‘Undermined’ – EFL aim dig at UEFA in statement as Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup tie given controversial new time and date

‘Undermined’ – EFL aim dig at UEFA in statement as Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup tie given controversial new time and date

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Moved to December 23

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace will now take place just two days before Christmas, following a schedule adjustment by the EFL.

The tie was initially set a week later than other last-eight matches due to Palace’s European commitments. Oliver Glasner’s side face Finnish team KuPS at Selhurst Park in the Conference League on Thursday, December 18, creating a potential stretch of four matches in seven days with the Carabao Cup clash scheduled the same week.

The EFL has confirmed the game at the Emirates Stadium will now be played on Monday, December 23, with an 8pm kick-off live on Sky Sports and ITV. Both clubs will have just two days to prepare, with Arsenal visiting Everton on December 21, while Palace travel to Leeds on the same day.

Other Carabao Cup quarter-finals are scheduled as follows:

• Cardiff vs Chelsea – Tuesday, December 16, 8pm
• Manchester City vs Brentford – Wednesday, December 17, 7:30pm
• Newcastle vs Fulham – Wednesday, December 17, 8:15pm

The EFL used the announcement to address UEFA’s European scheduling, highlighting a lack of consultation over the expansion of club competitions. The league acknowledged the challenge this poses for Arsenal and Palace, stating:

“The expansion of European cup competitions and number of exclusive match nights across Europe ahead of the 2024/25 season, implemented without adequate consultation with domestic leagues, means that such scheduling conflicts – for both the EFL Cup and other competitions – are now entirely unavoidable.

“While we have shown willingness to compromise, continued concessions risk undermining the reputation of the EFL Cup, which provides vital revenue to clubs and opportunities for supporters to see their teams progress to Wembley.”

Despite the rescheduling, Palace still face a hectic run of fixtures, playing four times in nine days between December 14 and 23.

Their busy schedule begins with Manchester City in the Premier League, followed by the Conference League clash with KuPS, and a Premier League trip to Leeds just two days before visiting Arsenal.

A victory over the Gunners would see Palace reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2012.