Liverpool trip to Blackpool in doubt due to freeze

Liverpool’s Premier League clash at Blackpool on December 26 is already in danger of being postponed because of the freezing conditions which decimated last weekend’s fixtures.

The Reds had Saturday’s home game against Fulham called off because of the heavy snow which fell across England and now there is a chance the trip to Bloomfield Road could also fall victim to the elements.

Blackpool do not have undersoil heating and have already had two matches against Manchester United and Tottenham postponed because of adverse weather.

With the weather showing no signs of easing, the Seasiders’ chairman Karl Oyston is currently in discussions with the Premier League about Sunday’s match.

“We can almost certainly guarantee the pitch will be playable but it is the prevailing conditions once the covers have been removed and whether the pitch will freeze before the end of the game taking place,” Oyston told Sky Sports News.

“That is one we are talking to the Premier League about to see what their standpoint and inspection protocol will be.”

Oyston insists he has no reason to regret the decision not to have undersoil heating.

“It really is not a financial consideration,” Oyston told Sky Sports News.

“These games will be played and we will only know the financial implications once the season is over and we know how many games have been picked for television.

“At the moment, it is not at the forefront of our mindset – spectator and player safety are.”

Meanwhile, the Premier League are confident the big freeze will not lead to a serious fixture pile-up at the end of the season.

Eight matches have been postponed due to the weather so far – including two involving league leaders Manchester United.

But Premier League officials say there are sufficient dates set aside to cope with such postponements.

A spokesman said: “Our football department will already have contingency dates in mind and will work closely with the affected clubs to get new dates agreed as quickly as possible.”