Europa League Final twist: Who benefits from Premier League schedule shake-up?

The Premier League have changed Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Aston Villa, so that it will be played on the same night as Manchester United's match against Chelsea. 

Originally, United would have had two more days to prepare for a potential Europa League final.

The Red Devils’ potential advantage over Spurs has been nullified after the Premier League intervened.

If both teams progress, Ruben Amorim’s men had been scheduled to have two extra days of rest before the May 21 final, due to playing Chelsea on Friday, May 16, while Spurs were initially set to face Aston Villa on Sunday, May 18.

However, following a request from the Lilywhites, the Premier League has moved their game forward to Friday, May 16. 

The match at Villa Park will now kick off at 7.30pm, with United's game at Stamford Bridge starting at 8.15pm.

This adjustment ensures both teams have almost identical preparation time for the Europa League final, should they both qualify.

Spurs’ request to reschedule their match with Unai Emery’s team was initially met with resistance, leading to frustration among Villa fans.

As reported by The Daily Mail, the change has sparked anger amongst Villa fans, who are unhappy with the late notice and potential disruption to their final home game of the season.

Tuesday’s revelation is the latest instance of fixture changes in English football, following the confirmation of the FA Cup final kick-off time.

Both teams face Europa League semi-final second legs on Thursday, aiming to hold on to first-leg advantages. 

Ruben Amorim’s men host Athletic Club, aiming to keep a 3-0 lead, while Spurs travel to Bodo/Glimt, attempting to avoid losing their 3-1 advantage.