- Premier League fixtures have packed in matches for Arsenal and Liverpool
- Tottenham are set to have a 15-day break ahead of the North London derby
- England’s Euro 2004 team was incredible on paper but they didn’t win. Can this crop do it this summer? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Premier League organisers are under fire for recent changes to the fixture list.
Arsenal are facing a fixture backlog, while Tottenham are enjoying a 15-day break before the North London derby.
Liverpool‘s Klopp is up against a tough schedule, with the Merseyside derby followed by a clash with West Ham.
The postponement of Tottenham’s match against Manchester City on April 20, owing to Pep Guardiola‘s side competing in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, results in Tottenham facing Brighton on Thursday, April 25, instead of rescheduling the City game for the following midweek.
This arrangement grants Tottenham a significant break from their fixture against Newcastle on April 13 until they host Arsenal at White Hart Lane.
Arsenal are facing a fixture backlog, while Tottenham are enjoying a 15-day break before the North London derby
Premier League organisers are under fire for recent changes to the fixture list
Liverpool also faces fixture congestion, with Klopp’s opposition to midweek-to-weekend fixtures not extending to domestic games
Meanwhile, Arsenal is slated to endure a taxing period with four pivotal matches during the period.
The Gunners will face Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Wolves, and the rescheduled fixture against Chelsea, all while Tottenham enjoys a respite.
Such scheduling disparities could have far-reaching implications in the title race and the battle for the top four, with Tottenham gaining a substantial advantage, particularly over Villa, still contending in the Europa Conference League.
The chaotic schedule is a result of FA Cup disruptions and progress made by English clubs in European competitions.
The rescheduling of Tottenham versus City is still pending, despite the league’s commitment to prompt action.
Ange Postecoglou’s side could enjoy a long break ahead of a title-deciding clash with Arsenal
Liverpool also faces fixture congestion, with Klopp’s opposition to midweek-to-weekend fixtures not extending to domestic games.
City’s visit to Tottenham is among four matches yet to be rescheduled, including Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle, Chelsea’s derby against Tottenham, and Brighton’s fixture versus the Blues.
While the league prioritises chronological rescheduling, the decision to have City face Brighton first raises questions.
