XtraTime Web Desk: Premier League clubs Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal stepped up their preparation by playing warm up matches on Saturday. Most Premier League clubs are busy playing friendlies as the league is all set for resumption on June 17 after a 100 days forced break due to COVID-19 pandemic.
There was good news for all stakeholders associated with the Premier League as the sixth round of COVID-19 testing of 1,195 players and staff across the 20 clubs on Thursday and Friday produced no positives.
The Gunners hosted second tier side Charlton for a friendly at the Emirates stadium. A hattrick from Eddie Nketiah and goals from forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette helped the North London side to a 6-0 win. Arsenal will be one of the top clubs to be seen in action as they travel to Manchester to take on city on June 17.
Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pleased to see Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba back in action in a match among the first team at Old Trafford. Both Pogba and Rashford were sidelined with an injury when the league was suspended. The Red Devils will be playing Tottenham Hotspur on June 19. All the United footballers drove to the stadium in their match kit and the match was refereed by fitness coach Charlie Owen.
Chelsea also hosted a friendly between its own players at Stamford Bridge. The Blues currently occupy fourth spot in the fight for Champions League qualification, three points clear of United, and will resume their campaign against Aston Villa on June 21.