Aston Villa clash with Tottenham as argument brews over Premier League fixture

Aston Villa have objected to Spurs’ request to reschedule their fixture next month. The Birmingham club has rejected an approach to the authorities made by the north London club over bringing forward their game at Villa Park.

The clash is due to be played on Sunday, May 18 - but Spurs wanted it moved forward by three days. That would have given Ange Postecoglou’s side extra time to prepare for a potential final on May 21.

Spurs still have to play Bodo/Glimt for the right to meet either or Athletic Bilbao in the final, but were hoping for almost one week’s preparation time. Villa have objected to a precedent being set for Spurs as they have not received any help over an equally hectic programme.

They had to play a quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain after playing away at three days earlier. The French giants were granted a weekend free from fixtures by their own league.

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If Spurs’ request was granted, Villa would feel aggrieved as it would give the Londoners more time to prepare for a Europa League final than they had to prepare for a Champions League quarter-final.

Villa have also pointed out to the authorities that, following their semi-final defeat by , their sights are fixed on finishing strongly during their remaining four games and trying to cement a spot in the top five to ensure their own Champions League qualification.

Villa are playing at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, May 10, at 5.30pm, and they want a free week to prepare for a match against Spurs that could have a key bearing on their season.

Emery apologised to the Villa fans after their 3-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday, which followed a 2-1 league defeat by . "Our priority is the Premier League. Premier League is the most important," the Villa boss said.

"I told you everyday, we enjoy Champions League and try to get something in the FA Cup, but be consistent through the Premier League. The objective is next week against . I am sorry to the supporters but I dominate my frustration.

"We have to take our experiences to get mature. We lost last year in the semi-final [Conference League] and we lose today's semi-final to Palace. We are improving a lot. This is the message. We are going slowly, maybe.

"Now is the moment to dominate our frustration. I am frustrated but I am so proud of the players we have. We are trying to be ambitious. Winning trophies is very important."

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