In England, these games are set out with a lot of precision on timing and coordination. Early Saturday games are usually given to a game that might draw a crowd, thus ensuring that they are back home before nightfall. But, in reality, the games are being spread out so harmoniously for one reason only. Wider range of TV coverage. Clubs are asked to play on Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Monday’s on various times. They are also asked to play extensively during the festive period in England.

The clubs have learnt to accept the fates generated by the FA’s computer, but what club managers have strenuously objected to has been the inflexibility the FA has continuously shown toward clubs with regards to moving games, even when the clubs asking for the change have valid grounds. I can only see that these managers and their respectable clubs have all the right for their requests, frustrations and reactions toward the Premier League’s stubbornness.

The latest example of these incidents is what Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish described as “ridiculous and unbelievable”. Liverpool host league leaders Manchester City on Sunday the Nov. 29. On the other hand, the English League Cup quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday & Wednesday of that same week (Dec. 1-2). But, with Tottenham playing in the Euro Cup on Thursday in London, Police and traffic rules recommend that the League Cup games that are to be played in London are moved to Tuesday rather than Wednesday. That includes Liverpool’s visit to Chelsea as well as Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal. It won’t be that much of a problem for the London clubs. First of all, they play at home plus they both play on Saturday with Arsenal playing in the late kick off. But for Liverpool and Manchester City, they kick off at 4 PM on Sunday only to be asked to play again, away from home, 48 hours later.

Both clubs have asked the Premier League to move their game back to Saturday, thus allowing them ample time to travel and properly prepare and rest their players. This request was refused and no change of dates has been put to effect, which has caused an outrage from the Liverpool manager.

Dalglish sees that it is disgraceful that there has been no leeway given to two clubs who have, to their credit, given full respect to England’s 3rd competition by fielding strong squads in each round including first teamers. They have showed that they have been taking the competition seriously, in contrast to the many who sometimes who brush the competition aside and decide to use it to field reserves or a team of youngsters, not caring if they make it to the next round or exit the competition.

But, as things stand, the Liverpool manager has the dilemma of whether to concentrate on a very tough league game or an exhilarating cup quarterfinal. I believe the league game should get the nod, and I believe Dalglish sees things in the same manner. The Scotsman has actually warned Liverpool fans from taking the trip to London as he’s unsure of what sort of team he can field “The one thing I will say to our fans is to think carefully before buying tickets for the League Cup game because we do not want them spending their money and then we decide there is no other option but to use only young players in the tie.”

I can only agree with Dalglish here, as any Liverpool fan would certainly be wary of the idea of Suarez playing twice in 48 hours, with the risk of an injury increasing without the proper rest. The same can be said about any Manchester City fan and Sergio Aguero or David Silva.

But with the game a good fortnight away, the question that’s baffling both clubs and myself is why won’t the Premier League make the switch? What’s the problem in bringing one of the Saturday games to Sunday? Saturday does have a good set of matches with Manchester United facing Newcastle (Manchester United play on Wednesday in the League Cup) while Stoke face Blackburn in the early Saturday kick-off (Blackburn also play on Wednesday).

It’s nice to see that there is discipline that the Premier League is trying to instill, but just as the referee I mentioned last week didn’t yellow card Billy Sharp for lifting his shirt, it only makes sense that Premier League officials look into the case with a little bit of objectivity and think of maximizing the enjoyment of their fans by keeping their players safe.

Dalglish, Mancini and Premier League Managers, you all have my vote!