West Ham United and Aston Villa were involved in the tense battle for survival before football was shut down.
The global health crisis means the battle for survival has become all too real and infinitely more serious.
There is growing uncertainty about when – and even if – West Ham, Aston Villa and the rest of the Premier League will resume.
Some reports claim West Ham and Villa may have played their last games this season (The Mirror).
Growing uncertainty over Premier League resumption
There has also been talk of ending the season early with the current standings.
West Ham are currently 16th, outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
While Aston Villa are second bottom – but have a game in hand.
Ending the season early is deemed particularly harsh on Villa given that fact.
Before the break West Ham had started to look a proper team under David Moyes while Villa were in freefall – losing five games on the bounce.
Villa star’s comments could be bad news for West Ham
If the shutdown came at a bad time for West Ham, it has been good for Dean Smith’s strugglers.
That’s according to Villa star Ahmed Elmohamady in an interview with Sky Sports.
While West Ham may lose momentum, the Egyptian says the break has given Villa the chance to reset and get key player John McGinn back fit.
“I do believe this break could give us a fresh start to play the final 10 games of the season, and give everyone (here) a chance to reset,” Elmohamady told Sky Sports from his home during lockdown.
“We went through a tough period before the season stopped, and this break would allow the likes of John McGinn, who is a key player for us, get back to full fitness and help us for the final 10 games.
Relegation six-pointer looms on horizon is season returns
“I do believe we can come back fresh and that this break was needed for us, ready to fight for the remaining games.”
West Ham are scheduled to play Villa at the London Stadium in the last game of the season.
Many point to that game as being a potentially decisive relegation six-pointer.
Especially given how tight it is among the five teams fighting to avoid the two other relegation slots.
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