The calendar tightens from here. With midweek fixtures added to the weekend programme, coaches have to decide who plays, who rests and who can be trusted to step in.
Rotation used to be seen as a risk. Now it is routine. The clubs who manage it well tend to finish the season strongly, while those who rely on the same eleven often fade in spring.
Recovery is the new training
With so little time between matches, sessions are short and focused on recovery. Analysts carry more of the preparation load, with video replacing time on the grass.
Supporters may not love seeing a favourite on the bench. But a fresh player in April is worth more than a tired one in October.
