Premier League: Why is Man Utd v Aston Villa clashing with Man City v Chelsea this weekend? | OneFootball

The city of Manchester could be ground zero for a Premier League title fight this season with both major clubs looking capable of mounting a charge for the title.

Man United have shown positive signs since the prodigal return of Cristiano Ronaldo, but questions remain over whether or not Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the managerial nous to guide them to glory.

Man City meanwhile, boast frightening squad depth and will always be one of the favourites when it comes to challenging for titles.

This weekend will be a real test of both clubs' credentials as title challengers with United facing a tricky Aston Villa while City tussle it out with current favourites, Chelsea.

The Blues currently sit top of the table after an electric start and will be hoping to send a message to the rest of the league with another good performance against the reigning champions.

Strangely, however, the games will be held at the same time on Saturday after United's clash with Villa was shifted from its original 3pm kick-off time.

It will therefore take place at the same time as City's titanic clash with Chelsea in London, leaving many fans wondering why.

Well, the answer comes as a result of a special request from the Trafford City Council Safety Advisory after concerns were raised regarding fan safety.

Those concerns came about due to the hosting of a Courteeners concert at Old Trafford cricket ground on Saturday evening.

The club have released a statement:

“Our home match against Aston Villa on 25 September has been brought forward to a 12.30 BST kick-off, following a request from Trafford Council Safety Advisory Group to move the game due to The Courteeners concert at Lancashire Cricket Club, Emirates Old Trafford, on the same day.

“This request was supported by Greater Manchester Police and TfGM to avoid significant crowd, traffic and operational issues locally.

“We regret any disruption that this may cause around our supporters’ plans for the day.”

Where were you the day you found out the Courteeners are bigger than Manchester United?

The move from the safety advisory makes a lot of sense and, with United's game not set to be broadcast on television in the UK, you can't imagine that too much disruption will be caused.

Ultimately, if they can put another three points on the board, you can't imagine that the earlier kick-off will mean thing to the United faithful.

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