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

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou and Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim could save their seasons with the UEL title. (Credit Imago).

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Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou during a Premier League match (Credit: Imago)

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

Seye Omidiora 14:06 - 06.05.2025

A fixture change has levelled the playing field for two English clubs eyeing Europa League glory, leaving one set of fans rather disgruntled.

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.

Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou during a Premier League match (Credit: Imago)

Premier League reschedule Villa-Spurs clash

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.

Manchester United players
Ruben Amorim with several Manchester United players after a recent Premier League match with Tottenham (Credit: Imago)

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.

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

What’s next for Man Utd and Spurs?

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.