CITY PLANNING FOR TITLE PARTY AGAINST TERRIERS
CITY will be presented with the Premier League trophy against Huddersfield … if they can wrap it up by then.
And that is despite the fact that the clash with the Terriers may not be their final home game of the season – which is when the champions normally receive their prize.
Of course, the Blues still need a possible nine points from the remaining games to secure the trophy – and the club is refusing to discuss any arrangements until that happens.
But if City beat Liverpool to make the Champions League semifinals, the postponed home game with Brighton is set to be re-scheduled for the midweek between Huddersfield and the final game of the season, away to Southampton.
Victory over the Scousers would mean that is the only available slot for the Brighton game, which was called off due to their involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Seagulls have re-arranged a league game against Spurs for Tuesday, April 17 – City’s only other vacant midweek slot, unless they lose to Liverpool.
If City reach the European semis, they take place on April 24 or 25 and May 1 or 2, which would leave May 8 or 9 as the only feasible date for the Brighton game.
Sky Sports, who are expected to televise the game if and when City are crowned champions, would prefer a weekend game, and it is likely police and the Premier League would also be in favour of a Sunday date.
City fans from around the world are desperately trying to get a definitive answer in order to book flights – but that cannot happen until the destination of the title is mathematically decided.
City special: Pages 42-44