{"id":611156,"date":"2026-04-28T11:53:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/611156\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:53:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T11:53:14","slug":"man-city-plea-to-fall-on-deaf-ears-as-premier-league-stick-to-guns-on-fixture-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/611156\/","title":{"rendered":"Man City plea to fall on deaf ears as Premier League stick to guns on fixture change"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Manchester City had asked the Premier League to switch two of their fixtures in order to avoid a fixture pile-up during the run-in, as they fight Arsenal for the title<\/p>\n<p>08:58, 28 Apr 2026Updated 09:04, 28 Apr 2026<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Head Coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Southampton on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_GettyImages-2273110543.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Pep Guardiola won't be happy with the Premier League\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Pep Guardiola won&#8217;t be happy with the Premier League(Image: Robin Jones\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester City look set to play four games in 12 days to finish the season after the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/premier-league\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Premier League<\/a> ignored their request for a kinder schedule. <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/pep-guardiola\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Pep Guardiola&#8217;s<\/a> side, who are neck-and-neck with <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/arsenal-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Arsenal<\/a> in the title race, recently made it through to the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/fa-cup-final\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">FA Cup final<\/a> (Saturday, May 16), forcing their game away <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/afc-bournemouth\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Bournemouth<\/a> to be moved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/manchester-city-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">City<\/a> were already pencilled in to host <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/crystal-palace-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Crystal Palace<\/a> on Wednesday, May 13, giving them less time to recover ahead of the final. Palace are unable to play on the Tuesday due to their Conference League commitments which meant that their fixture against <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/everton-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Everton<\/a> had be moved to Sunday, May 10 in the last set of fixture amendments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Mirror Football reported that Etihad chiefs had asked the Premier League to <a aria-label=\"change the order of their clashes with Palace and BournemouthLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/man-city-arsenal-fixtures-dates-37077866\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">change the order of their clashes with Palace and Bournemouth<\/a>, hoping to play Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday\/Wednesday, Sunday to end the season. But it is understood the Premier League have stuck to their guns, prioritising the first fixture in the original calendar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City were due to face Palace on the weekend of April 4 until they reached the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/fa-cup\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">FA Cup<\/a> quarter-finals. As a result of the Eagles&#8217; progress in Europe, the fixture has been left TBC for weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">WORLD CUP LEGENDS: <a aria-label=\"The stars who lit up football&#039;s greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk\/world-cup-legends-5666-p.asp\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">The stars who lit up football&#8217;s greatest tournament &#8211; Buy the Special Edition today<\/a><\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37074890\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/pep-guardiola-quit-man-city-37074890\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Is Pep Guardiola about to quit Man City? The hints which suggest he might say goodbye<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37074514\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/arsenal-premier-league-gary-lineker-37074514\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gary Lineker names &#8216;tricky&#8217; fixture that could cost Arsenal the Premier League title<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">That&#8217;s until now, with the Premier League set to announce kick-off times for remaining fixtures today. City are set to be made to travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:30pm.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The match could&#8217;ve been played on the Wednesday, the same evening as the <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/uefa-europa-league\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Europa League<\/a> final which will involve one of <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/aston-villa-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Aston Villa<\/a> or <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/nottingham-forest-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Nottingham Forest<\/a>. <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/uefa\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">UEFA<\/a>, however, weren&#8217;t in favour of a fixture clash.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Also on the Tuesday night, it is understood fellow FA Cup finalists <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/chelsea-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Chelsea<\/a> have been scheduled to face <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/tottenham-hotspur-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Tottenham<\/a> for an 8:15pm kick-off. Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to play <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/burnley-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Burnley<\/a> in their final home game of the season at 8pm on Monday, May 18.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Who&#8217;ll win the Premier League title? Give us your prediction in the <a aria-label=\"comments sectionLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/manchester-city-premier-league-fixtures-37079076#comments-section\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">comments section<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 2: Erling Haaland of Manchester City rises above Bafode Diakite of AFC Bournemouth to head towards goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_GettyImages-2249424036.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Manchester City will play Bournemouth after the FA Cup final\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Manchester City will play Bournemouth after the FA Cup final(Image: Visionhaus\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Given their fixture pile-up, Guardiola has urged his his players to make the most of their time off. &#8220;We have eight days until we go to <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/liverpool-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Liverpool<\/a> to play against Everton,&#8221; the City boss said after Saturday&#8217;s 2-1 win against <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/southampton-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Southampton<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday afternoon for training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve learned in this country, as much [sic] days off [as you have], the team plays better. Managers believe as much [as] you train, you play better, but I&#8217;m completely the opposite.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;You have to train, of course, but you also have to arrive fresh in the moment of the game. I&#8217;ve learned that. In the beginning I trained a lot, but now it&#8217;s home and quality time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"Join our new WhatsApp communityLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/Feq1SEG6mXDIZGTTnek7oz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us &#8211; and our partners. If you don&#8217;t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you&#8217;re curious, you can read our <a aria-label=\"Privacy NoticeLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reachplc.com\/site-services\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Manchester City had asked the Premier League to switch two of their fixtures in order to avoid a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":611157,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[4568,1084,265441,187661,403,99],"class_list":["post-611156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-soccer","tag-manchester-city-fc","tag-premier-league","tag-premier-league-fixtures","tag-premier-league-title-race","tag-soccer","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=611156"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611156\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/611157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=611156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=611156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=611156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}