Manchester City will aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool when they host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea saw Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions remain third behind the Reds and Arsenal, although this is their game in hand on both and a victory would lift them to second, a point behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Brentford, beaten heavily by Liverpool in their most recent league match, did the double over City last season, although their home win in late May came after Guardiola’s team 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 courtesy of a sparkling Phil Foden hat-trick.
So, why are the two teams playing each other again just 15 days later? The Sporting News explains this quirk of Premier League scheduling, what time the game starts, and how fans can watch around the world.
MORE: English Premier League table 2023/24
Why are Man City playing Brentford on Tuesday night?
City vs. Brentford was slated for Saturday, December 23 when the Premier League’s fixtures were announced.
However, this date was never truly viable due to City’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup following their treble-sealing UEFA Champions League success.
Guardiola’s side eased past Urawa Red Diamonds in the semifinals in Saudi Arabia before thrashing Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense 4-0 in the final on December 22.