Manchester City are unhappy their Under-21 side's Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final will be played just 24 hours before next Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, Press Association Sport understands.
City wanted the trophy fixture be played another time to allow a number of youngsters to feature in the League Cup match at Burton, which the Premier League champions will begin with a 9-0 aggregate lead.
But requests were turned down by the English Football League, organisers of both competitions, and the Under-21s' tie at Sunderland has been arranged for Tuesday night.
City are frustrated because they feel they have taken the two events seriously and the League Cup game would have presented an ideal opportunity to allow youngsters experience in Pep Guardiola's first team.
With no apparent prospect of any player being asked to play in both fixtures, the club will now have to earmark players for one or the other. As they are still keen to progress in the trophy, and particularly with an attractive fixture at Sunderland to play in that competition, it will not be a straightforward decision.
It could mean more first-team regulars feature at Burton than might previously have been expected.
It is understood City suggested a number of alternative dates but all were dismissed.
Press Association Sport has contacted the EFL for comment.
