Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: Carabao Cup Clash Preview

High-Stakes Carabao Cup Quarter-Final at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal host Crystal Palace in a crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, December 23rd (8pm GMT), with the winner advancing to a two-legged semi-final against Chelsea. Both teams enter this London derby with contrasting momentum and injury concerns as they battle for a place at Wembley.

Arsenal's Title Charge Meets Cup Ambition

Despite leading the Premier League, Mikel Arteta's squad faces defensive absences with Ben White, Gabriel, and Cristhian Mosquera all sidelined. The Gunners will likely rotate their squad, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, and Ethan Nwaneri (who has four Cup goals this season) expected to feature. Gabriel Jesus could return to haunt his former opponents after his hat-trick in last season's 3-2 win over Palace.

"Winning and performing every game helps you for the next one, so now full focus on that." – Mikel Arteta

Palace's Grueling Schedule Takes Toll

Crystal Palace arrives at the Emirates jaded after a brutal schedule. Their 4-1 loss at Leeds followed a 2-2 draw with KuPS in the Conference League, exposing squad fatigue. Manager Oliver Glasner admits he'll be forced to field a weakened side due to injuries, with Daniel Muñoz, Daichi Kamada, and Ismaila Sarr (on AFCON duty) all missing. Jean-Philippe Mateta's ongoing knee issues could see Christantus Uche lead the attack.

Tactical Battle: Possession vs. Pace

Palace's counter-attacking style poses a threat, boasting the Premier League's fastest attack speed (2.16m/s). Their 3-4-2-1 formation excels at blocking central passing lanes and utilizing set-pieces (second-best xG in the league). Arsenal's challenge will be containing Mateta – a magnet for 'big chances' with an xG tally second only to Erling Haaland.

Head-to-Head History Favors Arsenal

The Gunners dominate recent meetings, winning seven of their last eight encounters against Palace. They've overcome Palace in the last two League Cup quarter-finals, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both scoring hat-tricks in these ties. Palace, however, seeks revenge after last season's controversial Emirates defeat.

Prediction and Key Matchups

Arsenal's superior depth and home advantage should see them progress. Expect tight midfield battles between Arsenal's young stars (Nwaneri) and Palace's experienced trio of Clyne, Wharton, and Lerma. With VAR unavailable, Stuart Attwell's refereeing could influence key decisions – Palace have won all three matches he's officiated for them.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace