- Chelsea fans travelling back by train have been told to make other arrangements
- Avanti West Coast’s 8.15pm service back to London Euston is set to be cancelled
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Chelsea supporters travelling by train back from Manchester to London Euston on Avanti West Coast’s Saturday 8.15pm departure have been advised to travel by other means as the service is set to be cancelled.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side face a daunting trip to the Etihad seeking to secure a third successive victory in all competitions amid a previous difficult run of form, while the hosts are looking for a win that will keep pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
Train travel is one of the most popular routes of transport for away supporters making long trips throughout the season and Chelsea fans who previously booked tickets on the 8.15pm trip from Manchester Piccadilly to London must now find other arrangements.
Avanti West Coast told Mail Sport: ‘There are rail replacement buses for customers impacted by the 8.15pm cancellation, and a station management plan is in place to help customers at the station.’
Posting the news on X, the Met Police’s football unit stated: ‘The 2015hrs Manchester Piccadilly to Euston train tomorrow is likely to be cancelled by Avanti, who have advised to travel via alternative means.
Chelsea supporters travelling by train back from Manchester to London Euston on Avanti West Coast’s Saturday 8.15pm departure have been advised to travel by other means
Manchester City host the Blues at the Etihad on Saturday aiming to keep pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool
Avanti West Coast are set to cancel their 8.15pm service due to a shortage of staff
‘This would have been the last train back to London for #CFC supporters attending #MCFC.’
The announcement comes just 24 hours ahead of kick-off at 5.30pm in Manchester and means supporters will either have to book a late hotel or find another way to make the 200mile trip.
There has been no update on Avanti’s social media but a Chelsea Supporters Trust profile has revealed communication from the train operator stating the route had been cancelled.
Avanti’s communication states: ‘Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston due 22.58 will be cancelled. This is due to a shortage of train crew.
‘You can travel on the Avanti West Coast service immediately before or after this train with your original ticket. Unfortunately, any seat reservations will not be carried over, please speak to a member of our team to find out where’s best to sit.
Chelsea fans travelling back to London Euston on the train from Manchester Piccadilly have been advised to make other plans
‘We’re sorry for the delay to your journey, you might be entitled to some compensation.’
The next train back to Euston from Manchester Piccadilly departs at 8.25pm but will take users nearly 13hours to get back to the capital and involves an eight-hour layover in Northampton.
