The Premier League run-in already looked particularly interesting prior to its suspension in March, but the unique conditions of post-lockdown football have added an extra layer of volatility ahead of the final nine rounds of action.
The six-team relegation battle could engulf mid-table sides hesitant amid injury concerns and subtly demotivated by the absence of supporters, while the Champions League race could be drastically affected by shifting tactical, technical, and psychological variables that appear to hand an advantage to methodical and emotionless coaching.
Manchester City, caught in a competitive limbo that’s exacerbated by a potential Champions League ban, could find themselves ambivalent and faltering. Norwich City, losing the Carrow Road crowd ahead of crucial six pointers, appear to have been hit hardest.
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Similarly Manchester United rely on the Old Trafford crowd, as do Brighton, Crystal Palace, and West Ham, all three of which could still go down.
The Bundesliga appears to have shown that, without the emotional destabiliser of an anxious or optimistic crowd, the technically superior team can calmly dominate as home form evaporates. That can only be bad news for over-achievers like Sheffield United and Wolves.
But for every loser, there will be a winner.
Alex Keble picks out the five clubs who have most benefitted from the extended break and altered format of the 2019/20 Premier League season, with best bets for each.
Arsenal
Chelsea
Aston Villa
Tottenham
Everton
Odds via Sky Bet and correct as of 1800 BST on 14/06/20
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