By Tony Attwood

Ahead of today’s game, Crystal Palace have asked for their next match in the league cup, again Arsenal, to be played on 23 December.    Arsenal have opposed the idea as vigorously as they can.   Mikel Arteta has stated quite clearly that it would not be reasonable either for players or fans to make both teams play two matches just over 48 hours.

That is, of course, a fair point, and indeed a generous one (although the media don’t admit that), given the much stronger squad depth that Arsenal have than their opponents..

The game is currently announced as being played on  Tuesday, 16 December, with Palace facing games either side of that match against Manchester City and KuiPas in the Conference League.   However, it should be noted that Arsenal are not facing a clear run: they are playing Wolverhampton the day before Palace take on ManC.   Palace are suggesting that both teams should have an equal number of days to prepare for the League Cup game, although as far as I know there is absolutely nothing in the rules to say this is the case.  And indeed clubs regularly face taking on an...