Premier League: Brighton, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham can be first to welcome fans back in stadiums next month

UK Government's new tier system means games will be attended by a limited number of supporters for first time since Covid-19 outbreak took hold in March

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Liverpool fans show their support prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 7, 2018 in Liverpool, United KingdomShow more

Brighton, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham will be able to allow fans into their stadiums for their first Premier League matches in December under the UK Government's new tier system in England to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

Those clubs are within tier two areas, meaning if the clubs wish to they can welcome in up to 2,000 fans.

These would be the first top-flight matches to be attended by fans since the Covid-19 outbreak took hold in March.

The Premier League is yet to confirm the scheduling for matches to be played over the weekend of December 5 and 6.

Brighton will host Southampton, Chelsea are at home to Leeds, champions Liverpool take on Wolves at Anfield while West Ham could welcome fans to the London Stadium for the visit of Manchester United.

The other six matches will be played in tier three areas, where fans are still not allowed.

English Football League chairman Rick Parry said his competition was considering whether to switch next Tuesday's matches to Wednesday if any of the home clubs were able to allow fans in after the lockdown period ends.

Of the games to be played on Tuesday, Bournemouth's match in the second tier Champioship against Preston North End could welcome fans if it is pushed back 24 hours. So too could QPR's match against Bristol City.