Glastonbury 2014 line-up clashes: Who should win the battle of the bands

Metallica clash with MGMT on Saturday but what if you like both bands?

Metallica's set time clashes with Mogwai and MGMT (Reuters)

Glastonbury’s line-up, spread over multiple stages, is well-known for having showcasing an eclectic range of talent.

But what happens when two, three or even four of the acts you were hoping to catch live take to the stage at the same time? Sod’s law, that’s what.

It’s unlikely that Michael Eavis will agree to change the scheduling to suit your music tastes, so the decision is down to you on who will sereande your eardrums.

This year’s festival sees headliners Arcade Fire, Metallica and Kasabian clash with Skrillex, MGMT and Disclosure – and that’s just the most obvious set of clashes.

No need to panic though, as we have done the hard work for you and suggested who should win your vote in five battles of the bands.

Friday: Arcade Fire (22.00-23.45), Skrillex (22.30-23.45) and MIA (22.15-23.45)

Firstly, it is possible to watch half an hour of Friday's Canadian headliners on the Pyramid Stage before hot-footing it over to the Other Stage for Skrillex's dubstep. But the 'Fire's clash with "Paper Planes" singer MIA is more tricky to get around.

Verdict: Chose Arcade Fire. They've never headlined before but there's a lot of them doing all sorts of weird and wonderful things on stage.

Saturday: Metallica (21.45-23.45), Jake Bugg (22.30-23.45) and MGMT (22.45-23.45)

We're crossing Jake Bugg off the problem list as he's playing again on Sunday afternoon over in the Acoustic Tent. You'll need to get there early, mind. So it's between the controversial US heavy metallers and the "Electric Feel" synthpoppers.

Verdict: MGMT are a summer band. Metallica are darker, far more 'oomphy' and will deafen you (providing the sound system is up to scratch). So - if it's a balmy rain-free night, watch some of Metallica then head over to John Peel. If you're in the midst of a storm, stick with the Pyramid.

Sunday: St Vincent (19.30-20.30) and The Black Keys (19.45-21.00)

This is a tough one. St Vincent is the critics' darling and has been praised for her mesmerising live performances. But then Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are damn awesome too, simple as that.

Verdict: If you've seen one of these two perform before elsewhere before, give the other a chance and you won't regret it. If it's a straight tie, who doesn't want to hear "Gold on the Ceiling" live?

Sunday: Kasabian (21.45-23.15), Disclosure (22.00-23.15), London Grammar (22.15-23.15) and Massive Attack (22.00-23.15)

So we know it's not the same thing, but Disclosure are playing a DJ set on at 1am on Saturday night (Sunday morning, whatever you want to call it). That still leaves three good'uns.

Verdict: Kasabian guitarist Serge Pizzorno has said British rock needs a 'kick up the arse' and his band is the one to do it. So - let's let them prove it shall we?

Sunday: Ellie Goulding (20.30-21.30), Bonobo (20.30-21.30) and James Blake (21.00-22.15)

Goulding is fun live - she bangs that drum as if her life depends on it. But for a more memorable set it comes down to British DJ Bonobo's haunting electronica or the Ivor Novello-winning James Blake.

Verdict: Blake's live set is an otherworldly experience - even the strongest Somerset cider is unlikely to make you forget it in a hurry.