Bizarre reason Chelsea are playing Aston Villa on Friday night despite FA Cup clash not being on TV

CHELSEA have been given just 72 hours to recover from their Carabao Cup heroics before returning to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues defeated Middlesbrough 6-1 in the semi-final second leg on Tuesday to book their place at Wembley.

AFP

Chelsea have to play two games in four days[/caption]

Chelsea have had little time to celebrate as they are back in action against Aston Villa in the FA Cup tomorrow.

They have been given just three days rest after falling victims to fixture congestion.

And it turns out that Fulham are partly to blame for Chelsea’s Friday night fixture.

The Cottagers, who lost to Liverpool on Wednesday night, have a game against Everton next Tuesday.

To allow them enough time to prepare, Saturday has been chosen for their FA Cup tie against Newcastle.

Craven Cottage is just up the road from Stamford Bridge and therefore both clubs cannot play at home on the same day due to safety reasons.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s team have their next Prem game against Newcastle also on Tuesday night – consequently stopping the Chelsea tie being played on Sunday or Monday.

As a result, the FA Cup fourth round clash has had to be moved to Friday night and it will not be shown on TV.

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Villa come into the match having not playing for 11 days.

Fans have been left fuming, one said: “This ain’t fair man.”

Another added: “Absolute madness that a game like Chelsea vs Villa on a Friday night isn’t on TV.”

A third commented: “What a joke.”

Chelsea have huge games against Liverpool and Man City before the Carabo Cup final on February 25