Keith Hackett delighted as new Aston Villa v Tottenham fixture date set
Tottenham fans can finally lock in their plans for the upcoming Aston Villa match as the Premier League is set to make an imminent announcement on the kick-off tine.
Spurs had requested to the Premier League that the match be brought forward from its original slot of 18 May, which falls just three days before the Europa League final.
With Tottenham 3-1 up against Bodo/Glimt ahead of this week’s return fixture in Norway, Ange Postecoglou will want all the help he can get ahead of the final in Bilbao.
Aston Villa pushed for the fixture to stay as it was, given it is their final home match of the season and plans are in place, including players’ families likely attending the match.
After plenty of deliberating, a decision now finally looks set to be announced on Tuesday (6 May).
Aston Villa v Tottenham set for May 16
Spurs wanted the game at Villa Park played on the Thursday (May 15), but they will have to settle for it being the following day on May 16.
That is still two days earlier than initially planned, and is also the same kick-off slot as Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea.
Given Man United will likely be Spurs’ opponents in the final, that means the two English rivals will have the exact same preparation time.
Daily Telegraph reporter Matt Law posted on X (6 May): “Aston Villa v Spurs to be moved to Friday May 16, 7.30pm kick off.
“That means Spurs and Man Utd will have same preparation time for a Europa League final should they both get there. PL announcement expected today.”
Keith Hackett backs Premier League fixture change decision
Villa will not be happy with this decision – and that is fair enough, given they have had requests of their own rejected ahead of key European fixtures.
However, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes it is ultimately the correct call.
“I am delighted that a club playing in a final has received the support of the Premier League. This is a sensible decision and outcome,” he said.
| Fixture | Venue | Date |
| Crystal Palace | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 11 May |
| Aston Villa | Villa Park | 16 May |
| Brighton | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 25 May |
“The supporters appear to be the last in line to know on these issues.
“I am not surprised how long the decision took, which is probably due to some legal challenges and determining if the appropriate arrangements can be made.
“Many outside agencies provide catering staff and security, then there is transport and television.
“I can remember calling a game off at Villa Park with both managers agreeing that it could not go ahead. I was sat with both managers having a cup of tea when Villa’s Head Chef approached me and asked why I had called it off.
“He said that he had part cooked 1,000 steaks. I said that mine was medium rare and I can tell you he was not happy!“