Premier League fixture list criticised again as Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert labels re-arranged Chelsea game 'unfair'

The fixture was brought forward due to Chelsea's involvement in the Super Cup

Paul Lambert (GETTY IMAGES)

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has branded the re-scheduling of his side's Barclays Premier League trip to Chelsea “unfair” and suggested they have suffered because they are not one of the so-called big teams.

Lambert is unimpressed that the fixture has been moved to next Wednesday evening due to the Blues' involvement in the UEFA Super Cup later this month.

It means his men meet Arsenal on Saturday before travelling to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, a few days before taking on Liverpool the following Saturday.

"There was no compromise there whatsoever," said the Scot, who had originally been due to pit his wits against Jose Mourinho on August 31.

"We gave them five dates to choose from originally and then all of a sudden it's getting jammed in between Arsenal and Liverpool.

"We probably got 45 explanations but I don't know which one is true.

"I disagree with it. I don't think it was fair. I don't get it."

Asked whether it may have been done differently had his side been a 'big club', he said: "Possibly, yeah.

"I wasn't convinced by the answers I got, put it that way. I still came away none the wiser."

PA