Premier League chiefs have confirmed new dates for two key fixtures involving Manchester City, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side staring at four matches in 11 days during the title run-in.
Manchester City will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday 13 May before travelling to AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday 19 May. Sandwiched between those games is the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 16 May at Wembley Stadium.
The Palace clash had originally been scheduled for March but was postponed due to City’s Carabao Cup final involvement. The Bournemouth fixture was also moved because of the FA Cup final.
The reshuffle leaves Guardiola’s men with a congested finish to the campaign as they chase domestic silverware. City’s final league run now reads: away to Everton on 4 May, home to Brentford on 9 May, Palace at home on 13 May, Bournemouth away on 19 May and a final-day clash with Aston Villa on 24 May.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, sit three points ahead of City but have played a game more. The Gunners host Fulham before facing West Ham United away, then Burnley at home and Palace away on the final day.
Arsenal’s home meeting with Burnley has been set for Monday 18 May. The north London side also face a demanding European schedule with a Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid and the prospect of a final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich on 30 May.
City’s own run-in intensified after their 2-1 win over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final. Guardiola’s side now face the prospect of five matches in 15 days as they chase the title and FA Cup glory in a dramatic finish to the season.
Changed Premier League fixtures confirmed
Wednesday 13 May
20:00 Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Matchweek 37 adjustments
Friday 15 May
20:00 Aston Villa v Liverpool or Manchester United v Nottingham Forest*
Sunday 17 May
12:30 Aston Villa v Liverpool or Manchester United v Nottingham Forest*
15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace
15:00 Everton v Sunderland
15:00 Leeds v Brighton
15:00 Wolves v Fulham
17:30 Newcastle v West Ham
Monday 18 May
20:00 Arsenal v Burnley
Tuesday 19 May
19:30 AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City
20:15 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
*If Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest reach the Europa League final, their Premier League fixture moves to Friday 15 May at 20:00.
