Overview
- The Premier League has moved Aston Villa's home match against Tottenham from May 18 to May 16, granting Tottenham additional preparation time for a potential Europa League final on May 21.
- The rescheduling ensures Tottenham and Manchester United, both leading their Europa League semi-final ties, will have equal recovery time before a possible all-English final.
- Aston Villa opposed the change, citing fixture congestion and inconsistency, as their own prior requests for schedule flexibility were denied.
- Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, criticized the decision as showing 'clear prejudice' against Villa fans and the club, but reluctantly accepted Friday as the least damaging option.
- Tottenham lead their semi-final against Bodø/Glimt 3-1, while Manchester United hold a commanding 3-0 advantage over Athletic Bilbao heading into the second legs this week.