Oliver Glasner may have preferred to enjoy some quality time with his family in Austria a few days before Christmas, but he is firmly focused on Crystal Palace’s upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on Tuesday night—this being the 29th game of the season for the team. Glasner dismissed any notion that his squad might need to prioritize competitions, especially as they remain contenders in four tournaments. “If somebody tells me that we lose on purpose, the next day I’m not the manager anymore,” he declared following a tough 4-1 loss to Leeds on Saturday.
Glasner’s strategy towards cup competitions notably contrasts with that of his predecessor, Roy Hodgson. In his first full season, Glasner guided Palace to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, a competition the club had already faced setbacks in before his arrival in February 2024. Last season, he opted to field strong line-ups consistently, leading to impressive victories, including a memorable FA Cup semi-final win over Unai Emery’s side. However, Palace’s earlier encounter with Arsenal resulted in a narrow loss at the Emirates Stadium, where a controversial hat-trick by Gabriel Jesus turned the tide.
As the club gears up for their rematch against the Premier League leaders, Glasner faces the challenge of a tiring squad impacted by their inaugural European commitments, which have left players visibly fatigued. With several team members struggling for rest, Palace fielded a drastically altered team in last week’s 2-2 draw against KuPS, showcasing four teenagers. Glasner acknowledged the necessity of returning to his first-choice players, stating, “Have to. Yes, have to,” as they look to rebound after conceding four goals against Leeds, often from set-pieces—something that is atypical for the side.
In contrast, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has no such fatigue concerns but must balance ambition with strategy as he aims to secure only his second major trophy in six years. Arteta’s decision to rotate his lineup last year led to injury issues, notably for Bukayo Saka, which hindered their title chase. The manager’s foresight in managing player fitness will be key, especially as he prepares for the packed schedule leading up to February.
Jesus, who has recently returned from injury, is likely to play a significant role as he approaches a milestone 100th appearance after a lengthy absence due to injury. Reflecting on his time at the club, he has penned a heartfelt letter to teammates about the value of football in his life, which Arteta described as “something beautiful.”
As both teams enter this crucial fixture, the stakes are high, but there remains a sense of optimism as Crystal Palace aims to turn the tables on their rivals, and Arsenal seeks to maintain their strong form heading into the holiday season. The matchup serves as a captivating test of both teams’ depth and determination, promising an exciting encounter for fans.