EPL: Why are Man City playing Brentford on Tuesday night?

Manchester City will look to close their gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool when they host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

A 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday moved Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions into third place behind the Reds and Arsenal, although it is their match with both and victory would move them into second place, a point behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Brentford, who beat Liverpool heavily in their last league game, managed to do the double over City last season, although their home win at the end of May came after Guardiola’s side had already been confirmed as league champions.

This season, the Bees took the lead through Neal Maupay at the Gtech Community Stadium on February 5 before City came back to win 3-1 thanks to a scintillating Phil Foden hat-trick.

So why are these two teams playing each other again just 15 days later? Sporting News explains this quirk of Premier League scheduling, when the match kicks off and how fans around the world can watch it.

Why are Man City playing Brentford on Tuesday night?

City vs. Brentford were scheduled for Saturday 23 December when the Premier League fixtures were announced.

However, this date was never really viable due to City’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup following their treble sealing success in the UEFA Champions League.

Guardiola’s side eased past Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals in Saudi Arabia before beating Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense 4-0 in the final on 22 December.

FA Cup third round results have narrowed the Premier League’s relegation options. The midweek fixture on 14 January was ruled out after Brentford drew with Wolves and was forced into a replay.

City won the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against FC Copenhagen on 13 February. The first knockout round of the competition is spread over two weeks, meaning City had a spot in the schedule this week.

UEFA favors exclusivity during its matchweeks, meaning the Premier League had to seek approval to stage City vs. Brentford at the same time as Champions League matches.