Will Crystal Palace's Fixture Pile-Up Force a Move for the Leeds Game?

Manager Oliver Glasner has expressed concerns over Crystal Palace's congested fixture schedule in December, which includes a request to the Premier League to rearrange their match against Leeds on 21 December to allow for a more manageable schedule. The club, competing in multiple tournaments, faces significant challenges due to the tight timeline.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Crystal Palace's manager, Oliver Glasner, is advocating for a schedule change to alleviate the strain of playing two games within three days. The club is set to face Leeds in the Premier League on 21 December and then travel to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals just two days later. Given the current fixture congestion, Glasner's request reflects a broader concern about the impact of tight schedules on player wellbeing and performance.

Key takeaways

• Palace have requested a schedule change for their match against Leeds on 21 December.
• They are facing a packed December with eight fixtures across three competitions.
• Arsenal has also requested a change for their match against Everton on the same day.

Timeline: how we got here

Crystal Palace's situation reflects a growing trend in English football, where fixture congestion has become a pressing issue. Key dates leading up to the current request include:

• 1 December 2023: Palace's first December fixture against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
• 18 December 2023: Hosting KuPS in the Conference League.
• 20 December 2023: Proposed rescheduling for the Leeds match.
• 23 December 2023: Quarter-final match against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Oliver Glasner's public appeal to the Premier League to reschedule the Leeds match has highlighted the growing concern among clubs regarding fixture congestion during the busy festive period. This request coincides with Arsenal's similar appeal, showcasing a collective frustration among clubs about the scheduling process.

What was already established

Prior to Glasner's request, the issue of congested fixtures had been acknowledged by various clubs and managers, particularly as the EFL and Premier League have struggled to balance the demands of multiple competitions. The increase in midweek fixtures across European competitions has further complicated scheduling.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans, the possibility of rescheduling matches could affect travel plans, ticket availability, and overall attendance at games. Those planning to attend the Leeds match or the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal may face uncertainties as clubs navigate their schedules.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses that rely on matchday revenues, such as pubs, restaurants, and hotels, could also be impacted by changes to fixture timings. A change in match dates could disrupt supply chains and staffing for these establishments, particularly if fans alter their plans.

Policy and regulation

The Premier League and EFL will need to address these scheduling concerns proactively. An ongoing review of fixture management may lead to more robust solutions in the future to prevent similar issues from arising, especially during busy periods.

Numbers that matter

• 38: The number of wins Oliver Glasner has achieved in his 78 games as Crystal Palace manager.
• 8: Total fixtures scheduled for Palace in December 2023 across three competitions.
• 2: Days between the scheduled Leeds match and the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.

Definitions and jargon buster

• EFL Cup: Also known as the Carabao Cup, it is a knockout football competition in England.
• Conference League: The UEFA Europa Conference League is a European club football competition for lower-tier teams.
• Fixture congestion: A situation where teams have too many matches scheduled in a short timeframe.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans and stakeholders should monitor the Premier League's response to the fixture change request. With December approaching, any decisions regarding scheduling will need to be communicated swiftly to allow for proper planning.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As clubs adjust to the evolving landscape of fixture scheduling, it will be essential for the EFL and Premier League to implement solutions that accommodate the demands of multiple competitions while protecting player welfare.

Signals to watch

• Official announcements from the Premier League regarding fixture changes.
• Feedback from clubs about scheduling issues and proposed solutions.
• Performance metrics of teams affected by fixture congestion.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on any changes to match schedules through official club communications.
• Plan travel and accommodation ahead of time if attending matches during the busy period.

Don’t

• Do not assume fixture times remain unchanged; always check for updates.
• Don’t overlook the impact of fixture congestion on player health and team performance.

Checklist

• Check the latest fixture schedule regularly.
• Book travel and accommodation with flexible cancellation options.
• Follow club social media for real-time updates.
• Engage with local businesses about potential matchday offers.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with many factors that could influence scheduling decisions. Clubs may need to adapt quickly to evolving circumstances. The Premier League's decision-making process and potential delays in responses could further complicate matters, leading to uncertainty for fans and clubs alike.

Bottom line

As Crystal Palace navigates a busy fixture schedule in December, Oliver Glasner's request to the Premier League underscores the ongoing challenges of fixture congestion in English football. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and flexible as they await updates that could significantly impact travel plans and matchday experiences.

FAQs

What is Oliver Glasner's win record at Crystal Palace?

Oliver Glasner has won 38 of his 78 matches in charge of Crystal Palace, reflecting a solid performance as manager.

Why is Crystal Palace requesting a fixture change?

The club is seeking to avoid playing two matches within three days, which could negatively affect player performance and wellbeing.

How does fixture congestion impact players and fans?

Fixture congestion can lead to player fatigue and injuries, while fans may face uncertainties in travel and attendance due to sudden schedule changes.