Leeds fans might have felt a tinge of FOMO this week as the likes of Crystal Palace and Brentford advanced in the Carabao Cup.
Daniel Farke was unable to take Leeds beyond the second round after a defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on penalties, although the result does allow the German to place added focus on the primary objective – Premier League survival.
The chances of Leeds winning three valuable points to put towards that goal have only improved after Crystal Palace beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, due to a scheduling nightmare for Oliver Glasner.
Leeds could face a seriously fatigued Crystal Palace side in December
Leeds welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road for a Premier League clash on Sunday 21st December.
After the Eagles progressed into the last eight of the Carabao Cup, that trip to Yorkshire will be their fourth game in just seven days, with the UEFA Conference League causing serious fixture congestion.
- Premier League – Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (Sunday 14th December)
- Carabao Cup – Arsenal vs Crystal Palace (Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th December – TBC)
- UEFA Conference League – Crystal Palace vs KuPS (Thursday 18th December)
- Premier League – Leeds vs Crystal Palace (Sunday 21st December)
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
Glasner cannot exactly boast a massive squad, so the fitness of his players will truly be put to the test.
Even if Crystal Palace – who almost signed Manor Solomon – arrive at Elland Road in good physical health, playing four games within a week is sure to be mentally draining as well.
Therefore, if this fixture list remains as it is, Leeds have a tremendous opportunity to pick up three points when the south Londoners come to visit.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Crystal Palace attempting to ease fixture congestion
The English Football League (EFL) have been known to dig their heels in over their schedule.
Jurgen Klopp even had to deal with a Carabao Cup game and a FIFA Club World Cup clash at Liverpool within the space of two days back in November 2019 – sending a reserve team to play Aston Villa as priority was given to the latter competition.
Nevertheless, Crystal Palace – who beat Leeds to Christantus Uche – are hoping to change this daunting schedule – according to the Guardian.
It is said that the club are in talks with the EFL, although there is understood to be little room for manoeuvre in the schedule, given the fact their UEFA Conference League involvement has already seen the Premier League clash against Manchester City rearranged.
Leeds will understandably hope all remains as it currently is.