LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea have reacted angrily to having a potentially crucial Premier League match at Everton in mid-April brought forward by two days to suit television, claiming the move could hand Manchester United or Arsenal the title.

Chelsea, who play Wigan on Monday April 14, will now travel to Goodison Park on the Thursday of that week rather than on the Saturday as first planned.

In a statement, the west London club claimed the move gave rival clubs an unfair advantage.

It stated: "We believe the decision to hold the match on Thursday April 17 undermines the sporting integrity of the competition by giving our rivals for the Premier League title an unnecessary competitive advantage at a critical time of the season, with more recovery time from their previous match and preparation time for their next fixture when we have to play two games during the same period.

"Secondly there has been no consideration given to our fans who will be presented with serious travel, work and other issues."

The statement went on to hint that Chelsea might take legal advice on possibly challenging the fixture reshuffle, although such a move seems unlikely given the huge sums that broadcasters put into English football.

"Football has benefited greatly from the backing of television and Chelsea as much as anyone else," it added. "However, this decision is one step too far and we reserve all rights on our position."

Although the change of fixtures means Chelsea have to play two league matches in the space of four days, it also means that they will have two extra days to prepare for their April 26 meeting with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Later Friday, the Premier League responded to Chelsea's statement and defended their decision to move the fixture.

A Premier League spokesman said: "The compilation of the fixture list is a complex procedure which faces enormous pressure from international match and European competition dates, as well as the need to balance the important requirements of the police and our broadcasters.

"We are also required by the European Commission to televise 138 matches per season, which brings its own inevitable pressures.

"Under these difficult circumstances, this date was seen as the fairest that could be achieved."