Oliver Glasner has revealed that Crystal Palace did not want their match with Arsenal to be scheduled just three days before the FA Cup semi-final, adding that the appeal to the Premier League was “a derivative cry into the wind”.
The Eagles face one of their toughest games of the season on Wednesday and in less than 70 hours they play one of the biggest games in their history against Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium.
Glasner believes it is unfair that Villa will have an extra 24 hours to prepare as their rescheduled Premier League game with Manchester City is on Tuesday.
“I never complain about fixtures but it's not the best choice of the Premier League with Villa playing tonight and us playing tomorrow,” the Eagles manager said.
“It would be fair if both teams played on the same day, Tuesday or Wednesday, and at this stage of the season it can have an impact if you have another two days to recover.
“But we have to accept it and I'm pretty sure we'll be ready as a team. Have we spoken to the Premier League? Yes, we have, but sometimes you're shouting into the wind.”
However, Liverpool will be pleased to know that Glasner has no intention of sending Palace's reserves to face the Gunners.
The Reds will be watching closely, knowing that a Palace win would secure the title for them without them having to touch the ball.
“We have to assess what is best and which players are in the best shape, but that doesn't mean we'll make 10 changes tomorrow,” Glasner added.
“We may change two or three players, but it is not because we attach more importance to Saturday's game than tomorrow's. However, we need to be in excellent physical and mental shape to successfully compete with Arsenal.”
“I expect both teams to be aiming to win when they take to the pitch. We are confident that Arsenal will field the strongest team. The fans deserve to see the best teams and tomorrow we will field the best team available.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
