The return of the Premier League is upon us, with the action getting back under way on Friday as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.
The gameweek will conclude on Monday with an exciting match between Spurs and Leicester City, capping off a thrilling weekend of top-flight football.
As is customary each year, the Premier League has introduced several changes across various departments.
Before the Premier League resumes, here are six significant rule changes:
**Five Substitutes Instead of Three**
Teams were previously allowed to have a maximum of three substitutes warming up simultaneously. This number has now been increased to five. The Premier League explained this change as aligning with the allowance for teams to make up to five substitutions during a match.
**Multiball System in Full Effect**
To maintain the game’s momentum and quickly get the ball back into play, 15 balls will now be placed on cones around the field.
**Changes to Ball Retrieval**
While the multiball system isn’t new, a notable update allows ball assistants behind the goal to return the ball directly to the goalkeeper, rather than just placing it on a cone.
**Adjustment to Added Time**
After last season’s extended stoppage time, a new rule will be implemented this season. Time will only be added if there is a gap of more than 30 seconds between a goal being scored and the game restarting.
**Earlier Team News**
Fans will now receive information on their team’s lineup 75 minutes before kick-off, instead of the previous 60 minutes.
**Impact on FPL Enthusiasts**
This change could significantly affect Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players when selecting their teams.
**Semi-Automated Offsides**
Offside decisions are undergoing a major update, similar to the system used during the Euros. Although it may be implemented after the first international break, each Premier League stadium will be equipped with computer vision cameras. This advanced technology will track the ball and player data points to assist in determining offsides.
If a player receives the ball while in an offside position, the technology will alert officials in the VAR Hub.
The Premier League explained that officials will verify the recorded point of contact and the automated offside line. The VAR will then notify the on-field referees if an offside has been detected.
The league expects that this system will speed up offside decisions, reducing the average time by 30 seconds.
