Aston Villa vs. Burnley postponed hours before kickoff due to COVID

The Premier League has announced that this afternoon's match between Aston Villa and Burnley has been postponed less than three hours before the proposed 3pm kickoff due to COVID-19.

An increase in the number of positive tests amongst the Aston Villa squad has left Steven Gerrard's side unable to field a team for the game at Villa Park.

The match is the sixth Premier League fixture this weekend to be called off and the 10th in total during the latest wave of coronavirus cases.

"Due to more positive cases in the Aston Villa squad today, the Premier League Board has regrettably had to postpone the club's home fixture against Burnley FC, due to kick off at 3pm this afternoon," read a statement from the Premier League.

"After reviewing all the new information provided by Aston Villa this morning and receiving separate medical advice, the Board approved the request as a result of the club not having enough players to field a team. This decision was based on the number of COVID-19 cases, injuries and illness.

"The League understands the decision to postpone the match at such short notice will frustrate and disappoint supporters, and apologises for the inconvenience and disruption caused.

"The remaining four Premier League matches due to be played this weekend are currently scheduled to proceed as planned."

The postponement leaves this afternoon's match between Leeds United and Arsenal as the only surviving fixture from Saturday's original schedule.

Aston Villa's game against Chelsea on December 26 is now also in serious doubt, while Burnley are due to face Everton on the same day.