The Premier League has approved Tottenham's request to reschedule their game against Aston Villa, originally set for May 18, to May 16. This change allows Spurs extra time to prepare for a potential Europa League final on May 21.
Tottenham's game at Villa Park was moved from Sunday, May 18, to Friday, May 16. This decision was made in anticipation of Spurs' possible involvement in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 21. The rescheduling aims to provide Tottenham with the same preparation time as Manchester United for the Europa League final in Bilbao if both teams qualify.
Manchester United is playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday, May 16. This fixture was also moved to avoid clashing with the Women's FA Cup final between these two teams at Wembley on Sunday, May 18. The newly-moved fixture between Aston Villa and Tottenham will kick off at 7:30 pm while Chelsea and Manchester United’s match has a new kick-off time of 8:15 pm - fifteen minutes later than initially scheduled.
Sky Sports News reports that this request by Tottenham was considered by the Premier League board after consulting both clubs involved. The announcement regarding this change came out early (May 6) during this week so that supporters could be notified as soon as possible.
Objections from Aston Villa
On April 27th , Tottenham announced they had been discussing a date change with the Premier League. However, Sky Sports News reported later that evening that Aston Villa had written an objection letter against Spurs' request to move their match date forward. Aston Villa felt it would represent double standards and disrupt an important period in their season. Despite these objections though Ange Postecoglou's side have now had their request granted ensuring Man Utd would not have an extra two days' rest in the event of an all-English Europa League final.
Manchester United and Spurs are on track to meet in Bilbao on May 21, with both sides holding aggregate advantages heading into their semi-final second legs. Tottenham will take a two-goal lead to Norway after a first-leg 3-1 home win over Bodo/Glimt, while Man Utd have a three-goal lead over Athletic Club ahead of their second leg at Old Trafford.
Despite their lowly Premier League positions (15th and 16th), the winner of the Europa League will qualify for next season's Champions League. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Aston Villa are battling for European football's top-tier competition through the Premier League. Enzo Maresca's side currently holds the fifth and final Champions League qualification spot, while seventh-placed Aston Villa is just three points behind with three games remaining.
