The Premier League is considering requests from Arsenal and Crystal Palace to reschedule matches after December’s Carabao Cup quarter-finals were rescheduled.
Arsenal and Crystal Palace have asked the Premier League to move matches forward by one day in late December as clubs prepare for a frenetic festive period.
The London club are now scheduled to play two games in three days after the Eagles successfully moved their Carabao Cup fixture against the Gunners from December 16 to December 23. The request comes as Palace have three games in five days due to UEFA Conference League commitments, suggesting the Londoners are at a disadvantage with 24 hours less preparation time than the Gunners.
Arsenal objected to the request but are now rushing to reschedule another match, as well as their London rivals. Mikel Arteta wants his team’s game against Everton to be brought forward by 24 hours from December 21st. Palace hope to prompt similar changes against Leeds in the Premier League.
“We’re trying to do the same thing as Arsenal, moving the Leeds game forward to Saturday (December 20) so there won’t be a two-day gap between games,” manager Oliver Glasner said ahead of Palace’s game against AZ Alkmaar.
“So far there has been no response from the Premier League, only that if the Arsenal game is rescheduled it will be the same as Arsenal.”
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Arteta said the match list aid was nonsense and he hoped changes would be implemented. The Spaniard said earlier this week: “Then I hope they change our Premier League games, because obviously there is no point in playing on this day.
“So we will now decide on the dates. We will leave that to the clubs. I think it is very clear what is the best thing to play, what is the most logical date.”
“I’m sure they’ll bring a different date and we’ll have to adapt to that. I’m sure we’ll apply the principle that we need to give equality and the same opportunities to the players first, then the supporters and then every club. So I hope it’s fair.”
The EFL admitted it was unhappy with the change in fixtures, as the game between Arsenal and Crystal Palace was to be played a week later than the other quarter-finalists. They also highlighted concerns about the impact on competition standings.
“Continuing to make endless concessions will only damage the reputation of the EFL Cup, a competition that generates significant income for EFL clubs and provides millions of supporters with the opportunity to cheer on their teams as they travel to Wembley each season,” the EFL said in a statement.
“It also challenges the traditional schedule of English football and the strength of the domestic game, which relies on teams having the time to prepare and the ability to field their strongest lineups to entertain supporters and advance through competitions.”
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