West Brom manager Alan Pardew slams Premier League over fixture pile-up

The West Brom boss takes on Arsenal at the Hawthorns searching for his first victory in eight attempts since replacing sacked Tony Pulis.

But while his strugglers have enjoyed 48 hours more than the Gunners to prepare for that clash, it will be the total reverse when traveling to relegation rivals West Ham on Tuesday.

The Hammers have no match today after their trip to Tottenham was postponed until next Thursday because of public transport issues.

That means David Moyes’ men will have had a week to recover from their 3-3 Boxing Day thriller at Bournemouth – compared with Albion’s two days.

Pardew is fuming at the huge advantage that gives the Irons for such a crunch showdown in the battle to beat the drop.

And the ex-West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss also warns players are more likely to break down under the heavy holiday workload.

Pards rapped: “It’s nice for us against Arsenal - but not so nice when we play West Ham.

“Although it goes in our favour this time, Arsenal will have an extra 24 hours for their next game than we do for West Ham.

“That really is tough, whichever way you look at it. A two-day turnaround for a Premier League game is just not fair.

“I find that very difficult to accept - for the protection of the players.”

The Premier League claimed last week that putting West Ham’s Wembley date with Spurs back four days follows protocol for live TV games.

But Pardew went on: “I just don’t understand it. I think their response has been…London, train drivers, transport issues!”

Meanwhile, Pardew’s once troubled relationship with Arsene Wenger, including an infamous shoving match in the Upton Park dugout a few years ago, is healed.

He has nothing but praise for the Frenchman, who today eclipses Sir Alex Ferguson’s record of 810 games as a Premier League manager.

Pardew said: “I don’t think there are any words to give justice to what Arsene’s achieved in English football.

“I will say ‘well done’ before the game and, hopefully, ‘unlucky’ at the end.”