The Carabao Cup quarter-final stage reaches its belated conclusion tonight as Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates Stadium, in a match controversially pushed back by six days.
The Fixture Pile-Up That Forced a Reschedule
Originally slated for Tuesday 16 December alongside the other three last-eight ties, the clash was moved due to an unsustainable schedule for the visiting Eagles. Crystal Palace faced the prospect of four matches in just eight days in mid-December. Their punishing run was due to start with a Premier League game against Manchester City on Sunday 14 December, followed by the Carabao Cup tie, a UEFA Conference League match against Finnish side KuPS on Thursday 18 December, and a league fixture with Leeds United on Sunday 21 December.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner was fiercely critical of the initial plan, labelling it "dangerous" and "irresponsible" to expect players to perform on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta agreed, stating there were "much better options" available than the original date.
A Slight Reprieve and Its Consequences
The football authorities granted Palace a modification, shifting the Carabao Cup quarter-final to Tuesday 23 December. This eased their burden to four games in ten days and allowed a five-day break before facing Tottenham Hotspur on 28 December. However, the change meant the match was played after the competition's semi-final draw had already been made, an oddity in the tournament's progression.
The rescheduling, however, did not translate into improved results for Glasner's side. In the nine days leading up to the rearranged cup tie, Palace lost to both Manchester City and Leeds in the league and could only manage a draw with KuPS, a result that cost them automatic qualification for the Conference League knockout stages.
Arsenal, meanwhile, regained some form with a win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday 21 December, after two own goals had saved them from defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous outing.
The Road to Wembley Awaits
Both managers now focus on the prize at stake at the Emirates. The winner will face Chelsea in a two-legged semi-final, with Newcastle United and Manchester City contesting the other tie. The match kicks off at 8pm GMT and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and ITV in the UK.
Despite the delay, the quarter-final still represents a second game in three days for both clubs, highlighting the relentless nature of the modern football calendar.
