Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Tottenham for allowing today's encounter with Chelsea to be staged a little over 36 hours after their draining Uefa Cup quarter-final against Seville.

While Premiership leaders Manchester United have remained in Italy to recuperate after their similarly exhausting European Cup quarter-final against Roma, Martin Jol's side will face second-placed Chelsea in today's televised 12.45pm kick-off after having flown straight back from Spain. Given that Spurs have not managed to win in this corner of west London since 1990, Ferguson's annoyance is understandable.

"It helps Chelsea but it doesn't help Tottenham," he said yesterday. "I am amazed Tottenham have allowed it to happen. If the game had been played on a Sunday lunchtime, Chelsea would still have had over two days to prepare. As it is, Tottenham get 36 hours. What is the right decision? It seems the Premier League are quite happy to give Chelsea the extra time but not Tottenham.

// posted by Paul Scott @ 3:38 pm