It has been revealed by the BBC that many Premier League clubs are open to playing the remainder of the 2019/20 season in neutral venues, as long as the threat of relegation is removed.
There is growing belief that the using 10 neutral stadiums in the top-flight will be the safest and most efficient way of playing out the remaining Premier League games.
It is not guaranteed these will be Premier League grounds also, with EFL club grounds potentially being utilised.
Ultimately, if was no relegation from the Premier League, two or three teams could still be promoted from the second tier and a 22- or 23-team Premier League could run next season.
However, naturally there is a power struggle in the top-flight and not one solution is realistically going to suit all parties involved, and former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has had his say on the matter, specifically analysing the effects it could have on the Championship's top two, Leeds United and West Brom.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Leeds and West Brom have been clearly the best two sides in the Championship and I don’t think anyone could argue with that.
“The gap has been 10-15 points on occasions between second and third. And there’s always been a gap back to third. If you promote teams on merit it would hugely unfair if this wasn’t Leeds and West Brom.
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“We’ve played 37 games and that’s easily enough to decide who the best teams are in terms of ability. That would just be one game left in the Premier League season.”
“Relegation has such a big impact on teams, but I don’t see why you can’t still promote two teams if there are no teams relegated. That would make it a 22-team Premier League if Leeds and West Brom are promoted.
“The Championship is a 24-team league so that’s still two teams less, but you do have to consider the duration of the Premier League.
“Would having two extra teams fit into a season that could start late?”
The verdict
As aforementioned, it's a sticky issue that is simply not going to please everyone.
Leeds and West Brom do deserve promotion in my opinion, they have far and away been the best two teams in the second tier and should be rewarded for their efforts.
Similar to what Robinson is saying, I can't see too many issues with a 22-team Premier League, integrity has to be compromised to some extent amid these extremely unprecedented times.