Aston Villa set to object Tottenham fixture switch request

Spurs are due to visit Villa Park on Sunday, May 18 but have asked for the match to be brought forward to allow them more time to prepare for a potential Europa League final three days later.

But they face fierce opposition from Villa, who believe the proposed switch to Thursday May 15 would put them at a disadvantage and set a precedent not followed when they were playing in the Champions League earlier in the season.

Manager Unai Emery has previously claimed the FA and Premier League should do more to assist English clubs competing in European competition, yet Villa have had to put up with a heavily congested fixture list all season.

Last month’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain took place barely 72 hours after Villa had played away at Southampton.

The club were also left frustrated earlier this year when their home Premier League match against Liverpool was brought forward into a free midweek they felt had been earned by avoiding the Champions League play-off round.

Villa believe the league assisting Tottenham now would smack of double standards after their own pleas for help fell on deaf ears.

They also want the maximum time available to prepare for a match which could be crucial in their pursuit of a top-five finish and a return to Champions League football.

Villa’s preceding match is away at Bournemouth on May 10, eight days before Tottenham are currently due to visit.

The game with Spurs would have automatically switched had Villa made it through to the FA Cup final, scheduled for May 17. Instead, the sole positive from Saturday’s semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace is the extra time to prepare for crucial Premier League games.

Tottenham play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt on Thursday. The final of the competition takes place in Bilbao.

A statement from the London club released on Sunday read: "We should like to inform supporters that we are in discussions with the Premier League regarding a change in date to our away Premier League match against Aston Villa, currently scheduled for Sunday 18 May."