Manchester United are set to square off against Chelsea, while Spurs gear up for a clash with Aston Villa in rescheduled Premier League matches tonight. However, these Friday night fixtures, shifted to ensure both clubs have equal and extended rest before the pivotal Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night, contravene a promise made by the Football Association regarding the FA Cup final.
Crystal Palace are due to meet Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, but the FA had previously stated when outlining plans for this season's cup that not only would the final occur "on an exclusive Saturday" but there would be no top-tier matches the night prior "to allow focus on the build-up to the showpiece event".
Yet, Spurs' trip to Villa, who expressed discontent over the game's rescheduling, is now slated to commence at 7:30pm on Friday, followed by Chelsea versus United at 8:15pm. Both Friday night games were originally scheduled to coincide with other Premier League matches on Sunday.
Palace and City were only informed of their Wembley meeting's kick-off time a mere fortnight before the match, following lengthy discussions involving broadcasters. Nonetheless, the 4:30pm start should afford fans travelling from Manchester ample time to reach Euston station for their return journeys, reports the Mirror.
The FA has confirmed scheduling alterations for this season's Cup, announcing last year: "The Emirates FA Cup Final will now take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day. Additionally, there will be no Premier League games on the Friday night before the final, to allow focus on the build-up to the showpiece event."
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to avoid any new injuries, with managers Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou likely to opt for a changed lineup. Tottenham's skipper Heung-min Son is set to get some much-needed game time at Villa Park after a month sidelined with a foot injury, having made a comeback against Crystal Palace the previous weekend.
However, several pivotal players might find themselves starting from the bench as attentions shift to the upcoming Bilbao match, where not only is significant silverware at stake but also a spot in the next season's Champions League, bringing with it substantial financial rewards.