors with restrictions still in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, and warnings have been addressed to fans not to gather at grounds during the season’s conclusion.

The use of neutral grounds has been spoken about previously, with a handful of games earmarked to potentially move away from their original venue.

The fixtures under discussion were Everton vs Liverpool (June 21), Manchester City vs Liverpool (July 2), Manchester City vs Newcastle (July 8), Manchester United vs Sheffield United (June 24) and Newcastle vs Liverpool (TBC), as well as any other game in which Liverpool could seal the title.

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Clubs though opposed the proposal, and games look to be taking place as originally scheduled.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston though has warned the proposal could be put back on the table should fans choose to congregate outside stadiums during the business end of the season.

"The fans, we need them to follow passionately and follow from your home. Please do so responsibly,” Huddleston told Sky Sports News.

On the possibility of fans ignoring advice not to congregate outside stadia, Huddlestone added: "It's irresponsible, I can't be clearer. It's an irresponsible action.

"The police have the powers to clear crowds and fine them, but those actions may mean we have to take a look at neutral venues or even other options.

"We still have COVID-19, this is not life as normal. I know the vast majority of football supporters will behave.

"We absolutely want to make sure that [fans turning up at stadia] is avoided, and individual fans and clubs and everybody knows they have a responsibility here.

"Those kinds of gatherings are not allowed and the police can intervene."