Aston Villa’s Fixture Woes as Liverpool Clash Request Denied | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s Fixture Frustration as Liverpool Clash Request Rejected

Aston Villa have seen their request to reschedule their Premier League clash against Liverpool denied, leaving Unai Emery’s squad to navigate a punishing fixture list without reprieve.

Fixture Congestion Worries for Villa

The Midlands side is facing a relentless run of games, with five fixtures crammed into just 14 days. The calendar includes crucial league battles against Ipswich, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace, alongside an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Cardiff City. The match against Liverpool, originally set for March 15, was moved to February 19 to accommodate Liverpool’s participation in the Carabao Cup final.

Liverpool, however, are hardly enjoying a lighter schedule. The Reds are also contending with five matches in two weeks, featuring high-stakes meetings with Wolves, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle United in the Premier League, not to mention the looming Champions League round of 16.

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Premier League Dismisses Villa’s Plea

According to John Percy of the Telegraph, Aston Villa were left feeling ‘frustrated’ after the Premier League dismissed their appeal to push back the Liverpool fixture. Emery’s squad has been severely depleted by injuries to key personnel, including Ollie Watkins, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings, Matty Cash, Amadou Onana, and Ross Barkley.

The injury crisis has forced Villa to adapt in unconventional ways. Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde were deployed as centre-backs during their FA Cup victory over Tottenham after Ezri Konsa limped off in the first half. Emery’s options are further restricted by the ineligibility of Axel Disasi, who is on loan from Chelsea and therefore unable to play against his parent club or in the FA Cup.

Balancing Act for Clubs in Europe

Villa’s struggles epitomise the difficulties faced by clubs juggling domestic and European competitions. Fixture congestion tests the depth and durability of squads, and while rescheduling could have provided temporary relief, it would have complicated the league’s already intricate calendar.

As Liverpool prepare for their trip to Villa Park, they might find themselves meeting a team stretched to its limits. Yet, the Reds will know all too well the challenges posed by fixture congestion, having regularly faced opponents who have enjoyed more recovery time.