Arsenal and Crystal Palace Request Fixture Changes Amid Schedule Challenges
The Premier League is reviewing requests from Arsenal and Crystal Palace to adjust fixture dates following the rescheduling of their Carabao Cup quarter-final in December.
Both London clubs have asked to move one of their late December matches forward by a day as they prepare for a busy festive period. Currently, the teams face playing two games within three days after Crystal Palace successfully moved their Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal from December 16 to December 23.
Palace made this request due to a congested schedule involving three matches in five days, connected to their UEFA Conference League commitments. The club argued that having 24 fewer hours to prepare than Arsenal put them at a disadvantage.
Although Arsenal originally opposed the fixture change, they are now seeking a similar adjustment. Manager Mikel Arteta wants to bring forward the match against Everton by 24 hours, from December 21 to December 20. Crystal Palace aim to do the same with their Premier League game against Leeds.
"We are trying the same thing that Arsenal are trying, to move our Leeds game forward to Saturday [20 December], so we don't have two days between these games," said Oliver Glasner ahead of Palace's match against AZ Alkmaar.
"We didn't get a response until now from the Premier League, just to have the same as Arsenal, if their game is moved."
These efforts reflect the clubs' attempts to manage the fixture congestion during the hectic festive schedule more fairly and effectively.
Summary: Arsenal and Crystal Palace seek Premier League approval to adjust fixtures in late December, aiming to ease player workload amid a crowded schedule influenced by cup and European commitments.