Manchester City have voiced frustration after a three‑month delay to confirm their postponed clash with Crystal Palace. The Premier League only acted in early May despite City proposing three alternative dates in late April and early May. The lag forces the club into a congested schedule as they chase a domestic treble.

City initially offered slots on the weeks of 20 April, 27 April and 4 May, but a rescheduled Burnley game consumed the first option and Europa Conference League commitments blocked the others. UEFA’s ban on matches overlapping the Europa League final on 20 May pushed the Bournemouth fixture forward, yet Arsenal received a mid‑week slot on 18 February despite four Champions League ties the same night. This disparity adds to City’s scheduling woes.

Pep Guardiola’s side now face three games in seven days, including travel to Bournemouth and a potential May 19 meeting with Palace that clashes with the Eagles’ Brentford tie on 17 May. The compressed timetable risks player fatigue ahead of the Carabao Cup final and the league run‑in, leaving City with little margin for error.