Arsenal’s cup advantage
Whilst I was initially unconcerned with drawing Arsenal in the League Cup 4th round, there was something in the small-print which gives the Gunners an advantage.
With the fixture being played on a Tuesday, there’s a days less rest for both teams. Arsenal have the upper hand however. Arteta’s team play Sheffield United on October the 28th (Saturday). Whereas Moyes boys will play Everton a day later on the 29th.
Ordinarily a day’s difference wouldn’t matter too much, however the schedule means The Hammers will have only one day between games. That’s the difference between full rotation and complete exhaustion, neither of which will help against the North Londoners.
Arsenal’s cup advantage. Arteta’s team will have more time to prepare for West Ham
Both clubs have the game sandwiched between European commitments. West Ham have a double header against Olympiacos in the Europa League Group stage. Whilst Arsenal take on Sevilla in the Champions League.
The truth is that neither club really needed this draw. Both have huge fixture congestion and there is only one less days rest for West Ham. But against a team as good as Arsenal, small margins can make a huge difference.
Why do think it’ll be played on the Tuesday. It’ll almost certainly be played on the Wednesday for the reasons you state. Obviously we still get a day less rest but much more manageable,