Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the fixture list is unfair in that Chelsea have two more days to prepare for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.
United are no doubt the favourites to win next month's Europa League, when they could complete a double if they can make it past Chelsea and go on to win the FA Cup. Something they haven't done since 2017.
However, Solskjaer said his side head into Sunday's semi-final at a big disadvantage due to the scheduling of matches.
While Chelsea played Sheffield United on Saturday and won 1-0 against Norwich on Tuesday, United head to Wembley on the back of Monday's 2-2 draw with Southampton and a trip to Crystal Palace tonight.
"There is a concern, obviously, that they've had 48 hours' more rest and recovery than us," Solskjaer said.
"We spoke about a fair scheduling going into this restart. Of course, it isn't.
"But I have to think about Thursday. We've got to win that one, focus on that one, and then let's pick up the pieces after that."
Solskjaer said Sunday's match against Southampton was ‘irrelevant’ when it came to his selection at Selhurst Park but the scheduling might not be as United look to balance their Champions League chase with their FA Cup tilt against Chelsea.
The United boss has also to assess the fitness of Mason Greenwood, Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams.
"The next two weeks will be hectic but, then again, we're fit. Very fit. Our lads have not felt as fit as this for years, I'm sure.
"It was a big thing towards the end of last season that we felt our team wasn't fit enough, we got a few injuries. This season we've not had that kind of a problem.
"No, it's not going to be a problem and a concern for us but 24 hours, 48 hours is a big difference at this time as well.
"We've not been handed four aces, to put it that way, in the last two weeks. But we're going to have to put up a poker face and play the cards well."
Paul Pogba has been one of the first names on the team sheet and could play his eighth match since the restart against Palace. This is as many appearances as he managed during an injury-ravaged season before the suspension.
"I've been speaking more or less every day with Paul," Solskjaer said.
"Of course, he knows that he wouldn't be dropped, but when Paul plays like this he wouldn't be dropped from any team in the world, France or Man United.
"He's been fantastic since the restart and brought a lot to the team.”
Solskjaer was less forthcoming when it came to the lifting of Manchester City's European ban and Pep Guardiola's comments about his club being unable to compete financially with United for Harry Maguire and Alexis Sanchez.
"If other teams can compete with us, fine. If they can't, fine. We just have to run this club as well as we can.
"Of course, the other clubs, we're too far behind. We've got a smaller amount to climb than last year but there's still a mountain to climb, to climb the table."
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