Redknapp concerned over timing

Harry Redknapp fears suspicion will hang over Manchester City's clash with Stoke unless the Premier League move the fixture which could prove vital to Tottenham's chances of qualifying for next year's Champions League.

Should City beat Stoke in the FA Cup final, the Potters' only chance of making it into the Europa League will be if Roberto Mancini's men beat Spurs to the fourth Champions League spot. Stoke and City face each other in the league at Eastlands on May 17, three days after the Cup final, meaning defeat in that fixture could help Tony Pulis' side qualify for Europe.

Spurs are yet to lodge a request to the Premier League asking them to rearrange the fixture although Redknapp made his feelings clear on the matter, saying: "I think the authorities should look at it. I spoke to the chairman about it last night and we feel it should be changed."

He added: "I'm sure Tony Pulis wouldn't want to lose any game but I think there is a problem with it.

"In peoples' eyes it is a problem and I think it's bad timing.

"I wouldn't say that Stoke would go there and not try to win but I think the whole thing would be surrounded by people looking at the game thinking: 'What's going on?'"