Big Sam: 'Diabolical' fixture schedule 'flogging' Premier League players

“It’s a game to be enjoyed, not a game to be destroyed and we destroy the game by asking the players to do too much in this period.”

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce says players’ health is being put at risk by “diabolical” fixture scheduling.

The relegation-threatened Black Cats head to Arsenal in the FA Cup this weekend, with Allardyce promising to make changes to his side ahead of a crucial Premier League clash at Swansea on Wednesday.