Frank Lampard says Chelsea and Aston Villa "have the same problem" heading into their clash at Stamford Bridge.
The two clubs will face-off on Monday (5:30pm), after they both played on Boxing Day.
Lampard thinks the fixture scheduling is "wrong", pointing out that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have been afforded more recovery time between matches.
“The fact it’s two games in 48 hours is an important point for us because there are other teams who 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’s counter-productive for the quality of the Premier League, it’s a risk for players if they are going to play both games at the top-end elite sport, everybody knows that.
"I know sometimes the blame can be put on the broadcasters and I know that in conjunction with each other, and this was bounced around, it got 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 hours recovery.
"I don’t see how it’s a fair playing field, I think it’s wrong and it’s not going to be the best for the players to play at their top level.
"Don’t get me wrong, Aston Villa have the same problem but I’m just saying we are not getting the rest period that other teams are getting.”
