Spurs’ extra time at Wembley

Tottenham Hotspur may have to approach the EFL for more special dispensation after confirming they will play Manchester City at Wembley on Monday, Oct 29.

The delay in finishing their new stadium, which was due to open this month, means Spurs have moved the City clash back 24 hours so that it can take place at their temporary home. But that throws up another potential problem, with the fourth round of the Carabao Cup scheduled for that week.

Tottenham’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers has already been brought forward 24 hours to Saturday, Nov 3, because of their Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven three days later.

They have also announced that all their Champions League group games, including the visit of PSV, will be played at Wembley. The EFL board meet on Thursday to consider Spurs’ request to play their League Cup third-round home match against Watford at Stadium MK because Wembley is unavailable for the fixture scheduled for the week beginning Sept 24.

Tottenham may have to approach the EFL again if they beat Watford because of their busy schedule around the fourth-round dates.

The fixture headache also affects Manchester United and Everton. Their Premier League clash, which was set for Old Trafford at 12.30pm on Saturday Oct 27, is now at 4pm the following day because the Spurs v Manchester City switch left Sky Sports with a vacant Sunday slot.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: “We face many issues but although disappointing, costly and frustrating I am uncompromising in my determination to deliver something extraordinary to our fans.”