Manchester City have suffered a setback in the Premier League title race after the league rejected their request to swap two matches to alleviate their congested schedule. Pep Guardiola's side currently trail leaders Arsenal by three points, though they hold a game in hand against Crystal Palace, the date of which remains unconfirmed.
Fixture Congestion Worsens
City's schedule has become further complicated by their progression to the FA Cup final, which has forced the rescheduling of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth, originally set for May 17. The expectation is that City will face Crystal Palace on May 13, just three days before their FA Cup final against Chelsea. They are then likely to play Bournemouth on May 19, before concluding the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24.
The title chasers had proposed swapping the two fixtures, playing Bournemouth on May 12 and Crystal Palace on either May 19 or 20. This adjustment would have given them slightly more recovery time between matches. However, the Premier League has rejected the proposal, opting to maintain the current order.
Conference League Complication
The suggestion arose because Crystal Palace cannot play on a Tuesday due to their involvement in the Europa Conference League, while a Wednesday fixture would shorten City's recovery time. Under the proposed switch, City would have played three times in eight or nine days, compared to the current plan of three matches in seven days.
The Premier League has been in discussions with Manchester City, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace but is expected to keep the original schedule intact.
Title Race Pressure
City's demanding run-in comes as they again chase Arsenal. Mikel Arteta's side can move six points clear at the top if they beat Fulham on Saturday. Victory would pile pressure on City when they face Everton on Monday night, knowing that any slip-up could prove decisive.
Guardiola recently voiced concerns about player fatigue after his team narrowly defeated Burnley in midweek, following 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.'
'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.'
