The Premier League are to consider moving the penultimate round of fixtures back by 72 hours in order to allow fans to attend.
Up to 10,000 fans may be allowed into stadiums from May 17 according to the government roadmap published at the beginning of this week, meaning that the last round of Premier League fixtures would be played in front of crowds should the lifting of measures be implemented on schedule.
However, concerns were raised that allowing fans into a single round of fixtures may damage the sporting integrity of the competition and provide an unfair boost to home clubs.
There could be some decisive fixtures on the final day of the season, with Fulham set to play host to relegation rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur travelling to Leicester City with both clubs aiming for European qualification.
The Athletic report that, in order to counteract these fears, the Premier League are looking at the potential of shifting the 37th round of fixtures to the middle of the week beginning May 17 in order to let fans attend, which would allow every club to have fans in before the end of the season.
That would benefit Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Spurs. Government guidance indicates that stadiums with a capacity over 40,000 can reopened to a maximum of 10,000 fans, with a 25% limit in place for smaller grounds.
With the FA Cup final set to be held on May 15, it is likely that two games will have to be pushed back to midweek anyway, depending on which teams make the final. Wembley is likely be used as a test event to ensure protocols can be adhered to safely.
A number of clubs were allowed to welcome 2,000 supporters in for a select number of games in early December before a sharp rise in coronavirus cases led to the current lockdown.
Which games are in the 37th round of fixtures?
Brighton vs Man City, Burnley vs Liverpool, Chelsea vs Leicester City, Crystal Palace vs Arsenal, Everton vs Wolves, Man United vs Fulham, Newcastle United vs Sheffield United, Southampton vs Leeds United, Tottenham vs Aston Villa, West Brom vs West Ham
