Aston Villa face ‘substantial costs’ amid Premier League development – Exclusive
Aston Villa have plenty left to play for in the Premier League heading into the final three weeks of the campaign.
Unai Emery’s men defeated Fulham 1-0 at Villa Park on Saturday (3 May) to ensure they are very much in the race for a top-five finish.
While things did not go all Villa’s way, they managed to get the job done through a first-half goal from Youri Tielemans.
It means that all three remaining Villa games will now have something riding on it, starting with next Saturday’s (10 May) trip to Bournemouth.
Villa and Tottenham argue over fixture date
There is also a trip to Manchester United on the final day, with a home match against Tottenham sandwiched in between for Villa.
That clash with Spurs is currently scheduled for 18 May, which is three days before the Europa League final in Bilbao, which Tottenham of course hope to be competing in.
However, Tottenham have pleaded with the Premier League to bring that fixture forward in order to give them more time to prepare should they reach the final.
In a report in The Sun’s print edition (3 April, page 74), it was reported that Villa “are ready to go to war with the Premier League” if Tottenham’s request is granted.
That is because of the short notice on what will be the Villans’ final home game of the season, which is usually one attended by family members of players.
| Opponent | Venue | Date |
| Bournemouth | Vitality Stadium | 10 May |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Villa Park | 18 May* |
| Manchester United | Old Trafford | 25 May |
And in the view of former ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Villa News, Villa could be hit financially if Tottenham’s request is given the green light.
“Behind the reaction of Aston Villa, I would think that they have in place a series of events that they have committed to,” Hackett said.
“Usually at the end of a season there are various events that cover celebrations and even overseas end of season tours, etc.
“To have to cancel those events would see them incur some substantial costs if this is the case. Even TV arrangements if cancelled will incur costs.“
Premier League cannot bow to Tottenham pressure
From Tottenham’s point of view, it is totally understandable why they would want this fixture moved to the Saturday or even the Friday, which is when Manchester United face Chelsea.
However, you cannot just alter a fixture at two weeks’ notice, especially not on the final day of the season when plans are in place.
It is unfortunate, but the Premier League must stand by their original decision.