Aston Villa aim to block Tottenham from fixture change to aid Europa League pursuit

Tottenham Hotspur want to reschedule their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa in the event they qualify for the Europa League final – but Unai Emery’s side are firmly opposed to the idea.

Everyone at Tottenham is eagerly waiting for the Europa League semifinal clash against Bodo/Glimt, with the North London side having a golden opportunity to make their first European final since 2019.

If Spurs do get past the Norwegian side, they will meet either Man United or Athletic Club Bilbao in the final at San Mames on 21 May.

However, as things stand, Tottenham Hotspur are set to play Aston Villa in a Premier League fixture just three days earlier on May 18, which may not be ideal preparation for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Tottenham in discussions to rearrange Aston Villa fixture

According to previous reports, Tottenham’s fixture against Aston Villa would have been rescheduled if the Villans had made it into the FA Cup final.

However, Unai Emery’s men came undone in the semifinal on Saturday, with Crystal Palace inflicting a 3-0 loss on the Midlands side at Wembley.

It turns out that there is still a chance that Tottenham’s trip to Villa Park will be rescheduled despite Villa not making it through to the final.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that they are currently holding discussions with the Premier League to explore the possibility of rearranging the fixture.

We should like to inform supporters that we are in discussions with the Premier League regarding a change in date to our away match against Aston Villa, currently scheduled for Sunday 18 May.

Further information surrounding this fixture will be announced in due course.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 27, 2025

Aston Villa oppose Spurs attempts to change fixture

Should Tottenham seal progression to the final of the Europa League, one would think that the Premier League has to comply with the Lilywhites’ wishes and rearrange the fixture. It will be a travesty if Spurs are forced to play less than 72 hours before the final in Bilbao.

While it goes without saying that Postecoglou will rest his key players, the travel and the lack of sufficient time to prepare for the final will still be major issues for the North London club if the Villa clash is not rearranged.

Unfortunately, Aston Villa have since written to the Premier League to officially oppose Tottenham’s request (Standard). They claim there is no precedent for moving domestic games to make room for European fixtures.

The Villans have also pointed out that they have consistently played every three or four days all season long, due to their involvement in the Champions League. Of course, Unai Emery’s side would have gladly seen the fixture rearranged had they qualified for the FA Cup final, though.

Whatever happens, Tottenham have to complete step one and actually qualify for the Europa League final by beating Bodo/Glimt across two legs first.

• READ MORE: Bodo/Glimt’s recent away form gives Tottenham Hotspur major hope

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