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One might excuse Oliver Glasner for preferring to enjoy a quiet period with his family in Austria ahead of Christmas, rather than preparing for Crystal Palace's 29th game of the season—a Carabao Cup last-eight clash with Arsenal. Yet, the suggestion that Palace could focus on other competitions was quickly rejected by their boss.

"No, I do not believe that," stated Glasner after his team's side's four-one hammering to Leeds. "If anyone tells me that we are defeated on purpose, the following day I'm no longer the coach any more."

There is a clear contrast in Glasner's strategy to domestic cup competitions compared to his predecessor, Roy Hodgson. This initially was evident during Palace's run to the Carabao Cup last eight in his first full season in command. Under Hodgson, the team had previously been knocked out from both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup by the time Glasner assumed control at Selhurst Park. In contrast, Glasner selected his strongest team for wins over Norwich, QPR, and Aston Villa, paving the way for a encounter with Arsenal.

That prior quarter-final match concluded in a 3-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a rather controversial hat-trick from Gabriel Jesus, despite Palace having been ahead at half-time. Now, Glasner must figure out a strategy for payback versus the present Premier League leaders in a fixture that was moved to this week owing to European commitments.

A Cost of Achievement and European Fatigue

Glasner has, in a way, been a victim of his own success. Leading Palace to their maiden major trophy with victory in the FA Cup final subsequently brought the rigors of continental football for the very first time. These pressures are taking a toll on several weary players, many of whom have hardly had a rest all term.

The coach deployed an completely changed lineup, featuring four teenagers, in their final Conference League fixture. However, ahead of the Arsenal game, he conceded he will have "no option" but to choose the majority of his first-choice team, which appeared decidedly lethargic as they unusually let in four goals from set-pieces versus Leeds. "Have to. Yes, must," he affirmed.

The Gunners' Perspective and Selection Considerations

For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, the circumstances are distinct. The boss must balance his ambition to win a second major trophy with considerable pragmatism. Last year, a hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka suffered in a league game against Palace only days after their Carabao Cup fightback greatly damaged their title hopes.

Arteta had implemented several changes for that League Cup match but was compelled to introduce his "key players" following the break. Saka came off the bench to assist Jesus for a decisive goal in a move that left Glasner "incensed" over a possible offside, with no VAR in operation—a situation that will repeat again on Tuesday.

Arsenal are on an eight-match winning streak against Palace, featuring seven victories. Gabriel Jesus, who scored a hat-trick in last season's League Cup meeting and a brace in a later league win before suffering a long-term knee injury, looks set to begin for the first time since then setback. Arteta disclosed the striker wrote a "beautiful" letter to his teammates about what football means to him.

"We are accustomed to it," commented Arteta on the congested fixture list. "In my view this week was the sole complete week we had to prepare. The rest until February at least is will be similar. We have a beautiful chance to go into the semi-final of a tournament so we will be prepared."

Amid important players returning from injury and a desire to advance, Arsenal present a daunting test for a Palace side desperately in need of a spark as the holiday schedule intensifies.