Clubs to back break

Sven-Goran Eriksson could win support in his campaign for a winter break when the England coach meets Premier League chairmen on Thursday.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore admitted that Eriksson has a "compelling" argument about trying to stop player burn-out by copying Spain, Germany Italy and France.

Eriksson also has the backing of the Football Association, although it is understood that a two-week January break is unlikely to be introduced without a deal to reduce games for Premiership sides in the FA or Carling Cups.

Scudamore said: "I've been presented with evidence by Sven and others. They make a compelling case for the physical and psychological benefits of some sort of break in the middle of the season.

"It is whether it can be practically done because we have a very tight calendar."

The chairmen are also expected to vote on a proposal to deduct nine points from clubs which go into administration.