Everton: Frank Lampard hits out at the Premier League for ‘incredible schedule’

Frank Lampard believes his Everton side have got the ‘short straw’ this week by having to play three times in less than six days.

The Toffees suffered a 2-1 defeat at West Ham in a Sunday afternoon kick-off last weekend and face Burnley on Wednesday night before welcoming Manchester United in the early Saturday kick-off.

Everton find themselves just three points outside the relegation zone with 10 games remaining but Lampard was less than impressed by the Premier League’s scheduling. 

‘We’re playing this week with and I don’t know how but we’ve managed to be asked to play three games from Sunday to Wednesday evening to Saturday morning,’ he said ahead of their trip to Turf Moor.

‘Incredible schedule really when it could have been easily Saturday, Wednesday or Saturday or Sunday but not 12.30pm kick off but we’ve got the short straw this week.

‘I’ve got to take that into consideration in terms of fitness and freshness of the players.’

Everton lost 2-1 at West Ham, face Burnley on Wednesday before Man United on Saturday

Everton and Burnley have the advantage of games in hand over their relegation rivals and Sean Dyche’s side can heap the pressure on the Toffees with a win as they would move to within one point of 17th-placed Everton.

Lampard insists he is relishing the challenge ahead as he looks to keep the Toffees in the Premier League.

‘There are nine games to go after this for us, but it’s a big pressure game. It’s what we’re here for. It’s a big deal.

‘We’re in the reality that we’re near the bottom of the table, fighting to stay in the league. The club will be very focused and very understanding of that.

‘Tension can be a good thing, it can also go the other way. I don’t feel tense, I feel excited with the level of the game and the competitive nature of this game.’