Premier League Clubs Left Fuming After Man City's Late Request To Change Fixtures: Report

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 16:34 IST

Premier League set to reject Manchester City fixture change request, leaving Pep Guardiola side facing three key games in seven days, a potential boost for title rivals Arsenal

Manchester City are set to have their request to reschedule key end-of-season fixtures rejected by the Premier League, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side facing a demanding and potentially decisive run-in during the closing stages of the title race.

City had approached the league to ease fixture congestion caused by their involvement in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea, scheduled for May 16. Their league match against Bournemouth, originally scheduled for May 17, is set to be moved as a result, while their postponed clash with Crystal Palace — initially due in March — is yet to be reassigned a confirmed date.

The Premier League has proposed a schedule that would see Palace travel to the Etihad Stadium on May 13, followed by City’s trip to Bournemouth on May 19. Such an arrangement would leave Guardiola’s side playing three high-stakes matches in the space of seven days, with the FA Cup final sandwiched between two league fixtures.

Their final Premier League match of the campaign, against Aston Villa on May 24, would then follow shortly after.

According to reports in the English media, City explored alternative arrangements. One of them was asking for an unprecedented reversing the order of the Bournemouth and Palace fixtures to allow for additional recovery time before the Wembley final and potentially ending the season with consecutive home matches. However, those proposals appear unlikely to be accepted under current league protocols.

Indeed, at least three Premier League sides have reportedly raised objections to City’s request, with some prepared to escalate the matter formally, if required. There is also a wider concern around maintaining fairness during a tightly contested title race.

Is it a boost for Arsenal?

The scheduling outcome could have significant ramifications at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently holds a slender three-point lead over City, who have a game in hand. However, the prospect of navigating three crucial fixtures in quick succession — alongside a major cup final — adds a layer of complexity to City’s run-in.

Injuries and fatigue have been a major deterrent to the Gunners’ consistency this season, and a lot of that has been blamed on their fixture congestion by virtue of being involved in all four competitions. Arsenal are still alive in the Champions League and play four matches, including the two semi-final legs against Atletico Madrid, in the next ten days.

City will similarly need to make big decisions on squad rotation and manage training schedules for key players to keep them as fresh as possible. Fortunately for the Cityzens, though, they are currently enjoying a rare 10-day break before their next league game away to Everton. Before the visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Arsenal would have already faced Newcastle United (which they won) and Fulham at home.

With the Premier League yet to formally confirm the revised dates, an announcement is expected soon. As things stand, City may have little choice but to cope with the realities of modern football.

News sports football Premier League Clubs Left Fuming After Man City's Late Request To Change Fixtures: Report

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