Leeds United are due to face Crystal Palace in their final game before Christmas on December 21st. But the Eagles want the fixture moving.
United are facing a long battle against relegation this season, currently clear of the bottom three. But, they face a daunting run of games following a trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend.
After the November international break up to Christmas, United face the sides currently sitting second, third, seventh, ninth and 11th and 12th.
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner asks for Leeds United clash in December to be moved
The last of that run comes on December 21st. Daniel Farke’s side play host to Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
However, the Eagles face Leeds in the midst of a bafflingly hectic festive schedule. Palace play six times between December 11th and 28th:
11/12: Shelbourne (A), Conference League
14/12: Manchester City (H), Premier League
18/12: KuPS (H), Conference League
21/12: Leeds United (A), Premier League
23/12: Arsenal (A), EFL Cup
28/12: Spurs (H), Premier League
Oliver Glasner is not happy with the Leeds fixture in particular. Due to Palace being in the Conference League on the Thursday (18th), that Elland Road meeting has been moved to the Sunday (21st). It means Palace are currently pencilled in for two games in three says as they then travel to Arsenal in the EFL Cup on the Tuesday (23rd).
Oliver Glasner isn’t happy with the fixture list as Crystal Palace face Leeds United in December. (REUTERS/Ian Walton)
Speaking ahead of their Conference League clash with Strasbourg, Glasner confirmed Palace’s request to the Premier League to change the Leeds fixture date.
“We are trying the same thing that Arsenal are trying, to move our Leeds game forward to Saturday [20th], so we don’t have two days between these games,” said Glasner to the BBC. “We didn’t get a response until now from the Premier League. Just to have the same as Arsenal, if their game is moved.”
Glasner hopes this issue is resolved, but stresses that if it’s not, it’s a mistake that should be learned from going forward.
“I am always talking about making mistakes being part of development,” Glasner continued. “I think that the EFL and the Premier League didn’t solve this problem before the start of the season. They will learn from it and I am pretty sure that next year they will have the solution before the start of the season. Maybe they needed this experience to solve it, not to rely that it won’t happen.”
Current Premier League fixture list benefits Leeds United – but it’s horrendous planning for Crystal Palace
Playing in multiple competitions always brings these sorts of logistic nightmare possibilities. Palace being in the Conference League on Thursdays, while advancing in the cup and competing in the top half of the Premier League is one of those instances.
It obviously benefits Leeds in this instance. If Palace are looking to progress in Europe and fancy their chances in the EFL Cup, our game might be the sacrifice.
It would be seriously ideal if Palace come to Elland Road with a weaker side. They’re currently boasting a dangerous attacking outfit that would cause us trouble.
For those of you making plans over the festive season, this game might be one to keep an eye on.
Read more: Why Daniel Farke is yet to name his strongest team this season…