Yet again we're going to get shafted.
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City face fixture headache
Premier League champions take preference in Europa League
Manchester City could potentially have to play the second leg of their Europa League knock-out match in February at 5pm on a Tuesday.
The two Manchester clubs will both be seeded for the round of 32 which means they will receive home advantage in the second-leg.
However, the prospect of both teams playing on the same night has been rejected by the police and local authorities.
As league champions, Manchester United get priority under UEFA's competition regulations, which means City would have to change the day the fixture is played.
Unless manager Roberto Mancini gives up the advantage of playing the second leg at home, City will have to play on the Tuesday or Wednesday but kicking off at 5pm to make sure the match is completed before Champions League matches start at 7.45pm.
United would as usual play their second leg on the Thursday February 23 at Old Trafford at 7.45pm.
UEFA sources say City would be able to reverse their fixture and give up home advantage in the second leg - but their opponents from tomorrow's draw would have to agree.
The same situation arose with Everton and Liverpool two years ago and then the Blues had to play the first leg against Sporting Lisbon on the Tuesday, though with a 5.45pm kick-off.
As City's home match will be the second leg there will be the possibility of extra-time and penalties, meaning UEFA will insist it can kick off no later than 5pm in order not to clash with Champions League games
-
City face fixture headache
Premier League champions take preference in Europa League
Manchester City could potentially have to play the second leg of their Europa League knock-out match in February at 5pm on a Tuesday.
The two Manchester clubs will both be seeded for the round of 32 which means they will receive home advantage in the second-leg.
However, the prospect of both teams playing on the same night has been rejected by the police and local authorities.
As league champions, Manchester United get priority under UEFA's competition regulations, which means City would have to change the day the fixture is played.
Unless manager Roberto Mancini gives up the advantage of playing the second leg at home, City will have to play on the Tuesday or Wednesday but kicking off at 5pm to make sure the match is completed before Champions League matches start at 7.45pm.
United would as usual play their second leg on the Thursday February 23 at Old Trafford at 7.45pm.
UEFA sources say City would be able to reverse their fixture and give up home advantage in the second leg - but their opponents from tomorrow's draw would have to agree.
The same situation arose with Everton and Liverpool two years ago and then the Blues had to play the first leg against Sporting Lisbon on the Tuesday, though with a 5.45pm kick-off.
As City's home match will be the second leg there will be the possibility of extra-time and penalties, meaning UEFA will insist it can kick off no later than 5pm in order not to clash with Champions League games