OUR GAME SHOULD BE SWITCHED, SAYS BIG SAM

SAM Allardyce says it is shameful that the Premier League has not helped Jose Mourinho and Manchester United by moving Crystal Palace’s tie at Old Trafford to today instead of tomorrow.

The Palace boss says he would have happily moved their match to give United a greater chance of victory in the Europa League final against Ajax on Wednesday.

According to Allardyce, the Premier League is the only division in the world that does not help its clubs, with United set for their 63rd game of the season tomorrow.

“They could easily have changed it last week and said, ‘We will give you the best chance to win the Europa League’,” Allardyce said.

“It’s a great shame we are not like other countries who bend over backwards in fixture terms to help their teams win in Europe.

“We’ve been moaning about how we’re not getting anywhere near the Champions League or Europa League, but then there’s no help from the Premier League to give United the best chance of winning a trophy they haven’t won.

“That would happen abroad. They would change the fixtures. It would have been a good gesture by the Premier League.”

Asked if Palace would have agreed to a Saturday game, Allardyce said: “No problem at all. Why would I not want to help one of our Premier League clubs win a European competition?”

Although they are safe from relegation, this will not be a dead rubber for Palace’s players as they fight for position-based bonuses.

“The transfer budget will be bigger if we go up a couple of places,” Allardyce said, with each Premier League position worth £1.9 million. “The players have good bonuses for the position they finish.”

Mourinho is set to start a weakened side, but Allardyce says he will put out a strong team, which may include Wilfried Zaha, who is in talks over a new contract, and Allardyce insists he will definitely be at Palace next season. WHY THEY COULD NOT MOVE IT …

Final day’s games must be played at same time for the fairness of competition.

Too much prize-money at stake (£1.9m per position) to break the above rule.

Sets a precedent for the Premier League.

Some players fit to play on Sunday but not Saturday.

Tickets already bought by fans anticipating needing Sunday off to attend. Fans have bought train tickets. Other fans also travel from abroad and have booked flights.

Hotels have been booked to stay the night before and after.

Last-minute change for thousands of Old Trafford staff (stewards, etc).

Security issues with police and safety agreements. – Daily Mail