This match, however, will not be taking place on December 16 or 17 – the original scheduled dates for this season’s Carabao Cup quarter-final ties.
The reason for this is due to Palace’s fixture schedule as Arsenal had lobbied for the game to be played on Tuesday night, but that would have forced Oliver Glasner’s side to play three games in the space of five days.
The Eagles were beaten by Manchester City on Sunday – a result that has reduced Arsenal’s lead at the Premier League summit to two points – and wrap up their Conference League league phase campaign against Finnish side KuPS on Thursday, December 18.
As a result, the EFL have selected December 23 as the date for the Arsenal vs Crystal Palace Carabao Cup quarter-final tie to be played.
Eberechi Eze scored for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in this season’s Premier League clash between the two sides
AFP via Getty Images
Furthermore, this means both teams will be in the hat for the semi-final draw which is expected to take place following the conclusion of Newcastle vs Fulham on Wednesday night.
In a statement, the EFL said: “In determining the schedule for the Quarter Finals, the League recognises the challenge it presents to Arsenal and Crystal Palace in particular, and the frustration and concern that will undoubtedly be felt by their managers and players. These are concerns which are shared by the League.
“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.
“With those teams competing in Europe already entering the EFL Cup in Round Three and having been forced to implement further draw conditions to avoid scheduling conflicts at that stage of the competition in the past two seasons, we have shown a willingness to compromise.
“However, to continue making endless concessions only serves to undermine the reputation of the EFL Cup – a competition which delivers vital revenue to EFL Clubs and provides millions of supporters with the opportunity to back their team on the road to Wembley each season.
“It also challenges the traditional scheduling of the English football calendar and strength of our domestic game, which relies upon teams having the necessary time for preparation and ability to field their strongest lineups, in order to entertain their supporters and progress through the competition.”
Carabao Cup quarter-final schedule in full
Cardiff City v Chelsea (8pm)
Manchester City v Brentford (7.30pm)
Newcastle United v Fulham (8.15pm)
