Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has criticised the Premier League for their scheduling of fixtures as the season reaches its conclusion.

His side face leaders Chelsea on Sunday lunchtime 63 hours after a physically and emotionally-draining extra-time Europa League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid.

On the same day second-placed Manchester United head to Sunderland for a 4pm kick-off.

There has been much discussion about the influence Liverpool could have on the championship race, with conspiracy theorists suggesting Benitez's side would rather lose to Chelsea than win and put United in the driving seat to win their 19th league title, taking them one clear of the Merseysiders' tally of 18.

It is an argument which offends Benitez immensely, but he thinks the fixture calendar needs to be fair to everyone when the campaign reaches its climax.

Liverpool still hold out slim hopes of snatching the final Champions League spot but with both Tottenham hosting Bolton and Manchester City playing Aston Villa the situation could be virtually out of their hands before they face Chelsea.

"I think the fixtures are fantastic, very well organised as always," said a sarcastic Benitez, who pointed out if a similar situation arose in Spain all the games would be played at the same time - which only happens on the final day of the season in England.

"What time do we play on Sunday, 1.30pm? What time do United play, four o'clock. Ah, so they play later.

"We will try to do our best and see how many players we have and how many of them have fresh legs.

"I understand the fans (not wanting United to win their 19th title) but we will try to win."

Benitez was asked how goalkeeper Jose Reina had been overlooked in favour of Joe Hart in the Premier League team of the season despite the Spaniard leading the race for the golden glove with 16 clean sheets.

"Maybe it is the same person who picks the same time [for kick-offs] in the Premier League," was his response.