"Arsenal have voiced strong opposition to Crystal Palace's request that their Carabao Cup quarter-final be played on 23 December, with Mikel Arteta insisting it would not be fair to make both teams play two matches in little more than 48 hours. The tie is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December in a gruelling run of three matches in five days for Palace, who have a Premier League game at home to Manchester City two days earlier and a Conference League fixture against KuPS on 18 December."
"They would have accepted playing on Christmas Eve to give the players three days' recovery time from their matches on Sunday 21 December but that was quickly ruled out after discussions with the Metropolitan police and Transport for London owing to concerns about the availability of public transport, with rail and tube services due to stop early. Arsenal, as the home club in charge of matchday operations, were strongly opposed to playing on Christmas Eve."
"Palace have since asked for Tuesday 23 December to be considered, with EFL sources indicating they favour that date on the grounds of fairness, given that Palace's game at Leeds two days earlier kicks off at the same time as Arsenal's trip to Everton. However, Arsenal are understood to have pushed back during talks with the EFL against the prospect of both teams playing two games with one day's rest in between and are adamant the tie should be in the original slot. A decision is expected next week."
The Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Crystal Palace is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December. Crystal Palace face three matches in five days, including a Premier League game against Manchester City and a Conference League fixture, and requested a move to 23 December for additional recovery. Arsenal oppose changing the date, arguing both teams would then play two matches within about 48 hours. A Christmas Eve option was ruled out after Metropolitan Police and Transport for London raised public transport availability concerns. Palace favoured 23 December on fairness grounds. The EFL is expected to decide next week.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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