Manchester City are in discussions with the Premier League over the scheduling of two fixtures that could prove crucial in the title race.
Pep Guardiola side’s away fixture versus Bournemouth, originally scheduled on 17 May, will be moved because City have reached the FA Cup final 24 hours beforehand, while their home game versus Crystal Palace, initially due to be played in March, is still to have a date confirmed by the league.
The three clubs involved have been in dialogue with the Premier League over the dates for the games.
It is understood a date of 13 May has been proposed for Palace’s visit to City, while a date of 19 May has been mooted for their trip to face Andoni Iraola’s side – which would be positioned between the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on 16 May and their final game of the season versus Aston Villa at home on 24 May.
That scenario would see City play three times in seven days before the final weekend of the season.
However, sources are indicating that City have been keen to explore alternative options.
The scenario of potentially facing Bournemouth on 12 May and Palace on 19 May is understood to be among the other options suggested, a scenario that would allow City an extra day to recover for the Wembley showpiece.
It also means they could play their final two league games of the season at home.
Because of Uefa fixture scheduling, certain potential dates are effectively unavailable because European football’s governing body prefers not to have domestic fixtures played on the same night as its club tournament fixtures.
The Premier League is yet to confirm the final dates for City’s two league fixtures but an announcement is expected soon.
Arsenal will take a keen interest in the final decision as they look to keep their place at the top of the Premier League ahead of City and win their first title in 22 years.
