#fixture-scheduling

#fixture-scheduling

The completion of the Champions League's mega-group phase has provided some clarity on when AC Milan will finally play Como. As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Inter's 10th-placed finish means the Nerazzurri will play the second leg of their play-offs at home (scheduled for February 17-18 and the following week), thus freeing up the February 17-18 slot for the rescheduled Milan-Como game.

The English Football League (EFL) allows clubs to postpone fixtures should they receive a sufficient number of call-ups. At least three of players have to be selected for their country's senior, under-21, under-20 or under-19 sides in order to request a postponement. International age group players only qualify if they have: Started at least 25% of their club's matches Featured in a club's previous five first-team matches

The title may be won, but club reputations and European spots remain on the line Avoiding a clash with Halloween and strained garda resources is the reason the League of Ireland season is finishing on a Saturday. While the champions have been crowned and automatic relegation is decided - the teams in question Shamrock Rovers and Cork City meet in a novel FAI Cup final on Sunday week - there is still a lot to play for on Saturday evening even if some of the outcomes are dependent on Rovers winning the Aviva showpiece.

The Third Round of the Carabao Cup is scheduled to be played midway through next month, but which teams will be in the draw? It is at this stage of the competition that teams also competing in Europe enter the fray, which includes the likes of holders Newcastle United, Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and Premier League champions Liverpool. Sixteen top flight sides, seven Championship clubs, 11 League One teams and a pair of League Two outfits remain in the competition.

Barcelona are currently leading La Liga, showcasing an impressive recovery against Celta Vigo, and face a critical match against Mallorca amid a tightly packed schedule.