Arsenal and Crystal Palace are heading towards a disagreement over the scheduling of their Carabao Cup quarter-final match. The tie, to be played at the Emirates Stadium, is currently slated for December 16, 2025. However, this date presents a significant problem for Crystal Palace, who are also scheduled to host KuPS in their final Conference League group stage match on December 18. Adding to the fixture congestion, Palace are set to face Manchester City in the Premier League on December 14.
This would mean Oliver Glasner's Palace potentially facing three games within just five days, a situation they are keen to avoid. Consequently, Palace are reportedly seeking a postponement of the Carabao Cup tie, with December 23 or even Christmas Eve being considered as alternative dates.
Arsenal, however, are reluctant to agree to a change. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his reservations about rescheduling the match, stating it would not be "fair" to Arsenal, considering their own commitments in other competitions. He emphasized that all clubs were aware of their respective schedules at the start of the season and should try to accommodate the best possible way for everybody. Arsenal are currently on a run of seven matches in 22 days.
Playing on December 23 would give both Arsenal and Palace just two days to prepare for the quarter-final, as Arsenal are away to Everton on December 21, while Palace have a trip to Leeds that day. While Christmas Eve would provide three days of rest for both teams, it is also seen as problematic due to policing and local transport concerns, as well as potential fan unhappiness. A Premier League game between Chelsea and Wolves on December 24 a few years ago drew significant backlash.
Arsenal's preference is to stick with the original date of December 16. However, that would mean Palace playing three games in the span of just five days, considering they are also facing Manchester City in the Premier League on December 14.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of fixture congestion, particularly for clubs competing in multiple competitions. The EFL had already played Carabao Cup third round fixtures over a two-week period this season to accommodate the expanded European schedule. UEFA competition fixtures cannot be rescheduled. The EFL have previously bemoaned UEFA's failure to consult them before finalising their fixture schedule and will now have to adjust their schedule again to ensure Palace can fulfil their commitments in the Carabao Cup and the Conference League.
Arsenal progressed to the quarter-finals after a 2-0 victory over Brighton, while Crystal Palace secured their spot with an impressive 3-0 win away to Liverpool. The draw for the quarter-finals was made on Wednesday evening, with Arsenal drawn at home against Crystal Palace. Holders Newcastle will face Fulham, and Manchester City will host Brentford in the other quarter-final ties. Cardiff will play against Chelsea. The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place the week commencing December 15.
