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Aston Villa reject Tottenham appeal to move Premier League fixture as Ange Postecoglou's side seek Europa League final advantage

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Spurs in talks over fixture reschedule
  • Postecoglou's side have eye on UEL final
  • Villa reject their rivals' proposal
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The two teams are scheduled to go head-to-head on May 18 in their penultimate league match of the season, but Spurs announced on Sunday that they have asked for the fixture be moved to May 15. The London side are aiming to reach the Europa League final and the original schedule would see them face Villa just three days before the decider in Bilbao.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Villa are not happy with the proposal, however, and BBC Sportreports that the club has written to the Premier League to object due to the lack of precedent for the division to reschedule matches in order to help clubs competing in Europe. Furthermore, the match will be Villa's last at home this season and a rescheduling would force them to cancel many of the family-friendly activities they have planned for the occasion.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Villa also cited their own congested fixture list in their argument against the change, saying they have played twice a week on regular occasions since April as they attempted to juggle the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Ange Postecoglou's team have been paired with Bodo/Glimt in the European semi-final and will host the Norwegian club for the first leg on Thursday. The winner of the tie will go on to face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao.