Blues dig heels in over Spurs’ stadium fiasco

CITY are set to resist any attempt by Tottenham to switch the fixtures between the two clubs this season.

The Blues have had no contact from the London club, despite the fact that their trip to the new Spurs stadium on October 28 is in doubt.

Tottenham hoped to play their first game at the new ground on September 15, but teething problems mean that their next four home games will have to be played at their temporary home, Wembley.

The next game after that will be the clash with City, and Spurs are unsure whether the problem with ‘safety systems’ will be resolved by then.

The game has already been shifted to the Sunday for TV purposes – and cannot be played at Wembley as there is an NFL match already scheduled.

Premier League rules forbid any club from using more than two home venues in a season, but that rule could be waived if the league gives dispensation.

If league officials refuse, Spurs will either have to seek a switch, so the October date is at the Etihad Stadium, or ask Sky, City and the Premier League for permission to postpone the October game.

There is an unconfirmed suggestion that the Premier League has already ruled out a switch of fixtures, and City are likely to oppose it if that is not the case.

Switching the games would mean the trip to Spurs would take place on April 20 – and that four of City’s last five games of the season would be away from home, with trips to Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton also scheduled.

Tottenham have not yet asked City for their view, but manager Pep Guardiola appeared to be against the idea when asked.

Quizzed about the possibility of switching the game to the Etihad, Guardiola said:

“I don’t know. Only I can say, of the last five games four are away and that’s a problem if we are playing for the Premier League. It’s different.

“I’m a manager for what happens on the pitch. If they want to suggest something they’ll speak with our CEO.

“We want to help the Premier League, I think we don’t know anything. I don’t know.

“This can happen because it will be an amazing stadium. Sometimes there are delays. We can adapt but we will also think of ourselves and the Premier League.”