Why Man City have been forced to play again just 48 hours after gruelling Arsenal match

Manchester City have only just caught their breath from this weekend's clash with Arsenal but will have to lace up again with just a short rest thanks to their rivals

Why Man City have been forced to play again just 48 hours after gruelling Arsenal match

Manchester City will play two games in a 48-hour span thanks to their rivals Manchester United's participation in the Europa League.

Pep Guardiola's side played out a tireless 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday as they welcomed Arsenal, where John Stones' strike in the eighth minute of added time was enough to give City a point in what promises to be a toughly fought title race.

Now, the stadium will rapidly welcome fans once again, as the Citizens play host to Watford in the League Cup at 7:45pm on Tuesday evening - their second clash in just three days.

City's rivals United - who are in action at home the following evening - are the ones inadvertently responsible for the scheduling of this cup tie on Tuesday instead of the more ideal Wednesday.

The Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League schedule changes mean that Erik ten Hag's men will face Dutch outfit FC Twente at home on Wednesday evening - instead of the traditionally earmarked Thursday.

This clash could have potentially been moved to Thursday evening, given that United are next in action against Tottenham next Sunday at 4:30pm and last took to the pitch on Saturday, playing out a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

However, UEFA were unwilling to agree to move the fixture, leaving the clubs with little choice, given Greater Manchester Police's refusal to allow the ties to take place on the same day amidst security concerns – having not seen such a fixture arrangement occur since October 2015.

Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)

This debacle comes ironically just a week after City star Rodri spoke out about players' concerns regarding workload, with the threat of striking mentioned.

"I think we are close to that," Rodri told reporters when asked if strike action was a possibility. "It is easy to understand. I think it's something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same.

"I think it's the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen, but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

"From my experience I can tell you that 60-70 [games a season]? No. Between 40 or 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the physical level.

"This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, I don't know. It depends how far you go in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I think it is too much."

City will host the Hornets without their star Spanish enforcer after he picked up a serious-looking knee injury during their clash with the Gunners.

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