Manchester City have been handed a daunting run of four games in just 11 days next month as the Premier League title race enters its decisive phase.
- +Man City hit by fixture congestion in Premier League title chase
The congested schedule follows the confirmation of two rescheduled fixtures, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side to juggle domestic and cup commitments in a demanding mid-May window.
The congested schedule follows the confirmation of two rescheduled fixtures, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side to juggle domestic and cup commitments in a demanding mid-May window.
City will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, May 13, before taking on Chelsea FC in the FA Cup Final on Saturday, May 16, and then travelling to AFC Bournemouth six days later.
The Palace fixture had originally been scheduled for March 22 but was postponed due to City’s involvement in the Carabao Cup Final against Arsenal FC. Meanwhile, the Bournemouth clash was moved to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final.
All parties involved, including City, Palace and Bournemouth, held discussions with the Premier League before finalising the revised dates.
League leaders Arsenal also face a tight schedule, with Mikel Arteta’s side set for three games in seven days. The Gunners travel to Atlético Madrid for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, host Fulham in the league, and then face Atlético again in the return leg.
With Manchester City trailing Arsenal by three points but holding a game in hand, squad rotation could prove decisive.
Guardiola, who has frequently raised concerns over fixture congestion, now faces a significant test of depth as City pursue silverware on multiple fronts.
