Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has stated that he will not be happy if the postponed clash with Birmingham City is rearranged to coincide with next year's African Cup of Nations.
"We sit here having played 17 competitive games," he told Sky Sports News. "We've only lost three games this season.
"We're through to round four of the Carling Cup, which is next week, we've got a great chance against Guimaraes, if we win, we know we're virtually guaranteed a last 32 place in the Uefa Cup, then we have the FA Cup coming round in January.
"Of course, the big push for us last night, why we were so disappointed [the game was called off due to fog] was because the lads wanted to wake up this morning and see themselves second in The Premiership and then try and sustain that for as long as possible really. They are disappointed they didn't get the opportunity to do that."
When asked about the prospect of the game being rearranged for late January or early February, he was adamant this should not be the case.
"I don't think it should be," he countered. "I think the Premier League will have every sympathy for us in terms of that scenario.
"They know, realistically, we should be allowed to call games off in that period.
"To have five international players away for that period, it would be very unfair on us if the Premier League make us play the game in that period.
"I will be very, very strong against that decision if it's tried to be arranged in that time."
To make matters worse Allardyce has had to take sick leave 48 hours before the Uefa Cup match against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal.
Allardyce is avoiding contact with his players over the next few hours as he aims to shake off a sore throat.
Allardyce said: "This virus I have can spread through a club like a dose of salts so I am won't be having contact with the players today.
"I will leave the work to the coaching staff because some players might be affected by my sore throat.
"They could go into the game not feeling 100% and that is something we want to avoid."
Meanwhile, Nicky Hunt and Ivan Campo return to action for the reserves against Wigan tonight after lengthy absenses.