Manchester City’s opponents will force them to lace up again after just a little break, leaving them barely recovered from their match against Arsenal this past weekend.
Because of their rival Manchester United’s Europa League involvement, Manchester City will play two games in a 48-hour period.
At the Etihad on Sunday, Pep Guardiola’s team laboriously drew 2-2 with Arsenal. John Stones’ goal in the eighth minute of extra time gave City a point in what looks to be a very competitive title fight.
Now, the arena will quickly fill with supporters once more when the Citizens visit Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday night at 7:45 p.m. — their second meeting in as many days.
This cup tie was unintentionally scheduled for Tuesday rather than the more convenient Wednesday by City’s rivals United, who are playing at home the following evening.Due to scheduling adjustments for the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, Erik ten Hag’s team will now play FC Twente of the Netherlands at home on Wednesday night rather than the customary Thursday.
This match could have been rescheduled for Thursday night because United’s next game is at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. They last played on the field on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace.
But with Greater Manchester Police refusing to allow the ties to go place on the same day due to security concerns, UEFA refused to consent to shift the event, leaving the clubs with little option. This kind of fixture arrangement hasn’t happened since October 2015.
Ironically, this fiasco transpires only a week after City star Rodri expressed his worries about players’ workloads and raised the possibility of a walkout.
When asked if strike action was a possibility, Rodri told reporters, “I think we are close to that.” “It is simple to comprehend. It seems like a universal issue. Any player you ask, I believe, would say the same thing.
“I believe that’s what the guys generally think. And if things continue this way, eventually we won’t have any other choice. Let’s see, though. I have no idea what will transpire, but we are concerned about it since we are the ones who suffer.
“I can tell you from experience that 60–70 games a season? No. The number of games in which a player may reach peak performance is between 40 and 50. You then fall because you are unable to maintain the physical level.
We can get to 70 this year—possibly 80, I’m not sure. Depending on how far you advance in the contests. Personally, I feel that it is excessive.
After suffering what seems to be a significant knee injury during their match against the Gunners, City’s star Spanish enforcer will not be playing against the Hornets.
