MAN DOWN
Man City forced to play twice in 49 hours as police refuse to budge on Carabao Cup clash
The last time the two Manchester sides played on the same night at home was nearly a decade ago
MANCHESTER CITY are set to play twice in the space of 49 hours later this month.
City meet Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 25 September.
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Pep Guardiola's side face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September, before travelling to Newcastle on Saturday, 28 September.
But neighbours Manchester United are playing their Europa League group stage opener against FC Twente on Wednesday night, when City's game against Watford would have beenmost suitable.
Therefore, City will be forced to play twice in three days because Greater Manchester Police are reluctant to let them play at home on the same night.
Not since October 2015, when City thumped Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough, has that happened.
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It has been confirmed that the clash with the Hornets will take place on the Tuesday.
By the time the match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off, it will be just over 48 hours after City's crucial meeting with the Gunners finishes, meaning Guardiola will have to utilise his talented squad.
The fixture comes during a hectic period where the reigning Premier League champions play five times in 15 days following the return of the Champions League.
City host Inter Milan on September 18, four days before playing Brentford at home after the international break.
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