Glasner Hopes to Rally Jaded Palace as Payback Versus Arsenal Beckons.

One might forgive Oliver Glasner for preferring to enjoy a quiet period with his loved ones in Austria ahead of Christmas, instead of preparing for Crystal Palace's 29th match of the campaign—a League Cup quarter-final against Arsenal. Yet, the idea that Palace might focus on other competitions was quickly dismissed by their head coach.

"No, I do not believe that," declared Glasner following his team's side's 4-1 hammering to Leeds. "If anyone informs me that we are defeated on purpose, the next day I'm no longer the coach anymore."

There is a clear contrast in Glasner's approach to cup tournaments compared to his predecessor, Roy Hodgson. This initially became clear during Palace's journey to the League Cup quarter-finals in his first full season in charge. Under Hodgson, the club had already been eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup by the time Glasner assumed control at Selhurst Park. In contrast, Glasner selected his best side for wins over Norwich, QPR, and Aston Villa, paving the way for a encounter with Arsenal.

That prior quarter-final match ended in a three-two defeat at the Emirates Stadium, following a slightly controversial hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus, even though Palace having led at half-time. Now, Glasner now faces the task to devise a plan for payback versus the current Premier League leaders in a fixture that was moved to this week because of European commitments.

A Cost of Success and European Fatigue

Glasner has, in a way, been a casualty of his own success. Guiding Palace to their first major trophy with a win in the FA Cup final subsequently brought the rigors of continental football for the very first time. These demands are catching up with several fatigued players, many of whom have barely enjoyed a rest all season.

The coach fielded an completely changed lineup, including four teenagers, in their final Conference League fixture. However, for the Arsenal game, he admitted he will have "no option" but to select the majority of his first-choice side, which appeared extremely jaded as they uncharacteristically let in four goals from set-pieces versus Leeds. "Have to. Yes, must," he stated.

Arsenal's Viewpoint and Selection Considerations

For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, the circumstances are different. The manager must balance his desire to win a second major trophy with extreme pragmatism. The previous season, a muscle injury to Bukayo Saka sustained in a league game versus Palace only days after their Carabao Cup fightback significantly damaged their title aspirations.

Arteta had implemented a number of changes for that League Cup tie but was compelled to introduce his "big-hitters" following the break. Saka came off the bench to assist Jesus for a decisive goal in a move that left Glasner "furious" over a potential offside, with no VAR available—a scenario that will repeat again on Tuesday.

Arsenal have an eight-match winning run versus Palace, including seven victories. Gabriel Jesus, who scored a hat-trick in the previous campaign's League Cup meeting and two in a subsequent league win before sustaining a long-term knee injury, looks set to start for the first since then injury. Arteta disclosed the forward wrote a "beautiful" letter to his teammates about what football means to him.

"We are used to it," commented Arteta on the congested schedule. "In my view this week was the sole complete week we had to prepare. The rest until February at least is going to be similar. We have a beautiful chance to go into the last four of a competition so we will be prepared."

With key players returning from injury and a desire to advance, Arsenal pose a formidable challenge for a Crystal Palace side desperately in need of a spark as the festive schedule ramps up.