Manchester City have been dealt a blow in the title race after the Premier League rejected a request to switch matches to ease their schedule.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently three points behind leaders Arsenal but have a game in hand against Crystal Palace, but a date is yet to be confirmed.
Man City’s schedule has been complicated further by their progression to the FA Cup final, requiring their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on May 17 to also be rescheduled.
The expectation is for Man City to face Crystal Palace on May 13, just three days before they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Man City are then expected to face Bournemouth on May 19, before rounding off the season on May 24 against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League title chasers had suggested switching the two matches, allowing them to play Bournemouth on May 12 and Crystal Palace on either May 19 or 20.
Man City have been dealt a blow after seeing a request to switch matches rejected by the Premier League
Man City had been hoping to switch matches against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace to increase their recovery time, with both games currently needing to be rescheduled
The suggestion comes due to the match against Crystal Palace being unable to be played on a Tuesday, owing to the Eagles’ participation in the Conference League, with the Wednesday fixture shortening Man City’s recovery time.
Man City’s proposed switch would have seen Guardiola’s side play three times in eight or nine days, compared to the current plan for three matches in a seven day period.
The Premier League, who have been in discussions with Man City, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, are expected to maintain the current order of matches, with an official announcement due shortly.
Man City’s rapid run-in comes as Guardiola’s side have to again chase Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side can go six points clear at the top of the table if they beat Fulham on Saturday.
Victory would pile the pressure onto Man City when they face Everton on Monday night, knowing that there would be no room for error.
Guardiola had spoken last week of concerns over tiredness in the title race, after his side had edged past Burnley in midweek, days after a crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
‘Arsenal was so demanding emotionally, it’s normal,’ Guardiola said. ‘Three days later [Burnley], three days later [Southampton]. Our people were so, so tired.
Man City’s gruelling end of season schedule could hand Arsenal a boost in the title race
‘The players who don’t [play] aren’t too much happy. Because, you know, the last games we have long weeks. I rotate less. In the last five, six games, we conceded one goal.
‘Now I have to think about it because today people on the second day [after Burnley], always tired and we are a little bit drained.
‘Some physios told me be careful of that player, that player, for the history, for the potential injury.
‘If one player is injured right now, it’s gone, it is over. And now I want to have the players available for Everton until the end.’
