Premier League Rejects Manchester City’s Fixture Swap Request
The Premier League has turned down Manchester City’s request to rearrange the order of their remaining fixtures against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, dealing a potential blow to the club’s hopes of winning the title in one of the most dramatic run-ins in recent memory.
City officials had been hoping to flip two of their upcoming league matches amid growing concerns over fixture congestion, with the proposed changes centring around the FA Cup Final against Chelsea on Saturday, May 16. Those at the Etihad argued that playing Bournemouth first would allow them to spread three vital matches across eight days rather than seven, with the two games taking place either side of the Wembley final.
However, the Premier League ignored the request, as the first fixture in the original calendar — the Crystal Palace game — is normally prioritised. As a result, City look set for four games in 12 days to finish the season.
Why City Wanted the Switch
While it had been expected that Manchester City would face Palace on May 13 at home before taking on Bournemouth on May 19 away, Pep Guardiola’s side were trying to swap the order. City were trying to ensure they played the Palace game after facing the Cherries, so as to play their last two league games at the Etihad. The request came at a critical moment in the 2025/26 campaign. The physical toll on the squad has been mounting, with Rodri and Ruben Dias still sidelined with muscle injuries.
Complications Behind the Scenes
The rejection was not entirely surprising given the logistical hurdles involved. Rescheduling was further complicated by UEFA, who wished to avoid clashing with the Europa League final, and by Crystal Palace’s own congested schedule due to their Conference League commitments. City’s rivals also made clear they did not believe Guardiola’s side should be given any “special treatment,” with talks over fixture scheduling still ongoing on Sunday night.
What’s at Stake
With City and Arsenal locked in a dead heat at the top of the table, the outcome of these scheduling decisions could have a significant bearing on the destination of the Premier League trophy. Should the fixture flip be denied, Manchester City will likely have to rotate heavily for the trip to Bournemouth or be forced into fielding a depleted side just days after the Wembley cup final. With the title race going down to the wire and every point precious, City’s end-of-season schedule will be a severe test of Guardiola’s squad depth — and the Premier League has made it clear that the rules apply equally to everyone, regardless of what is at stake.
