The Premier League has agreed to move games involving Arsenal and Crystal Palace next month in a bid to ease a fixture pile-up

The news means that the Gunners Premier League match at Everton in December has now been rescheduled.

This match was previously scheduled for Sunday, December 21.

However, the EFL scheduled our Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, December 23 due to the Eagles’ participation in the UEFA Conference League.

Arsenal said in a statement: "Our fixture at the Toffees' new Hill Dickinson Stadium will now taking place on Saturday, December 20 at 8pm.

"When that fixture was officially scheduled, and before tickets went on sale for our away game at Everton, we opened dialogue with the Premier League and Everton Football Club to request a change of date to avoid playing two matches in the space of 48 hours.

"As a result, the match has moved to Saturday, December 20, with kick-off now being 8pm."

Arsenal say the possibility of playing the EFL Cup tie on Christmas Eve was rejected because of the impact it would have on fans and club staff.

The Gunners added they would provide additional coaches at a subsidised price of £10 for the trip to Merseyside on 20 December.

Playing two matches within a 48-hour period contravenes FIFA recommendations, which have established a consensus for a minimum of 72 hours' rest between games.

This recommendation is in place to protect player health and fitness. Recovery time between matches is especially important during busy periods of the season, such as December.

Arsenal added: "As our match against Everton was originally selected for live broadcast in the UK, the fixture had to transfer to an available broadcast slot, which is identified as 8pm on Saturday, December 20.

"Both Everton and the Premier League have approved the match to proceed at this new time."

Crystal Palace’s Premier League match away to Leeds United is also being played on Saturday, December 20, with an 8pm kick-off.

Arsenal ended by saying: "We thank all our supporters for their continued brilliant support."