The Premier League is dealing with criticism over the most recent set of rescheduled games, and some clubs are even questioning the fairness of the title race due to these changes, according to reports.
On Saturday, the Premier League revealed which matches have been chosen for live television broadcast for the final two gameweeks in April, along with rescheduling six previously postponed fixtures.
This led to some interesting fixture quirks, particularly with Tottenham now having 15 days off before the north London derby on Sunday April 28.
That match, which could still be moved if Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals take place, forms part of an incredibly busy series of games for the Gunners, who have four matches scheduled during Spurs’ rest period.
According to The Mirror, that game – along with several other decisions – has caused frustration among clubs, with some doubting the ‘fairness’ of the fixture list and worrying it could heavily influence the title race.
In a similar situation, Liverpool will head to Goodison Park to play against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday April 24 before then facing West Ham in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off – a very short time between matches.
However, that game could be rescheduled, with Spurs-Arsenal taking the lunchtime TV spot if Mikel Arteta’s team are in the Champions League semi-finals.
This has caused some uncertainty about the schedule for both Liverpool and Arsenal, while title rivals Manchester City do not have such concerns.
Pep Guardiola’s team have been spared a visit to troublesome team Tottenham in the middle of a tough run of games, with the match postponed due to their involvement in the FA Cup semi-final.
The trip to Tottenham could have been rescheduled for the week before the north London derby – reducing their break before the clash with Arsenal – but instead City’s other postponed match against Brighton has been placed in that slot, with the two teams playing on Thursday April 25.
This means Spurs have 15 days off between facing Newcastle and then playing Arsenal, while the Gunners face Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Wolves and Chelsea – a very challenging series of games.
It is also believed that Tottenham’s significant rest, and its potential benefit against Arsenal, could have implications in the top-four battle and potentially give them an advantage over Aston Villa and Manchester United, who do not benefit from such a long period of rest so late in the season.
City’s match against Tottenham is one of four outstanding matches yet to be rescheduled, along with Spurs’ trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea as well as the Blues’ away clash at Brighton and Manchester United’s showdown with Newcastle.
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