Arsenal, Crystal Palace Matches Moved to December 20

The Premier League has changed the dates for Arsenal and Crystal Palace’s matches in December to reduce fixture congestion.

Arsenal’s away game against Everton and Crystal Palace’s match against Leeds, both originally set for 14:00 GMT on Sunday, December 21, will now take place at 20:00 on Saturday, December 20.

This adjustment gives both teams an extra day to prepare for their EFL Cup quarter-final on December 23. The EFL had earlier moved the cup tie from December 16 to avoid overloading Palace’s schedule, as the club is also competing in the Conference League.

Without the change, Palace would have played three matches within just five days, making the new arrangement more practical for both teams.

Palace will still have to play two games in the space of three days, with their Conference League tie against Finnish side KuPS scheduled for Thursday, 18 December.

Arsenal say the possibility of playing the EFL Cup tie on Christmas Eve was rejected because of the impact it would have on fans and club staff.

The Gunners added that they will provide additional coaches at a subsidised price of £10 for the trip to Merseyside on 20 December.