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Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has expressed his frustration with the Premier League match schedule, claiming it has given players like Manchester United and Liverpool an unfair advantage in the title race.
Lampard’s team was in action after Christmas against London Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, having beaten West Ham United 3-0 on Monday.
The Blues only have one full day off before their next home game against Aston Villa next Monday.
Leading Liverpool haven’t played since last Saturday, when they beat Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park.
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Jurgen Klopp’s men will face West Bromwich Albion at Anfield tomorrow (Sunday 27 December) in their first game after Christmas.
The Reds will have an extra day to recover before facing Newcastle United as St. James’ Park on Wednesday, December 30.
United, along with other title contenders Tottenham, will also have an extra day between their matches, as opposed to Chelsea’s turnaround in the space of 48 hours.
United beat Leeds United in their last league game before Christmas last Sunday, although on Wednesday they were in the Carabao Cap quarter-finals beating Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team then drew 2-2 with Leicester City in the early start of Boxing Day.
But at least they now have until Tuesday night before their next game, at home to Wolverhampton Wanders.
“The fact that it is two games in 48 hours is an important point for us because there are other teams that are challenging at the top of the League that play two games in three days,” said Lampard.
“Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool play two games in three days.
“It is counterproductive for the quality of the Premier League, it is a risk for the players if they are going to play both games in the high-level elite sport, everyone knows that.
Manchester United were frustrated after a late draw denied them victory at Leicester at the early start of Boxing Day.
United took the lead twice with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, but a late goal from Jamie Vardy meant the game ended 2-2, meaning the Reds missed their chance to overtake the Foxes and take second. place in the Premier League table.
United don’t have to wait too long to get back on the winning track as they host the Wolves on Tuesday night.
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“I know that sometimes you can blame the broadcasters and I know that together with each other, and this bounced, it was decided that we play twice in 48 hours when other teams that are challenging at the top of the league play twice in three days, an extra 24-hour recovery.
“I don’t see what a fair playing field is like, I think it’s bad and it won’t be the best for the players to play at the highest level.
“Don’t get me wrong, Aston Villa have the same problem, but I’m just saying we don’t have the rest period that other teams have.”
Manchester City are on a similar boat to Chelsea, with their Boxing Day showdown with Newcastle followed by a trip to Everton on Monday night.
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