- May 12, 2005
- 95
- 12
Should Stoke lose in the EPL and FA Cup final to Man City they could get Europa next season if Man City secure 4th spot. Thus, they would be incentivised to hand 3 points to Man City by losing which would more or less help City secure 4th spot and as a result ensure Stoke get Europa next season.
Harry Redknapp has called on the Premier League to consider rescheduling the Premier League clash between Stoke and Manchester City.
City and Stoke were supposed to meet at Eastlands in the league on May 14 but that has been put back, as they will now contest the FA Cup final on that date.
Redknapp is concerned the change could affect Tottenham’s chances of securing a Champions League spot as, should Stoke lose the final, they would only qualify for the Europa League if City finished in the top four.
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I have spoken to the chairman about it, and we feel the date of it should be changed, for sure”
That means it could actually benefit Tony Pulis’ side to lose the league game against City on May 17.
Redknapp has now requested the fixture is played before the Cup final, saying: "I'm sure Tony Pulis's team wouldn't want to lose any game, but there is a problem with this in people's eyes. It's a bad time to play the game.
"Stoke will try to win but the whole thing will be surrounded by people looking at it, and asking what has gone on if Stoke are beaten, so it's easier if it is played at a different time.
"The Premier League should look at it. I have spoken to the chairman about it, and we feel the date of it should be changed, for sure. It's out of my hands. It's up to the powers that be."
This is bullshit! It does not matter if they play before or after the FA Cup final. Stoke could also chose to lose in the league prior to the cup game in order to be "sure" of European football...
We will just have to do the business ourselves..